The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-08-22
Eaton School Reunion.

the weather which welcomed the
scholars OF the Eaton school and the
later additions from the Norridge-
wock school, members of the Eaton
and y. H. S. Alumni Association,
which met here on Wednesday after
noon and evening OF last week.
1t was the eleventh annual session
and cbeerfully have these old pupils
gathered here every year to renew
old friendships. To many it has been
the brightest day of the year While
this year there were not SO many as
usual perhaps of the older members,
yet there was good attendance.
Eleven years ago Mrs. Carrie Hill
ton Boardman, then Miss Carrie Hill
ton, and recent graduate from the
n. H. S., conceived the idea of an
alumni association to include both
schools as the old Eaton school had
merged into the n. H. 8. in a way
when its veteran teacher had decided
to discontinue its existance. She
mentioned the matter to Mr.. Clar-
ence Pierce, then principal of the n.
/ H. g., who entered heartily into the
scheme. Invitations were sent out
to all of the former pupils as far az
their names and residences could be
ascertained, to join the association
and the response was hearty and
general. A day was appointed and q
large assemblage was present in the
old school room at the appointed
hour. Officers were chosen and old
times lived over, events small at the
time of their occurrence but magni-
fed by the lapse of time in impor-
lance, were related and every body
was interested in hearing them. Men
and women in middle life again be-
came students in the old school and
eagerly looked about for their seats,
told stories of themselves and OF
their beloved teacher, Mr.. Hamlin F.
Eaton, spending the afternoon until
supper time.
A bounteous supper was served by
the home people in the vestry of the
Congregational church and the even
ing was given up to an experience
meeting in the church interpreted
by music from the orchestra which
was in attendance. Such an animal
ed crowd as passed out OF the church
that evening has seldom been seen IL
Norridgewock.
Thus created it's history has re
peated itself as far as the program O.
the day is concerned, every year
But especially bright have been the
several meetings in which Mr.. Eaton
the old and beloved teacher, has beer
permitted to be with them. On these
occasions as we'll as all of the Other
meetings, for that matter, he hai
been the lion of the hour. While
, idolized by the association, Mr.. Ia
toms manner is always most meel
and lowly, one of love rather THAI
one of grandeur, and his hearty hand
shake and willing ear to listen to thu
successes achieved, it is little wonde
that the tie that binds is so strong
between the master and the pupil
Thus it was very pleasant to receive
word several weeks ago that he coule
be here this year to attend the re
union. The program OF ednesday
commenced with the business meet
ing, which was called to order at 2.3'
D. m, by the president OF the asso
citation, Mr.. Frank Powers OF Arson
The board of officers elected for the
ensuing year were: Mr.. James A
Boardman of Bangor, president
Charles Mustard, Orlando Walker
Mrs. Addie Bixby Weston, vice presi
dents; Miss Hattie Longley, secre
tary; Mrs. Julia Haines Conant
treasurer; Mrs. Eta Danforth Wood
Mrs. Blanche Tobey Ward, Mrs
Jennie Hale Whiting, Miss Florence
Jewett, Cony Russell, L. L. Walton
and E. A. Hilton, executive com
mittee.
At six o'clock supper was served by
the ladies of Somerset Grange, ?. o.
H., in their new hall on Main street
The banquet was spread in the bis
dining room on the first floor and the
members fingered long around the
board, doing justice to the ample re
past and enjoying a social hour.
At eight O'Clock the company ad
iourned to the main hall to respond
TO the toasts and enjoy themselves
generally. In few well chosen
words President Powers presented
the guest of the evening, Mr.. Hamlin
F. Eaton of Cakes, So. Dakota. II
Mr.. Eaton had any doubts as 10 his
welcome the hearty applause which
greeted his introduction must have
Instantly dispelled them. He com
plimented the old town upon it's trim
appearance and spoke of the many
{ old residents who had passed away
since the days of his teaching here
He attributed the success of hi
J school largely to the strict discipline
, which was maintained. He said tina
he learned early in his teaching ex
perience that government was need
ed by but few OF the scholars, many
were orderly and anxious TO obey The
rules; a few needed government anC
still Others we're ARovernable; origi
nal WAYS Of treRDnent for the unrulN
made repetition of the offence unde-
sirabe to them. He said that he
would like to have heart TO hear
talk with each one but that TIME
would not permit. After thank
ing them for their kindness he
resumed his seat. A letter wa
next read from Mrs. Eaton, express