The Somerset reporter., 1895-11-14
SOMERSET TEACHERS.
A Very Successful Convention
Held at Norridgewoed.
Attendance Large and Lively Interest
Mnuffested,

The Western Somerset Teachers con
yention held in South Noffdgewoek,
/ Thursday and Friday of last week was
one of the most enthusiastic and
/ largely attended of any ever held in
i Somerset county. The sessions began
Thursday morning and continued
until late Friday afternoon with unabat-
ed interest to the close.
The opening exercises Thursday con-
sisted of prayer by Rev. J. A. Jones,
pastor of the Congregational church of
Norridgewoek, and chorus and flag drill
by children of Norridgewoek, accom-
panied on the organ by Mrs. {. A. liar
rington.
Clarence W. Pierce, principal of Nor
ridgewock high school, welcomed the
teachers and school officers in attend
ance by an address admirable in its cor
dial greeting to these visitors, to which
". y. Donovan, principal Of skowhegan
high school and president OF the assoei-
alton, responded.
Miss Grace Glass of the skowhegan
Kindergarten had a very pleasing paper
on kindergarten methods which was
received with many manifestations of
appreciation.
Hon. W. W. Stetson, State Supt. Of
Schools, spoke upon the subject. Things
we ought to do, which completed the
exercises Of the morning.
The afternoon session began at :
o'clock with vocal duet by two Nor
ridgewock ladies,
Miss Nellie b. Nye of Fairfield, read
paper of much interest upon the sub
jet. object teaching as applied to
geography followed by an address
"What to read, by Hon. ". ". Stetson.
The question box, conducted 10y SuPt
stetson, was remal kably full one, and
the exercises lively and of great inter
est and value to teachers.
Tie afternoon session BEGAN in the
high school room, but this room, which
with settees and chairs WAS made to
accommodate nearly $50 people, was
soon crowded to overlooking and the
convention was adjourned to the Bap-
fist church.
Thursday evening the Baptist church
was filled to overlooking to hear the
scholarly address of President Chase
of Bates college. The subject OF Mr.,
Chase's lecture was THE triple fount-
ain of life All were greatly pleased
with both the lecture and the manner
in which Mr.. Chase delivered it. Very
acceptable music was furnished by
Hobbs military band of South Norridge-
wock who played three numbers, "fhe
New York Press March, THE Guard
Mount" and "Irsh Overture. :
The second day was fully As interest
ing and instructive as the first. The
exercises were opened 10y a song by Rev,
J. A. Jones. Miss Julia W. Swift, prin-
cipal of the Pennington training school,
gave teaching exercise in grammar,
which was instructive and entertaining
to all. Discussion, "Ot ght students
rank to be reported" opened by A.
Robinson, superintendent of schools of
Skowhegan, followed by Prin. Abbott
of Madison, Prin. kenrick of Fairfield,
Prin. Poore of North Arson, Supt. Stet-
son and Prof. Roberts of Colby. Much
interest was manifested in this subject,
and variety of views given. Supt.
Robinson's opening OF the question
occupying about Is minutes was 1.-THE
feature" of the discussion and received
complimentary mention from many.
Prof. A. j. Roberts of Colby Uni
yersity delivered an able address, re-
plete with suggestions and instructions
to teachers upon "Teaching, every word
of which was listened to with interest
by the teachers present
The afternoon session was so largely at
tended that it was necessary to adjourn
to the Baptist church. Remarks were
made by Prof. Stetson, followed by
"Teaching Exercises in Geography by
Miss Swift Of Pennington, and dumb
bell drill by iadies of North Arson
academy. At the business meeting
these officers were elected: w. y.
Donovan of Skowhegan, president; c.
o. Small, Madison, vice president; Miss
Adde Smith, Skowhegan, secretary and
treasurer; executive committee, A.
Robinson of Skowhegan, Prof. Abbott
of Madison, Miss Anderson of Norridge-
woek
resolution of thanks was voted to
citizens of Norridgewock for abundant
hospitality, Maine Central and Somerset
railroads for reduced rates, Skowhegan
and Norridgewock railway for extra car
service, to all not members of the Con
vention for assistance, especially Hobbs
Military Band for fine musical select
ions, and to the efficient executive com
mittee. After this the convention adj
journed.
The hearty greeting given, and cordial
hospitality shown these Somerset teach
crs 10y the citizens Of Norridgewock was
appreciated and proves that they have
an abiding interest in public schools,
and manifest that interest in something
besides words
The next Convention will probably be
held in Skowhegan.