Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, March 3, l898

Tuesday several of the patrons of Eden Center came in near the noon hour with baskets well filled and informed their teacher that they were gointg to have a dinner, it being the last day of school. The dinner was spread and the pupils were the first to partake of the well prepared dinner, and after all had satisfied their appetites, the table was rearranged and the older ones gathered around. The question was freely asked, "will there be enough to fill all of us hungry people?" but the good women had amply provided for all and all the efforts to clean the platter was in vain.

After dinner was cleared away, school was called to order by the teacher and an interesting program was well rendered, a part of which was Washington's exercises, it being the anniversary of his birth. After the program was completed, to the surprise of the teacher, MISS MABLE MARTS in behalf of the school, presented him with a beautiful Bible which was thankfully received. The teacher called upon the patrons to speak, some responded with encouraging words to pupils and assuring MR. SALLEE that his school had been a success and that he would be long remembered at Eden Center as a faithful teacher.

The teacher presented the pupils with a souvenir giving names of pupils, teachers and directors and closed with a few touching remarks thanking them for their kind treatment and assuring them that the time spent in their midst would long be kept green in his memory and with best wishes to all, bid them good-bye. MR. SALLEE has taught two years continually at this place which speaks very highly for him as a teacher and a man. We think it good fortune to secure his service so long.

--A PATRON.

Copied by Cordelia Suzann
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
December l, 2002