Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1920 — COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES [ARTICLE]

COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES

(By Co. Supt -Sterrett) North Marlon consolidated was the scene of many notable educators last Friday afternoon. State Supt. L. N. Hines was present and gave the principal address of the occasion. Mr. Hines spoke for about 40 minutes and held his audience in closest attention. The primary message that stood uppermost in his remarks related to the big educational drive that will be staged throughout Indiana from Nov. 7-16. Equal opportunities to rural children throughout state was the major idea he presented. He congratulated the taxpayers of Marlon township upon their determination of giving their children additional opportunities in the fine new structure they were dedicating. All who heard Superintendent Hines knew that he valued the lives of rural children on a parity with that of city children. The occasion opened by a well prepared school program that lasted for about 40 minutes. This program emphasized the principle that talented children can be found in rural districts even though opportunities have been hampered heretofore. Every child felt a pride in perform-

Ing his part well and the combined efforts of children, teachers and parents made thia part of the program a complete success. Misses Pancoast, Shields and ' Chamberlain are to be congratulated for the part they played in making this meeting par excellent. The speaking opened at about 2:16. Trustee John Rush gave a short speech which he characterized as the “curtain raiser." Me Rush was .followed by former County Superintendent Ernest Lamson, who discussed the various advantages resulting from consolidation. The occasion brought into action the writing characteristics of the author of "Hoosier Hunting Grounds.” John E. Alter of Union township read a paper wherein he traced the school situation from pioneer times to the present. This paper furnished an excellent prelude to the talk given by Superintendent Hines. Mr. Alter was followed by County Supt. W. O. Schanlaub, who gave a very interesting 20-mlnute talk wherein he congratulated the citizens for their progressive school work. He said that every community was stifled with a very few of the non-progres-slve selfish type whose numbers were constantly thinning down until they have earned a back seat so. far in the rear that he could call everyone of them by name in Newton county. Mr. Schanlaub doesn’t believe in mincing words but strikes straight to his point with unusual convincing force. The gathering was favored by a reading from Mrs. Messman, a* patron of the school. The message of this excellently rendered reading was precisely in point. It would be difficult to prepare a program of such numbers that would excell this one in consistency. Mrs Messman seemed to anticipate* each number when she prepared this reading. While Supt. Schanlaub was speaking Trustee Postlll came from the afternoon train with State Supt. Hines and County Supt. Thomas ,W. Armstrong of Carroll county. The meeting was favored by a short talk from County Superintendent Armstrong, wherein he told some funny stories to the children that gave fun and refreshment to the audience, old and young alike. The remainder of the program was controlled by Trustee Postlll, who gave an Inspiring as well as Impressive Introduction, wherein he presented the state superintendent. The address of Supt Hines has already been given. During the Interim that the domestic science department was being placed In readiness for a reception room Trustee Postlll Interested the audience in a few remarks wherein he anticipated a continuation of the school growth while under his supervision as township trustee. He concluded by calling the attention of all to the fact that never before had North Marlon been treated to such celebrities as two acting superintendents in the persons of Mr. Scharf laub of Newton • and Mr. Armstrong of Carroll and the state superin-

tendent. He felt that the taxpayers should be commended In accomplishing a school matter that attracted sych school notables to Its dedication. Mr. Schanlaub brought with him also a Mr. White, who is the truant officer of Newton county. The program now glided Into a happy ending when Miss Pancoast appeared at the door and invited everyone to the domestic science parlors to indulge in a little repast. A large center table contained sandwiches heaped mountains high and ladies stood In readiness to pour tea for the large crowd of adults who took advantage of the occasion to <shake hands with the visiting county and state superintendents. The teachers had exercised some commendable precautions by having already fed the 50 oY 60 children, thus clearing the domestic science parlors for the older folks, most, of whom were the patrons of the school. The day waned into evening before the feasting crowd could be Induced to return to their various homes. But the school impetus that came from this afterndon exercises will "long be remembered by patrons, teachers, pupils and school officials alike.