Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-04-17
sEAuTIeY THE SCHOOL eRoUNr

oCNO OiIFr lhG SIHOOI 0HOONOo
Rural schoolhouses frequently stand,
small aud weather-beaten, beside the
country road. Many Of them look about
rs they did twenty-five or fifty years
ago, although they have flag above
them now, which was not there when
the men OF to-day were children.
How familiar the grounds about the
building are! They consist Of half or
quarter Of an acre Of land, selected posi-
oly because II was good for little else
not a tree TO offer hands breadth OF
shade, or a shrub or vine to break the
monotony or to hide the unsightly out
insignificant thing, this plain little build
log In its patch OF barren ground?
lt Is the most tremendously significant
thing In the whole history Of the United
States. IL is the cradle OF American
education, the nursery which has always
fostered, and still fosters, the natural
doctrine Of equal rights for all.
Under It's roof the judges son and the
cobbler's boy fare alike, and grow up to
know and respect each other. Men
whose only educational advantages were
q few years on these rude benches have
won success In every department OF
activity. At 3 gathering OF about three
hundred successful business and pro-
fessional men OF prominent city, II
was ascertsined that about nine-tenths
came from the country.
IL Is, then, unreasonable TO urge thst
the rural school grounds be made more
a,trdctire by the planting Of trees and
shrubs With little expense the bare
ground about the building can be con
verted into place OF beauty. The
pupils themselves, with the aid of teach
ers and friends, can do 1t. Is IL not
work well worth undertaking? The
Youths Companion believes that II Is.
Moreover 1t believes that the growth OF
the Imagination and the artistic nature
will result; that the finer sense will be
developed and the character of those
who do the work will be strengthened;
that love OF the beautiful will be i'm
parted which will last through life, and
manifest itself In the homes which these
pupils shall build In future wears.
The Youths Companion believes that
rural schoolhouses Is one which will ex
tVNl~t au tIupDTtAul huu ihstiuk iIuucuS'
for the good Of the national life.
From almost every rural school have
gone forth into the world men and
women who have won success in life.
We are very sure that many Of these, "
they were made acquainted with your
plsus, would be glad 10 share with the
pupils Of to-day In the honor and pleas
ure of embellishing the grounds OF the
old schoolhouse.
Arbor day will be q most appropriate
time 70 carry out this work as suggested,
vet auy convenient day will do. II Is
not generally known, but IL Is an iu-
teresting fact that Il has been very large
lv through the esrnest desire and efforts
OF the pupils themselves that our nation
al dag now flosts over go many OF our
public schoolhouses. IL the pupils OF
our rural schools will nov take up the
work of beautifying the school grounds
with trees and shrubs, the movement
can be made as popular and as far-reach-
ing in It's influence for good.
Some one, however, In each school
must lead 10 the movement. Who will
win this honor in your school? The
pupils must insis, that the school
grounds shall be beau,iied. IL the
pupils show an earnest desire TO carry
out this work, they are sure to find will
ing helpers among the farmers and other
friends OF the school. Women's clubs
will be always glad to aid you. II there
Il al organization of the Changers In
your town, It will feel honored by re-
quest for advice or assistance.
IL is the purpose of The Youths Com.
pauion to aid In creating a national SEN
timent which shall eventually result In
the universal besutifyiug OF the grounds
Of the rural schools of the United States.
Youths Companion.