The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1899-04-22
THE TEACHERS AT HOOD RIVER
Day erofirably Spent in an educational
Meeting.

A Day erofitably Spent in an educational
Meeting.
The whistling of the steamer Dalles
City last Saturday morning meant
more to the teachers of The Dalles
public schools than ever the ringing OF
the tardy bell on school days. Tardi-
ness on that occasion meant to be left,
and that meant to miss the opportunity
of one of the most delightful excur-
sions and general good times that
could be offered any lot of school
a'ams in the Northwest. So there
was general rush for the boat, some
hurrying away without their breakfast,
but all reached the wharf in time.
Winds and waves were fair, and the
grand old Columbia bore the precious
load of pedagogues on to the beautiful
town of Hood River, which dawned in
sight after splendid ride of two hours.
Carriages sufficient to accCmOdate
all were in waiting to transfer the
guests to the school house: but as an
hour intervenG before the opening of
the institute, the drivers very kindly
offered to give the visitors an oppor-
tunity tO'epjoy drive through what
might we'll la called natural park,
which Dame Nature has so generously
bequeathed to that part of the universe.
And so the carriages gliaed over the
most perfect roads, amid grand old
oaks and stately pines, the ground
carpeted with green and gold, the
broad Columbia rolling near and Hood
River dashing on it's bed of rocks,
while beyond, on either side rose a
snow peak glistening in the April sun,
and one could not but feel that the old
dame had been prodigally partial to
that most favored spot. Her bounties
are not confined to the beautiful,
but blooming orchards and ex-
tensiye straw berry fields were every
where to be seen, while shading the
road were trees of immense size that
must soon fall victims to the wood
mans ak, since a large sawmill is
peing built, all showing this section to
Ss rich in resources. Surely the home
seeker could fad no more promising
locality. Even above all these gifts
from natures store is the spirit that
dominates the community, so evident
in the magnificent school building,
substantial churches and beautiful
homes.
Tbs institute commenced at 10 A. M,
and the teachers assembled promptly,
notwithstanding the attractions out
side. Before entering upon the regu-
lar work, the rooms of the school
building were inspected by the visitors,
and much admired for their decora.
tions which reflected credit upon the
teachers in charge, who are unques-
tionably up-to-date.
The exercises opened with song by
the pupils of Prot. Allard's class that
was exceptionally well rendered, and
the address of welcome by Hon. E. L.
Smith was hearty aud full of interest,
being contrast of the old and new
methods of conducting schools.
America was next sung by the entire
singing did not quite ''raise the roof"
but it did raise the hearts of those pres
ent to the Importance of the public
sch chools-the corner stone of the
A n a.
a fitting reply to the words of welcome,
and the formalities having been dis
pensed with, the actual work of the
meeting was commenced.
Prof Lauders gave an able address
on the subject of literature in the
schools, and among the many good
things mentioned in the discussion
that followed was the tribute Mrs. E.
M. Wilson paid the Youths Com
panion as an educator of the young
mind. An excellent paper was read
by Miss Elton, the theme being "teach-
er's personality" that was especially
interesting to educators. Miss Phir-
man gave an illustrated talk ON num-
ber work in the first grade that was in
structive.
Dinner time approaching, all re-
paired to Mt. Hood Hotel, where one
of the inter esting numbers of the pro-
gram was waiting. An excellent din
ner was served and was highly ap-
preciated, by some sixty teachers and
their friends, the dinner being a
generous donation from the citizens of
Hood River.
The afternoon session opened with
the Battle Hymn of the Republic"
followed by Mrs. E. l.. Smith re aiding
a paper on cooperation of teachers
and parents" Mrs. Smith evidently
had given the subject much thought,
and the paper was one that should be
read generally by teachers and school
patrons. as it would aid in bringing all
to better understanding of their re-
lations to the public schools. Miss
Shelly gave an illustration of her
method of teaching the multiplication
table, in which she produced a number
of original ideas, and the program was
completed with we'll prepared paper
on "the value of types" by Miss White.
The session closed with a song by |
the Hood River class, and all departed |
feeling wiser and happier for that day
full of gladness, beauty and instruction,
and it will long be remembered as one |
of the pleasantest days in the memory
of The Dalles teachers who attended |
the educational meeting at HOOD River
on April 18th.