Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-16
THE WOODBURY. SCHOOL
A Flag Raised Over the New Building With
Appropriate Exercises.
Speeches by Commissioner Ross, MIR.
Langley and Others and Patriotic
Songs by the School Children.

A more enthusiastic and generally inter-
ested assembly has not been seen in w ood-
burn, suburb north of the Soldiers Home,
than that which witnessed the fiag-raising
exercises that took place yesterday after
noon. The WOODBURY. Citizens Associat: on
wished to present to the new school, which
mas recently been completed, a flag, and
for that purpose the, following exercises
were determined upon. The children from
the Soldiers Home School marched in
parade to the new building, accompanied by
their teachers, and led by the G. A. R.,
Henry Wilson Post and the William Barry
Army and Navy Post, both of the Soldiers
Home. Through the kindness of Gen. Stan
ley of the home, the band was ordered to
De present at these exercises. Mr.. Langley,
president of the WOODBURY. Citizens Asso-
citation, opened the exercises with an ad-
dress, in which he referred in compliment
tary terms to the present system of educa-
ton. and then eulogized the flag, saying:
What the Flag symbolizes.
Does not our flag particularly symbolic
our country-does not each white star rep
resent each state, free and independent?
Does not the blue field represent to us that
those states are Joined in commerce, manu-
features and the ties of friendship? And
what does each white band represent but
that purity of purpose, that freedom of
tnought and speech which characterizes
this bl DAD republic? And lastly, do not
the bands of red symbolic to US that in
Tune past, when foreign foe threatened our
freedom, the red blood of patriots was shed
that We, their posterity. might enjoy the
wish OF our forefathers, who sought to .es-
tablish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
PROVIDE for the common defense, promote
the general welfare and secure the bless
lnss of liberty to ourselves and our pos
terity?'
Though this flag has during its exist
ence met defeat on land and sea, though
she has, perchance, been trampled in the
dust yet today she waves proudly In every
quarter, and IS respected and honored in
every cline. Were she insulted l dare saw
every man. every boy within my hearing
would hasten to arms and defend flag and
country be it at home abroad.
AS pr .sident of the Citizens Association
OF Woodburn it is nay duty as well as
pleasure to present to the youth of this
school this emblem of a nations power.
May 1t be to each and all Of you the en-
Diem Of that patriotism, that love of coun-
try-tnat principle of liberty and justice,
tnat faith IN the power of this country
winch makes it honored, respected and
loved.
Accept 1t willingly and gratefully-accept
Is as an emblem of a nations power-ac-
interests are coincident with your own AS
1t hangs aloft may each wave of the air
cement our friendships, Our loves to each
other. And may the lessons written on it's
face be lessons of value, instill patriotism
in our souls. and teach Us to be ever ready
to stand up for liberty and liberty's insti-
tutions."
Rev. DR.. Buck was unable to attend or
account Ct Illness, and the interesting his
tory of the school in that vicinity was
omitted.
Swung to- the Breeze.
Mr.. Langley gave the flag in the name
of the citizens of Woodburn to Mr.Janney,
supervising principal of the fifth division,
to make the presentation to the school.
After a few words of appreciation of so
great an honor and short remarks to the
school children, dwelling particularly upon
the priceless cost of "Old Glory the flag
was given to five members of the G.. A. r.
AS the stars and stripes were swung to the
breeze the band played The Star Spangled
Banner" and the old veterans saluted the
emblem of liberty.
The program was then placed In the
hands of Col. Sweet, who introduced to
these present Commissioner Ross. After O
few appropriate remarks Commissioner
Ross read the petition of the WOODBURY.
citizens sent 10 the Commissioners in 81
stated that a similar petition was sent
seven years before, and if a new building
was needed then, it was much more a neces-
Sity now.
Among the others who addressed the as
sembiy were Mr.. Powell, superintendent of
public schools of the District; Mr.. Gage
Mr.. Nalley and Col. Sweet All spoke IA
vcrably of the new building, and con-
graduated the people for having such an
earnest Citizens Association. Many re-
marks were made concerning the good and
healthful locality. Now the pupils will be
able to have all the advantages of the city
or rir~c has f,re
air of the suburb.
The Soldiers Homo Band played several
selections, the school sang Columbia, the
Gem of the Ocean, and The Star Spangled
Banner There was recitation, The
School House Stands by the Flag" by An
drew Hammond, and appropriate flag
verses were spoken by Ernest Langley Bes-
sic King. Alice Murphy, Mary Lippold, EN-
Martin, Mary Herbs. Mary Mondy and
Charles Lippold. The exercises closed with
America" by the band.
The New Building.
The new school house. which bears the
name of WOODBURY.. is situated near Stott's
station, at the junction of Riggs and Blair
roads. The site is very desirable one,
and has abundance of shade and groves
near by and pure and healthy water The
appropriation for the site and building
was $4,000, and the present building shows
that the money was judiciously used. The
school was begun in October. 1875, and was
completed April . last The contractors
Were Messrs. Pavrena and Greer. The
building is substantial, and capable of last
ing many years. 1t contains four large
class rooms, each with an adjoining cloak
room, and two large play rooms in the
basement.
The old school building. situated at the
end of the Soldiers Home cemetery, was
erected about thirty years ago. This has
but two rooms, which made it impossible
to accommodate the pupils, who We're rap
idly increasing year by year. A new school
had become a necessity, and with this in
view the Woodburn citizens sent their pc
tition to the Commissioners. The new
building Will be furnished during the sum-
mer months, and will be ready for occu-
pancy in the fall. The teachers now at the
Soldiers Home School are Miss King
principal and teacher of the fifth, sixth and
seventh grades: Mr.. Draper teacher of the
third and fourth grades, and Miss Minnie
Compton, who has the first and second
grades in charge. Though the school has
progressed wonderfully in the last few
years, a greater advancement is expected
when the pupils are firmly established in
their new quarters.
The whole affair yesterday reflects great
credit upon the WOODBURY. citizens, who feel
that their earnest work has been crowned
with success.