Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-10-07
A FINE ASSEMBLY ROOM.


1nteresting Reopeniug Exercises at the
high School Monday Morning.
The Board of Education has made
splendid start in the direction of i'm
proving the High School. The assem-
bly, room has been beautilied to an ex
tent that it Is now a decided credit to
tho institution as we'll as to the city.
The interior has been rcmodeled to a
certain extent, the unsightly and cum
bergome chandeliers have been re-
moved and groups of electric lights
substituted. The walls have been
painted buff and the ceiling light blue,
while the woodwork has also been re-
painted.
The reiuvenatud room was formally
opened on Monday with exercises ap-
pTopriate TO the occasion. Upon the
stage was potted plants and the room
was otherwise ornamented, giving it a
cheerful and attractive appearance.
The sceno was imposing At 9'o'clock,
when the exercises commenced, there
were over 800 pupils and half as many
visitors there. The ceremony was of
unusual interest.
A pleasing incident in connection
with the opening. and somewhat OF a
coincidence, was the dedication OF a
magnificent life.size portrait OF Prof.
ID. W. Harlan, superintendent of public
schools, which had been presented by
the Alumni Association, and also an
imposing frieze from the partheuon at
Athens, presented ny the educational
committee OF the Nav Century Club.
Both were hung upon the walls for the
first time, and are the chief articles OF
| ornamentation. They were the bjeCts
OF general admiration.
Bishop Coleman opened the exercises,
after which the visitors were enter
| tanned by the pupils of the school, who
sang selection. There were remarks
by Principal Berlin, who spoke of tbs
rejuvenated room, the gifts to the
school and other matters connected
with the institution and manifested his
appreciation of the assistance given b,
members of the Board of Education
and other prominent citizens.
Bishop Coleman followed Principa
| Berlin in magnificent address. in
which be congratulated the teachers
and scholars upon their fine building
and expressed his appreciation OF iht
high standard of educational work il
the city. The High School March
was sung by the pupils, after which
President Baird of tho Board Of Edu
cation made an address. The pupil
had interesting exercises, after which
an address was made by William X
Crosby. Mrs A. D. Warner, on behal
OF the educational committee OF th'
New Century Club, formally presented
the gift previously referred TO. Mrs
Ben iamin NieldH was also present as
representative of ths donore. DIR. E
G. Shortlidge. chairman of the Higl
School committee, also made few re
marks. Several Of the speakers com
mended the Alumni Association for it
thoughtfulness in presenting the por
trait of Superintendent Harlan and fo
it's commendable activity in tn
direction of advancing educationa
work in the city.
On motion of Principal Berlin,
vote of thanks was extended to th
Alumni Association, the New Centur.
Club, the Board OF Education, the fuel
heating and ventilation committee u
that body and all others who bad give
assistance to the school or the educn
tional work connected Herewith.
In addition to many friends OF th
school there wers present MessrH. Kei
sey, Green. Carter, Belts and Hartma
of the Board of Education and Super
, iutendent Harlan.