The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-02-23

a Bible and national flag, around
which the fragrance Of those twin
sentiments, love and duty, cling, were
the quaint and appropriate gifts of the
Junior Order of United American Me-
chanics to the school board of tho CITY
OF Roanoke on Washington's birthday.
had Vlrglnia's first son been the donor
he could have placed no stronger weap-
ons or liberty in tho hands Of the COM
ing race, OF which he is the oracle, than
these creators Of homes and nations.
Despite theinclemency Of the weather
commerce street school was crowded
with pupils, their parents and friends.
The arrival OF the Roanoke LIGHT In
fantry and the Junior Order was the
signal for the commencement of the ex-
ercises, which began with singing by
the school and prayer by Rev. w. K.
Hammer. followed by the anthem Co
lumbia." The orator OF the day was
Rev. &. L. ID. Collins, who delivered a
stirring address, in which he analyzed
the character of Washington, eulogizing
his patriotism and zeal in tho struggle
fox independence and liberty. Amer
lea was sung by the school at the con.
cluslon of his address, and Rev S. L.
Rice presented copy OF the Bible and
silk flag to the school board as a gift
from the Junior Order. In his presen-
tation speech he referred to the lessons
both the gifts inculcated in the mind
and heart, and the spirit OF liberty, love
and patriotism both the flag aud Bible
engcndered.
Z. a. Pillsbury, president OF the school
board, in accepting the flag, said: "Ac-
cept our thanks for the LII agni6cent gifts
tod
tokens OF your loyalty to your country
and your interest IN education. We be-
lieve that you are actuatcd by the high
est, ioftiest and noblest deeds of purity,
and love and admiration for the advance
ment OF tho work.
The flag was then saluted, after which
Tho Red, White ana Blue" was sung by
the school. I. Il. Fishburne, in accept
ing the bible, spoke of it as tho watch
word TO eternal rest, whose overy page
taught counsel and advice. At the con-
clusion of another song tho audience
congregatcd in front of the schoolhouse,
and the banner was flung to the breeze
and saluted by the Junior Order, and n
well thumbed page in childhood's book
had left it's lesson.
The Gilmer street school celebrated
the day with the following programme
OF excl ciSes:
Opening hymn, by the school
Opcning prayer, Rev. G.. II. u Collins
Opening remarks by The principal
Recitation, February" by Blanche Groves.
:, Recitation, "Washinston's Birthday 10y
Maggie Morgan.
Song. Battle LYNN of the Republic" by tho
Essay, Life OF Washington, ~ by Dora Webb.
Recitation, The American Boy" by Rebecca
Skcggs.
Song, George Washington" by five girls
Recitation, The Boy " no Cunld Not Tell 4
Lie by Mamie Malone.
=, Defamation, Character OF Washington" by
Willie Powell
girls.
Song, Red white and blue by the school.
Recitation, "Washington's Grave" by Annie
Ballantinc.
Recitation. Burial Place OF Heroes, by Char.
lotto Rickabaugh
c: Morsack.
Song, America, by the school
There were no ceremonies at any of
tho other schools of the city. The day
was not generally observed US q holiday
and business was carried on as usual.
The banks closed and the postotilce OBJ
served Sunday hours. The city offices
were open and the Hastings Court was
in session. There were no signs of q
holiday about the courthouse.
The clerks of the Norfolk and West
ern Offices were given 4 half holiday.