Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-14
AND CON-
TEST AT ERSkINE
ACADEMY, CHINA

South China. Me-. Dec 13.--(spectal).
"A most interesting event took place
at Erskine Academy Saturday evening,
Dec. 5. when the Erskine Boys Potato
Club gave its exhibit and contest. Be-.
sides an exhibit Of 10 potatoes which
he had grown. each boy read an essay
entitled How I Made and Marketed Ny
Crop" Although all on the same sub
Ject, each boy followed his individual :
style and the essays were both instruct
i've and amusing. The following pro-
gram was presented:
Selection. Erskine Orchestra; address,
Rev. Perry Macy; piano selection, Benz.
Clark; essay, ]. Hovey Thompson: es-
say, Luther Dodge; vocal selection, Miss
Starrett; essay, Cony Robinson; seiec-
ton, Erskine Orchestra; essay, Wilbur
Casey; vocal duet, Miss Starrett and
Cecil harrington; address. Mr.. r. P.
Mitchell; selection by quartet, Messrs.
Macy, Owen. Wentworth, Harrington;
essay. Webster Wentworth: vocal duet,
Misses Halves and MERCER; essay, Rue
Thompson: essay. Emmons Casey; vocal
selection, Miss Starrett; essay. George
Morrell. vocal duet, Miss Starrett and
Cecil harrington; essay, Benz. Mosher:
essay. Benz. Clark; selection, Erskine
Orchestra; address, Mr.. W. ]. Thomp-
son: piano selection, Benz Clark.
Principal Owen introduced Rev Perry
Macy. who took for his theme THE
Value of the Potato Club to the Com
munity," and treated the subject with
his admired vigor and earnestness. Mr.
dnr 1f .
clubs in Maine was delight and In
spiratien to all. as he proved that the
farm was the place for the boys and
girls Mr.. Thompson in his pleasing
manner spoke in an interesting way of
the profits of farming.
The friends of the academy and par
ticularly the parents realized fully the
wonderful benefits of this agricultural
club to the boys and the community
and have cooperated heartily in the
work. Few schools are as fortunate as
Erskine at present is in the interest and
support of its many friends. In spite
of extremely bad roads friends came
for miles and the result was one of the
largest and most delightful social gath
erings in years
Those interested in the club may be
pleased to knew that II is the Oldest
one in this State. Last year as soon
as Mrs. owen learned of the proposed
organizations, she wrote to the State.
University for information, interested
the boys and in short time the State
Leader came and organized the first
Boys Potato Club here at Ersktne.
Many have been formed since but South
China can claim the first. Frequent
meetings We're held during the year to
discuss Seed soil and the numerous
problems. Mrs. Owen sent to Senator
Burleigh and secured every potato bull
letin issued by the government for each
boy. In July and August Mr. and Mrs.
Owen visited each boy to give help and
encouragement.
Mrs. Owen. who was made local
leader last December by the State UNI
versity, has succeeded in her efforts to
keep the boys interested and enthusiasts
tic from start to finish and the result
is one OF the best organized clubs In
this State
Mr.. Mitchell expressed himself as
thoroughly pleased with the work Of
the cub and made special request,
since the exhibits were so excellent,
that the entire lot be shipped to the
State University. He was so delighted
with the club that each boy won honor
able mention and trip to Orono Dec.
Fl. 20 and %. At present the entire
club, accompanied by Principal and
Mrs. Owen, plans to attend the State
Exhibition.
The following boys won local prizes:
Highest number of points, 1st, Cony
Robinson; I'd. Luther Dodge. Greatest
yield, LIST. Cony Robinson (4s0 bushels
per acre.; End. ]. Hovey Thompson.
Largest profit, LIST, Benz Mosher; End.
Wilbur Casey. Best essay. LIST, Benz.
Clark: End, Wilbur Casey. Best exhibit.
LIST, j. Hovey Thompson; and. Benz.
Clark.