The hall in which the exercises in celebration of Washington's Birthday are held should be decorated with all the patriotic emblems obtainable,--flags, banners, flowers, etc.; including a portrait of Washington centrally and prominently exhibited, with the motto, "First in war, etc.," and the figures 1732 and 1799, the dates of his birth and death; the former trimmed with flowers, the latter with crepe. Nothing available should be omitted to render the hall as bright and attractive as possible. The orations should be delivered by boys, but the other portions of the exercises may be rendered by girls, or by both girls and boys, as may be found most suitable to the text and the occasion. * * * * * SOME YEARS IN WASHINGTON'S LIFE BY M. LIZZIE STANLEY An Exercise for Boys From "_The Popular Educator_" _Let the scholars who represent the ghosts of the vanished years stand in the background and come forth as they are called. Each should bear in his hand a standard with the date of his year in large letters upon it, or wear a badge with the same. Hang a large picture of Washington on the wall; above it place the motto, "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen," and beneath it the dates of his birth and death_. SCHOLAR. This wintry month of storm and cold Doth in its rough old heart enfold A memory bright as burnished gold, Which still lives on while years grow old. It pales not with the lapse of time, But burns with steady glow sublime-- Through all the years from age to age, A light upon our history's page-- The name and memory of one, Our country's hero--Washington. SCHOOL. Go, ring the bells and fire each gun In honor of George Washington. SCHOLAR. Come, boys, let's have some historic fun, Its theme to be grand Washington, 'Tis better far than simple play, So range yourselves in close array, While each in turn his deeds do cite, And thus we'll keep his memory bright. SCHOLAR. Call up the ghosts of the vanished years, And question each as he appears. SCHOOL. Aha! ye years that thought ye were gone, We'll call you back with your faces wan. (SIX OR MORE VOICES IN CONCERT.) Arise, thou ghost of seventeen thirty-two, And to our questions give us answers true. What knowest thou of Washington, the grave? What canst thou tell of Washington, the brave? (_Arise 1732_.) In February of my year, Unto my mind 'tis very clear, Upon the twenty-second day, In old Virginia far away, Was born a sweet and gentle child, On whom the heavens looked down and smiled. VOICES. Is that all thou canst tell? (_1732 speaks again_.) Ah! there's another thing, just one: They called the child George Washington. On all things else I am but dumb; Ask of the years that after come. [_Retire._ VOICES. Arise, ye ghosts of his youthful days, And tell us of his acts and ways. (_Arise 1733, 1735, 1738, 1741, 1743, and 1752. Each speaks in turn_.)