The daily palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1904-1905, 1904-08-16
OLD LYCEUM
At PEDNVILLE
NOT REFERRED TO IN RECENT
REUNION ARTICLE.
GEORGE w. STEFFY
Reviews the Scenes That Occurred
When He Was Lad at School
There.
GEORGE w. STEFFY

To the editor of the Palladium:
In one Of the numbers of last weeks
Palladiums we noticed a report of the
reunion of the Pennville school the
Saturday previous, and was agreeably
surprised at the number Of persons
present on that occasion, and not only
the number present but the long list
Of teachers that have had charge OF
the school since the school house had
been moved to the pike or national
road from where the old school house
formerly stood, half mile south.
In reading over the list of names
and other items connected with the
school, the writer was highly interest
ed in bringing back to memory many
points of interest that were so tamil
lar at the time.
Had we been aware Of the number
that was present before the meeting
the writer would certainly have been
there on the occasion.
OT QuIlc hDoA
wears we were residents OF
this locality and were so very familiar
with all who at that time lived there
and the incidents connected with the
neighborhood. Aside from the school
itself other things connected with the
school house and the meetings held in
it from time to time would have been
dear to the recollection. There was
regular preaching at least at intervals
and some preachers of note or who
have become so since preaching there
can we'll be remembered A Sunday
school much Of the time was being
held during the spring, summer and
fall, the writer for quite awhile being
superintendent. Frequently teacher
of music would drop in and teach a
class, but among the most important
organizations gotten up was that OF
lyceum or literary organization, and
many are yet living who can refer
back to these gatherings with as much
or more interest than anything else,
At this lyceum or debating club peo-
pie would come for miles and the
house would be crowded many
nights till seats were at a premium
Questions of Importance would be
chosen for discussion and among the
"debaters were l.. M. Willetts, Rev
A. Marlatt, now fluent Methodist
preacher, his brother, James Marlatt
one of the most noted and prosperous
farmers in Washington township
James was a pretty good debater and
his knowledge and familiarity with
the history of Greece & Rome became
the most conspicuous figures among
all the rest. Then others out Of
Washington township were leaders il
debate, and on several occasions Ber
Newman of Milton was among thu
number. We could name quite a list
most Of whom are now dead and gon,
that helped make these gatherings o.
Importance. In looking over the exer
cises of the recent reunion nothing o.
this kind was referred to, but asl
some who remembers this part o.
its history and they will verify facts
here given.
There seems to be a growing spiri
for gatherings Of the kind here REFER
ed to and let it be said that it is RICH
and beneficial for friends to now ant
then come together who may be 70
years they have not seen each other
and enjoy social intercourse again
It brings back too, pleasant reeollec
tons of past events which will caus
them to be remembered more softl.
and linger more tenderly as year
come and go.
Life is uncertain when we look bac'
to the time here referred to. HOY
large is the number that have gone
others are following and sooner or la
ter the writer will be numbered anon
those who have passed over the river
In view of all these facts let us cher
ish an unselfish devotion for mankind
throw selfshness aside, consider you,
self one of many who needs the hel
of friends and be willing to give a
we'll as receive. g. W. Sicily.
Dublin, Ind.
Il