Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-07-25
The Attractions of OberlIn.

The fact that nearly thousand young men
and women are constantly gathered here for
purposes of education and general culture, is
pretty conclusive argument in favor of the
inducements offered by our village and the
Institution that bears its name But for the
enlightenment of those who find it difficult
to account for this generous patronage, it may
not be out of place to submit few explana-
tory facts.
The character of the College itself is too
well known to require comment here. With
an efficient Faculty, a course of study as
thorough, and standard of scholarship as ele-
waited as those of the best Universities; with
opinions and practices thoroughly anti-slavery
though not abolition; with liberal and pro-
gressiye theology, and broad catholic views
upon all questions, it is not strange that this
school, situated in the midst of an intelligent
and noble people, should be literally patron
lied at home, and should bring within its
walls, representatives from other lands. But
there are other facts which contribute to the
popularity we may justly claim.
The high moral tone that has ever been
preserved in our community and the entire
absence of all temptation to do wrong, fur
nish a guaranty to parents and guardians
that the young people who are sent here to
be educated will not cultivate the intellectual
at the expense of the moral
Aside from the Institution itself, excellent
advantages are offered for arriving at prof.
cheney in other directions. Chief among
these outside attractions let US mention the
rare opportunities for musical culture, which
alone has rendered our village justly celebra-
ted among the lovers of the art melcdious-
We question if any village or city of the West
can boast larger number of first class mu-
sicians than our own unpretending town.
We ask those who doubt our claim, to attend
the mammoth concerts held each Commence
ment week by the Musical Union, body
consisting Of nearly two hundred well-trained
singers and embracing some Of the best mu-
sical talent in the country.
Good teachers of drawing and painting
have also located here, offering inducements
to all who wish to cultivate the Art to visit
our place.
By no means the least important of eur
institutions is the Writing Academy of Prof
P. R. Spencer, the author of the Spencerian
System and the apostle of good penmanship
in America. He has settled permanently
among us and is assisted in his well patron
lied Academy by son and daughter. In
connection with Mr.. Spencer's writing rooms
is the Commercial Institute conducted by S.
S. Calkins, Esq. Mr. Calkins' school is at
tracing the patronage of many who wish to
fit themselves for business lives, and we be-
lieve the course of training in bookkeeping
and the science of accounts invariably give
good satisfaction.
Perhaps another reason why so many con-
gregate here is the extreme lightness of ex-
penss attending life at 0berlin. Excellent
board is furnished by private families at Sl.5O
per week, and other expenses are in proper
ton.
We have thus partially answered the ques-
ton which is often asked, "Why is Oberlin
so well patronized2" G.. W. NJ.
0berlin, July "a, 1860.