Georgia: Elbert County: Newspapers, Commencement at J. G. Institute 2 June 1904 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Troy Colquitt telles@elberton.net ==================================================================== The Elberton Star June 2, 1904 Commencement at J. G. Institute By L. L. Goss The annual commencement at Bowman was again a season of pleasure and profit to the residents here, and the hosts of visitors who filled the town during the entire time it lasted. Ever since the establishment of the John Gibson Institute some eleven years ago, the close of each session has been a season of gaiety and entertainment. With much effort on the part of teachers splendid programs have been arranged and distinguished speakers have made commencement a season to be thought of and looked forward to with anticipations of enjoyment for both young and old. Though the program was shorter this year, still it was one to please all, and in no wise to dim the glory of the past. This session brings to a close Professor Hunter's third year, and to the disappointment of many he has declined to accept further connections with the school. During his stay the institute has enjoyed an era of continuous prosperity and remarkable growth. Professor Hunter took the school in the midst of a financial crisis and exceedingly gloomy prospects. With a contagious enthusiasm and rare pluck, he labored to achieve certain results. He immediately gathered about him an able and energetic faculty, gradually the difficulties were overcome, a higher standard of discipline encouraged and thorough conscientious methods employed, until now after some three years of faithful work, coupled with the best wishes and co-operation of patorns and friends, the desired ends are achieved. The building is the property of the Georgia Baptist Convention, and is made a most desirable preparatory school for Georgia, Mercer and leading female colleges. The public school department is managed by a local board of brainy and competent men, who are immovable in their stand for the best interests of the community. Mr. Underwood, of Richland, Ga. has charge of the academic department. Prospects are exceedingly bright here. Professor P. V. Rice has control of the public school department. All know him and that this department will be second to none. Here the people of northeast Georgia will find what they have long desired. In attaining these ends Professor Hunter says that he owes much of the success to the county papers, who have so generously encouraged and faithfully aided him for the best interests of the section. Sunday's Program The morning dawned clear and pleasant. Long before the hour for services large crowds were arriving from out of town and from Hartwell, Comer, Royston, Elberton and elsewhere. The people knew what to expect in respect to the fresh aggregation of bright-faced boys and pretty girls, and were not disappointed in any respect, for there were hosts of them. The auditorium was soon well filled and later muchly crowded. Rev. Brewer G. Boardman, the distinguished pastor of the First Baptist church, Elberton; was present, and from the text, " Reaching out for things beyond " preached a beautiful and inspiring sermon. So good was it that we shall endeavor to publish it in another section of this paper. Monday's Exercises At 10 o'clock an unusually large crowd gathered to enjoy the recitations and music of pupils and the address of Hon.William M.Howard, the popular congressman from the eighth. His address was a rare literary treat and thoroughly enjoyed. Hon. Peyton M. Hawes introduced the speaker in a neat and timely style, and for over an hour he entertained the large crowd with his pleasing manner-but then all delight in listening, so why use words which are superfluous in this case. Monday afternoon the sporting blood was at boiling point to witness the game of ball between the second nines of Royston and Bowman. If a large crowd was a help, surely neither side lacked not in this respect. Ridgeway was on the firing line for the visitors and House for Bowman. Neither side was able to reach " home sweet home " for a black mark till about the third inning. Both sides succeeded in lambasting the pigskin rather freely, and some even tried to bombard neighboring fences and cotton patches. The score was close though out and both aggregatious felt it their duty to root as much as possible. In the last few innings House and Ridgeway were relieved by Christain and McCrary. All did good work. In the ninth it was a tie, so another trial was necessary. Here it was that the rooting reached the climax and the locals won to the tune of 9 to 8. At 8:30 p. m. the large auditorium was again well filled and lovely girls and handsome young men were everywhere in evidence. The readings and music were good and showed careful training