COUNTY NEWS
Collected By the Gazette's Correspondents and Brought Down to Date.
Ridge School.
A noteworthy social event was the closing exercises of the Ridge school, situated in Union and Turtlecreek townships. Many of the most prominent citizens of both townships were in attendance, and the schoolroom was crowded to overflowing. The exercises consisted of dinner, recitations, singing and speeches. The former was served in the schoolroom and was partaken of by scholars, teacher and visiting citizens. The tables were presided over by the lady patrons of the school. The floral decorations were profuse and music excellent, rendered by Messrs. Joseph Shurts, Frank Shields and Ed. Osborn, members of the Deerfield Orchestra. The entertainment lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p. m.
David Dunham stepped to the front and in a neat and feeling speech, in which he expressed his high regard for the office he held as director of the school and thanked the patrons for the encouragement they had given the teacher and scholars. Mr. Dunham is a fluent speaker and his remarks were highly appreciated by the audience.
Gibbs White, the next speaker, appreciated fully the kindly nature of the spirit of those present and the success of the school for the term ending. Mr. White is a genial, jolly, fat man and partakes freely of the good things of life, especially roast chickens.
Mr. Ellison Snook, one of the pioneers of this county, who has lived in the district ever since it has been established, paid high compliments to Mr. William Wilson and Mr. Allison Scott, former teachers of this school. It was pleasant to hear him speak so kindly of the former teachers, some whose heads have grown white by many winters' toil, and others whose work have ended. Mr. Snook's speech was too short as all were deeply interested. Rev. Henry Stokes, of the South Lebanon M. E. church made some very appropriate remarks in which he complimented the patrons on their cheerfulness and kind feeling which has brought them together.
Mrs David Dunham, a former teacher in the Lebanon Schools. in a neat little speech encouraged patrons, teachers and scholars in their work. Messrs. John Dunham and Samuel French made appropriate speeches, and appreciated the success of the school. The children did excellently in their singing and recitations. At three o'clock the school closed. The school will be taught the coming year by the same teacher, J. D. Davis. Local directors, Messrs. David Dunham, Gibson White and John Dunham.