The Times

Last Monday night there was held at our school house one of the largest and most successful receptions ever held in the village of Vernon. It was a reception tendered by the patrons and scholars of our school to D. G. Keyes, who has been principal of our school for the past year. A year ago Mr. Keyes came among us an entire stranger, and as he was quite a young man, only 23 years old, many doubted his ability to safely conduct the school and sustain its high standing as all Vernonites are and have justly been proud of their school. After being with us one year, the Board used their best efforts to retain him at least another year, offering him an increase of salary, but to no purpose, as he had made up his mind to change his avocation and enter upon the study of law; for which purpose he intends entering the law office of C. J. Willet, of St. Louis. The high appreciation in which he was held by the people of Vernon was manifested by the number present, and the presentation of a fine gold watch, a present from his scholars and friends in Vernon. The presentation speech was made by Prof. VanDorn, of Holly, who has filled the Baptist pulpit for the last year. The Prof. in his unique way with well chosen and pathetic words assured Mr. Keyes that while the way of the transgressor is hard, that true worth and well directed thought and action were equally sure of their reward.

Mr. Keyes was completely broken up, as the whole affair was a complete surprise to him, he having been away and just returned on the evening train. In attempting to reply he found himself almost too full for utterance, and while thanking the people of Vernon for the kindness shown him and his wife during their stay here and for this (as he thought unmerited) evidence of their good will and esteem, tears could be seen coursing their way down the cheeks of many of the citizens and all the scholars. Ice cream and cake in abundance was served to all present, and about eleven o'clock all went home feeling that they had had a pleasant time. Mr. Keyes, we understand, leaves this week for his new home in St. Louis.

A PATRON OF THE SCHOOL.