The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-16
Reception to Principal Levi
W. Russell.
Notable Gathering in Infantry
Hall Last Evening.
Presentation Of a Fine Painting and
OF a Library Fund.

yates of the Bridgham Grammar School
responded 10 the invitation to participate
In the reception to the beloved principal
OF the school, Mr.. Levi w. Russell, held
in Infantry hall last evening, is a guaran-
tee Of the esteem and respect in which
the worthy gentleman is held. 1t was an
exhibition OF mutual heartfelt tenderness
of which master and pupils must be hon
estly proud, and MIR. Russell's feelings
were reflected in the happy countenance
Of, and shared by his life partner, Mrs.
Russell, who was supremely content TO
be at his side and receive the congratula-
tons OF over 100 OF his former pupils. 1t
was glorious spectacle. The hall had
been beautifully decorated under direc-
tion OF Artist Charles Ill. springer, class OF
'72. The balcony front at intervals, was
adorned with handsome red, white, and
blue shields, in shell form, the platform
was a profusion of palms and rare pottod
plants, while as a background the center
OF the rear wall was charmingly adorned
with an unique design in shield form,
iianked and surmounted by the stars and
stripes and the Rhode Island cost of
arms. The shield was appropriately in
scr!bed as follows: On either side were
the dates 1869 and 1896, symbolic OF the
master OF the school; at the top was the
axiom, knowledge Is Power"; beneath
was the title, "Bridgham School," and at
the bottom the command, LET him who
has Won Bear the Palm"
Reeves orchestra rendered sweet music
during the reception and other exercises,
including the dancing, which, afterward,
continued until midnight.
The reception was from to s o'clock,
MIR. and Mrs. Russell standing in front
OF the platform and the gentlemen on the
reception committee acting as ushers. At
Mrs. Russell's side, on an easel was an
attractive oil painting, entitled "The
Golden Hour" the gift Of Mr.. Charles II.
Springer. That gentleman explained that
he had 1t in mind to present something
of the sort to Mr.. Russell privately, be.
cause he cherished fond memories OF his
Bridgham school days, but the committee
OF arrangements preferred 1t TO be done
publicly and hau clubbed together to pur-
chase the costly gilt frame which con-
tanned 1t. The picture represents de-
lightful valley scene on the Grand river
near Grand Rapids, Mich, and its chief
attraction lies in ths beautiful trees,
flooded by the golden sunlight Just before
sunset, that golden hour which suggested
the title. MIR. Russell IL very fond OF
trees, too, so the choice was quite appro-
pirate.
ht ING OI the TeCeDIlOn, the
classes found seats set apart for them
around the hall sides, each being desig-
mated by the year OF graduation. Then
the following program was enjoyed: -
Selection by Reeves Orchestra.
Prayer by Rev. George w. G. Hill.
Address by the chairman, Mr.. Edward e.
Joyce.
Address by His Honor, Mayor McGuin-
ness.
Address by Walter II. Barney, Esq, pres
ident OF the school committee.
Selection by the orchestra.
OF library fund by the treas
urer, Mr.. II. Howard Pepper.
Address by Mr.. Russell.
March, by classes.
Class reunions.
Tho remarks, as may be imagined,
were felicitous in the extreme aud the
applause was profuse, the climax being
reached after Mr.. Russell, with choking
completed his testimonial of af-
for his "dear boys ana girls.
The library fund, presented to MIR. Rus
sell by Committeeman II. Howard Pep
perl to establish library in the school.
to be known as the "Levi W. Russell Ii
brary." Mr.. Pepper explained that he
had received $500, of when $500 would be
needed to pay the expenee OF the recep-
ton. Tho balance makes a snug nucleus
Tor tho library, which Mr.. Russell has
nOpeG LOT years tnat the School might
have, and he expressed qualification that
his former scholars had made IL 20 sible.
Mr.. Joyce called for. three cheers for tbe
venerable pedagogue, and they were
given with a will.
On the platform were Superintendent
OF Public Schools Horace =. Tarbell, Miss
Julia A. Osgood, Miss Mary Scartoro,
Principal James Sawin OF the Poiut street
grammer school, DR.. William n. White OF
tho school committee, Principal Il. Hsr.
-i,on Howard OF the tandace street
grammsr school, Principal James NJ. Ham
of the Oxford street grammar school,
PRINCIPAL Herrick q. Young of the vme-
yard street grammar school, Principal All
bert J. Manchester OF the Thayer street
grammar school, Principal George T..
Church OF the Peace street grammar
school and others.
The reception committee and their clas-
ses comprised the following:
1SG9- Mrs. Jennie SNOW Couch, Dr. Dan
q. King.
is7o-Mrs. Ida@Thompson Perkins, Mr..
Julius Palmer.
is7i-Miss Mary A. Hall. Mr.. Robert Il.
Cooke.
iS72-Mrs Anna Waterman Gray. Mr..
II. Brett, Mra Eldora Butman
5earies, Mr.. Charles n. Springer.
lsI3-Mrs. Louise Prosser Bates, Mr.
Fred ID. Carr.