Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-12-26
BRIGHT WITH HOLIDAY DECO
 RATI0Ns.
The Last Day of the Session Before Xmas Holidays Unusually We'll
 Attended.

'eSN tIS PiCeto LII O4 Rlo4p pib S bLO oCN eral public school buildings of Pine Bluff, and inspecting each room 1T these buildin gs. It was 9 pleasure to him. because he keealy appreci ated the vast changes for the better that have been made in the mode of teaching since he was a pu- pil, many years ago, at one of these schools. He found that in each room that the attendance was un. usually large, considering that this is properly the holiday season and that tie session closes this after noon up til New Year The large at tendance indicates that the pupils of the schools are deeply interested in their studies, and do not desire to miss a single day from their classes.
 Another feature noted by the re porter were the handsome decora- lions made by the pupils of the various schools; these decorations lending such bright and cheerful appearance to the school rooms that this eheerfulness was reflected to the bright, happy and animated faces of the pupils Indeed, the rooms had in them not.the slightest appearance of the dreary, prison like structures that were formerly the horror Of children, who were re- quired to sit in them hour after hour until the dreary, bleak appear ance of the rooms wore into their very souls and gave them distaste for school.
 The Ward School, on Second aye nue, was first visited In the room presided over by Miss Lizzie Grace the decorations were of holly and flags, while on the blackboard Were the words, A Merry Christmas and 9 Happy New Year
 Miss Lutie Dumas is the other teacher in the school On the black boards in her room were appropri- ate designs and drawings for Christi mas, while evergreens lent an ad- ditional brightness to the room. On the black boards there were Christi was greetings and letters to Santa Claus, all neatly executed
 The reporter next visited the handsome school building on West Sixth avenue, which is presided over by Prof. J, H. Thaeb, assisted by Misses Mann, Smith, Bloom, Ger hardt, aud Mrs. Shelby. In the hallway was a large and splendid picture of Col. W. P. Grace, a man who has done so much to build up the public schools Of Pine Bluff to their present high standard. The picture frame was entwined in ever greens, while on either side of the hall way were lovely holly trees and other decorations
 In each room the decorations were lovely and on the blackboards were greetings, pictures of Santa Claus, Xmas bells, snow scenes, etc.
 The room presided over by Miss Bloom deserves especial mention for the neat and attractive appearance of the blackboards and the skillful work of the artist who drew the pictures.
 The City High School, of course, is of greater interest to the average visitor, as the pupils are older, and consequently their studies more in teresting. In this school the Science room, presided over by Prof. With erspoon, is indeed worthy of visit. This room contains the handsome raised maps purchased by the School Board a short time ago; also cleo trical apparatus, an engine, labora tory, etc.
 The study hall proper was beauti- fully decorated. On the walls were lovely paintings festooned in ever. greens. On the platform occupied by Prof. Ogelvie stood the hand some piano purchased by the Wash lngton Irving Society of the Hlgf School.
 The entire building had the ap pearance of Christmas.
 The Lakeside Ward School, pre- sided over by Misses Fall an( Adams, was also handsomely anc appropriately decorated, and tht pupils seemed proud, indeed, O their work.
 The holiday decorations in tit schools is an innovation. and ont that commends itself to every per son 1ha pupils seem delighted, ans