Morristown Normal !
and |
Industrial College j
MORRISTOWN, TENNESSEE .
jThis—
j
or This?
TWO TYPE?.
Two types of Negro youth are shown in the preceding pictures, the first which is typical
of any southern town. Heie are boys and girls "shooting* craps," their regular form of
amusement. They are the unstable, irresponsible and shiftless type. Instead of spending
their time in school, cultivating the gifts God gave them, they degrade those same gifts,
for lack of restraining influences and proper inspiration.
But what a difference in the lower picture! See the intelligent and determined faces,
the neat appearance, the manly bearing and maidenly reserve. Here we have Christian
boys and girls, the highest type of Negro youth. This is the finished product, a pro¬
duct which is a credit to themselves, their race and this institution. They go out from the
halls of this school as self-sustaining men and women, not a burden, but an asset to society.
Which is Better?
Presidfnt Hill
THEN AND NOW
The history of the Morristown Norinai and Industrial Col¬
lege reads like a romance. Starting in 1881 with a one story
frame building, an equipment costing $500.00, we have today a
plant valued at $150,000, including nine buildings and 75 acres
of land. In 1880 there were two teachers and a small number of
pupils. Today we have twenty-five teachers and instructors and
an enrollment of nearly 400 students. Yet while great changes
have taken place, the intervening years have been filled with
struggles, disappointments and uphill fights. Money had to be
raised, prejudice overcome and friends made. Twice desperate
attempts were made to burn the school to the ground, several
times Dr. Hill's life was threatened. But this prejudice has
almost entirely disappeared, and today the good citizens of
Morristown recognize the worth of this school, and appreciate
its value as a municipal asset. Enemies have turned to friends,
and today the school flourishes, respected and honored bv both
races.
THE BEGINNING.
This building, in which Mcrristown Col¬
lege had its humble beginning, has an immor¬
tal history. Erected in 1880 by the Baptists,
it was used by them until 1958 as a "meetin'
house," The last discussion in Tennessee
before the war on the question of secession
was held in this building. During the war
it was used as a hospital by both Federal and
Confederate armies. It also served as a slave
market, Early in 1S(>0 a negro woman with
her unnamed babv boy were sold here as slaves for $1,400. Later this lad was converted
on the very spot where he and his mother were sold. Afterward he attended school here
and eventually graduated. Since that time he has taught in this same building, which
covers his journevings from slavery to freedom. He is still a professor in Morristown
College. Today this building forms a part of our industrial equipment, but the liistorv
and romance woven into its old frame will never be forgotten.
NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
The new Administration Building, one
of the finest in the entire south, is here
shown. This building cost over $40,000 and
was constructed large!}' by student labor.
We burnt our own lime, made our own
brick, and did our own concrete work. Thus
a large saving was effected. The rear exten¬
sion provides for a fine chapel seating700; it is
seated with modern opera chairs,and is well
appointed in everyway. The main part of the
building contains a large library, recitation rooms, study halls, rocms for literarv societies,
laboratories, domestic science room, the Piesident's office and other appropriate rooms.
The building was occupied for the first time this fall. Mv.ch of the furniture was made
in the Industrial Department of the school.
INDUSTRIAL SHOPS.
In the earlv lii.-torv of the school the
necessity was felt for an Industrial Depart¬
ment. As soon as funds could be raised
operations were commenced on a small
basis. In 1908 friends donated ft),MOO for an
industrial trades building', here shown. It
was in this building that the famous "Bi.-hop't
Table," which sold for $2000 at the last Gen¬
eral Conference, was made by our students.
Here are taught carpentry, blacksmiihing,
foundry work, plumbing, steamfitting and
machine work. In addition to this building
we have added tha large, two-story frame
building hitherto used as a recitation hall,
and the old chapel, to the industrial plant, thereby affording additional room for industrial
training. Here the broom and printing departments are located. Several other trades
will be added as soon as the necessary funds can be raised.
BROOM FACTORY.
This is one of the most important and
most practical trades we teach. Our gradu¬
ates from this department easily secure high
salaried positions, while many of them are
now running their own shops. The "Morris-
town Industrial Shop Broom," made by our
boys, is the best known broom in this sec¬
tion, and our superior whisk broom has
created a strong demand.
PRINTING OFFICE.
These are the boys who printed this leaf¬
let. We have the best equipped office in
Morristown and secure a large part of the
local trade. Kvery year a large number of
bovs enter this department, which is one of
the strongest we have.
CARPENTRY SHOP.
The carpentry department, a portion of
which is shown here, is also well equipped
for turning out skilled workmen. The train¬
ing is thorough and practical; and the boys
leave this shop self-reliant and self-support¬
ing.
MACHINE SHOP.
In the machine department, as shown here,
the boys are taught the fundamentals of a
piactical machinist's trade, and emphasis is
laid oil the necessity of accuracy, skill and
efficiency.
DOMESTIC SCIENCE.
Our Domestic Science Department is one
of the best equipped in the entire South. It
is the aim of this deqartment to make home
life and housework ennobling, so that stu¬
dents may become true housewives and
mothers, and at the same time to afford a
thorough and practical instruction in all that
pertains to general household management.
In the model dining room students are
taught how to set a table and how to serve a
meal properly. The thoroughness of our
instruction is evidenced by the hundreds of
of girls we have sent to the best families in
all parts of the country. We have thus
created a demand which exceeds our ability
to supply.
SEWING DEPARTMENT.
In this department, as in others, stress is
laid upon careful training' and practicability.
The girls are taught sewing in all its bran¬
ches, always with a view toward simplicity,
economy and service. They make their
own uniforms and each year every gradu¬
ating girl makes her own commencement
gown. Last year one young woman made
her graduation dress at a cost of 89 cents.
Surely, the high cost of living will not
greatly effect this girl!
FACTS TO BE CONSIDERED.
Founded in 18X1, the Morristown Normal and Industrial College has taken its place
among' the leading institutions of the country for the practical education of the Negro.
The work done has been thorough and efficient, and its helpful influence is widespread
among boih races. The great need of the race has been and is for competent teachers,
strong preachers and skilled workers; for it is primarily through their influence and
inspiration that a higher civilization can be reached.
It has been the special work of this Institution to supply this need.
A GOOD RECORD.
1. More than 10,000 Negro boys and girls have received training in this school.
*2. More than half the members of the East Tennessee Conference are former
students.
8. Scattered throughout the South can be found 2,500 public school teachers who
received their training here.
4. Our students are found on the farms, in business houses, in shops and manufac¬
turing industries of various kinds.
5. We build character. With more than 5,000 female students enrolled during the
past 32 years, not one has ever been expelled for immorality.
K efe^ hi«>k^ rarv.
AN APPEAL.
We feel that we are engaged in a great work here at Morristown, a work which is of
vital importance to American life and civilivation. We are doing a large partin solving
the so-called Negro problem. Vet without the financial support and aid of our Northern
friends, we cannot do what we should. Our needs are urgent and our resources are limited.
Will you help to contribute to this cause? Will you not do YOUR partin this great
work for God and America?