PROF. LUCIAN HUNT, A. M.
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��of rent was divided among the owners of the building. At one time $1200 were thus divided, — a sum probably greater than the whole wortli of the building at that time.
Mr. Hunt's policy in opposition to this state of affairs was warmly ap- proved by a majority of the citizens and trustees, and especially by the l)resident of the board. A change was soon perceptible in the old Academy ; in fact, a revolution. Impro\-ements were made in the building, both as re- gards convenience and beauty. A course of study was established, assist- ants employed, and other means taken to place Lawrence Academy on a level with similar institutions in other parts of the state ; and with what success is evidenced by its growing reputation, its graduates, and the increased inter- est in educational matters evoked throughout the town. Prof. Hunt was the means of introducing some excel- lent teachers there, and on giving up his charge after a twelve years' admin- istration, had the satisfaction of leaving it in the hands of a former pupil of his, who, he believes, will render it efficient service and carry the school to a still higher plane of excellence.
Of his residence here Prof Hunt retains some of his pleasantest memo- ries. He has been heard repeatedly to say, "that nowhere in his wanderings has he met with warmer friends among people and pupils, more reliable sup- porters, pleasanter school classes^ nor resided in a loveher spot than in the good old town of Falmouth down by the sea."
Yielding to the urgent request of the trustees of McCollom Institute, Mont Vernon, N. H., Prof. Hunt took charge of their Institution, which, after pursu- ing his vocation two years longer, he recently resigned, in order to carry out a purpose of his formed many years ago, to devote what might be left of his life to literary pursuits.
He is a Trustee of McCollom Insti- tute, and of the New Hampshire Con- ference Seminary, at Tilton. In 1880 he delivered an Historical Address at
��the Northfield Centennial, which was published in the October number of this Monthly ; since which he has been invited by the authorities of the town to prepare a History of Northfield.
Prof. Hunt furnishes a good example of the successful teacher, student and financier combined. As a teacher he has devoted himself to his chosen call- ing with zeal from boyhood, during a period of thirty-two year3, — till past middle age, — while his love of books and his wish to stand well l;efore his classes have made him emphatically a student as well as teacher. His favor- ite studies have been the ancient and modern languages, especially the Latin, French and German ; ancient and modern history • and English Litera- ture.
Another branch of teaching of first importance in which Prof. Hunt is proficient, ought not to be passed by in silence, namely, the Art of Reading, or Elocution. In teaching this he probably has no superior in the state. He has also been frequently called upon to give public readings, in which he has uniformly won a favorable ver- dict.
And now, after having wielded the pedagogue's sceptre for about a third of a century, still blessed with good health, with a sufficiency of this world's goods, and possessing one of the most valuable private libraries in New Hamp- shire, containing nearly 3000 volumes of well selected works, and among them several hundred in the French and German languages, he proposes to realize his long cherished design, to retire and pass the remainder of his days in rural employments and the companionship of his books, whither he and his estimable wife will be accom- panied by the good will of their friends, and the thousands in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts who have profited by liis instructions, and the wish that blessed with the smiles of a kind Providence long years may yet be granted them in their pleasant retirement.
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