OUR NEW HOME Hood College Text piNALLY, brethren, * Whatsoever things are true, Whatsoever things are honest, Whatsoever things are just, Whatsoever things are pure, Whatsoever things are lovely, Whatsoever things are of good report; If there be any virtue, and If there be any praise, Think on these things. Phil. IV:8 OUR NEW HOME """'“■I'*** Corde et Mente et Manu HOOD COLLEGE FREDERICK, MD. Entrance to Alumnae Hall. OUR NEW HOME KATHERINE WEHLER,’I6 OR YEARS the officers, students and friends of Hood Col¬ lege have endeavored to make real the long-cherished ideal of The Greater Ilood College. When it became evi¬ dent some time ago, that the old college buildings were neither large enough nor sufficiently equipped to meet the constantly increasing demands which were being put upon the institution, plans were at once made for a new college home. Years of patient labor and tireless effort were required before the first tangible evi¬ dence of the ideal was realized. It was a history-making day for our college, when, on April 2nd, 1914, ground was broken; and of still greater interest was the commencement day in the following June when the corner stone of Alumnae Hall was laid. Sig¬ nificant as were these important steps in the course of our college’s jjrogress, the time for most enthusiastic rejoicing was reached in Sep- f ember 1915 when the twenty-third session of Hood College opened in the new T buildings—those buildings which were to be proudly designated as “Our New Home.” From the students coming to Hood for the first time, the entire college plant elicited much sincere praise. To the praise of the old students there was an added exult¬ ant ring as they realized that the aim toward which they had helped their college to strive was now well on the way toward achievement, in this the formal opening of The New and Greater Hood College. It will be of interest to know that three buildings have thus far been completed. The Administration Building,—better known as Alumnae Hall—is the largest and most beautifully planned. The Dormitory next claims our interest and attention, because of its econ¬ omic plan and modern equipment; while in College Hall may be seen probably one of the best examples of Colonial Maryland Architec¬ ture. The East and West Wings are used as residences, and the col¬ lege chapel occupies the entire center. The college boasts of its forty-five acres of land, about twenty-five acres of which constitute campus and athletic fields, and the other twenty acres go to make up our well-stocked College Farm; which, with its sanitary dairy and productive gardens, has proved one of our new T and most valuable assets. Chief among the attractions of any institution is its location. In this particular, our new home is most fortunate. Situated on the out¬ skirts of historic old Frederick, Hood College proudly commands a view of the surrounding country. The pleasant valleys and green (tW’O ) Alumnae Hall hills of Maryland present a rich setting for the white-columned buildings; while fertile farm-lands and white mountain roads add their charm to the landscape. It is impossible to enumerate the at¬ tractions of the surrounding country without mentioning that most vital and inspiring beauty of all—the mountains. They lie to the West, in full view of our college home. Whether they are shrouded in the purple mist of early spring or blazing with the brilliant colors of late October, they remain the same serene and unchangeable source of help. The winter winds and breezes of spring bear alike the life- giving elements which are essential to a healthful climate. Although our location is decidedly suburban, the town is sufficiently accessible to permit a happy blending of the benefits derived from contact with the world of Nature together with the social and educational advan¬ tages of our towns and cities. In addition to the beauty of the setting, all the arts of landscape gardening, architecture, and interior decoration were pressed into .service in planning our home. Wherever possible, Nature was un¬ molested ; as for example, in the careful preservation of the stately old trees and the sweep of the campus also but follows the lines of the rolling country. Man’s share in the beautifying of this spot is also evident. Shaded drives and long walks were laid out. Shrubs of rare and beautiful varieties were planted; trees of all kinds varying from Southern Magnolia to Norway Maple have their allotted space. But the crowning point is reached as we see the simple beauty of the architecture of the buildings. The Greek Art of the old Ionic col- ( four ) Residence Hall. umns which was so dear to us in the buildings of our old home has been carried out more massively in the entrance to Alumnae Hall. In the interior as well, harmony of line and color was carefully ob¬ served. Whether we consider the beautiful lobby of the Administra¬ tion Building, with the finish of its parquet floor and the leaded transoms and side lights of its entrance, or the new furnishings 0 throughout, including even the dishes in the dining-room, everywhere is evidenced discriminating taste and a consistent combination of art and economy. Those who planned our college realized that beauty alone would not suffice in this age when “Utility and Efficiency” has become our slogan. Consequently, all the modern devices which insure greater safety and comfort, or promote more efficient work among college students have been unstintingly installed in Hood College. Building inspectors have marvelled at the strength of the walls, and comment¬ ed upon the excellent fire escapes. A centrally located healing plant furnishes ample heat for all buildings, and a Kewanee Water Sys¬ tem makes us independent of the town, and regulates the supply and pressure throughout all parts of the buildings. Electricity does much for us, whether we think of it as the force which lights our rooms, controls the programme clock, or freezes the ice-cream. Class rooms and offices are fitted out according to latest improvements in school furnishing; while the laboratories for the various scientific departments are equal to those of the best American universities. Comfort looks out on us from every corner of the dormitory. It College Hall is visible in every detail of the single and double rooms and in the attractive suites. There are splendid deep ward-robes and specially designed study tables; beautiful white tiled bath-rooms with every conceivable convenience and luxury. The best of man’s thought and inventive genius is here demonstrated. We see it in parlors and offi¬ ces, in class-rooms and laboratories; we see it in the kitchen with its labor-saving devices, and on the farm with its scientifically managed dairy. The question naturally arises “How has the new environment affected the student body?” The freshness and beauty of our new surroundings has meant for the work of all an added impetus, renew¬ ed energy and greater zeal. The new students have begun their course with brighter ideas of college life; the old students’ faith in the fulfillment of hopes has been made sure. We do not want the fascination and pride in the mere externals of our new home, to destroy in any way the beautiful customs and traditions which have ever been the truly vital force of our college life. The physical growth and development of our Alma Mater must not harm that spirit of cordial sympathy, willing helpfulness and hearty co-operation which has always distinguished the girls of Hood College. We have not reached the goal of our ambition—the Greater Hood College lies ahead of us. This courageous start but proves that visions will come true if pursued with sufficient perseverance. Meanwhile, in the wholesome atmosphere of our new home, we gladly do our share to¬ ward hastening the final consummation of the ideal. (eight) A Corner of the Library The College Hymn "GATHER of eternal grace, ■^Glorify Thyself in me; Meekly beaming in my face, May the world Thine image see. Happy only in Thy love, Poor, unfriended, or unknown; Fix my thoughts on things above, Stay my heart on Thee alone. Humble, holy, all resigned To Thy will:—Thy will be done; Give me, Lord, the perfect mind Of Thy well beloved Son, Counting gain and glory loss, May I tread the path He trod; Die with Jesus on the cross, Rise with Him to Thee, my God, I . i ('