Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1893-06-08
THE FIRST
Township Com Marks An
Era In the History of the
Country School.

The first Township Commencement held
under the new arrangement in this coun-
ty, came off at Louisville, Thurs lay, and
was in every way successful. BY 1890
the commodious NJ E. Church building
was nearly filled with friends of the
class, and Others, and the program was
begun with music by an orchestra under
the leadership of E. E. GOrdon-an or
chestra, by the way, which acquitted
itself creditably, and furnished excellent
music. The building, neatly embellished
with blooming flowers. and filled with
young faces, with the sunshine and frag.
rant breezes of the June morning, was
indeed an attractive place. The class,
which had collected at an adjoining resi-
dence, came fling in-seven young ladies
and three young men. Prayer was Of
fered by Rev. G. L. Petty.
The program was opened by Mollie E.
Michner, of Louisville, who recited
"Tommy's Prayer" selection well
adapted to her voice and manner. and
given by her pathetic and effective
rendition. George Pogue, of the Great
Western, with the subject Trees" read
an essay which abounded in interesting
details of tree life, and was full of in
formation, all new and put aptly, briefly
and happily. Mr.. Pogue deserves great
credit for his promising performance,
which showed much reading and an abil-
ity to handle his information. Getting
a Right Start" defamation by Roberta
c. Barrett, was delivered in self-posses-
sed and plain way, well suited to the Sc
lection.
At this point, Superintendent Porter
field, who had charge of the day, adjourn
ed the exercises for dinner, and before
the afternoon began, the many visitors
from all points in the township, had am
pie evidence that the Western Reserve
of Richland township is 'land flowing
with milk and honey" ana its inhabi-
tants people of large hearted hospital
ity.
The church was filled soon after noon.
Sarah A. Fulton, of Glencoe, read a
thoughtful and entertaining essay on
"Our Country" Howard X. Dixon, of
st. ClaiIsville, looking young for grad
uats, and certainly very precocious, gave
as defamation 1.-The Light of Knowl-
edge" and Ora b. Gable, also of st Ciairs
vile, recited the old but always interest
ing selection, "John Maynard" BIB. Nc
Pherson spoke impressively his oration,
"Pyramids," which, owing to a misun-
derstanding. he had not had sufficient
time to memOrize. James j. Mcfarland,
of Stewartsville,ga gave the Fireman" a Sc
lection brief and in good taste, and well
spoken. sCulture" was the subject of
bright essay by Clara Shepherd, of Loyds-
vile. Her paper, logical, well written.
and of just the proper length, was much
enjoyed. "Dan Portions Ride thrill
ing story of Johnstown, was spoken by
Jessie M. King, of Glencoe, in way
showing careful and thoughtful prepara-
ton, Her voice was pleasant, her gest-
ures graceful, and her enunciation clear
and distinct. Miss King has decided
talent in this line. Ross Drennen, of
Loydsville, read an essay on Education.
He also had been hurried IN his prepara
tion, his name not appearing on the pro-
gram, but his performance was quite up
to the mark All were interested in list
ening to that dramatic story, "The Polish
Boy" spoken in clear voice and with
much energy by Maude Mcfarland, of
Louisville, which defamation closed the
graduates program.
The presentation of diplomas was made
by Hon. A. T. McKelvey. Mr.. Nickel
vey spoke of the great work which the
country school has done and is doing.
From it have come the majority of great
men in all fields of human effort. 1t is
the place where ideas of liberty and loyal
Americanism are learned. On it depends
the safety of our country. This address,
full of eloquent periods and happy
thoughts, happily expressed, was listened
to with great interest by all, and fitting
ly concluded the days exercises.
1t is to be said OF this commencement
though it needs no excuse-that it is
the first, and was attended by hurry and
inexperience. Hereafter such occasions
will no doubt be carefully planned for a
year before, and will become permanent
features of interest and profit among all
who have anything to do with the town.
ship schools Thursdays exercises GER
tainly demonstrated that township or
ganization, with regular course of
study, commencement and diploma
are of great educational value.