Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

I48 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS Tuesday,
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I Nov. 18. 1913.
Christmas and Holidays.
It seems that every year grows better than the year before. The
children thought they had the time of their lives, but this year the
donation was more generous than ever before. You have read the
letters of appreciation in the Odd Fellows' Herald and I am sure that
these have conveyed to you the full meaning of what it is to be an
Odd Fellows' orphan. All kinds of toys, dolls and playthings of every
description were sent in by the good Sisters and Brothers for our
children. Money was sent to buy presents and this was duly acknowledged
by receipt and letter. The gifts were too numerous to place in
the report, for it seems to me it would take a separate report if we
named everything. To all those who were so thoughtful of our children
we wish to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude.
Schools.
We have perhaps the only complete school in Logan county. I
mean by that we have all grades up through the eighth, manual train-
ing and domestic science. This makes a complete school. Here the
children receive a literary and musical education, as well as learning
practical house-keeping, sewing, manual training, cooking, etc. Grad-
uates from the eighth grade may be admitted to the high school without
examination. Careful attention is given to both instrumental and
vocal music. The manual training boys do much of the repairing work
about the Home, in making the necessary changes, remodeling our
basements, barns, etc., besides the regular school work.
We find ourselves greatly handicapped this year on account of
the lack of school room. Our third and fourth grades are so crowded
that it now looks as if we should be obliged to have half-day sessions.
We hope that our Grand Lodge will see fit to give us at least two more
rooms, which next year will be crowded full of children.
Grand Master John E. Jennings delivered the class address.
Warren C. Darnall, Deputy Grand Master, also delivered an address.
Grand Secretary Sikes, Chairman Chas. W. Keiser, Secretary Birney
and G. M. Carson, of the Board, spoke briefly. Chairman Keiser pre-
sided and the Superintendent presented the diplomas.
The teachers for this year are:
Miss Flora Sheets (a former Home girl), principal and teacher in
the seventh and eighth grades.
Miss Clara Wonderley, fifth and sixth grades.
Miss Olive Ramsey, third and fourth grades.
Miss Blanche Baldwin, first and second grades.