Norwich bulletin., 1909-08-27

CHITUTGH town and the establishment of the little red schoolhouse in certain locali- ties. Strong character is often devel- oped more easily in these small schools. Though two new educational advantages have come to Plainfield lately. there is still work to be done ill the outlying districts, and persons here who can accomplish what they set about An original poem by Mrs. Fan ny Phipps Clarke of Waterbury gave the story of the day and the author in clever way and was received with enthusiasm.
 America, Yesterday, Today and To-
 morrow.
 Hon. George J. Covey. former United States consul at Amsterdam, now of Brooklyn, NY. spoke interestingly of America of yesterday, today and to- morrow. He traced the little red schoolhouse from its line of houses in 1526 from Amsterdam to Rome across the seas in the Mayf1ower and all over New England In 1779 George Wash ington knew of Plainfield academy which was the greatest one in Con recticut. Hon. Mir. Covey lectures in New York schools for the board of education and trains the parents in knowledge and love for George Wash ington, Lincoln and others. These peo- pie from all nations must be taught patriotism and one of the best ways to do it Is to keep the flag flying over the schoolhouse. America is the school of the whole world. The Improvements of the past thirty years have done much to unify the nation-north south. east and west are one, with the stars and stripes above them all Through all is a rivalry for education. It is the grandest country in the world and we should look up and do more to make it even better. Take the word mother for the watchword and strive to pass on to the millions coming to us a chance for a fair start. They are all eager to learn. He spoke of the im- portance of Plainfield academy-more to him than the degrees of three or four universities-the foundation of his education and compared it with the University of Leyden, small in size but wonderful in achievement in the pro- duction of sturdy character. It must be preserved.
 Changes in PIainfieId.
 Rev. Frank A. Fuller spoke of the material changes in the town of Plain field, of new and wonderful machinery and methods and products, but nothing when compared to the products of the old stone factory on the hill which turned out men as it's product. Environment counts in character sphere in sold PlainfieldI The instruc- tors, too, did their best with the ma terial al hand and he paid high tribute to their noble lives and the high ideals they set before their pupils.
 Other Speakers.
 Rev. Michael Toomey of Portland, Me, though not graduates said that he felt like the Irishman who said, when asked what he'd be if he wasn't an Irishman, that he'd be ashamed of himself. He ought to have graduated from Plainfield. However, if Plainf1eld academy had produced none other than Dr. Spalding it would have done it's work. He was the one man above the others at the meeting in Portland. In former days boys went to the academy with purpose. What they learned was only an aid to the art of living and to fit them for a place in life.
 Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler of Brooklyn, N. Y, spoke from the teachers stand point. Of the scholars of 25 years ago three have won high distinctions, many have outstripped their teachers and these are proud of them all. She gave several entertaining "reminiscences of those days. She spoke of new problems in education and the need of con- servating energy and of giving train ing suited to individual needs Restore ideahsm and graciousness and the dig nifty of work.
 William P. Cross of theU nited States courts, Providence, R. l., wished he had the key to the garden of rhetoric but thought the gift might be super1uous on this occaMsion. He wished the re- unions, were held oftener. but as the years between did not count with him there were compensations. This oc- casion reminded him of Longfellow's poem beginning O gift of Godl o per- feet dayl
 Miss Mary Gay Robinson and Win slow B. Gallup were called upon for short speeches. and letters of regret from fifteen other distinguished alum nj were read by the secretary.
 Rev Henry T. Arnold of Norwich formerly of Plain1eld, spoke a few words of appreciation of the value of the occasion and eternal life of these Fundamentals which grew here for 125 years
 Several musical selections were giv- en by Lyon ss orchestra during the af- ternoon. dnd the exercises closed with America and the benediction by Rev Mir. Balcom of Plainfeld
 Reception in Evening.
 A reception in the evening at the opera house was an enjoyable affair. The musical programme included a piano solo by Mrs William Adams of Moosup, group of songs by Mrs.