River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1914-06-25
NORMAL SCHOOL
CORNER STONE LAID
Impressive Masonic ceremonies---Large
Crowd in Attendance
Continued from last Week.

Mr.. Perry, as Grand Master, was
in charge of the ceremonies. The
first number on the program was
a lively and well rendered selec-
ton DIV the Normal School orches-
fra. This was followed by a song
BY the popular male quartet, com
posed of Professors Wright and
Welles, Rev. G.. A. Bird and W..
Chapman.
Mr.. Perry then discoursed at
some length upon topics pertain
ing to this occasion, carrying his
ideas through in a humorous vein,
which, while it kept his audience
in a happy mood, did not defect
them from a full appreciation OF
the truth and force Of his message.
The address was followed by a
splendidly worded invocation by
Chaplain E. P. Sanderson.
The ceremony of proving the
cornerstone. with the square, level
and plumb was then performed by
Grand Deputy Master E. E. CAT
cheIl, Grand Senior Warden F. P.
Ainsworth and Grand Junior War
den w. P. Knowles, respectively,
directed by Grand Master w. W..
Perry, who, in conclusion turned
over the building work to Grand
Architect H. Oestrich. The beau
tiful sentiment in this part OF h
ceremony was especially fitting, as
Mr.. Oestrich is employed in over
seeing the construction work now
in on the building. After
the conservation the male quartet
rendered another song selection.
President Crabtree, who is also
Grand Secretary Of the lodge, then
placed the documents in the metal
box to be enclosed in the corner
stone, describing each briefly.
DR.. T. W. Ashley requested the
privilege Of enclosing a note Oh
appreciation from the River
Falls Commercial Club, which he
read.
The box was sealed and lowered
into the cornerstone by Grand
Treasurer G. f. Winter.
f. p. AinsWorth, a former mem
Der Of the Board of Regents, ana
for many years a resident OF this
city, told OF the work OF obtaining
more substantial recognition tor
the local school by the Legislature
and regents.
President Kronshage of the Mil
Waukee Normal school was x
pected to be present and deliver
the principal address OF the day,
but he was delayed on a business
trip to Houston, Texas, ana was
unable to reach here in time. Rev.
G.. "A. Bird was called upon to I'LL
Mr.. K~ronshage's place on the pro-
gram, and, without opportunity
tor preparation, condensed into a
short address a strong appeal o
even greater appreciation of the
blessings and advantages brought
to this community by the school,
illustrating these facts in a sound
and f~orcetul manner.
The program closed with a song
by the Boys Glee Club.
Ing 10 IIlC lI1DuIG 1IOII I1lC
River Falls Commercial CLUB, read
by DIR. L. w. Ashley:
events like mile stones stand on
the road Of progress n retrogres-
sion. No event is a child OF cir
cumstances only but an offspring
of a cause greater than the event.
Events give the occasions for re-
jOicing or sorrow. Flags may gaily
fly, accompanied with bright col
ors. Smiling faces may be seen
and happy laughter heard. Or
the flags may be draped in sable
hues and instead of smiles and
laughter, the people walk in mea-
sured tread to the Dead March in
Saul.
''The greatness of an event de-
ponds not so much on the event
itself as on the number of people
it affects. Viewed from this n
gle of vision the event we cele-
brate today may be properly cata-
logued among the great ones. This
event is an occasion for great re
joicing and gratitude III this part
of the state of Wisconsin, espec-
tally this City of River Falls.
"The laying of the corner stone
of this noble structure dedicated
to the cause of Education is not
a fortunate circumstance merely,
but 70 the tireless, wise and well
directed efforts of our own Presi-
dent Crabtree more than any other
man. The citizens of River Falls
extend heartfelt thanks to him
Tor the past also a supreme con-
fidence in him for the future. We
would not forget his collaborators
among whom our senator and
townsman, Hon. George Skogmo,
and Hon. George Thompson of
Ellsworth gave unstintedly of their
time and ability. If in the I'M
certain future by some great con-
vulsion Of nature or movement of
expediency these Archives should
be opened, may those who look
upon these lines be able to read
between them in stronger and un-
written language the sentiments
of gratitude ard appreciation that
lives now and forever in the hearts
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