Putnam patriot., 1909-09-10

NcakoFS toNAFttS ttlf ChHrCh 10 feNciNl her sanction in the efforts for true edu cation, For think lt in order here |, express the hope that what has beer placed in our hands may he we'll used Indeed, education, not only in the It. strieted sense ef impat,ing.the elements ct different. branches of knowledge, but education in ils largest sense, the bring. ing out the best that there Is in those coming under its iniiaenee-may be the earnest aim and power of this school. IL k most beautiful building, and to match such educational equip mcnt with adequate returns must strain the best teaching ability. To be wor- thy of it we must match II with the high purpose of educational aims of doing work of severe mental discipline, careful training and study. We must summon ourselves to efforts which shall realize the high educational ideals this school ought to accomplish.
 To secure this we must go to the high est source Of inspiration--even to God Almighty!
 REV. C. |. RAMSEY.
 This splendid building makes me "wish l were boy again. almost envy the youth who shall shortly enter these halls to begin their High School course.
 Mir. Chairman: The building sug. gests. to my mind, three great elements Of character; Solidarity Strength Sym metery. These three to be wrought into the life of coming generations ol boys and girls. The strength of the granite hills is here. The iron and steel of the erucible and forge Is here. cen- crete symbols of the strength of sound knawleige and wisdom to he wrought into the lives of our boys and girls, The arrangement and equipment ol the building expresses the modern ideu of symmetrical unfolding of the powers of mind-soui--body.
 What gift this is! The Town ol Thompson has shown it's manhood In recognizing and accepting 1t. The town meeting which nearly unanimously accepted this trust honored not the do nors, but was Itself highly honored The acceptance Of such h gift Is hardly \ virtue. Who would mol hold out both hands to receive such plum7
 May the future of the school be sue cessful. ltsproduct manifests the wis dom of It's builders and donors. It's maintenance anu guidance prove that such benefaclion has not been mis placed.
 Miss ELLEN D. HARMED.
 "I am very happy to be here on this memorable occasion. Itgiyes me great pleasure to view this magnificent build. Ing, dedicated to the instruction Of oui young men and young women. Wt have needed such an institution for a long time. It Is contrary to the theory of onr Connecticut school system that children should be obliged io seek high Ter education outside. Each town K | little Republic. Ins years past the town of Thompson had sixteen school dis tricts, each presided over by school committeeman and n master of each school. IL was here that the children received their education. There were many bright young men and young women and many Of them, after they graduated, taught these same schools.'
 Miss Larned then named some of Inc men that had attained distinction and achievement who had received their early training in Thompson, among the number being Elisha Converse, John Doane, General George Davis and General John Tourteiiottc.
 " Times have changed, and instead of the little red school house the State now calls on the town to furnish It's children higher education or send them to other towns to get IL. l rejoice thnl Thompson can now offer its children such advantages. want to see the young people grow up to be good citi. zens and pride to our town. want the foreigners who come to Thompson to realize that the town looks out foI them. Thompson is slow, steady and consistent. First, there was debt, and that was to be got rid of.
 "I forgot to speak Of General Davis, . Thompson man, who finished the Washington Monument. There was something the matter with it's founda- ton and he had the task of making Il right. I hope all the children may come here and De educated 70 they will obtain foundation to 90 forth Into thu world and fight their battles.
 "This great institution is going to dt much good, and 1 hope the children will take advantage of the benefits q affords, and will grow up to i's credit to the town, themselves, and their fore fathers"
 PRINCIPAL GEO. R. HATHAWAY.
 "vcry probably, fl were to begts most naturally, would ask master A to stand up 10 the blackboard and soiv' the problem Of \, or Miss E. to trans late. tell you the boys will have ' put red pepper in their shoes b keel up 10 the girls.
 AThis meeting tonight is Of specis significance, not % much because | the town of Thompson there is build ing, but because there h m opportun ty. Though the building be an ides