from cultured instructors. Tuesday's Exercises This was previously announced as the close and an immense crowd again gathered. The recitations and music were good. Notable being the semi-comic recitation by Miss Cora Warren, which was delightfully rendered, and the paper of Prophecies, by Miss May Duffell, which occasioned much amusement at the expense of various pupils. The debate by Miss Eula Vaughn and Mr. Sydney Teasley, affirmative; Miss Della Mewbourn and Mr. Pope Duncan, negative, upon the subject, Resolved, That protective tariff should be abolished, was very good. The two popular young gentlemen from the Philosophian Society were given a rousing ovation by numerous friends before they could proceed. After sharp and quite skillful argument, the decision went to the affirmative. Then came the address by Colonel A. S. Richardson, one of the brilliant legal lights of Hartwell. He is a high-toned young gentleman of broad culture and carried off honors. Indeed, his native town may well feel proud of such a possession. Then came the sad hour for Professors Hunter and Bussey were to give their parting talks. Only those who have learned to know and love these amiable, consecrated young men can know what sadness of heart was occasioned. Then the school was formally turned over to the newly elected teachers, and with a fervently earnest prayer, by Rev. J. D. Milton, the exercises closed. Professor Hunter paid a very high compliment to pupils and patrons. Other announcements relating to Gibson Mercer will follow later. Commencement Notes Misses Bessie and Addie Adams were greeting their numerous friends here Sunday. Among the very popular visitors Monday night were Mr. And Mrs. Lucius McMullan, of Hartwell, Mrs. McMullan was formally Miss Ina Matheson and has a host of warm friends here. The exceedingly dusty weather occasions much discomfort. Colonel L. H. O. Martin was present Tuesday. His absence at a commencement is greatly missed. The young folks enjoyed the singing Sunday night at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brown. Mr. Lock Collier, that gentle gentleman, who's good cheer and smiles are very contagious, was present. He has the good of the school at heart and never loses an opportunity to help. Among the beautiful floral offerings for the stage was a calla lily, the gift of Mrs. H. B. Harper. It was a rare gift and greatly admired. Royston was represented by several of her beautiful and gracious young ladies: Misses Belle Jordan, Laura and Pearl Brown, Patty Baker, and Obijah Burnett, who were guest of Miss Pearl Brown. They were the recipients of many social courtesies while here. Whoever saw such a large crowd out as witness the game Monday evening? Among the beautiful and charmingly gracious young ladies were: Miss Addie Bryan, of Nickville, and Miss Bessie Gober, of Clarksville. The homes of the people of Bowman were wide open and received a very large crowd of visitors. Miss Flora Goss is expected home from Monroe College June 3d. A party of young folks enjoyed a social gathering at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Isham G. Gloer Tuesday night. And now the happy commencement season is over and we are all setting down to work, but let us not forget our higher and noble aims and resolutions to grander achievements. We each have our sphere, our duty to perform, so may we do it cheerfully and nobly. Among the visitors were: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Roberts, Misses Mary Alexander, Maud Willis, Ettia Glenn, Bessie and Addie Adams, Mr. Eldo Adams, Mr. George Hall, Misses Chloe and Hercie Hall, Howard and Glenn Carithers, Roy Adams, George Cleveland and Jim Fleming, Elberton; Colonel Cobb and Wife, Mrs Addie Westmoreland, Mr. and Mrs. Burnett, Miss Nela Agnew and father, Misses Belle Jordan, Pattye Baker, Laura and Pearl Brown, Obijah Burnett, Mr. Albert Blackman, Royston; Mr. and Mrs. Lock Collier, Alvin Wooton, Mr. Charlie Duffell, and Miss Ode Davis, Comer; J. Loyd Teasley, Colonel A. S. Richardson, AD. McCurry, Carl McCurry, Ira Adams, Pope and Shaefer Brown, L. C. Brown, Miss Berta Brown, Misses Bessie and Berta Nelms, Mr. and Mrs. Gaines Hailey, Miss Eva Brown, Hartwell; Misses Mattie Lou and Addie Carithers, George Conwell, Earnest and Paul Carithers, Miss Minnie Carithers, Howard Carithers, Goss; Messrs. Ben And Leonard Clark, Misses Nola Christain, Eula Clark, Mary Phelps, DewyRose; Miss Bessie Gober, Clarksville; Mr. and Mrs. George Bolton, Comer; Messrs. Ben and Mell Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Will Edwards, Hull; Mr. and Mrs. Goss Edwards, Dowdy, Ga.; Van Bagwell, Royston; Mrs. Dr. Teasley, Reed Creek; Dr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Hart; Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Andrews, Norcross; Mr. John Eaves, Mrs. J. F. Bowers, Mrs. Perry Agnew, Canon.