Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1890-01-16
Letter From Kentucky.


LEXINGTON NORMAL INSTITUTE,
Dear Mr. Editor:
We don't know whether you or your
away down here in KENTUCKY but assure
you that the appearance OF your paper
every week is most welcome, bringing Us
tidings from 50 many friends in good old
Maine.
Our school closed It's fall term Friday,
Dec 20 after session Of fourteen weeks.
During that time we had An attendance Of
276 pupils ranging from the first primary
grade to the ninth tenth and eleventh Nor
nal grades We have been greatly cramp-
ed for room, being cOntined-much tc our
disappointment-to the old school building
Notwithstanding our limited accommods-
tions. We have put in deal Of hard work
and hope that our pupils have made fair
degree of progress. ! have been assured
that in the matter Of department on the
streets, taele is a very noticeable difference
between our pupils and those of the city
schools iu our favor.
On the sixth of January we commence
the winter term in our new building, the
Chandler Normal school, built through the
munific euce of Mrs. Chandler Of Brooklyn,
n T., who gave 5000 for the purpose.
We have long been looking forward to the
time of our translation, and shall appre-
ciate new house and plenty of room.
on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 81,
our school gave au entertainment at one Of
the colored churches, with this
PROGRAMME
Choru-, List to the Anthem.
Fifth and sixth Grades.
Deborah Williams.
Henry Huston
Solo and chorus. II Ever I Should be a Man.
First aud Second Grade Boys.
Recitation, Anna. and Willie's Prayer.
Pearl Miller.
Chorus, carol, Carol, Happy Voices.
Third aud Fourth Grades.
Christmas exercise, Old Time and His Family.
/ Chorus. Santa Claus.
First and Second Grades.
Defamation, Boys Rights.
Willie Estil
Defamation. Peace and Good VIII.
Normal and Grammar Grades.
PART II.
Cantata, Santa Claus.
SYNOPsIs.-Santa Claus, becoming dis
pleased with the extravaganza Of the children
of to-day, and contrasting them with the chtl-
dren of hundred years ago, iesues notice
that on the following Christmas he will visit
the children bsstowing gifts only upon those
who have earned the right to enjoy merry
Christmas.
CHARACTERs.
Santa Claus, Thomas Slaughter.
Winnifred, Mattie Estill.
Polly Cornelin Slaughter.
Florence, Willie humans.
Helen, Mary Whiseker.
Rose Anna Ross.
Ralph, Eddie Jones.
Frank Blyford Jackson.
ssy. ss,; 'sSss;; Sss1s.. Selected.
Little Chorus.
Although over two hundred children and
young folks took part, all went of with
out a single break and with but one in
stance of prompting. Would white
school do any better? And when the time
came they could all sing. l wish, Mr.. Ed
i,or, that you or some Of your readers
might have seen the little chorus marshal
itself on the stage, led through the evo-
lutions of the march by little Jessie Por-
ter, little girl Just q wee OH uusky, Win
bright black eyes, hair crisp enough to be
decidedly wavy. and altogether pretty
enough to be set in a frame for picture
The audience was greatly pleased with
our concert and applauded again and again,
though in the most orderly manner. AL
though our audience was entirely colored
the teachers being the only white people
present they were as quiet, decorous and
appreciatlve an assemblage as one could
ask for. white folks" would have done
no better, and have seen them do far
worse. There was no stamping, whistling
or other unduly noisy demonstration. On
going to the door ss the people were dis
persing, found that the affair had taken
on quite .'toney" appearance, for up and
down the street carriages were drawn mp
to the sidewalk, waiting for those who
rode to their homes. The teachers eolfed.
Could Lexington mud have been exchanged
for Boston pavemerts and electric lights,
one might have thought himself going
from far more pretentious exhibition.
Ard now, Mr. Editor, we wish you and oil
| our friends in good old Hancock county
most cordially Merry Christmas acd
Happy New Year. r. W. T.
Lexington, KY. Dec. -.