From what we have already heard concerning the first 50 years of the existence of this school, we come to realize through all its ups and downs, that it has left a good account of itself, in the benefits received by the people of this and nearby towns and states.

This school, instituted at such an early date, in this, then, remote country town, should demand our admiration for the foresight, progressiveness, and generosity possessed by its founders. This day we salute: Robert T. Blazo, John Buzzell, Dr. Moses Sweat, Elisha Piper, John J. Merrill, Bartlett Doe, Dr. Dearborn, and all others whose influence and efforts have entered into the founding and maintenance of this, the Parsonsfield Academy and Piper Free High School.

It appears that in the will of Elisha Piper there was no place stipulated for the school to hold session. Consequently, it was shifted from place to place by popular vote, until 1890. In:

1882 it held session in North Parsonsfield.
1883 at Kezar Falls.
1884 at East Parsonsfield.
1885 back to Kezar Falls.
1886 and '87 at North Parsonsfield again.
1888 and '90 back to Kezar Falls once more.

David T. Timberlake, 1882-1883.
Silas MacDaniel, 1883-1884
Maurius Adams, 1884-1885.
Nathan Currier, 1886-1890.
Charles J. Nichols and Mr. Nickerson, 1890-1891.
Isaiah Trufant, 1891-1899.
Elden S. Pratt, 1899-1900.
Frederick Ernst, 1900-1903.
Nathan S. Smith, 1903-1905.
Charles L. Clement, 1905-1906.
Lelan P. Knapp, 1906-1909.

Music
Prayer
Music

Oration--"Napoleon" ..........................................................................................................................................................N.B.Pease
Oration-- "Ancient Civilization" ............................................................................................................................W.W. Tuttle
Essay-- "That is best which lieth Nearest" .................................................................................................................................... Nellie F.Collomy
Oration-- "A Phase of the Labor Question"......................................................................................................................W.C. Eldridge
MusicOration-- "Daniel Webster"...........................................................................................................................................L.E.Burbank
Oration-- "Ambition" ............................................................................................................................................Josiah Dearborn
Essay -- "The Ideal and the Real".......................................................................................................................................Hattie J. Lord
Oration-- "The Formation of the Federal Constitution" ..................................................................................................................O.T. Doe
MusicOration -- "The Age of Electricity" ............................................................................................................................................J.M. Lord
Essay-- "Silent Cities" ............................................................................................................................................Minnie C. Parsons
Oration-- "Great Men of America"....................................................................................................................................L.E. Sanborn
Oration, with Valedictory Address -- "Mormonism"............................................................................................................A.L. Strout
Music
Presentation of Diplomas

At this time Mr. Nathan Currier was Principal, with Mrs. Clara Smith Currier as assistant. Only three members of this class are now living: Luther E. Sanborn, Linwood E. Burbank and Mrs. Minnie Parsons Tuttle.

Having been permanently located in 1890, the school took on a new era of prosperity under the direction of Isaiah Trufant. Extensions of the curriculum demanded more room, and what is commonly known as the Annex was constructed in 1896 -- $400 of the expense thus incurred was given by John J. Merrill, the balance by other subscriptions.

In 1899 Bartlett Doe, a native of Parsonsfield, and later a successful business man in San Francisco, while here on a visit, became interested in the school, and at his expense the old Seminary was remodeled and repaired. A new dormitory was built with a steam heating plant, a hot and cold water system, and other modern improvements. This was done at the cost of $20,000. Mr. Doe, at this time, also placed $100,000 in the Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Co. as an endowment Trust Fund. The conditions of the Trust, as stated in Mr. Doeís Deed of Trust, are, in part, as follows:

"It is a condition of the gift that the Seminary shall be represented as a board, to be termed the Board of Education, elected by the Trustees or otherwise appointed.
"Said Board shall consist of five members, one of whom shall be the Superintendent of the Public Schools of the State of Maine; one of whom shall be the Superintendent of the Public Schools of the town of Parsonsfield; one of whom shall be the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen of the Town; two of whom shall be elected by the Board of Trustees and shall always be members of the Board.
"It shall be the duty of said Board to visit the school from time to time for the purpose of examining its condition, and said Board have the sole right to select teachers for said school. It is my desire that the Seminary shall always be non-sectarian and free to all the high school scholars of the Town of Parsonsfield."

At the request of Mr. Doe, in 1901, the legislature amended the charter to provide that the State Superintendent of Schools be a permanent member of the Board of Education in charge of the school, as expressed in the terms of his Deed-of-Trust above referred to.

Soon after the San Francisco earthquake, in 1905, Mr. Doe died. His wealth was estimated at $2,472,516.42. In his will further provisions were made for the school. 56/18 of 1% of his fortune was to be added to the Trust Fund. 39/18 of 1% was to be used in building the girls' Dormitory, which was built in 1906.

During this reconstruction period Dr. Charles Blazo gave five acres of land to enlarge the Seminary ground.

