Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-06-03
D.A. R. DEDICATE
TABLET ON OLD
FORT HALIFAX
NOTABLES SPEAK
AT BELFAST HIGH
SCHOOL DEDICATION

Especial to the Kennebec Journal)
Belfast, June 2.-The dedication
Of the new 100000 building to be
known as the william G. Crosby
Junior-Senior High School, took
place Monday. opening with an au-
tomobile parade at 10 A. M. and fol-
lowed by the dedicatory ceremony
at 1 o'clock.
Governor Baxter, DR.. A. o. Thorn
as. Rev. Ashley A. Smith. DR.. Her
bert c. Libby Of Watervilie and
others who took part in the dedi-
catory exercises. were entertained by
the committee at luncheon at the
Windsor Hotel at u o'clock.
TIL afternoon exercises included a
concert by the Belfast Band, the
presentation of the building to the
city by Hon. Robert F. Dunton and
its acceptance by Mayor Orlando E.
Frost, brief speeches by Gov. Baxter
and DIR. Thomas. Supt. of Schools
e. E. Roderick presided.
A reception was held from Z to 9,
during which time concerts were
given by McKean's Orchestra and
Knowlton's Syncopators, and punch
was served by the Business and Pro-
fessional Women's Club. Addresses
were made by Rev. Ashley A. Smith
of Bangor and DR.. Herbert C. Libby
of Waterville. VIII r. Howard pre-
sided and Mrs. Katherine Quimby
Hollingshead was the vocal soloist.
Governor Baxter Speaks
Governor Baxter congratulated the
assembled citizens upon their fine
school building and spoke of his
deep concern in the schools of the
State. He declared that the public
schools of our State, as q rule, are
in excellent condition and each year
Sees improvement.
I'VE must hold to the public school
system and not let 1t be encroached
upon in any way" Governor Baxter
said. II want to see the time when
all our children attend the public
schools, associate together freely
and learn the lessons of free gov
eminent. Our people should study
our school system and they will I'M
derstand some of its problems.
Sometimes I hear people in the
smaller places complain a little
about the expense Of the modern
school. They remark that the little
red school house was good enough
for them and they argue that it
should be good enough for the chill
dren of today. Fortunately this idea
Is not generally prevalent over the
80 iun
that each generation must be given
a better start in life than the one
that preceded 1t. This change in
our attitude is due largely to the
leadership Of DR.. Thomas. our State
Commissioner of Education. Dur
ing his administration of seven years
more new school buildings have
been built in the State than during
any previous period of twice or three
times as long. DR.. Thomas has set
high standards for us and has stimu-
lated school authorities all over the
State to strive, not only for improved
methods of teaching. but for better
buildings and equipment.
1.-THE citizens of Belfast have
shown a most commendable public
spirit in the erection of this build
ing. You have made a distinct sac
rifice, for I know what it means in
taxes like a community like Belfast
to raise the large sum of money re-
ouired for this structure. Every dol
lar put into it comes from tbs earn
ings and savings OF cour citizens.
and means that many OF you viii!
have to forego other things until
this is paid for. But for what better
purpose could you make these sac
rifices than for the education OF
your children? 1t will prove wise
and in the years to come
YOU will reap rich returns from 1t.
I also am sure that the children
will appreciate the en-
Iarged opportunities which YOU here
in offer to them" i