The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1892-01-20

NAcCllAill ClAAllNtc MS oAAAA- - - so
quate support. demand q competent
teacher for the treasures Of his house
hold be willing that that tesehershould
be paid not only living, but a working
salary give him earnest support and
cordial assistance send the BOYS and
girls the full term, regularly, and cOutin-
uously, year after year, 50 long as the
law viii permit, or until they shall get
the highest benefit the school can be-
stow-in short, make that school the sPe-
cial object Of his solieitude, the fountain
Of intelligence and worth, the pride Of
his community, the hope Of the future
commonwealth, and blessing TO his
own home, Then, whether those Of his
household shall occupy the farm or the
stOreroom, SOW and gather again the gol-
den grain upon the hills, or SOW and wa
ter Gods precious truth in human hearts,
serve as the chosen leaders in state or
nation, or reign as queens ofhappy hearts
or homes, they viii be independent al
wavs. and WORTHY oftheir sphere.
Were an artist, I would paint for you
the ideal country home, with its health
ful influences and beautiful surroundings.
Bot need not, for We have them already
dotting the sloping hiilsides and the fer
tile valleys Of somerset county. Go and
see, on some fne morning in June, Just
what I shall try TO describe There, close
by the broad country road. stands the
farmers mansion, large and handsome,
surrounded by neatly painted fence, en-
closing proflsion Of flowers, shade trees
and shrubs. Back Of the house is the
garden, well-kept and blooming. giving
promise Of many wholesome dish for
the family table. over against the hill is
the big rel barn, con plete in all its apart
ments and afording comfortable quarters
for its inmates, even IN the coldest wealth
er. Yonder is the orchard, giving prom
ise Of fruit rich in abundance and varie-
" On the hills beyond are the cattle
and sheep quietly grazing, while the
gentle breezes send wave after wave over
the great wheatield In a field nearby
is the farmer himself, turning down the
sod for next years crop, while he looks
with contentment over the promising
fields Of growing corn In the home IL
the busy housewife, with skillful hands
preparing for the MONDAY meal, and
soon the kitchen table viii invite the
family to feast ft for a king. We have
bat a moments time to look into the fam
lily sitting-room- Il viii not say par
lor,7 for there is not enough sunshine,
pure air, or social cheer IN that word
See the white ceiling, the papered walls,
the beautiful carpets. pictures and mot
toes, cabinet organ and plenty Of good
music, line library of good books, and
q center table with papers magazines
and staple games. This is a busy season
and We cannot tarry here now, but when
the work Is done, aud the wintry blasts
come, then shall the family gather here
and spend the long winter evenings in
reading, music, conversation and social
cheer.
But before leaving this beautiful coun-
try home, am led to ask Of the farmer
nov returned trsm the field, what that
little Old building is away down there BY
the forks Of the road. Why that says
the farmer, is our schoolhouse, and ifyou
are very much interested, wait moment
AID viii 90 with you to see it, for it is
right on my way to the field And 50
We 20 70 see that schoolhouse, nearby
this beautiful farmhouse. Il stands close
By the roadside, among the rocks and
scrubby brush, because there was 4 quar-
ter Of an acre that couldn't be fIrmsd,
and therefore was sold for school ground.
The wide, open porch has been a resting
place for vagrant sheep. The house had
been painted red many years ago, but
now seems ashamed 70 own is original
color. Some Of the shutters are closed
and held IN place by stout fencerails.
Several Of them are hanging by one
hinge, or resting easily upon the ground
The window glass has been broken in
BIZ boys who wanted some fan Now We
remove the paddock, which holds By q
huge chain the door to lis ftstenings and
enter the schoOlroom. The floor is cover
ed with ashes, coal and dirt. the low,
dark ceiling is dotted with paper-wads.
and ink The unpainted walls are dingy
and bare, save for few ontline maps Of
= former generation; the small black
board suspended by leather, holds has
weH-nish lost It's prefix and Is bfqct only
in spots The stove is rusty and red, and
the pipe has many crooks 70 relieve the
mouotony Of it, unpOlished surface. The
I long home-made-severely homemade
seats and desks are carved and cut by IN
skilled artists and not only a few are bro
ken. The teachers Gesk Is an old table,
and his seat a long bench There are but
two notices, blth finished in "crayon.
Oneis Welcome snd the other God
Bless our Home"
Friends, this IS not the schoOlhouse in
your district it's over in the next town
ship.
"But, ssys the farmer. by way Of
apology, We are going to build q new
sehoolhouse. TIE state IS giving such
liberal aid. our farms are paid for, and
our boys and girls need-Aas, hrrs-l
better school than this place affords
Come and see our school and schOolbouss
OF the future, and We viii show you :
more pleasing picture" And 80, my
friends, I invite you 70 90 with me to SCI
that ideal school Of the future-T hope Of
the nsr future. See the schOolhOuse bJ
the broad public highway, protected BY
the grove Of trees near by, and the shei
tering hills beyond. Its surrounded by
a neatly painted fence, enclosing an acre
Of the best ground in the neighborhOOd
Around the outside and up By the paw
ed walk are rows Of beautiful trees o
maple and evergreen. The house itself /
handsome, yet substantial structure
newly painted ard complete with shut
teIs. tGrrets, aud spire in which hangs a
cleared-toned schOoi-bell and from tbs
top Of which floats the nations banner
the stars and stripes. While now the bell
I sends orlt IL 4 ~ 1ia1 r4V and sha 4hff.