Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Oldest Newspaper In South Carolina. EDGEFIELD, S. C., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 1908. 1890. ? Chartere :" Eighteen years ago,"Col. F. N.JK: .Bailey, believing that a first class high grade Co-Ed?cational school would be liberally patronized by the people of this state, established the South' Carolina Co-Educational In stitute. The school has been a suc cess from the very beginning, al ways haring as many students as it could accommodate. .Col. Bailey has spent thousands of dollars in advertising the institu tion and in thoroughly canvassing every county in the state. Yearby year, th? standard has been raised and the buildings and equipments improved. To-day, this institution is known as one of the best and most thorough schools in our country. A large and experienced faculty is em ployed. Almost every county in South Carolina is represented in the student body besides the states of Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Ken tucky and Arkansas. -While there are a number of first .class institutions in South Carolina, She South Carolina Co-Educational Institute is the . only schrioT in the state where a boy is at all times un '* der th? direct watch care and influ ence of- the faculty. This, institution ."Tis distinctively a home school. By this w? mean, a 'school where the : teachers and. students live in the oame build inc:, eat in the same din ing room, and where each boy in ' and ouikof recitation hours, is look ed after and directed just as if he . was in a well regulated home. The fact is recognized that true education does not consist in simply cul ti vat in g the y mental powers, but in developing every faculty that tends td-better prepare young men and yening women to meet the responsibilities of life. The presi dent has. always made it a rule to employ'only those teachers whose ! moral and; religious influence, will be for gocid. Visitors after having ' spent a few days at the South Caro lina Co-Educational Institute, have always laid that they had never visited ? school where the entire at mosphere' was more uplifting and ennoblirig. * This institution especially ap peals to those'parents who do not care to send their sons and daugh ters to a school where the students CO-ED id Instituti( are gathered in by the hundreds, but who wish to patronize a school where only a limited number of stu dents is taken, thereby, making it possible for each student to receive the close personal attention of the president and faculty. The presi dent and faculty make a specialty of studying the mental ability, dis position, and character of each stu dent and then applying the very best methods suited to each individ ual case. We would call special attention, to thc following departments of the institution. Each department is taught by specialists wrho have been thoroughly trained for their line of work, men and women who have al ready achieved great success in their chosen professions. The Literary Department. The literary department employs six experienced men as professors. Most of these men have been con nected with the institution for a number of years and have already proven their fitness for the positions they occupy. There are carefully ar ranged courses in this department, leading to the degrees of B. E., B. L. B. S. and A. B. The curriculum of study in this department is.equal to that of the best female colleges in the state, and prepares young men to enter the junior classes in the best universities. To those who do not care to go higher, it fits them for the duties and responsibilities of life. Hight here, we would like to call attention to ^the splendid record made by young men wrho have left this institution to enter higher colleges. The South Carolina Co-Educational Institute has made an enviable reputation for the thor oughness of its work and students who have been fortunate enough to secure the faculty's recommenda tion, have always been able to enter wrel? in other institutions. The Music Department. The music department is in a more flourishing condition than ever be fore in the history of the institution. .Misses Louise Couch, Fanni.' Shej) partL/Iiula Tisdale and Mrs. .1. F. Ent/.tninger are. the teachers in charge. These ladies are all ?rifted musicians and very successful teach ers. There are large classes in piano, sour ?CAT m Authori Diploma! voice, and violin. Vocal Department. "The auditorium of the college and in former years, before the dayi of the auditorium, the Edgefielc opera house, have reverberated with musical concord of sweet sound, be ing a manifestation of the efficiencj of the vocalists in charge of this department. Not only so, but the magnificent voices which have been heard and trained in Edgefield were a like evidence that the public al large had unbounded confidence in the instructors selected for this in stitution. Young ladies from far and near have come, with this greatest of all mortal gifts to have it develop ed and beautified for human uplift and enjoyment. It seems, however that in the past two years, under the vocal instruction of Miss Lula Tisdale, there has been greater glory surrounding this department than ever before. Whether it is the teaching, or the taught, or b Uh, we can not -say, but there are now voices in the vocal department w lich have b? om i locally celebra ted, and will no do ibe be,h jard from lat.-r in the great o itside world, as they -go forth from the walls of this institution which has encouraged and stimulated them to this accom pl'sh ms it. Miss Tisdale has a won derful power of developing the voice, not. alon? in f ill tone and volume. bu!; in sweetness and clearness of fia unciation. Tu the department of expression W&i Tisdale is no less a force. Some of the young Indies whom shebas trained during the last year would io honor to the most cultured lyce um platform. Of all th? splendid iistructors the South Carolina Co Educational Institute has had in the past in the beautiful art of expres sion, none have given such marked results in the work of their students as has Miss Tisdale. The Brass Band. Rev. P. P. Blalock has been the director of a successful band in the S? C. C. I. for several sessions. It is wonderful how rapidly . this great accomplishment is attained under this wise and experienced leader ship. This band now consists of a full orchestra, composed entirely of local talent. They made their first appearance after only two or three weeks practice, at the college enter tainment on Friday evening, and were" heartily applauded and con gratulated on what had been