The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-06-02
BRANCHVILLE BREVITIES.
More About the Graded School Closing Exer.
cises-Games OF Baseball and Personals.

cises-Games OF Baseball and Personals.
BRAScHv1LLE, May 30.-When my let
ter of last week was written, the closing
exercises of the Branchville graded school
had not been completed, the sermon and
literary address only having been deliver
ed.
On Tuesday night Exhibition of the
Deestrict Skule" by the higher grades of
Prof. Etchison's room was given. The
curtain rose upon a typical rural scene
with the children on their way through
the forest 10 school. The old fashioned
tin dinner pail and the costumes were
highly representative of the old time
school. The next scene was the "skule"
in session with the "skule" marin carry
ing out the exhibition" before the COM
miteemen. The entire programme was
fortunate in the complete representation
of the old time school, and was thorough
ly enjoyed by the old folks, bringing be-
fore them recollections of their childhood.
Little Wulbern Byrd made quite hit as
chubby" and the composition on "cats'
and breathing" were greatly enjoyed.
Gen. NJ. C. Butler was present, and be-
tween the two acts of the play he said a
few words TO the large audience. BE
emphasized the Importance of higher ed
ucation, and remarked on the wonderful
progress which Branchville has, and is
now, making, not only educationally, but
in every way.
Just before the close of the exercises
for the evening, the Rev. S. A. Nettles, on
behalf Of Prof. Etchison's classes, arose
and in a few appropriate remarks pre-
sented him with lovely gold-headed cane
as token of the high esteem in which
they held him. Prof. Etchison was notice
ably affected. He thanked his classes and
said he could not express in words his
high appreciation Of the gift, and that he
would always remember this as one of
the happiest incidents of his life as a
teacher.
On Wednesday night program was
given by Miss Crowder's room, the 5th,
9Th, and 7th, grades. The exercises con-
sisted of drills, tableaux, and recitations.
The spectacular feature of the scarf drill
was very beautiful, and was brought out
very effectively by artificial lights, burn
ing by the foot. light and lighting up the
scenery and costumes to great advantage.
The music by the string band assisted by
Misses Ida Byrd, Florence Black, Ray
Karesh, and Ethel Pearlstine, was very
nice. The solo by Miss Ida Byrd was
greatly enjoyed. Marion Byrd, aged 6,
stood upon the stage and sung "Stay in
your own back yard" with appropriate
gestures.
Thursday night was devoted to the pri-
mary, in charge of Miss Gambatti. 1t
would be impossible to enter into full
account of the beautiful programme car
ried out by the little folks, and which
shows up so creditably for themselves and
their instructor. The first on the program
was a highly spectacular scene entitled
"A midsummer nights dream" The last
numb was the beautiful "gates ajar."
Prof. Etchison and his assistants work
ed very hard to make the closing exer-
cises success and they succeeded beyond
expectations. The teachers are Prof. W.
P. Etchison, principals; Miss Louise
Crowder and Miss Gertrude Gambatti,
assistants, and better corps of teachers
could hardly be found anywhere. The
trustees, Messrs. j. B. Williams, J. N.
Byrd and G.. W. Reeves have just elected
Prof. Etchison for the third term. The
school is in very fourishing condition,
is ably managed.
| Quite crowd from here went to the
picnic at Bowman's last Wednesday. It
was an ideal day for picnic, and the peo.
pie could not help from enjoying them.
selves. Speaking was engaged in in the
morning and in the afternoon every
body betook themselves to the baseball
| field to witness two games of ball. The
first between the juveniles of Branchville
and of Bowman's, which resulted in a
victory for the former to the tune of to
O. The second game was more interest
ing and exciting, and was between Provi-
dence and Cattle Greek. Providence won
by score Of 8 to3.
Thursday afternoon the Branchville
boys had the pleasure Of defeating
Orangeburg. There were good many
errors made on both sides, but neverthe-
less the game was exciting. Both sides
were in doubt as to who would be the
winner until the last inning was played,
and when the last hand was down our
boys were in the lead-11 too. Batteries
Orangeburg: Brunson and Schif1ley;
Branchville: Fairey and Thompson. In
Thompson Branchville has found a good
catcher, and his services will be retained
for the remainder of the season. he is
from Cattle Greek, and is good at the bat
Dukes and Wimber!y did the stick work
for Branchville. Branchville has good
team and would like to arrange games
with the neighboring towns.
Misses Edna and Kate TObin are visit