Bainbridge Academy - June 1879

Bainbridge Academy - 1879

Bainbridge Republican, June 26, 1879

Our Academy:  Among the honored institutions of our village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], none perhaps commands more general respect, or is looked upon with greater feelings of pride than Bainbridge Academy.  Whatever differences of opinion may have existed at its inception, Time, in his perfect work, has at last leveled all variances, and the school stands forth in its true light a credit to the town--a permanent blessing.  It is an investment which will continue to pay handsome dividends for a century to come, and its store of wealth, from an intellectual point of view, are beyond the limit of our sight or comprehension.

 

In looking back to the dedication of Bainbridge Academy and the introductory labors of bringing the institution favorably before the public, credit to whom credit is due brings to mind the hard work and untiring labor of its first Principal, Prof. E.W. Rogers.  As an organizer of schools--as a motive power for setting in motion all the little wheels of patronage and public favor--and in all the varied duties of a Principal, the services of Mr. Rogers have uniformly been those of true and noble devotion to the cause in which he was engaged.  In the history of the school he stands first upon its records, and his good work cannot, must not be forgotten.

 

On turning the five mile post another change is to take place in the Principalship of Bainbridge Academy  The reins of discipline and instruction are to pass from the hands of Prof. Kilmer, who, for the past three years has worked zealously to place the institution first among those of our sister villages, and his well-directed efforts have not been in vain.  In looking over the Regent's Reports of the University of the State of New York during the years of his regime, we find Prof. Kilmer entitled to the credit of having placed our Academy on an equal, and in many instances far above similar institutions in places of from 2,000 to 3,000 inhabitants, in point of attendance, the number who have passed Regent's examination, those who have passed classical or higher English studies, and also in securing appropriations from the literature fund. As a teacher Mr. Kilmer has been an earnest, faithful worker.  His example has been pure and exemplary We cannot but believe that Prof. Kilmer is strongly identified with the enviable reputation our Academy today enjoys, and in this passing notice we should be recreant to our duty were a lighter estimate placed upon his services.  During the years of his residence in Bainbridge he has always seemed to take pleasure in identifying himself with our people--in sharing their burthens--in promoting the best interests not only of our school, but the community at large.  Such relations as he sustains to his pupils and to the parents of this district are not severed without many deep regrets, and he will go from our midst with the kind wishes and earnest prayers of all good people for his future prosperity and happiness. 

 

Mr. Graves, the new Principal, enters upon his duties fresh from the halls of our State Normal School, and will be encouraged in his labors by the best wishes of the community where he has so long resided and is so well and favorably known.  That he will put forth his strongest effort to sustain the enviable reputation our Academy today enjoys we feel fully assured.