"The graduating exercises of the Academy and High school were this evening (June 19, 1896) held in the Town Hall, which was attractively decorated with streamers of pink and light blue, flags and wild flowers and ferns. Special care had been bestowed upon the stage, above which was displayed the class motto, "Fervet Opus," ('The Work Is In Full Progress').

"By a peculiar combination of causes in a class which at its entrance numbered 20 and which last year contained eight members there was left to graduate but one, Warren Harrison Hobbs, of this town. He may enter Phillips Exeter next year.

"As usual the attendance was very large, fully taxing the capacity of the hall. The exercises began at eight o'clock with the usual procession up the central aisle of scholars, teachers, school board and speakers, led by the marshals, Walter Brown and Henry Hobbs. The school took the seats reserved at the front of the hall. The school authorities and participants ins the exercises ascended the stage.

"After a selection by the orchestra, composed of Mr. Fred Nutter, Chelsea, Mass., violin; Mr. C. L. Akeley, Exeter, cornet; and Mrs. Howard G. Lane, piano, prayer was offered by Rev. D. W. Downs, of the Methodist Church. Then came four declamations -- "Maid of Orleans," Arthur L. Young; "Kate Shelley," Annie P. DeLancey; "Miss Edith Helps Things Along," Belle Kelton; "Aux Italiens," Ella M. Atkinson. These and all following declamations were well and spiritedly given, with the case of delivery and the perfect enunciation characteristic of like occasions at the Academy and the result of Mrs. Harris' intelligent instruction. Music followed, and then Edward J. Brown declaimed "Self Reliance;" Annie M. Fogg, "Automatic Cradle;" and Annie M. Page, "Fate of Virginia." Music was followed by two more declamations, "Breathless Glory," by Winfield M. Hobbs, and "Spinning Wheel Song," by Josephine Joplin. Mrs. Hobbs then gave the valedictory. Starting with the proposition that a straight line can be drawn between two points, he took for his subject the class motto and spoke earnestly and well upon progress, which should be taught in all things. The valedictory proper was of the conventional type -- appropriate words of parting from schoolmates, teachers and school authorities, Mr. HObbs excellently acquitted himself. The exercises closed with music; an excellent address on "Domestic Aids" by Prof. Joseph Kimball, of Andover, Mass., and the presentation of diplomas by President Merrill.

"The graduates' reception which has customarily been given on the evening after commencement will be omitted this year."        E.

{From the Friday, June 19, 1896, Exeter NEWS-LETTER; of the 71 classes which were graduated from H.A. & H.S., only one, the Class of 1896, did not have a printed program.}