The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-08-09
EATON SCHOOL REUNION AT NOR.
RIDGEWOCK
Mrs. Florence Waugh Danf0rth Sec
Rotary

Rotary
Another milestone, the 57th In the
founding of the Eaton school, was
observed in the usual manner on Au-
gust 1st, 1923 in the old school build
| ing at Norridgewock. The clouds
that had been hanging over the town
! for several days, apparently ready
to send down showers of rain at any
time, cleared that morning and seemed
to say to the old pupils, who came
from far and near: We'll do our
part in scattering sunshine along
your path for today at least" Dinner
was served at 10 o'clock in one of the
recitation rooms on the first floor;
four long tables were beautifully set
with food, both substantial and dainty
and adorned with flowers from the
home gardens. The committee on
ARRANGEMENTS for the dinner were:
Mrs. EVE T. Hilton and Mrs. Joseph
inc M. Whitney ably assisted by sew
eral helpers. Ninety-eight people
were served and during the after
noon program several others came
and went, so that in all 107 old pu-
pills including their children and
guests did their part in making the
old building ring with laughter and
mirth.
The program was somewhat differ
ent from former years, in that more
time was given to the getting together
of small groups and talking over old
times perhaps a little more familiarity
than of old, and thereby making the
conventional afternoon program con-
siderably shorter. The usual short
entertainment given by the Norridge-
wock young people was omitted. Some
of us missed that, possibly, because
it is the desire of the older members
to get in touch as much as possible
with the younger generation, realiz-
ing as they do more and more each
year that these young people of to-
day must be the alumnae of tomor-
row. This short program at the be-
ginning of the afternoon meeting
seemed to provide link between the
| two generations. The meeting was
called to order at 2.30 in the big
school room upstairs, with Edward
Williamson of Lockport New York as
presiding officer. After brief ad-
dress of welcome, Mr.. Williamson read
a telegram from the much beloved
teacher Hamlin F. Eaton in Califor-
mia, expressing great regret at not
being able to be present. AS usual a
round of applause followed Letters
of regret at not being present were
read from Clarence Weston of Port
land, and a personal letter for Mr..
Eaton, explained fully why he could
not be one of us and view once more
the familiar scenes of his early man
hood.
A nominating committee consisting
of Eben Miller, Mrs. Evie T. Hilton
and viii Watson of Kingffeld was
appointed by the chair to recommend
officers for the coming year. The
election was as follows:
President, Edward f. Danforth,
Skowhegan; 1st vice president, Chas.
B. Davis, Portland; End vice presid-
ent, Chas. Judkins, Boston; secretary,
Mrs Florence Waugh Danforth; treas
urer, Mrs. Florence Jewett Taylor
executive committee, Mrs. Nellie Par
sons Clark, Fred e. Jewett, Jennie
Hale, Pearl Shepherd, all of Norridge-
wock, Edward Williamson of New
York, Mrs Abbie Wiley of Smith
field DR.. Lancaster of Madison. A
motion was carried to instruct the sec
rotary to send a telegram of greet
ing to Mr.. Eaton in California and
also one to Mrs. Alice Eaton in Brain
tree, Mass. Mrs. Eaton is the wife
of Amos Eaton who was for several
years an associate teacher with Ham
lin Eaton at Norridgewock. After
the business meeting, informal talks
by the old scholars followed in res
ponse to a roll call from the presid-
ent. Mrs. Carrie Hutchins of Fair
field was the first. She spoke most
feelingly of what it meant to come
back to the old school after a lapse
of 55 years, and emphasized especial
ly the absence Of familiar faces. Mrs
Hutchins also added how little We
know who will be the next to cross
the Great Divide" She told OF
seeing Mr. Eaton many times in Cali
fornia last winter. of his beautiful
home with his daughter who gave him
every attention, but she said: ale
does want to get back to Norridge-
wock once more and | believe he will
come to the next Reunion"
MT. Ju0KlnS OIL boston Sdlu he mac
enjoyed meeting the old boys and
young girls once more and expected
to be with us next year. He urged
having proper notices sent out for
the next reunion and in good season
saying business men had to arrange
for their vacations early in the sum-
mer. DR.. Fred Kennison of Boston
said he had not been in his native
town for Il years at Reunion time but
he was glad to be among the scenes
of his boyhood once more. He spoke
especially of the ambition so many
boys and girls received for further
study and how they were stimulated
by the old Eaton school to give the
best that was in them. for the good
of the world and their fellowmen.
Ned Barker of Watervlle departed
from the order of the program and re-
cited an original poem. Mr.. Bar
ker by the way is relative of the
past David Barker and has apparent
ly inherited some of his rhyme and
reason
Mr.. Bankers poem was entitled
what Are You Doing?" The last
IL