The herald., 1896-02-22
AT THE NORMAL SCHOOL
The Birthdays of Washington and Liu'
coin Observed Yesterday
The Pupils Show Their Patriotism In Essays,
i7usic and the Hoisting of the Amer
lean CoIors Over the School

Patriotic exercises were held by the
pupils of the Normal school in the large
assembly room of the building yesterday
afternoon in commemoration of the BIRTH
days of Washington and Lincoln, at which
the beautiful singing of national anthems
and demonstrative speeches formed con-
spicuous part, ending with an outdoor ova-
ton which attended the raising aloft Of the
American flag high above the topmost
point of the elevated structure.
Conspicuous in the large room were two
arge American flags, crossed, at the back
of the platform, which pointed on one side
to beautiful framed portrait of Washing
ton and on the other to a counterpart pict-
ure of Lincoln. Both were characteristic
cally decorated with garlands OF the sturdy
ivy. Below the stage in prominent posi-
ton stood very fine portrait of Shake
speare, a recent gift from Frederick Warde.
Beneath was the inscription, mot for
day, but for all time,'' the whole being con-
sistently decorated with evergreens.
The program, which was conducted by
Prof. Dozier, opened with the singing,
f. Pluribus Unum, by the school, and was
followed by the opening address given by
In his remarks, Prof. Pierce said, he
thought it behooved us all in the hurry of
life, to pause, and to look backward as
we'll as forward; that to aid our country we
must work for the future, but must look
backward for inspiration.
Every country had its hero, he said Civ
ing an interesting sketch of the illustrious
men in each nations history, but that in
America, the two names that called forth
our patriotism. our reverence and love were
Washington and Lincoln. The speaker de-
scrbed the reasons Washington deserved
to be first in war, first in peace and first in
the hearts OF his countrymen. He also
sletched the career of Lincoln, that not
only helped to make prominent points in
American history, but also made him
conspicuous figure for directness, straight
forwardness and honesty in the hearts of
our country.
Miss Eva Johnston of senior A class
next read an essay on the Life of WASH
ington. While there was nothing pre-
senteu that was new, nor was there par
ticularly new way of treating the subject,
YET the delivery was very pleasing, and the
speakers' voice clear and well modulated.
Selections from Washington's farewell
address was the next part of the program,
well delivered by Mr.. Bloasdale of senior A,
which was followed by the singing of the
Pilgrim Fathers in parts by the school.
The music was very good, the part sung by
the boys alone being particularly fine.
Miss Helen Teggert then read an essay
on the Life of Lincoln. This young lady's
voice was not very strong which detracted
somewhat from what was the best address
OF the afternoon. The paper was remark
ably well written, and all the threadbar,
peculiarities of Lincoln's manners and
style OF address were presented in a bright
manner that gave them an interesting
character of newness and freshness quite
remarkable.
given by Mr.. Wierwile of senior with
considerable force and good effect, and
was followed by selections from the Com
rnemoration Odes, by Miss Hawley of mid
die class. Selections were read with good
elocutionary style and were we'll received.
A double musical quartet composed of
the Misses Johnston Kelsey, Skinner,
Mitchell, Crise, Stanley, Thompson and
Bradish next sang Banner of the Free with
such fine effect that a most enthusiastic
recall was demanded by the audience. AS
an encore Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
was given, receiving even more appreciation
than the first song. The music in this was
a soprano solo, beautifully given by Miss
Johnston, the other seven singers of the
quar- ct using their voices as a soft accom-
panimeht. Mrs. J. L. Rice, teacher OF
music in the school, directed all the sing
ing and deserves special mention for the
merit of the performances
Mr.. Post of Senior B followed with an
essay comparing the lives of Washington
and Lincoln, which was well written, and
in which the two heroes were noted in like
traits of character, elements of greatness
and those qualifications of honesty, self
sacrifice, determination and humane spirit
that affected the destiny OF a nation and
left to the world a legacy without which no
American can aspire to be the countrymen
of Washington and Lincoln.
"Our National Flag" selection from
the address of Charles Sumner, was next
given by Miss julia Duire of Middle ID,
which was heartily applauded, and was fol-
lowed by 1.-THE Star Spangled Banner"
given by the school, with Mrs. A. w. Sloan
leading in solo. Mrs. Sloan sang very
beautifully, and to recall gave
another patriotic selection. The pu-
pills showed their appreciation to the singer
by presentation of a magnificent bunch
of carnations.
After the singing the pupils exhibited an
intricate and we'll performed march by
which they left the room and proceeded
downstairs to the school grounds, where
they made most picturesque setting
among the trees and plants of the school
grounds, looking down over the streets and
buildings of the town below. Standing
many numbers deep in a half circle about
the principal and teachers of the school,
all eyes were directed to the rearing of the
national colors aloft, while Professor
Dressler, in a stirring speech, wrought the
pupils to spirit of patriotism that broke
oat Ill wild shouts of applause and great
waving of handerchief5 as the flag floated
out in the breeze. The singing of "Amer-
ica" closed the interesting exercises.