St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-03-12
PEACHAM.
A Pleasant Gathering.


Mrs. Vim. w. Morse, assisted by five
other members of the Fifty Club, enter.
tanned the club and many other friends
Thursday, Feb. 81. 1t was one of the
most beautiful days of the season. TWEEN
tv.three members of the Fifty club and
eight of the Sixty club were present,
with as many OF their husbands as could
be persuaded to leave their farms, their
Jersey COWS, or their merchandise, and
other guests, about sixty-fve in all.
After a bountiful dinner there was a song
by Miss Carrie Morse and quotations or
original papers given in response to the
roll call. Several of the gentlemen were
then called on for remarks, and letter
having lust been received from Mr.. Gil.
fillan in regard to his offer of help. the
needs and prospects of the academy were
discussed. A pleasant social hour fol-
lowed.
In herreport as su perintendent, Miriam
E. Dimond calls attention to an increase
in the number of visitors at the sc 7eral
schools the past year, and considers it
hopeful sign. At the Corner school there
were forty-nine visitors; at Ewell's forty
two, while the other schools were called
on in about the same proportion. The
Superintendent says Peacham has come
to be the source from which other towns
draw their teachers, and regrets that the
children of this town cannot have the
benefit of the maturity and experience
which seem so attractive to school
authorities elsewhere. A decrease in the
number of pupils is noted, coupled with
the fact that people are moving away
from the town Tor the sake of better ad.
vantages, families are growing smaller
once good farms have been turned into
pasture lands, and other undesirable
changes have taken place. The superin-
tendent says: I'VE have in town Just
about children enough to make two
good grades, which, under experienced
teachers, would revolutionize our schools
and place Peacham long way in the
van Of country school systems" The
report makes strong plea for the best
possible educational facilities for the
children in the common schools.
Miss Ida Bailey has returned from her
school in Cabot, where she has been
teaching since Aug. 10Th, with only one
week vacation. The fact that this
makes four terms she has taught in that
town during the last two years, and that
she goes back again at the beginning of
next term, proves that she is a successful
teacher.
Nelson Stewart, youngest son of DOu-
gal Stewart, and his bride, have returned
from their wedding journey.
The annual examination at the acad-
envy passed off about as usual with one
exception. A prize of So 90 had been Of
ler,d to be divided among such scholars
as in the examination would speak so
distinctly that they could be understood.
The FIVE following were Judged by The
committee to be worthy, Arthur Aiken,
Miligan Nolan. Bert Gillian, Clarence
Caldwell, and Sarah c. LawtOn. Rhetor-
ical exercises were very good eleven TAX
ing part and good music varied the
program. Four of those taking part in
examination graduate this year, Arthur
Aiken and bis sister, Miss Elsie Hooker,
and Miss Lillian Wilson.
1t is worthy of note that we had in
Peacham in the month of February eight
days in succession of beautiful weather,
with no storm.
The preparatory lecture was Saturday,
March LIST, and al this time Deacon Ken
erson sent in letter res'gning his office,
which he had held for nearly thirty three
years. The church voted not to take
action on this tor the present, and may
possibly appoint a fourth deacon at
some future time.
John Gracy and L. R. Varnum are both
sick with the grip.
Phil Blanchard is home from Hanover
for Easter vacation.
The ladies missionary meeting was
held Friday with Mrs. Elsie Merrill; sew
euteen ladies present.
The case brought by J. c. Guthrie
against the town for tuition was tried
Tuesday, March Z. The evidence on
both sides was duly presented, but no
Solomon could be found wise enough to
interpret the law satisfactorily, and it
looks as If they might have to wait until
a new legislature can make a new law to
meet the case.