Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-30
VERTICAL PENMANSHIP.
Prof. Graves An Enthusiast Upon
The Subject.
The Style Adopted In Augusta Schools Fast
Becoming Popular Everywhere.

It takes but a brief conversatio.
upon the subject Of penmanship, will
Prof. Graves, superintendent of the vii
lage school District to reveal the fac
that he is an enthusiastic advocate Of
the new system. i%i
I'm fact" he says, 1T is not, "a new
system. The old style was not known
before the sixteenth century, when i,
sprang into existence as fad, taking
the eye by its flourish"
Mr.. Graves has acquired an almost
perfect hand. The majority of the
teachers, Of the district, have devoted
much time to the practice of this style
during the past year, and are now able
to present, to their classes, an almost
faultless copy.
Probably no schools in the State can
show greater advancement, along this
line than can the schools of our village
district.
Prof. Graves has studied the different
vertical systems thoroughly, and is a
recognized authority upon the subject.
His services as an instructor are in
great demand, in many places where
this style is being introduced
do you think the vertical system
has come to stay. and if so, in what
what way is it superior to the old
style?" was asked.
1T has most assuredly come to stay,
and it is superior to the old style in
every respect" answered Mr.. Graves.
From an hygenic standpoint as re-
CARDS the eyesight, and position it is
far superior 1t is as legible as print,
and is rapidly executed"
"Unquestionably, the new style will
result in improved spoilers. The writ
ing stands out distinctly rendering it
possible for the pupil to acquire read
lily, clearly outlined image, a funda-
mental factor in all teaching"
Prof. Graves is much gratified with
the results thus far accomplished
but he does not propose to
remain satisfied with present attain
ment. He insists upon the best work
from each pupil, giving much attention
to individual members of the schools.
with view to d informally satisfac-
tory hand throughout. NJ
He claims that the first three or four
year s in school are sufficient time to
acquire a good hand It requires
much effort on then- part of the
teachers in the higher grades. to pre-
serve this hand Much written work is
done in all grades, and carelessness is
likely to creep in. unless the teacher
is persistent in the matter OF neatness.
No states are used in any grade, and
the pen is fast taking the place of the
lead pencil in all written work. even in
work in arithmetic. n
was uCllSulcu d lew udSS dSO,
said Mr.. Graves, upon reading a'letter.
sent to one Of our teachers from
young lady, who was a pupil in our
schools year ago. Her people have
lately moved to New Hampshire city.
and she is there attending the public
schools. This pupils penmanship at
once attracted the attention of the SUI
pervisor of writing, and as a result. the
vertical style will soon be adopted in
the schools there
In his Office, Mr.. Graves has a large
quantity of samples Of penmanship,
which he delights to show any one who
visits him. These samples are taken
with him wherever he presents the
subject at a teachers meeting.
He goes to Winthrop, Saturday, to
give instruction in the art