Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1894-06-06
COMMENCEMENT L f
Closing exercises of the johnson Civ
Institute.

VI tuN OUItINUn VIII
Institute.
On last Friday, May 20, the johnson
City Institute closed another term of it,
most successful work. In the las,
three years Johnson City has enjoyed
having one among the best Institutes
OF the South. Prof. R. L. Couch began
the school in the year 1891, with a small
beginning. but great has been the pro.
gress and growth of this institution.
1t has withstood the financial strinpen-
cy with a standing equal to no other.
on tuesday morning the oral exami-
nation were begun. These examina-
lions were interesting, being almost an
entertainment within itself. Half an
hour being spent in reciting, select
reading, declarations, Rotations;
songs, etc., between each recitation.
The examinations showed how dill.
gent both teacher and student had been
at the close of these exercises Prof.
couch, in a very touching speech in
formed the good people of johnson
City that he would not be with them
the coming year; and then and there
was seeli a most touching sight; stu
dents, patrons, friends and teacher went
at the thought of parting. No doubt
ties of friendship have been formed
with their faithful teacher that will
stand as sweet momentoes of them
long after their work will have been
ended, Beside examinations there
were several delightful entertainments.
On Wednesday evening Unforeseen So.
ciety gave its last entertainment the
address to the Society was given by
Rev. William Crouch, which was EN-.
Joyed by all. A most delightful enter.
tainment was given on Thursday at 9
r. NJ. by the Alpha Society, which was
highly enjoyed by all the address of
welcome by the President, II. P. Exum.
was a masterpiece of ~eloquence, and
showed the effect of hard study. The
address to the Society was by Rev. W.
M. Vines. AT s o'clock on the same
evening a musical entertainment was
given which showed how we'll the mu-
sic teacher had performed her duty.
On Friday morning an address was
to have been given by John H. Bow
man, but he being absent, the
was filled by Prof. Browning, editor of
the Staff. The Prof. is a fine talker
and good entertainer. On Friday night
at Jobe's opera house, the people of
johnson City had the pleasure of list.
ening to a drama, given by the stu
dents, thought to have been the best
entertainment given in johnson City
for several years, by the schools.
After the commencement exercises
were closed, and all teachers and stu
dents had quilted the old Institute with
honor, 1t was decided to have a reun
ion and pic mic of all the students who
had been in attendance at the Institute
at any time during the previous term.
The party was carried to the lake by
the street car, where we arrived and
found quite a large crowd had assem-
bled on the grounds and was entertain
ed by the Brass Band of the johnson
Institute. About 11:3O dinner
was spread, and the hungry people eat
and were filled. Several of the bows
did justice to them selves, but
alas for the dinner. j. N. H. eat TWEEN
ty seven pieces of chicken besides other
j. ]. G. B. did equally as well.
dinner the teachers gave a hand
treat to all the students, consist
ing of candies, nuts, bananas, etc. Late
in the evening the crowd, after a de.
lightful day spent by boat riding,
swinging, sparkling, etc., began to de-
part with sad hearts as they remem.
bered that probably they would never
meet in the capacity of a school again.
The teachers will leave for their respec-
tive homes.
Prof. Couch leaves for Bell Buckle,
where he will have charge
of the high school of that place. The
people of johnson City have lost a
grand institution and band of teachers.
The work they have been doing may
be forgotten, but the influence they
have left will never cease to spread.
lust before the close an effort was made
to get the teachers to remain, a petition
was sent to the patrons, several sub
scribed as much as 800 of his salary,
as Mr.. Crouch had signed a con-
he could not be persuaded to
break the same. May success crown
the efforts of those teachers at all times
and places as it has in Johnson City
VIcIrop