No wonder that we heard old settlers tell:
“In those wise days people knew how to spell.”
The district that would entertain the rest
Of schools, gratis prepared a play program—
Of songs and declamations, the very best,
And dialogs in which much laughter ran.
Herein, no doubt, young Thespians took part
Who through hearty encore obtained their start.
Those spelling bees! O, with what rare delight,
For weeks ahead we them anticipated!