The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1891-05-30
The Normal Excursion.

This expedition which was to NEE
on the transfer steamer, Fice-Presi
dent. at six sharply, was DELAYED {
short time by reason of Mrs. Norton
being unable to start u dear Presi
dent on a run when the boat whistled
but we backed from the wharf amidst
music and cheers and noZzlcd oui
way through a cloud of fog to the
Illinois shore. from whence we took
the cars for Carbondale TO visit the
normal school at that place. Mr.
hatcher. the superintendent of the
road. was verv attentive and watchtul
of the safety OF his precious freight,
doing all in his power 10 make the
trip safe and pleasant for all. Between
the Cape and Grand Tower. we passed
several farm-gardcns where wheat
was replaced by rhubarb and corr by
peas etc. We did not delay on our
journey but went straight to Grand
Tower where we made a short stop 10
see the tOwer-rock and objects of in
terest to all s%ojOurners on the river.
Starting again, our next halt was
Murphysboro. where we saw the tall
chimneys of the mines, also the tower
of the water works. all new TO us.
From this we passed through a beau
titul country. large fields of wheat,
coy farm homeSteads that betokened
peace and plenty. Reaching our des-
tination we were met at the depot
with a warm welcome by the faculty
and students of the normal school.
who gave us a kindly greeting and
led us TO the halls of their magnificent
building. The park was beautiful
with its flowers. sparkling fountain
and lake. After wandering through
the park and seeing its charms, we
were escorted back to the building
and entered the large chapel on the
second floor where we listened to the
morning exercises, and after that we
visited the magnificent reception
rooms where we rested. Then we
were led up TO tn tower and looked
all over the town of Carbonate. Our
next visit was to the primary rooms.
thence to the library where we found
a grand collection of hooks. The
society rooms were models of neat
ness and taste. and all the classes we
heard seemed To be doing nice work.
We examined the writing room which
was decorated with pictures. the work
of the pupils, all of which was highly
crcditable to them.
Noon and dinner were announced
and we were led to a large dining
hall where we partook of a rich feast
of good things. 1t was there that Mr..
Mitchell showed his want of g%allantry,
by calling for and eating, three plates
of Strawberries: making us blush for
his ungentlemanly actions.
Re-entering the chapel Prof. Norton
made us a short address thanking the
professors and students for their Law
ish kindness. which was followed by
Prof. Mctiee aid others. Then essays
were read and songs sung, closed by
music by the band. We then went on
Il pilgrimage about the town which
we found neat. clean and well shaded
with trees and parks. thai lent a charm
to the place. No cows. no pigs claim
ing the sidewalks, or trap-doOrs and
steps to fall on. Why cant our own
town he as neat as Carbonate?
An incident, Mr.. Mitchell while on
the way up. failed TO get up and give
Mrs. Norton a seat while she was stand
ing in the pasSageway.
After a day of real enjoyment, one
that will remain green in our men,
cries through life, we babe u new
found friends goodbye, and | can as
sure them that their kindness to us
strangers. has made a lasting impress
sion Oh our mind.
Our journey home was both quick
and safe. thanks to the care of Mr..
hatcher and his employers. moi for
getting the captain of the Vice-Presi-
dent who made us all feel safe while
on board of his steamer. Our short
run up the river was one long to be
remembered. every house, school and
street was packed with crowds of
people waving us a hearty welcome
to our homes. At the Levee the NIL
sic of the band was completely
drowned by the cheers of the multi
tude that had gathered to receive us
back to our grand State. Thus ended
one of the most pleasant days of my
life. and | trust we NAV have many
more like it while gathering an edu-
cation at the Normal.
\ GIRL STUDENT.
Married 10 n (hinaman.