Delightful Entertainment at Oak Grove School House

Delightful Entertainment at Oak Grove School House, Near Harper’s Ferry.
The recent closing exercises of the Oak Grove public school, so efficiently and satisfactorily taught by Mr. Jesse A. Engle the past three years, were of an unusually interesting character, and are worthy of a public notice in the newspapers.

The pupils of this school by the handsome manner in which they acquitted themselves at their final have shown that “progress and advancement” has been their motto. This is not only a great satisfaction to the patrons and friends of the school, but it shows that Mr. Engle is a teacher that considers well the interest of his school and performs his duty well. The unity of feeling that seems to exist between the teacher, patrons and pupils of this school is very encouraging to all concerned and commands the admiration of the community. Miss Fairy Belle Daniels obtained the highest number of headmarks, though the honor was closely contested by the entire school.

The enjoyments commenced at 5 p.m., when a table groaned beneath the weight of good things prepared by the deft hands of the ladies of the neighborhood. This princely feast was spread beneath the shade of the grand old oaks–although al were in perfect trim to do justice to such a feast, the bounteous supply was equal to the demand. The entire community seemed to be interested in the occasion and turned out en masse. After enjoying themselves in various ways in the lovely grove until eight o’clock the large school house that had been put in perfect order for the occasion was filled to overflowing, every available space being occupied with an audience that was eager to get a glimpse of the scenes as presented on the stage, and to hear the musical, intellectual, and literary treat that was in store for them. The stage and entire room had been handsomely and beautifully adorned with evergreen and sweet flowers, which, with the brilliant and dazzling lights presented a scene of beauty that would challenge the admiration of some of the more pretentious schools of the towns and cities. A varied programme of vocal music, declamations, essays, &c., elicited the closest attention of the audience throughout the entire evening, and brought forth the heartiest encores of appreciation and laurels of praise for the participants We would like to mention each one but time and space forbid, but we cannot refrain from mentioning Misses Maggie Moler, Jennie Cockrell, Nora Engle, Grace Daniels, and Messrs. Raleigh W., and R. L. Moler, who gave perfect renditions of their various roles in dialogues and brought down the house. Original essays by Misses Maggie Moler, Jennie Cockrell, Mary Moler, and Maggie Flannagan were well written,— showing a knowledge of many of the designs of creation in animal and vegetable life of land and sea. Miss Mary Cockrell read a selection exhibiting some of the trials of teachers with beginners at school. Master Dennis Daniels in full uniform with drum headed the procession of little folks and carried off the honors as the “Merry Drummer Lad.” The singing by the entire school was perfectly enchanting. Miss Nannie Daniels and Mr. Frank M. Moler rendered valuable assistance in carrying out the programme.

The entertainment closed with a valedictory delivered by Miss Mary Moler and brought forth storms of applause. The audience were charmed and return many thanks to Mr. Engle and his school for the intellectual treat afforded them, and will ever have pleasant memories of the closing exercises of Oak Grove school in 1885.
VISITOR.