accom plished in so short a time and' for the happy outlook for the future. This is a great opportunity and ad vantage for our boys, and will bring many hours of enjoyment to Edge field audiences. Orchestra of Stringed Instru ments. Each ^succeeding year, the possi bilities of such an institution are manifested in some new and unex pected way. Last year for the first time an orchestra of violins and violin-cello was organized by Miss Louise Couch, who is also an in structor on piano. One of the most delightf ul evenings of the last com mencement was the concert of string ed instruments, the whole program being composed of the choicest se lections by the orchestra. A whole volume might be written about the ?reat benefits that the town of Edge Seld has derived from the presence af this centre of learning and cul ture, with a President at its helm ivho believes in the practical and is himself ready to put his shoulder to the wheel in all enterprises for the public welfare. "Like priest, ike people." In the same manner that he is a benefit to the communi ty and in the same proportion, the faculty and students are likewise a blessing. This is no institution for the cold and unsympathetic pursu ance of intellectual culture alone, too dignified for service, but al ways ready, president, f?culty, and Undents, to add to the influences ind enterprises which our town en courages. Miss Louise Couch and the or chestra pf stringed instruments add greatly to the music of our church es at Sunday morning and evening : services, and on many special occa sions. We doubt if there is any ! and Confe school in the state so well equipped in the varied musical advantages' as the South Carolina Co-Educational Institute. We have all heard of the musicians who could not play, whose'tnusical training had carried them so far above the common herd that they could never descend again to give pleasure and assistance for every day needs. There are musi cians who are famous for their at tainments and brilliance of per formance and skillful technique, but who could not play the doxology on Sunday morning for a waiting congregation whose organist was absent. Very few can be artists, but all may be helpers. Advantages are given in the S, C. C. I. which en courage the highest musical educa tion for those. who have the gifts, and yet the needs of practical life are not ignored and depreciated. Art Department. This important educational op portunity for the students of the S. C. C. I. has been a specialty in the institution, since its establish ment in Edgefield. Miss Eliza Minn is in charge of this department. Un der her direction, numbers of boys and girls have been brought in touch with the beautiful in nature and in art. A number of the stu dents are now being instructed in painting and drawing, and there hang on the walls of many Edge field homes the drawings and paint ings of our own home artists, equal to those of students any where. Edgefield has the advantage over cities and larger towns in that we have artists in our midst who can do practical work in this line. Miss Mims has sold her own paintings in New York and other cities, and her portraits of familiar faces not only adorn the homes of Edgefield, but of many homes and halls of fame throughout the country. In lighter vein, Miss Mimshas recently paint ed beautiful badges for the local J), of C. which have been admired throughout the state. In fact she does not only the beautiful for the eye to rest upon but she serves the present world by a practical appli cation of the artist ability. This is what the age needs, not so much the artist set upon a pedestal, above the work a day world, but the beautiful in nature and art put into the use of every day life to help the world to be better and safer.1 Miss Minis has also under her instruction a class in china painting. She has magnificent specimens of her work in this department and one sees more frequently than formerly, the beautiful hand painted gifts on wedding and other festive occasions, and it is not so infrequent now to partake of the delicious fruits of the i ?arth on hand painted platters and ambrosial draughts from egg shell ?ups adorned by the painters skill. Normal Department. One of the most popular features ; of the institute, is the special train ing given to those who wish to pre pare therhselves for teachers. Col. i Bailey has arranged a special course ; of study for this department and has furnished the state hundreds of sue- i cessful teachers. S. C. C. I. grad ii- i ates are to be found all over this i 9tate teaching in the p1;' Vic, graded, ] and high schools. The emand for )LINA INSTI State of Soi ^Degrees. teachers .who were educated at the 1 Sont li Carolina Co-Educational In stitute, ia always greater than the supply. It is invariably the case that | they are re-elected to the positions they hold, showing that they have been thoroughly prepared for this line of work. Literary Societies. Pierian, Bai ley and Fidelian. The societies of the college hold their weekly meetings on Saturday evening. These literary training schools for future eloquence have been productive of great good. The boys and girls are trained to think by the preparation of essays and debates, and in public utterance by speeches and debate on popular subjects. It is said that the most popular subject of debate among the young men is the liquor ques tion, with the prohibitionists in the lead. Every inducement and stimu lant is used by the faculty to arouse the ambition of the student? and to awaken dormant energy and talent. In these societies, doubtless are lone of the future loaders of thought, and eloquence who will wield potent influences for the up lift and regeneration of the world. Religious Influences. Sunday School, Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A. As every Mtber feature of the work of this institution is on such a high plane and with such lofty ideals, the. inference would be drawn at once that thc most important in fluence of all would be given the prominence deserved. If president Bailey has been heard to say one thing oftener than another it is the statement that education of the mind, without the heart was not his ideal and that he was striving to develo]) the students under his care into well rounded men and women fitted for the responsibilities of life. Religious exercises are held in the chapel twice a day, the day students attending the morning exercises. Every Sunday afternoon there are meetings of the young men's and women's Christian associations, and these organizations are wielding a splendid influence in the religious life