The Newberry Herald And News

Pleasant Picnic.
A Party of Pleasure Seekers Enjoy the Closing Exercises of Rutherford School, and are Charmed With the Hospitality of Mr and Mrs. G. B. Caldwell.

On Saturday last, May 15th, we had the pleasure of attending a delightful exhibition and picnic at the Rutherford school, which for the past several months has been in charge of Prof. L. A. Riser.

This school is situated in one of the most prosperous portions of the county. Our party left the hum and roar of the city in the cool freshness of the morning, and enjoyed the romance, the charming ride, the fine scenery, and the little birds that twittered and sang from their leafy perches, and as we rode to the place of pleasure and enjoyment we passed through a section of country of long settlement and ancient cultivation, whose successive red and yellow hills were clothed with promising crops of corn and cotton.

The summer fruits gave promise of speed and in some places of abundance. We passed the handsome residences of several thriving planters, whose thrift and industry were noticeable on every side.

Arriving at the schoolhouse, the scene which burst upon the vision was enchanting, and looked like a fairy picture; gathered around the house and under the arbor, which had been erected just in front of the house, and which was covered with the verdant foliage of the oak to protect the spectators from the heat, could be seen hundreds of the fairer portion of creation, grouped about, with a due proportion of the 'lords,' in agreeable sociability, some sitting, some promenading, while all were chatting and laughing in happiest measure.

The ride, fatigue, etc., were all forgotten at the first gaze. Anxious for a nearer view, we hastily alighted and transported ourselves to the scene. Distance 'tis said lends enchantment to the view, but in this case a nearer observation only enhanced the beauties: a more charming collection of beauty, grace and wit it were difficult to find anywhere. And really everyone seemed to have for their motto, "Begone dull care."

Below we give in full the programme, which was announced by our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. F. W. Higgins, in his usual happy style. Words being inadequate to express the exquisite rendering of each separate part, we simply say that the exercises as a whole reflected great credit upon both teacher and pupils. The programme by the school was interspersed with music by the "Orphean Orchestra," composed of Messrs. J. M. Long, W. E. Blatts and R. W. Riser, which added very much to the enjoyment of the occasion.

The trustees and patrons of the school showed their appreciation of Mr. Riser's efforts and the esteem in which he is held by the community, by unanimously electing him to the position again for the ensuing term.

PROGRAMME.
Opening address by Horace Lominick,
Welcome song by the school.
Recitation--Sister and I--by Annie Higgins.
Music by orchestra.
Concert recitation by twelve little boys.
Song by the school.
Recitation by Frank Higgins.
Music by orchestra.
Dialogue--"The Train to Mauro"--by Maggie Higgins, Ossian Higgins and Thomas Keitt.
Song--"I'm Going to Write to Papa"--by Joseph Caldwell.
Dialogue--What's the Hour?
Recitation by Jimmie Caldwell.
Music by orchestra.
Concert Recitation--"The Court of the Year."
Song by the boys.
Recitation by George Keitt,
Dialogue--"She had Him There".
by Ella Cromer and Lonnie Graham.
The Little Writers' Drill.
Music by orchestra.
Concert Recitation--"Our Country's Hero"--by ten boys.
Recitation--"How We Whipped the Teacher" by Ossian Higgins.
Music by orchestra,
Dialogue--"Grandma's Specs"--by
May Dold and Joseph Caldwell.
Music by orchestra.
Tableau--"Pocahontas Rescuing Captain Smith."
Vacation song by school.
May Queen Festival.
Plaiting May Pole.

The 'al fresco' was laid under the arbor just in front of the school house, where all could be protected from the hot rays of the noon-day sun. The viands were very tempting indeed, consisting of cold ham and mutton, cold chicken prepared in various modes, chicken salad, potato salad, pickles, biscuits a la mode, loaf bread, pound cakes, fruit cakes, lemon cakes, fruit pies, custards, preserves, patties, etc.

Everyone partook with great zest of these good things, proving the fact that the good people and especially the ladies of this neighborhood are very successful caterers on picnic occasions, which are common occurrences with them. The merriment of the party was perceptibly augmented at this very social repast.

This ended the active programme of the picnic, and truly it was creditable to those who got it up and gave it their attention. Never was one more enjoyed, and with a beautiful day, too, everything passed off in the most agreeable manner.

After leaving the picnic we went to the hospitable mansion of Dr. and Mrs. G. B. Caldwell, where we spent several hours most agreeably in social intercourse, and during our short stay there we were regaled with abundant "creature comforts," for which that mansion is famous.

Dr. and Mrs. Caldwell cannot be excelled as entertainers.

This was a most agreeable jaunt into the country.

Long will the exhibition and picnic at Rutherford's Academy be remembered.