The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-11
EATON REUNION At
NORR|DGEWOCK
Hamlin F. Eaton Was Present and
Welcomed Many OF the Alumni.

Bigger, better, sweeter, is the rec
ord of the fifteenth annual reunion
of the Eaton and Norridgewock High
School Alumni Association which
was held in the beautiful and historic
old town of Norridgewock on We'd
nesday, August g.
Hamlin F. Eaton, young man, a
school teacher, more than fifty years
ago builded better than he knew
when he conceived and carried out
the plan of the Eaton school. Humble
and assuming yet with that in
tense earnestness of character that
gave forcefulness and left a lasting
imprint upon minds of things which
go to make good men and women, he
gave a character to his school that
lifted it from its humble origin and
rural surroundings and made its re-
putation national; for there is scarce
ly state in the whole Union but has
one or more of the Eaton boys or
girls and where ever found they are
il walks of life above the average, a
memorial of the efficiency of Mr..
Eaton's teachings.
On this occasion the afternoon was
given up to the true reunion OF hearts
in the old school room. The veneer
able teacher present, the room
crowded, every seat taken by the
members, it was easy for them to
drop Oft thirty, forty or fifty years if
need be, and sitting in the old seats,
listening to the old stories, become
young again and almost fear that the
keen eye of the master might detect
them in some infraction of the rules
and bring them censure. But the
time was not wasted as the busy hum
of voices attested.
The business meeting was held
here later in the afternoon. The
committee chosen to prepare a list
of officers reported and the officers
were elected in accordance: Presi-
dent, George Russell of Readfield;
Vice President, Clarence Weston of
Portland Secretary and Treasurer,
Miss Harriet Longley of Norridge-
wock; Executive Committee, Miss
Cora Baker of Norridgewock; Orlan-
do Walker of Arson; Fred Stevens of
Norridgewock; Miss Florence Jewett
of Norridgewock; Mrs. Minnie Man
tor of Skowhegan; Prof. j. c. Parlln
OF Norridgewock.
After some discussion by the soci-
ETY. it was voted to establish the first
Wednesday in August as the annual
reunion day.
A committee on Resolutions was
appointed consisting of Mrs. Mary
Carr, E. A. Lowe and Mrs. d. G.
Wood. After the business session
was completed all adjourned to the
Grange hall where the ladies of Som
erset Grange had one of the finest
spreads seen for long time. Salads
cold meats, baked beans with good
supply of cakes, pastries, coffee, and
other good things made every one
feel happy.
The evening entertainment in the
Congregational church commenced at
eight O'Clock. The President, Mr.
| w dihcI, DOlHS W olug LII tilS
entire evening called the newly elect
ed president to the chair to preside
over the meeting. After a few re-
marks by the chairman the program
of the evening was taken up:
Instrumental music by Mr.. and
Miss Morrison of Skowhegan
The president called upon the be-
loved teacher Mr.. Eaton, who was
roundly applauded as he stepped tc
the platform. AS he stood in a char
acteristic pose before the large as
semblage, his children in a sense, he
spoke the feelings nearest his heart
He said that 1t had been his good for
tune to stand on the deck of one oil
the vessels which went down the har.
Dor to meet ex-President Roosevelt
and they followed the steamer or
which he had crossed, back, to heal
the splendid welcome which was &C
corded him. Later he had also haC
the good fortune to be In Brunswick
on "Peary Day" Well might these
men be proud of their reception. Blu
little glass can be just as full as
the biggest cask. And | am just as
proud of the warm welcome | have
received here today" Mr.. Eaton spoke
of the very many old students he hat
had the privilege of meeting in many
OF the different cities of the wes
where. he had been travelling during
the past year. They were all glaG
to hear of the work of the Associa,
ton and sent greetings for this meet
ing to the members. How glad they
would be to be here tonight along this
beautiful street and how many
changes they would find on the other
side of the river" (south side.) Mr.
Eaton here spoke of the stage coacl
with its six horses and as business
did not warrant so splendid an outfit
how it dwindled down to one horse
with which all of the business be-
tween Norridgewock and the towns
| down river was transacted. Re-
| ferring again to the students unable
to be present How glad they would
be to be here and see the many
changes. | believe it is an unheard OF
thing for pupils to come together af
ter more than thirty years.
am not called upon to make a
speech, only to thank you for your
presence and for the kind greetings
have received" At the close the ap.