Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-16
RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL.
Graduated a Glass of Five Last
Friday Afternoon.
Very Pleasant Exercises at Opera
House-Reception in Evening.

Richmond, Me-, June 15.-The gradu-
alton exercises of the class, '02, Rich
rnoud High school were held in the
Opera House, Friday afternoon. The
hall was we'll filled and the following
program was carried out without a
break or even a slight interruption.
Invocation, Rev. T. H. scammon
Overture Northern Lights, Hildreth
Salutatory-The Value of Education,
Eva May Pratt
Maude Winnifred Howe
Cornet Solo-Grand Russian Fantasia.
Levy
r. b, Hall
Presentation of Gifts-An Old Custom,
Gertrude Maude Rankins
Prophecy-Twenty Years,
Medley-The Jolly Buffaloes, Dewitt
ValedictoTy-Fare Thee VOL,
Helen Rebecca Potter
Waltz omposia.
Comforting of Diplomas.
Benedistion, IteV. Sylvester Hooper
The stage was beautifully decora tod
with profusion of flowers, the colors
green and white predominating. The
class motto, Excelsior" in green let
ters was conspicuous in white back
background placed in the center rear of
the stage. On the stage were seated
Hon. G. d. Newell, superintendent Of
schools; j. G. Flagg and Daniel Brown,
members of the school board; Rev. 7.
II. Scanmon, Rev. Sylvester Hooper,
Principal Puffer and the assistant
teacher.
The two first classes of the school
We're ushered into the hall promptly at
2.15 r. NJ. and given seats reserved for
them on the left side OF the hail. Presi-
dent Libby of the senior class marshall
led in the remaining members of the
school and seatins& hem on the opposite
side Of the hall, the seniors coming last
ushered by their president.
The salutatory by Miss Eva May
Pratt was a finished article and de
hvered in a pleasing manner. Miss
Pratt, in closing. addressed especially
the parents Of the seniors and friends
of the school. the superintendent and
school board, the teachers, the juniors
and the members of her own class.
Miss Maude Winnifred Howe, class
historian, recounted the experiences of
her classmates from the time they were
freshmen until the moment when they
High school. she said the class was
composed Of nine girls and eight boys
when it entered the school, but the
members had gradually dropped out
one by one, for one reason or another
until it now constituted four girls nd
one precious boy" She paid a noble
tribute to the member of the class,
Ernest Campbell who died during the
tours High school course, and spoke of
the boy ''who dropped out in the junior
year because OF the dreaded junior ex-
hibition."
The presentation of gifts by Miss
Gertrude Maude Rankins was full of
clever hits. The class president, Mr..
Libby, received a toy engine; Miss Pot
ter, the poem. Mary Lad a Little
Lamb" and Miss Howe, several rings
and a rug. Miss Rankins gave Miss
Pratt a horse and carriage, which was
received amid loud applause. The beast
suddenly began to kick furiously when
handed to its new owner, increasing
the amusement. Mr. Libby wrote an
original prophecy. 1t lacked the dreamy
conversation with the muses.. too often
resorted to by the class prophet. He
placed himself 20 years ahead and saw
Miss Pratt, the wife of printer in
Bath, Miss Potter, an old maid, Miss
Rankns, an assistant in the Richmond
High school, and Miss Howe, dress
maker.
Miss Helen Rebecca Potter, valedic-
torian, in closing, babe goodby to the
underclass students, to the parents and
friends of the members of the senior
class. the superintendent of schools.
the teachers and her classmates.
Halls Orchestra of Watervile, fur
nshed music for the occasion. r. +.
Hall. the leader Of this well-known
musical organization, was formerly of
Richmond. and he first played cornet
in the old Richmond Band. His friends
at this place have been watching him
with interest and best showed their adj
miration for his work by the reception
they gave him. He was encored twice
and the people would not desist their
applause until he had favored them
with another selection. He first played
Grand Russian Fantasia" by Levy.
For his first encore he gave fine re-
production of the "Swanee River" and
the second time the beautiful, clear
tones of his cornet brought forth
Home, Sweet Home"
The class of 1902, Richmond High
school. gave a reception 30 les friends
in the evening at the Opera house. 1t
was largely attended and was one Of
the most pleasant social events in this
village for over a year. The members
of the class. with President Libby
standing at the head of the line, re-
ceived the first part of the evening
Later dancing was in order. Halls
Orchestra also furnished music for this