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Old Schoolmates.

Last Thursday the third annual Old School Reunion, the gathering of pupils of the three teachers Butterworth, Scott and Brown, was held at Waynesville, the location of the school, and it was by far the best reunion of all. There were some who could not attend, but when the bell was rung a cheery, hearty crowd of grown up school boys and girls responded and the meeting was called to order by President S. Lev. Cartwright in a very appropriate little speech.

Miss Leah F. Wright gave the audience some fine instrumental music and Mr. E. E. Ebright led in prayer. All joined in Singing “The Old Time Long Ago” and then a most cordial address of welcome was delivered by Miss Isabella Brown. Then, After Henry Pugh had read a poem “The Boys,” the meeting adjourned and all were ushered into the room below, where a royal repast awaited them and to which, it is needless to say, full justice was done.

After dinner the bell rung and the meeting once more came to order. The payment of dues was first in order and it seemed to be a great deal more of a pleasure that that ceremony usually is. Mrs. Burnett gave a very happy declamation and was followed by Miss Anna Sellers with instrumental music. J. C. Ridge read “The Grammar Class” and Mrs. Mary Waters Humphrey in an exceedingly pleasant sketch, gave her “Old School Recollections.” All joined in singing “Our Flag Is Still There” and then Prof. John O. Falkinburg read an admirable address on “Our Public Schools.” Then Drew Sweet forgot all about his dignity as editor and stood up to sing “Twenty Years Ago” in a charming style.

Hon. S. W. Brown followed with a very appropriate speech. Then came “E Pluribus Unum,” after which the secretary read letters of regret from pupils at a distance, who were unable to be present. Mrs. Sallie McComas Crispin gave a humorous declamation, which was well received. Impromptu speeches were delivered by Messrs. S. Lev. Cartwright, Peter Sellers, J. Wilson Edwards, George M. Zell, John A. Irwin and A. H. Pugh and Mrs. T. J. Brown, Mrs. Lizzie Gauze Packer and Mrs. Mary Humphreys. Dan R. Anderson gave two humorous selections.

It was decided to hold the next meeting on the second Saturday of June, 1888. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Drew Sweet; Vice-President, Mrs. Louisa Holland Woolley; Secretary, Mrs. Emma Merritt Cartwright; Treasurer, Mrs. Sallie Likens Dinwiddie; Executive Committee, Sue Haines, Sallie Crispin, Avarilla Ebright, Henry McKinsey, Israel Wright and Edmund Retallick. Then after some time spent in pleasant conversation, the meeting adjourned.

Source: “Old Schoolmates,” Lebanon (Ohio) Gazette, Thursday, August 11, 1887, p. 5, c. 4.
[copy obtained from microfilm available at the Warren County Genealogical Society]