The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-01-16
BLOOMSBURY NORMAL SCHOOL,
CONTINUED.

On such terms and conditions the
grounds were accepted and the build
ing erected.
On Thursday, April 4th, 1867, the
Bloomsbury Literary Institute was
opened and dedicated to the purpose
of education. The day was warm and
beautiful, and at one o'clock in the
afternoon the Bloomsbury Band head
ed the procession, marching from the
Old Academy building on Third
Street to the Institute. The Band
was followed by the Board of Trustees,
then by the clergy, next the parents of
the pupils, then the pupils, and lastly
the faculty. The process on passed
up Third to Market, up Market to
Second, and up Second to Institute.
On arriving at the door, Judge Rupert,
President of the Board, unlocked it,
the band fell back and escorted the
faculty and pupils, who entered first,
followed by the parents and Trustees.
The hall of the Institute was filled by
the citizens and friends of the school
in attendance at the Inauguration.
After music by the band, prayer was
offered by the Rev. ID. ]. Waller,
song, "Welcome Chorus given by
the glee club, after which Hon. L. b.
Rupert, President of the Board Of
Trustees made report Of the incep-
ton and progress of the work. The
dedicatory address was made by
Prof. Moss Of Lewisburg. The fol
lowing named pupils took part in the
exercises: Misses Brewer, Pursel,
Hendershott, Bittenbender, Rupert,
John, Lowenberg, Harman, VanBus-
kirk, Abbot, Tustin, Mckinney, Will
liams, Sterner, Torbet, Correl, Edgar,
Dereamer, Caslow, Robbins, Lutz,
Armstrong, Buckingham and Elwell ];
and by Masters Waller, Little, w. H.
Clark, Snyder, Buckalew, Billmeyer.
Funk, Hendershott, G.. f. Elwell,
]. NJ. Clark, Bittenbender, Neal,
Schuyler, Woods, and Unangst. o..
At the close of the afternoon exer-
cises, Mr.. E. X. Ikeler, on behalf of
the teachers of Columbia county, with
an appropriate speech, presented Prof.
Carver with an album, containing por-
traits of the donors, as a testimonial
of their respect, 1t was received by
the Prof. who returned his acknowl-
edgement in a few well chosen SEN
tences, and after song by class Of
pupils the audience was dismissed.
In the evening the large hall Of the
Institute was filled with a gratihed
and appreciative audience, and the
exercises began with prayer by Rev.
J. r. Dimm. A song was then given
by the glee club At the request Of
the Board Of Trustees Judge Elwell
then delivered an admirable address,
in brief reciting the history of the
Institute, and urging the friends Of
education to push on the work, and
complete the building, beautify the
grounds, provide library and neces-
sary apparatus, and assuring them
that thus they were affording to their
children means for an ample education,
and bestowing upon them legacy
which would be forever a blessing.
Looking back now upon that occa-
sion, important as it seemed at the
time it is doubtful if any one realized
all that it has accomplished for the
town, and will yet accomplish. All
its influences have been for good, and
must continue to be. 1t has brought
many strangers to our town-it has
been a means of education to many
here who would have gone elsewhere
all its surrounding influences and
teachings are of the pleasantest kind
On the 4th of May 1867, the stock
holders of the Bloomsburg Literary
Institute met and elected the following
Board of Trustees:
For one year, Robert F. Clark,
Peter Billmeyer, F. c. Eyer; For two
years, J. G.. Freeze, l.. B. Rupert,
VIM Snyder For three years, John
Wolf, c. Bitlenbender, ]. P .Connor.
On the 25th of October, 1867, Mr.
f. Mendenhall was elected to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of VIM,
Snyder.
During the year 1867, fine bell
weighing aI7I pounds was placed in
the cupola of the school, at cost Of
about ST. 200.
And here we may pause for mo-
ment in the history of this great edu-
cational enterprise. Contrary to the
expectations even of friends, in spite
of the sneers and opposition Of the in
different aud close-hsted and narrow
minded the hllildinn and school were