Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-01-04
RED LETTER DAY.
Oak Grove Seminary Be-
gins New Year Well,
DedicateS Fine New Gymnasi-
um---We|| Equipped.
Much School Spirit Manifested by
Students and Alumni.

| Nassalboro, Me. Jan. 5.-Jan. /, 1909
was a red letter day in the history OF
Oak Grove Seminary. marking the
| opening of broader life for the school.
The event was the dedication of the
new gymnasium. Not for many years
has there been an occasion which has
| brought forth 50 much school spirit
and enthusiasm. Graduates, former
| pupils and friends of the school came
from far and near to enjoy the exer-
| cises and show their interest in the
| school.
| The gymnasium is the finest and
most substantial that has ever been
| erected on the hill, not over elaborate,
| but thoroughly and carefully built in
| every particular, and Spiendidly adapt
ed to the purpose of its erection. The
architect is j. Edward Richardson of
Dover, n. H., and the builder, Dimon
G.. Mitchell of Bddeford, Me. The
building is colonial in design, upon a
| founda ion of rubble stone, from three
to 10 feet showing above ground. The
gymnasium floor measures 40X7Q and
is open to the roof. Along one side is
an observation balcony, with a seating
capacity of $50. A physical direction
room and reception room are on the
same floor as the gymnasium. Above
there is q room measuring 35Xl5, to
be used as an art room. In the base
ment space is provided for dressing
room. showers and lockers: these are
1Nnc o1,,o MT
also contains a large room 70x25, we'll
lighted and high posted, which will be
provided with tools and machinery for
a manual training department as soon
as the necessary funds can be secured.
The dedication exercises were held IN
the afternoon and evening. beginning
at 4.30. George l.. Crossman,. VINO mas
been so generous in his gifts spoke OF
the joy he felt in seeing the completed
building for which he had hitherto
seen only the plans. He congratulated
Principal Jones upon the tenaclty with
which he had held to the idea OF haV-
ing a good gymnasium at Oak Grove
and the splendid building thus obtain
ed He also said, 1T is never well TO
say can't for anything. We have a
gymnasium; now let us have souni
minds in healthy bodies
, Mr.. Jones next introduced President
Roberts of Colby College who gave one
If his characteristic talks urging
everybody to make college his goal. He
said that the present time demands
college work of it's young men, not
wholly that they may succeed finan-
,ially, but for their own enjoyment
# life and that they may give more to
ife for the sake of others; college
caches one to make a life, not merely
L living Three things are essential
or the perfect development of the IN
lividual body, intellect and moral ma
turc The latter two have always
)een found at Oak Grove and now eX-
,elent provision is being made for the
'ormer. In regard to the moral life
United with intellect President Roberts
aid: q would rather have good air
md bad food than pure food and bad
lir"
AS representative of former pupils,
principal of the school and citizens of
he town OF Nassalboro, Edward II,
,ook told briefly the history of the
school. saying that each disaster had
brought ultimate good. He commend
women who had graduated, and gave
he illustration Of John Hill. who be-
anne wealthy. not through his parent
lgc, but by the education he received
while he attended Oak Grove. Mr..
Cook closed his address by remark
which received the merited applause,
Oak Grove is yet young, Mr.. Jones It's
principal is also young, may they grow
Did together"
The student body as well as those
less we'll acquainted with him. We're
glad to have Principal Jones speak 4
few words in appreciation of the in
tereSt which the town of NaSSalbo"o
has always taken in the school, say
nE, while the town owes us much.
we owe the town much more not only
for the support it has given us, but
for the interest and loyalty which it
shows He very aptly compared some
Of the phases of school life to different
books in the Bible. Each school must
have its Genesis, each school has at
times its Lamentations, every school
writes it's Book of Acts. May the acts
of oak Grove speak louder than it's
words.
Between the addresses school songs
were sung, and at the close refresh
ments were served, that all might re-
nam to enJoymain to enjoy the basket
pail game between the school and
Alumni teams. The school was kind
enough to allow their opponents to win
by a score of 30 to g. Then came the
recreation for which the students had
been eager. the socable This was in
charge of the Senior class, and was
thoroughly enjoyed by ali