St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1905-02-15

judgment, yet it is from the country
schools that some OF our greatest men
and women come. Though the position
of the rural schools are isolated they are
the most important factors we have in
our country. He said the rural school
has powerful mission to fulfil and gave
several examples showing its opportu-
mites. He advised the teachers to follow
George Washington's example and set
down several rules of conduct" He
gave the two following examples: (a)
Il am going to bring TO these children
everything possible OF culture and refine
ment." Example is more powerful than
precept. (b) II will always come cheer
full and have a word of cheer tor the
children" The teacher should make of
the rural school and children all that she
can. She can teach self respect by praise
of things they do well and encourage.
ment in the things that are hard. To
inspire them to do their best, one must
have tact and touch the soul. There is d
strong immoral influence which must be
combatted and there are only two in,
fuences with which it can be done-the
home and the school. He advised the
use of the schoolhouse for neighborhood
gatherings, socials, and talks on subjects
of general interest by prominent citlzens.
Among the practical things teachers can
do to make for good in the community
is the cultivation of a taste for good
literature by bringing some of The state
travelling libraries into the district or
starting a magazine exchange By max
ing the interior of the schoolhouses
attractive in a simple way, seeing that
they are kept neat and clean and by
having a few good pictures on the walls.
By the improvement OF the grounds
around the schoolhouse, by the laying
out of flower beds, etc He closed a
most helpful and charming talk by
saving. Improvement should begin
with the teacher but should not end
there" and that the rural school has
greater mission in relation to it's size
than any school in the country.
Mr.. Renfrew OF Peacham told of an
original method for teaching geography,
which was listened TO with interest and
profit. DR.. c. E. Libbey, who was to
have spoken on physiology in the
public school" was unable to be present
and Principal B. E. Goodnough read his
paper, which was practical treatise on
teaching physiology. Miss Della Griffin,
curator OF the Museum at st. Johnsbury,
was present and very kindly spoke for
FIVE minutes, telling of some nature work
that is feasible for the month of March.
The question box closed a very success
full series of meetings, which cannot fail
to be OF benefit to all who attended. A
good number of teachers we're present at
all of the sessions. Dinner and supper
was served Friday at the Masonic Hall
by the ladies OF the Eastern Star, and
they kept good their reputation already
acquired Tor serving feast of good
thir gs. Much OF the success of the con-
vention was due to the efforts OF the
executive committee, B. E, Goodnough,
Miss Miriam E. Dimond and Miss Wini.
fred ]. Nolan. The committee extend
their thanks to Damon Lodge, Knights
OF Pythias, for the use OF their hall, which
they kindly donated, and to all Others
who helped to make the convention a
success.
Mrs. Horace Rowe has been visiting
her daug hter, Mrs. Carl Lang, at East
Barnet.
Misses Maud and Blanche Guthrie o
South Peacham have been visiting al
Rev. G. c. Gorse's.
At the regular communication o
Washburn Lodge F. and A. M. Wednes
day evening, Feb. %, the Entered APP
prentice degree will be worked.
Ed Webb has secured the contract tt
carry mail to East Barnet for the mex
four years commencing July /. Mr.
Webb wishes to sell or rent mis- farm ano
move into the village.
Mrs. Jennie Walch is visiting at Hard
wick for a few days.
Miss Belle Dantorth is visiting he
brothers in Barre.
The regular meeting OF Diamond Chap
ter o. E. S., will be held this evening.
There will be Colonial social lat TIL
Library Wednesday evening, Feb. %
All are cordially invited. The committee
of arrangements would be pleased t.
have those who attend dress in old fash
toned costumes. Refreshments will b.
served and enjoy able games participated
in.
The entertainment by Marcel the Ma
gician last Wednesday evening was thor
oughy enjoyed by crowded house. He
performed bis feats OF magic in skillIu
and most pleasing manner. Successful Ell
fort was made that evening to secure subs
crbers for a similar course to be het
during the winter OF 1905 and 1906. 9i
names were signed, which assures gooc
course for another year.
Mr.. and Mrs. Milo Woods of Water
ford have been visiting Mrs. Woods
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. R. c. Davis.
Miss Myrtle Aldrich of West Burke
will give an entertainment of readings at
the Town Hall this evening, for the bene
fit of the Methodist church.
Franklin Dana of Burlington has beer
visiting his mother, Mrs. Henry Page
Nelson Crane came home from New
York for a short visit to his father
Charles Crane, who seems a little better
Mr.. aud Mrs. Stephen Waterman, who
have been at the Elm House for the pas
nine months, during the building of thei
house, have gone to their new home a
North Danvlle.
Hermon Osgood has been confined tt
the house for several days with severe
cold.
The next and closing entertainment o
the lecture course will be by Dudley Pres
colt, next Tuesday evening. MIR. Pres
colt is famous humorist, musical mimic