NORWAY AND THE MIDNIGHT SUN.
By MRS. ADELIA A. F. JOHNSTON.
|
| MRS. ADELIA A. FIELD JOHNSTON. |
This lecture began with a description of a storm on the North Sea. It dwelt upon the physical geography of Norway, its mountains, fjords, snow fields, glaciers, waterfalls; upon its flora and fauna; upon its government industries and schools; upon the characteristics of its people, their general intelligence, thrift and economy.
The opportunity offered by such a subject was improved by the eloquent speaker, who manifested throughout her address the possession of those gifts which have given her reputation as a lecturer and high standing as an educator. There was the evidence of keen observation and perception of all she had seen, and this supplemented by the skill in delivery of a trained speaker, made the occasion an enjoyable one to those present at the Congress on the occasion of her appearance. The description of Norwegian scenes with Nature appearing in her grandest garbs and moods was something to be remembered by the gratified audience. On this occasion, as on others, it was a source of regret that stenographic reports of all the utterances at the Congress could not be had to secure the preservation of all addresses delivered on all occasions.
Mrs. Johnston closed with a graphic description of the midnight sun. She spoke entirely without notes, so the lecture could not be obtained.
[Page 555]
Mrs. Adelia A. Field Johnston is a native of Lafayette, Ohio. She was born in 1837. Her parents were Leonard Field and Margarette Gridley Field. She was educated at Oberlin College, with two years of post-graduate work in Germany. She has traveled extensively in Europe, having been abroad five times. She married James M. Johnston in 1859. Mr. Johnston died in 1862. Mrs. Johnston was appointed principle of the Women's Department in Oberlin College in 1870, which position she still holds. She is also professor of Mediæval History and lecturer on Italian Art. She is a member of the Congregational Church. Her postoffice address is Oberlin, Ohio.
