Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1903-06-10
BLUEHILL.

Meeting-School Gossip.
The exercises Of the last week OF the
school year at the academy have become
a matter of deep interest and pardonable
pride to those In BluehiIl and other towns
in the vicinity, who recognize the educs-
tional advantages which such an institu-
tion as the Bluehill- George Stevens acad-
envy opens to the young people about us,
and who are glad to see the ambitions
and hopes OF those who pursue their
courses OF study to the end, realized In
the browning Of their efforts at gradua-
tion time.
The union service which was held this
year In the Congregational church was
well attended. The graduating class was
conducted by Harvey M. Curtis, who
served the class most efficiently as marshal
| at all the public exercises OF the week. The
marches were played by Miss Adelaide
Pearson with violin and Mrs. Mayo as
organist, also the offertory and response.
Mrs. Russell sang a solo, 1.-THE Good
Shepherd" and the hymns were sung by
choir and congregation.
The baccalaureate sermon was preached
by Rev. E. Bean, and was full of wise
counsel. His subject was "True Manhood
and Womsnhood". The brief preface to
the sermon touched the hearts OF many
who listened, as Mr.. Bean told the class
that fifty years ago this season, he had
stood at the opening Of life's pathway
before him las they did to-day-a gradu-
ate.
He said itl.might seem like November
looking back to May, but he had not for
gotten the hopes and aims and ambitions
| which were awakened by an occasion like
this, and those who know his ready SYM
pathy and interest In the young people,
feel that no words he might say could be
a more powerful influence for good than
the worthy example Of his own life.
Monday evening, June /, occurred the
Junior exhibition which passed off with
the best OF success. The class mum bers
but five, but each recitation was perfectly
committed, and well and distinctly de-
| livered.
The spectacular tableau, "a Dinner In
| Old Egypt" was very much enjoyed.
The entire scene occupied half hour or
| more OF time. The background OF the
stage consisted of Egyptian bierogly-
phics drawn upon white cloth with a
| tapestry border at the top.
All OF the stage furnishings were Of
| oriental designs. Fourteen OF the stu
| dents, dressed In the ancient costumes
| OF the East, represented various characters
| connected with the dinners given at the
time of the FESTIVAL of the Nile".
There were the host and hostess, the
| attendants and slaves, the guests and
the musicians, even a mummy was in
| evidence. The only oral part was chant.
| The large amount OF preparation
| required for this part of the exhibition
was under the direction OF Miss Rafter,
who was ably assisted by Miss Douglass.
The town hall was handsomely deco
rated in the class colors, green and white,
on Friday, graduation day. In the back
ground of the stage, against a green field
was the motto OF the class in white letters,
"Trans Alpes Italia est"
Festoons of evergreen alternating with
white crepe paper were caught up in the
centre of the ceiling over the stage.
Green draperies and large bouquets were
| artistically arranged. The hall was filled
to its utmost capacity, and many were not
a BILE to secure seats at all.
| The trustees and superintendent Of
schools bad seats with the faculty upon
| the stage.
! Tho NJ a ms IA a fine W %
dresses being in the majority, as of the
eleven graduates three only were young
men. The programme, as previously
printed in these columns. was carried out.
| The music WAS played by Miss Pearson,
violin, and Mrs. Mayo, piano. Rev. r. l..
| Odds offered prayer. Tue piano solo was
by Miss Nettie Clay. The music following
the valedictory was by the Boston Ideal
| lub. The club closed the afternoon exer-
cises with music.
| The words of greeting given by Miss
Hooper were cord ial and appropriate, and
as she spoke Of superstitions in general
aud then of those which are introduced
particularly In some of Shakespeare
| plays, it would not be safe to deny that
/ many sim bcllSNS w oohC SAtoht III 5u'
| perstitions.
| Miss Ralph's description OF "Bluehill
| Trees" received the close attention OF the
! audience, for 1t was a subject OF local
| ,terest, and when she stated the fact
| that some OF the beautiful old elms in the
village were planted by academy students
(yespasian Ellis being one of them)
| nearly q century ago, and that large
| willow at the corner near Winfield Hinck-
Iey's grew from riding which
Nehemiah Hinckley, his grandfather,
stuck In the ground after he returned
from journey on horseback, what we
owe former generations for the present
beauties OF the town (ior the trees are one
| of Its attrsctions) was made apparent.
| The "Class History" was an interesting
| record OF varied experiences, and as Mr..
| Hardin alluded to the perils the class had