of t?e institution and in the in dividual lives of the students. Sun day school is taught every Sunday morning in the college auditorium, with the young men and young wo men as students and the faculty as religious instructors. Boarding and Culinary Depart ment. The boarding department of thci college has now more than one hun- j dred students, young ladies and gen- j (Jemen. The house keeping is under ( the direction of an efficient matron assisted by first class waiters and sor vants.lt is a pleasure to look in upon n this array of handsome young men t and beautiful young women seated o in this spacious dining hall so com- rt fortably and conveniently appoint- a ed. The menu is personally looked tl liter by President Bailey himself t who considers that; the daily routine .ii sf directions in the culinary depart- E ment is not beneath his notice when b the success of it administers to the S happiness and health and more efii- p cient work of the students under his b nth Carolin charge. The daily fare provided is better than the fare prepared ioi the majority of homes. Besides wholesome, substantial and well prepared regular diet and dessert al frequent intervals, fruit is served twice a day to all students. The barrels of apples and oranges come into the college pantry as often y as the barrels of sugar and flour. Picturesque and Inviting Cam pus. One of the most beautiful spots in all Edgefield is the campus sur rounding the South Carolina Co Educational Institute; Within its circumference of four acres there is a varied landscape, supplying the scenery of hill and valle}*, plain and cultivated garden, winding stream and woodland. Last spring the fac ulty and young ladies of the college, organized themselves into a College Beautiful Club, and with some as sistance from the town and civic clubj-planted shrubbery and tropic cal plants in every barren spot, so that in the late spring the broad leaved banana trees and vari colored cannas, made a beautiful appearance as bf a tropical garden. A great many shade trees have been planted and the campus will continue to be beautified.' Department of Military Science. Major T. J. Lyon, the Command ant of cadets, has worked this de partment up to a high state of effi ?iency.|The cadets are provided with ew rifles and all necessary accout rements. The battalion is composed f company A. and company B. A egular drill is held every afternoon nd although early in the session, ?ie young men drill remarkably well. iast spring when the Assistant Ad itant, Inspector General was in !dgerick! inspecting the local mili iry company, he also inspected the . C. C. I. cadet corps. Col. Brock ublicly said that he had never seen otter drilled cadets and that they < ia To Grant i showed 'the careful training that . they had received in this depart I ment. He also said that they would . compare favorably with the cadet ; battalion at the Citadel. This wa^ . indeed a compliment to our college i boys, for it is a well kown fact-that i the Citadel is recognized as one of i the best military schools in the United States. Continued Prosperity. . This institution in Edgefield'a midst, has made a mighty transfor mation. From Edgefield, the old town, inactive, sluggish and un interprising, this village so full of natural picturesqueness and possibil ities for varied development, has be come more beautiful and full of activities, social, business, intellect ual, philanthropic, artistic, and re ligious. The once isolated village is now full of song and story and the invigorating presence of youthful enthusiasm and happiness, in full touch with the great progress and achievements of the day and taking a lively part therein. Such is the influence of an educa tional institution which stands for the high and pure in life and char acter. Tlie appreciation of the thor ough work and advantages to .be derived as a student here,is evidenced by the fact that there are a number of families who send every girl and. boy in the home as they arrive at tlie suitable age. There are students in the college this year whose fami lies have been represented in the college by one or more brothers and sisters since its establishment in Edgefield. In fact there are some whose names have been represented there for fifteen years. The patron age from Edgefield county is be coming larger and larger, each year, there being more students this year than ever before from the home county.The number of day students is also larger than ever. "What greater boon has ever been brought to. Edgefield than the in fluence which has awakened and'if* awakening our people of the town and county to the value of an educa tion? More boys and girls are in school to-day in Edgefield town and county than ever before; more teachers are giving their talents to this field of high and useful service to humanity; more young ladies and gentlemen are pursuing a higher education and studying specialties, some at home, some abroad-all be cause of the life engendering, mind invigorating, soul stirring influence, the South Carolina Co-Educational Institute. In spite of reverses of fortune which come to institutions, towns and cities, as well as to individuals, there has not been a time when this . school has not been on the up grade. No one knows with what sleepless nights, and days of suspense and almost unsurmountable difficulties, President Bailey watched over the early and maturer years of this in stitution of his own creation. This may have been, as with all great and lasting enterprises, but to the out side world nothing has been evi dent but success and prosperity and the smiles of Providence. With a splendid building and equipment lying in ashes before his startled vision a few years ago, there ap peared to be nonning lost, but only an opportunity gained to ceatinue on broader and more substantial foundations with a more andmore loyal and faithful constituency. I Steam Heat, Lights and Water Works. One of the greatest advantages which has come to the college in the way of material improvement and convenience during the present ses sion, is the acetylene gas light plant, * put into operation since the open ing of school. This is a wonderful help to the comfort of the students, aud to the appearance of the college in general. During the long winter nights it is indeed and actually a light set on a hill, whose light can not be hid. At the same time that the college was erected, steam heat was placed throughout the building, and last year a system of water works installed, so that now this institution ranks with any college in the state in its modern conveni ences and comforts.