Much interest was shown by the public in the rededication of the school, which took place on June 17, 1901.

The program included:
An historical sketch by Dr. J. W. Dearborn.
And address by W. W. Stetson, Superintendent of Schools.

Addresses were given by J. O. Bradbury and Prof. C. H. Ricker, a former student and teacher of this school.

The number of people gathered here was so large that at one-thirty P.M. Dr. Dearborn appeared here on this platform and stated that it would be necessary to leave the hall and proceed with the program on the campus because of the large number of people outside unable to gain admittance.

Of all the principals that this school has had,, it was my privilege to know personally only two, Isaiah Trufant and Silas MacDaniel.

I attended the school in Freedom Village when he taught there. He was in many ways a remarkable man, having a brilliant mind, and an unusual talent for remembering what he read. As a teacher he was in a class by himself. We often listened to him talking, from the time school opened in the morning until noon. However, I believe that his talks were usually of greater benefit to the student body than the class work that was sacrificed. He inspired the boys and girls to greater things and instilled into them a determination that many have never forgotten. I very often think of him, and place him among those whose memory I cherish.

My brother and I entered the school in the fall of 1891, 41 years ago. The girl that later became my wife entered the school in 1892. There are many things that remind me that I'm growing older, such as five grown children, such as ten grandchildren. Sometimes, when I look into the mirror, I imagine that I see signs of age, but there is nothing quite so convincing as realizing the fact that I entered this Academy 41 years ago. This was at the beginning of Isaiah Trufant's period. There are many here today who remember him, his son and two daughters. There is much that might be said concerning him and the almost sacred memories of that time. However, I hesitate, partly for lack of time, partly because of respect for those of that period who have passed on; I would not presume to speak of events concerning them. I think that all those who knew our beloved professor will agree with me when I say that he was a Christian Gentleman. He was all that term implies, and no term implies more.

There is another I wish to call to your attention, Mr. James Smith, who taught elocution here in Prof. Trufantís time. Many of us enjoyed his readings. Although I have not seen him for nearly forty years, I well remember his reading of "Paul Revereís Ride," the "Ride from Ghent to Aix," "A Blue Trip-Slip for a Five-Cent Fare," and many others. We are glad that he is with us today. I also wish to recall to your memory a few of the townspeople of that date, Alonzo and Sarah Stackpole, in whose home many of us boarded, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Churchill, who always extended a helping hand, Jim and Abbie Blazo, who also boarded several students. There was many an enjoyable time for which we have them to thank. Many a midnight feast was at the expense of Uncle Jim's hen roost and cows. None did more for the comfort and enjoyment of the student body than did George and Lizzie Sweat, whom, we are glad to know, are still with us. May they live long and happily. There were several others who did their full duty to the school and its attendants, but those mentioned above entered into our lives most constantly.

The object of instituting a school system into the nation was for the education of the entire population. The Common School System is approximately a century and a quarter old, the high school followed later. This school might well be called a pioneer in the realm of education. In 1862, twenty years after this school was founded, there were less than 350 high schools in the U.S. Now there are thousands. Is it not fitting that we consider for a brief period some of the fruits of universal education which came to maturity in this quarter century (1882-1907). In no other 25 years during the history of man did so many other astounding achievements materialize. It was in this period that the Railway System was perfected and extended into all parts of the nation, revolutionizing the industrial life of the country, bringing about the centralization and consolidation of industries, which resulted in the large combines, trusts, and holding companies of today, thereby making possible a great constructive program, that otherwise could never have been realized.

During this period the great modern trans-Atlantic steamers appeared. An immense amount of farm machinery was perfected which changed the whole program of agriculture. About 1900 electricity appeared in the community and home. Although at this date electric cars were used almost universally, electricity had not found its place in the home until about 1900. This step completely revolutionized the home, and the labors of the housewife, the details of which we all know. The phonograph, radio, moving picture, the submarine, aeroplane, and perhaps the greatest of all, the automobile, was introduced during this period. All these things were made possible by the inventive genius brought forth as the results of an educational system made accessible to that vast horde known as the common people. So far we have mentioned only the mechanical achievements.

The sciences have wrought even greater wonders. Undoubtedly the science most beneficial to our well-being and happiness is the science of medicine, for "what benefiteth it a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own" life.

Think of the woman of those days and compare her life with that of the woman of today. Then she was found at the wash tub and flour barrel; she labored night and day, drooped, and accepted old age at forty. Today she is found everywhere, from the home to the Senate Chamber; neither does she droop nor accept old age until her threescore and ten have been reached.

Muscle power has been replaced by steam, electric, and gas power. Machinery has lifted us out of drudgery and slavery.

Labor is being emancipated. Science has given us new joys and lessened our sorrows. Surely, we are seeing the glory of God. These are the fruits of Education.

Click here to go to FOURTH QUARTER CENTURY, 1907-1932

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