The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-02-28

its district. 1t was said that elabor-
ate preparations were in progress for
a fitting observation of Washington s
birthday, on Saturday last, and that
all who would favor the school by
their presence would be well reward
ed. Expectations had risen to high
pitch, but high though they were,
they were surpassed. Sometime ago,
under the able leadership of Miss
Elsa Brown, their teacher pu-
pills organized the Y. P. S. club, and
resolved that they would put forth
their best efforts to raise staff and
flag in honor of the Father of His
Country" on his natal day, and on
Saturday they gave proof of their
, ability to make good their resolu-
tions. OF course, it must be conced-
ed that the Young Peoples Social
Club" did not do it alone, but they
we're given all necessary aid by their
parents and friends, but they deserve
great credit for the perseverance
with which they worked and are to
be heartily congratulated upon their
success. Much to the disappointment
of all, the 22nd dawned dark and
dreary with rain, but notwithstand-
ing all obstacles, a large percentage
and points far distant, arrived at the
school before two o'clock to learn
what the young people had in store
for them and to shout themselves
hoarse for the dear old Stars and
Stripes.
This is not fight of fancy, nor
does the writer intend to fill the
heads of the future citizens of Atco
with fiat bombat, or in other words
to throw bouquets at them, but he
wants to say right here and now that
his hat comes off when his mind re-
turns to the pleasant hours he spent
in the little hamlet near the historic
Delaware few years ago.
The pupils intended raising a staff
and flag, and they raised both. A
beautiful, stately, spruce staff
straight almost as an arrow, and per-
fectly tapered from butt to point,
peeled and planed to nearly ideal
smoothness by Messrs. Metzemacher,
Wilbert and Miller. 1t was surmount-
ed by an elaborate ornament and
had been placed in position, we'll and
firmly set upon a chestnut post six
feet high which was reinforced by
two heavy planks, iron-bound to
make them extra strong, the foot be-
ing set in concrete to enable it to
resist the stormy winds, and now the
staff rears it nearly fifty feet OF
stateliness in front of the school
house, monument to the enterprise
of the pupils.
Too much can not be said for the
public spirit displayed by the men.
The staff was presented by Sidney
Woodley, who, together with Arte-
mus Branning and two others gave
ap entire afternoon to the task of
finding, telling and bringing out a
tree which they thought worthy of
the purpose. Martin Lilholt gave his
time and team in bringing the tree
to the school house. Mr.. Metzemach-
er worked nearly three days in shap-
ing the tree; George Heller contribut-
ed the post; William Guinnip the
planks; Fred Yatho furnished the
bands, and hauling, setting up the
post, etc., were attended to by F.
Herold, John Fredenburg, and John
Buckingham, who united their efforts
with those mentioned above. Stop
a moment to consider that all this
was done without compensation, and
you will quickly realize that the
good old spirit of American patriot
ism and liberality is far from being
dead. The young people had obtain
ed by public subscription the sum
of $11.35 and box party arranged
for the purpose of getting funds,
netted nearly S14. They bought
fiag-United States army bunting
Sx12 feet in size for $1,000, and dec
Grated the school house in and out
side in such an elaborate manner
that the visitors unanimously de-
clared it was the best that had ever
been attempted by any of the country
schools. They engaged five members
of the Boys Band of Honesdale to
furnish music, paying 50 for their
services, and after paying all ex-
|penses, had surplus of 39 cents on
hand. They were proud to announce
THAT their flag had no mortgage
against it, and the audience enthusi-
Fastically responded to call for funds
E with which to provide fitting locker
bfor the national colors. Nearly two
hundred assembled. They came to
Pee, to criticize, or to praise-and 1t
His a safe bet that all went away
fpraising. The speakers inspired old
Rnd young alike with their eloquence,
Telling of our great general and his
worth following. Consider that At
orney G. P. Searle came from Homes
lale as did the musicians, Rev. Minch
= anne from Tyler Hill, Supt. of
Schools j. j. Koehler journed from
: #Ionesdale, Mrs. Van Gorder from
&Beachlake and you can easily surmise
hat the youngsters worked hard to
Il ecure success.
The program was divided in two
arts, afternoon and evening. The
az rose to its position midst the
trains of the Star Spangled Ban
er." rendered by the band and audi
nee and was saluted with volley of
s wenty-one guns and rousing cheers.
+ n the absence of Rev. w. j. Sey-
hour, whose coming was prevented
" illness, Mrs. Van Gorder opened
be exercises with prayer. The man
Ter in which the children carried
+ leir parts surpassed all expectations
H nd IL was easily seen by the bright