Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1917 — TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DEDICATED [ARTICLE]

TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DEDICATED

Appropriate Ceremonies Friday Were Largely Attended. The formal dedication of the new Marlon township consolidated school was held Friday, commencing with a sumptuous dinner at the noon hour, served by the mothers of. the pupils of the school. All of the other schools of the township had been dismissed for the occasion and it is estimated that more than 200 people were present. Immediately following the dinner the pupils of the school rendered a very pleasing literary program consisting of recitations and dialogues. The principal talk of the afternoon was made by former Sheriff John O’Conuor, whose love of country and patriotism is above question. Mr. O’Connor’s talk was largely concerning his experiences and observations in the United States navy in making a trip around the world, a-nd proved very interesting as well as instructive. County Superintendent Lamson, /who is heartily in favor of the consolidated school as the best means of education for rural pupils, was called upon to formally present to the school a large flag that had been purchased by Trustee Wood. Mr. Lamson made a short but very appropriate and interesting talk. L. H. Hamilton, who served several years as county superintendent, was called upon for a few remarks and responded with some of his experiences in school work and what he hoped to see accom? plished in the future. Trustee Harvey Wood, Jr., made a very interesting talk, and while not attempting to make a speech, his utterances were appreciated by all who heard him, Hlarvey Wood, Sr., who has seen the district schools of Jasper county grow from a r few scattered log huts to the splendid and efficient system of today, made a few remarks concerning the schools of early days that proved of great delight and interest tq both old and young. Frank Morrow and Worth McCarthy also were called upon and each responded to the pleasure of all present. The Marion township consolidated school has two rooms on the main floor and two rooms in the basement which can be used for recitation rooms When necessary. The consolidated school is considered a great step forward in the educational world and the time is probably not far distant when such will predominate throughout the state and nation. The schools of Kankakee township have already • been consolidated and the /move has iproven, successful from all viewpoints. Keener township is at present planning for a consolidated school building at Demotte, and while there is some opposition among the, patrons it is’ thought the project will go through. Steps have also been taken to consolidate the schools of other townships, which ■will probably be done within the next few years. ’ .