The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1921-03-18
a HAPPY REUNION

Inc most enjoyable event Of the
season occurred in Belleview last
Thursday evening. March 18th, in the
Town Hall, it being the reunion Of
MIS- Reynolds, and the pupils of her
school, who were the boys and girls,
g. over 80 years ago. Mrs. Reynolds,
who formerly was Miss Emma L. Mil
Ter Of Cleveland. Ohio. came to teach
the village school in the fall of 1887,
and during period of nine years,
taught six years. There are about
rs former members of her school,
some Of whom reside here, others
spending the winter here. The tenth
Of March was Mrs. Reynolds birthday,
and the members of her school sur
prised her that evening.
In the early days or our town, the
hall was the schoolroom, five days OF
the week, and was chosen as the most
appropriate place to meet.
After the first greeting, and sur
prise of meeting were over. the one
in charge OF the program, though not
member OF the school, expressed
herself, as most fortunate, in being
honored with a place among the hap
py company, and paid most fitting
tribute to Mrs. Reynolds, whom she
had known from her first coming 70
Belleview. Then announced America
which was sung with old time spirit,
after which Miss Hilda Monroe, an
accomplished pianist, played III Ira
vatore,y with great expression, winch
was much enjoyed.
Mrs. B. N Tanner, formerly from
Ohio, who fifty years ago was q stu
dent In Mrs. Reynolds school in that
state. gave some very pleasing memo
ries of those days, and spoke especial
" Of Mrs Reynolds opening her school
with reading of scripture, and prayer,
Of the influence it had upon the pupils,
Of their high regard for her, and ex-
hressed the desire that If all the stu
dents she had taught could meet her
again 1t would be large and notable
gathering.
Mrs Ida Harold then read a paper,
in form of letter THE Events Of a
day in School" which was Zine. and
brought out the names of students,
and amusing incidents of years ago.
Mrs. Mae Millican told of some of
the mischief she practiced behind her
geography cover, of the stern eye OF
the teacher, who discovered It, and
the penalty Of sitting up in front, to
he gazed at by the school, but that
she long ago realized the punishment
Was just.
MRS. Mabel Davis then read extracts
from q school paper, entitled "The
Belleview; Rambler" of which She
Was one OF the editors. 1t consisted
or ESSAYS, and rhymes, written by the
pupils which were interesting.
Mrs. Male. formerly Miss Mary
Brooks, and her sister, Miss Florence
Brooks. gave high tribute to Mrs. Rey-
nolds ais teacher, the former, speak
sznE Of the opening Of the school. with
reading the Bible, and prayer, and OF
her learning the 18th Psalm, while
] Miss Florence mentioned the fact. that
they were thoroughly drilled in the
multiplication table, and after few
years, when they went North to re-
side-entering school of some six
hundred pupils, after preliminary
examination their teacher asked
.swhere they, had attended SCHOOL,"
And added you have had an excel
lent teacher"
Others that spoke were Mrs. Lora
Crandall, Mr.. Rex Nichols and Mr. Ed
ward Pelot, all expressing the highest
regard for their teacher, and cherish
ing the memory of those days as most
dlelightful.
Mrs. Louis Weihe sang fine solo,
the words, written for the occasion,
I'VE are gathered in the old school
room tonight The former pupils
then marched around Mrs. Reynolds
chair. singing Can Aud Acquain-
lance be Forgot" and showered her
with birthday cards. Then Mrs. Rey-
nolds by request, told us how she
happened to come from her Western
home to Florida, and closed with very
appropriate. appreciative remarks, tell
ing how this little gathering Of her
former pupils had touched her heart
That words failed to express all she
felt, and trusting that all had started
right, and had chosen the best gift
for life, and If not. now was the time.