The Portland daily press., 1889-06-27
USHER, 70

Pearl and other roses aud many carried in
their hands exquisite clusters of the beauti-
full flowers, each bouquet in harmony with
the handsome costume of the person carry
ing it. The gentlemen wore button hole
bouquets. rose bud or pink with maiden
hair fern or smilax for green. The class
marched upon the platform in double file
from Reception Hall, followed by Principal
Albro K. Chase. Mayor Melcher, members of
the school committee, and teachers in the
High Schools. The exercises opened with
the class song, written by Miss Alice E.
Libby; pianist Miss Amy c. Bagley. The
words of the song are as follows:
Although the parting hour has come,
A few sad thoughts compelling,
There's naught but song that can express
The Joy thats upwelling;
Then let us sing, with joy unfeigned,
The days that speed so lightly
Those happy days when Hope is young,
Andlife expands so brightly.
We leave forever quiet scenes
For those Of brave endeavr,
But friendships bonds of 'S9
Are ties we neer snail sever
Our happy school-dsys now are Ger,
The May of life is fleeing,
Full soon the summer sun will shine
On brook and river meeting.
An uutried future lies beyond
In silence all uubroken,
What mystery it holds for us
Remains as yet unspoken;
But let us, with unfalterlng zeal,
Whate'er the goal may be,
Press on till we have run our course
Press on, N. s. s.. v!
An essay, "rhe Agency of the Past" with
salutatory, was delivered in an admirable
manner by MissEleanor NJ. Griffin. Miss Grif-
fin is of the opinion that the real struggles of
life begin after school days when the advice
and guidance of teachers in all times is no
longer enjoyed However the course at the
High School is a training we'll calculated to
fit one to enter the broader walks of
life with an assurance, by worthy effort of
success. The audience warmly applauded
Miss Griffin.
The defamation of Mr.. Fred A. Hamblen,
selection from Depew's Centennial Grafton,
was pleasing to the audience. as they testi-
fed as Mr.. Hamblen closed.
The piano Duet by Miss Alice NJ. Abbott
and Eddie c. Trickey was worthy of much
praise, fully meriting the applause that
greeted the production.
Next was recitation by Miss Lillian 81.
Woodside. The story by Wilson, of 1.-THE
Painter of Seville" was told by her in
manner that won the appreciation of the au
dience.
1.-THE New Golden Age" was the theme of
Mr. Clarence w. Peabody's Grafton. The
ancients claimed that years ago there existed
a golden age. That favored age was the
model of perfection. What would be the
eject il that golden age could again dawn
upon earth? We look forward for a new
golden age. 1t is to be an age not of
nature but of art. The fulfllment of the
dreams CT philosophers and poets. If our
golden age is to rival the age of the ancients
it must be an age of peace. The new golden
age will see nature subject to the will of
man. We hope to see its wonders and share
its blessings. The golden age of the an
clients was distinct epoch, ending with
period OF conflict. The golden age of the
future will not be distinct epoch Mr..
Peabody's Grafton was well delivered.
The essay, "Unwritten Heroism," by
Miss Mary G. Jordan. was excellently writ
ten and well read. Although heroism is the
doing of great and noble deeds, there is
much real heroism unwritten and unknown.
In everyday life deeds are performed that
for real heroism are unsurpassed by any
known to fame. Self denial is heroic. En-
durance is heroic. Fidelity is often heroic.
The song, Hail to our Banner" by the
Misses Alice M. Abbott, Marion C. Abbott,
Alice A. Gilmore, Adelaide L. Sawyer and
Messrs Chase. Cox, Dyer and Pierce, was
well sung after the admirable essay by Miss
Jordan.
AS usual much interest was taken in the
class prophecies. The girls part was writ
ten by Miss Edith Fl. Goold, and the boys
part by Francis L. Littlefeld The prophe-
cies were read by Miss Edith H. Goold in
pleasing manner. They were very bright,
and very amusing to all, especially to those
acquainted with the members of the class.
There was much laughter and warm ap-
plause at the close.
The Grafton Retrospect and Prospect
with yaledictory was delivered by Henry G.
Pearson very pleasngly. He spoke of the
perlls and needs of our country and of the
individuals. The nations future, said he,
depends upon our own. We should strive to
lead in the progress of universal enlighten-
ment.
The diplomas were conferred by Rev. A.
L. Dunn, chairman of the High School COM
mittee. With brief remarks Mr.. Dunn con-
graduate the class, and referred to the i'm
portance of the future. School life is never
ended, and education was never completed.
Let this be the beginning of faithful work
and study. Be faithful men and faithful
women.
The Brown medals were conferred by
Mayor Melcher to Misses Eleanor NJ. Griffin,
Mary q. Jordan, Alice L. Libby, Gertrude
M. Twitchell, Lillian II. Woodside. and
Messrs. Harry G. Pearson, Clarence w. Pea
body, Samuel III. Whitney, Harry C. Fling
and Fred A. Hamblen. In awarding the
medals Mayor Melcher spoke as follows:
MAYOR MELCHER's ADDRESS.
whenever there is a contest, there must of
necessity be some who win the prizes. and
while we bestow upon you the plaudts of
success that after the faithful studies of the
ever clrcling school years, you stand here to
receive these we'll earned medals, it reflects
no dlscredlt upon your associates, whose Ia
DORIS nave also been faithful. and whose
pleasure IN your success is cordial and
hearty. anu
All could MOI be winners, and TO Won In
Whom come these honors, let me say, this is
only the beginning. 10
In all the efforts of life we vaIue n thing
according to what it costs us to attain it. and
not for its intrinsic worth The taoobinos