The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-20
OUT AND ABOUT.

Mrs. c. Van D. Chenoweth is we'll
fitted to be the author of 1.-The School
History of Worcester a textbook de-
signed to teach certain historical in
formation concerning Worcester, with
which every child in Worcester should
be familiar" 1t is volume of 1862 pa
ges and numerous illustrations, the
landscape photographs being by J.
Chauneey Lyford.
while the teaching Of local history is
becoming more and more a feature of
schools throughout the state, 1t is be-
lieYed that Worcester is the first town
to be provided with a textbook upon
the subject" writes Mrs. Chenoweth.
1t is indeed encouraging to know that
Worcester is taking the initiative in so
worthy a. cause.
AS Mrs Chenoweths history is au-
thorized for use in the public schools,
its adoption into the schools of the city
is but a question of time.
The author begins at the beginning;
that is with the geography Of Worces-
ter and the aboriginal tribes who lived
here before the white; tells the story
of the visit of John Eliot and the set
tlement of the town; traces the part it
played in the revolution, sketches the
lives of Col. Timothy Bigelow and Isa-
iah Thomas; describes the early
churches and schools and the growth Of
the town into city, and gives chap
ter to WorcesteI"s record in the civil
war and other wars, to historic sites
and old buildings, and to the literary
life of the city.
While the fundamental idea in this
school history is excellent, it must be
owned that the manner in which 1t has
been developed leaves something to be
desired. Unimportant facts are some
times brought forward prominently, as
for instance when the question Is asked,
May the county hold property?" The
answer reads: 1T may Independently
hold property, and sue, and be sued"
Further over, half a page is occupied
with the following:
The general court, which met at
Boston, was the supreme judicial au-
thority of the province, subject only to
royal jurisdiction.
1.-The first court of general sessions of
the peace, of Worcester county, was
composed of Hon John Chandler
judge, and the following justices Of
the peace, viz: Benjamin Willard, John
Chandler, Jr., Samuel Dudly, Joseph
Dwight, Henry Lee, Daniel Taft, Sam
uel Wright and Nahum Ward, es-
quires; and in the capacity of the
court of probate, held its first session
in the meeting house July 8. 1881. That
began the business of the courts Of
Worcester county
Tt is not stated what grades or ages
this school history is designed to ac-
commodate and there may be a grade
or an age where the study of such
facts as these may prove profitable, al
though on the face of things it seems
as if life We're too short and the curri-
cv41o NF Ia
congested to permit of such dallying
with archaeology of this sort.
The dominant feeling after reading
this school history is one of mingled
wonder how people endured life in a
place so starved and colorless, and
gratitude that our lives have been cast
in pleasanter places. Which emotion,
will dominate the child mind after
studying it remains to be seen.
Tt is a good rule that insists on the
doing of Christmas shopping before
Thanksgiving, but if everyone followed
it, Christmas would be robbed OF hall
its fun.
Christmas week is not characterized
exactly by peace, but good will to men
abounds. and nowhere is it more con-
spicuous than in the crowded ctreets
and stores Some people would forget
how it feels to carry a bundle II it We're
not for Christmas.
About 100 Of the friends Of Mr.. and
Mrs. A. l.. Chamberlain gathered at
I the home of the couple. 440 Shrewsbury
street last night to remind them that
| it was the 29th anniversary of their
marriage. The gathering was doubly
significant from the fact that Mr.. and
Mrs. Chamberlain are to leave Wor-
cester soon to take up their residence
! fr Hubbardston, and their friends took
the opportunity offered to bid them for
nal goodbye and bestow their best
wishes for the future
one of the most pleasing features of
the evening, and one that was in the
nature Of a complete surprise to the
couple, came in the nature of a pres
entation. Nh and Mrs. Chamberlain
were entieed to one of the upper rooms
Of the house, on some preteXt, and
while they were gone, a handsome oak
dining room set, a dinner set and a
cut glass water set We're moved into
the parlor
They were then summoned to appear
down stairs, when Richard Witty, in