This newspaper article from September 1880 reports on an “exhibition” or recital from Spring Dale Academy in Pike County, Mississippi. Many of the children who participated are connected to our family.
Spring Dale Academy
Dear Sir – On the 20thinst., I attended an exhibition at Spring Dale Academy, situated on a small stream near J. P. Welsh’s, in the lower part of this county. The examination was conducted by an excellent young teacher, Mr. S. R. Ellis, assisted on the occasion by his old teacher, Prof. W. H. Dixon who formerly taught in this section of country. There was a good collection of visitors as well as patrons of the school. The day was spent in the examination of the classes, in their various branches. A splendid dinner was provided by the patrons and friends, and all appeared to enjoy it. At early candle light, Prof. Dixon was invited too the stand and he delivered a very interesting address to the students, concluding with a beautiful poem of his own composition, which called forth loud applause. He was succeeded by the students with their single pieces and dialogues, each piece being followed by music from the Washington Parish Brass Band.
The Introductory was delivered by Miss Mary Brown[1], followed by declarations of the junior class, viz.: Ola Alford[2], Mary McMillon, James Berryhill, Oscar Alford[3], James Roberts, Eugene Berryhill[4], Eugene Roberts, Jewell Alford[5],Robert Berryhill[6]and Albert Alford[7]. An interesting piece in concert then followed, admirably recited by Misses Mollie Welch, Annie Alford[8]and Mary J. Alford[9]. This was followed by an amusing dialogue by Messrs. Benton Roberts and Louis Roberts. Then came Upward and Onward by Mr. Layton Roberts well recited. Mr. Weston Fortenberry then gave us The Friends. The well known and pleasing lyrie, Lord Ullin’s Daughter, enabled Mr. Andrew J. Alford[10]to show his appreciation of this beautiful piece. Mr. Eugene McClendon[11]then appeared in the Story of the Young Student. Then followed the amusing dialogue of the Tumbled Down School House, by Messrs. Thos. Magee, Louis Welch and Eugene McClendon. Mr. Benton Roberts then depicted the Woes of the Bachelor. That piece was followed by the Landing of the Pilgrims, by Miss Aner Alford. Then followed the most exciting dialogue performed, the Cole Sisters, the characters of which were well sustained by Misses Mary Brown, Jane Fortenberry, Nannie McClendon, Messrs. Thos. Magee, Andrew I. Alford and Benton Roberts. Then followed the presentation of a Banner to the teacher by the students, in a touching and beautiful address by Miss Mary Brown. The Banner was borne most gracefully by the lovely little standard bearer, Miss Mollie Welch, representing in full the national colors of our glorious republic. On a shield in the right hand center, appeared in truly artistic lettering the following words: “Gratitude – Presented to our Teacher, Mr. S. R. Ellis by the Students of Spring Dale Academy, August 20th, 1880, Pike County, Miss.” The Banner was received by Mr. Ellis with a few very appropriate remarks, after which they adjourned, all well pleased with their exhibition.
[1]Mary Brown. This is most likely Mary E. Brown, daughter of Allen Moses Brown & Emmaline Smith. She was born 13 Aug 1861, making her 19 years old.
[2]Ola Alford. Daughter of Julius Newton Alford & Mary Margaret Brumfield. Born 1871; 9 years old.
[3]Oscar L. Alford. Son of Ira Newton Alford & Samantha N. Ott. Born 1874; 6 years old.
[4]Mark Eugene Berryhill. Son of Mark Anthony Berryhill & Nancy Jane Alford. Born c 1864; 16 years old.
[5]Jewell Alford. Daughter of Julius Newton Alford & Mary Margaret Brumfield. Born 1871; 9 years old.
[6]Robert Berryhill. Son of Mark Anthony Berryhill & Nancy Jane Alford. Born c 1869; 11 years old.
[7]Albert Alford. Son of Ira Newton Alford & Samantha N. Ott. Born 1872; 8 years old.
[8]Annie Alford. Daughter of Ira Newton Alford & Samantha N. Ott. Born 1870; 10 years old.
[9]Mary J. Alford. Daughter of Julius Newton Alford & Mary Margaret Brumfield. Born 1868; 12 years old.
[10]Andrew Jackson Alford. Son of Jeptha Josephus Alford MD & Fanny Roberts. Born 1866; 14 years old.
[11]Eugene Wellington McClendon. Son of David Jackson McClendon & Eliza Jane Smith. Born 1867, 13 years old.
Source: Spring Dale Academy. (Magnolia, MS: The Magnolia Gazette, 3 Sep 1880) 2; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed June 2020.
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