The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1909-02-12

heard early on the morning Of Feb
ruary 9TH, 1909. We listened, refus-
ing to believe, but alas, they were
too true, for on nearing the spot
where the dear old school house
: stood we found to our sorrow that
1t had been reduced to ashes.
Yes, there was nothing remaining
but few smolderlng embers, and
we could but look upon the remains
OF the dear little school house that
had become so dear to us. Those
six and thirty happy faces will
brighten that room no more.
How often we will recall the hap
Ply days spent together, where we
learned TO love and help each other,
where our fathers and mothers
learned the same lesson and sported
upon the same green.
For many years has the iocund
laugh of the young folks made the
bright air brighter and the distance
nearer as from the numerous direc-
tions led the paths which the child
rem trod from day to day as they
came to the dear little school house
meath the foot OF the hill.
] The last meeting Of this happy
band was Friday, February 8, 1903.
We Ms always spent pleasant day,
though 1t had rained most all day.
In the afternoon the work for the
week was finished and the sound OF
casual footsteps had ceased from
the school house and we could only
hear now and then the distant voices
of some Of the school children as
they wendell hOmeward. Little did
we think that IL would be our last
time TO separate at Mosteller school
, house.
= How happy we lad all been dur
ing the week. With what pleasure
had we joined in the games and
y sports upon the play ground, and at
the sound Of the bell had as diligent-
" ~ sought the lessons. With what
lluh VIC CIVIL
other and later joined In the ram
page with the popgun raid, and other
sports too numerous to mention
l. were INDUCED In to make school life
pleasure and all seemed to enjoy
% coming to school.
But alas Those happy days are
over, which would have been short
ly, anyway, there being but three
more weeks till the term would have
y closed, but we are sorry to come e
u the end Of the chapter 40 suddenly
and abruptly.
- When care and time our memories
IL blot,
When years our measures I'LL,
p Wen think some time of the ieOl
:. old spot,
" The school house meath the hill.
NV pupils, It's the end Of school,
l. The term will have.to close.
or Wen say farewell, and go our ways
al And get an earned repose.
The bell no more will ring for you,
re TITS melted with the heat;
IL And the school house. that we loved
!. so we'll,
" Is ashes at our feet.
Our separations, long or short,
IN There's only One can tell;
rs But what He does Is always best,
ID As you all know full well.
O. But oft I'll think as days go by,
A. or all my pupils dear;
n NV thoughts will wander back to yot
+" Through all the coming year.
My wishes best go with you all,
My aids at your command
1t To fit you for llfe's battles fierce,
To lend helping hand.
Our meeting here from day to day
Has knit us In u tie
OF friendship, kindness and gooC
G. will,
I'd Which time will sanctify.
I've labored hard to teach you well
O. True knowledge to impart,
:, To train the mind In wisdOm'E ways
And educate the heart.
., And well know our coming here
For months, from day To day,
'r Has done you good and fitted you
r. TO find life's better way.
You've laid foundations sure anc
Is strong,
a. On which to build life,
That In the future time will shine,
VI Aud triumph over strife.
But oft your thoughts will backward
VI turn
Ii TO the school of youthful days,
2 Where oft as boys and girls you met,
10 When life was all ablaze.
The time to say farewell has come
q But ere we hence depart,
My thanks To yoU for kindness shown
y give with all my heart.
% And now farewell, the day declines
IL 4. Al.