Retirement Reception for Teacher John Graham

Town Line – Thursday last (Dec. 19) was a great day among the boys and girls of the Town Line public school. A stranger driving along the road and passing the neatly dressed and smiling faced children would have readily concluded that something unusual was in the wind. It was examination day and it was to be a field day long to be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to take a hand in. Parents joined with their children in their efforts to make the last examination during Mr. Graham’s tenure of office a pronounced success, and that they succeeded goes without saying. Not only were the trustees and the parents out in full force, but many of the old students and many prominent teachers were on hand, probably to criticize, but more likely to aid and assist the gentleman who has for five years so successfully conducted the educational affairs of [Union] S. S. No. 1. The Rev. Mr. Manning graced the occasion with his presence and took the opportunity to pay a high tribute to the sterling character of the retiring teacher. The several classes were thoroughly examined in the principal subject of the public school course and displayed a proficiency that pronounced Mr. Graham to be a most painstaking and efficient teacher. The class recitations were relieved by callisthenic and breathing exercises that were most interesting and pleasing. During the examination Miss Annie Rowe, who had just been graduated the county model school, took charge of a class in reading and displayed aptitude that will soon carry her to the front rank of the profession. When the class recitations were through, Trustee Carruthers was called to the chair and given a programme that was cut short only by darkness. The children contributed local selections and short addresses were delivered by the trustees, the Rev. Mr. Manning, and Messrs. Lee, Remmer, Davey, Brown, Mackie; Jas. Brown, principal of the model school; A. G. Henderson of the collegiate institute, and others. The regular programme was pleasingly interrupted by two pretty young misses, who presented Mr. Graham with a gold chain and locket, and an address, which will be found on another page. Mr. Graham replied in feeling terms and spoke most highly, not only of the pupils themselves, but of the ratepayers at large whose liberality had enabled him to remain among them so long. Mr. Graham leaves a host of friends behind who wish him God Speed.