Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-06-23
My Days at North Parish School.

On 4 nice warm day in september,
mama said it was time for me to go to
school. SO / came up here with my sis
ter.
The room looked vastly different that
morning than it does today. The floor
was rough boards laid with an occas-
ional knot sticking up, ready TO trip UP
the boy or girl who did not lift MS
feet There were old board desks then
and although they lacked inkwells.
they were highly carved with hidious
figures which showed the workmanship
of idle brains and good sharp jack
knife. The teachers desk sat on the
little piece of stage that WAS in be-
tween the two entries.
The plastering WAS off from the cell
ing and the walls had half the paper
torn from them. but then, when the
room was clean and neat it was loved
by ali as it is now. The first work
had To do was to learn to know and
write the letter "A" which my teacher,
Miss Dagon said it stood for ape
Tie next was II. which stood for
baboon." Then c. for cat and ID"
cor dog and so on clear down the al
phabet.
Soon after started to go to school |
began to look forward to today. the day
| graduate. At first if seemed so Tar
ahead and there was SO much to do
that | did not think it could ever be
accomplished. But with the teacher
untiring efforts, and my perseverance
have advanced a step farther each
year until l have reached the place
where | have longed TO be for so many
wears Although my school days have
been very uneventful. there has been
many changes in the schoolhouse. The
old board desks have been replaced by
nice smooth ones and we now have a
hardwood floor A few years ago. after
we left our mothers, if our hands and
face got soiled we had to go that way
until we got home at night. But now If
we are dirty it is just from choice. not
from the lack of implements to do with
as we have a nice white sink and "A
good place to wash.
The only music we had to march i'll
nv was the teachers voice steadily
saving Left, right, left. right and as
many, many of the pupils did not know
which was which we abandoned this
method, and by our parents and neigh
enough. to get a cheap organ. At first
| il xas constant source of delight TO
us bu: after time it began to squeak
dismaIiy and so our ambitions soured
still higher and by hard work we got
this nice piano.
From time to time the walls have
been decorated with paper and fresh
paint and we have a few pictures so
now the room presents tidy appear
ance The platform has been mace
larger. new blackboards put in and
many other changes for our comfort
and convenience. The first few years
went to school | had many teachers
but for the last seven years but one
has guided and instructed me.
During my school days at North
Parish we have had three superinten-
dents. The first. MIR. Titcomb. who for
wears took a great interest not only IN
the schools but every scholar in them
and was able to call them all by name.
He remained until death removed him
from his office. Mr.. La Rue succeeded
Mr. Titcomb. and Mr.. Marshall, MI La
Rue.
Our little country school has received
the same instructions in sewing. draw
ing and music as the city schools. Then
besides all the helps and enjoyment we
nave had in our work. we have had the
same advantage for our amusement at
recess. The ground has been levcied up
and we have two sets of eroquet.
Nine Graduates.
Il tfs