West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1882-06-30
Its Location and Superior AdVan-
vantageS rs an Educational In
Stitute.
Location of the College.

red feet above the level of the creek
and gently sloping towards it, so that
the whole Campus is well drained,
with the surrounding hills rising abrubt.
" from the plateau to height of three
and four hundred feet, for healthfulness
and beauty of location it can not be ex.
cclled. The mountains of this locality
are higher than those of any other
part OF the State, west of the Allegheny
Mountains, proper. This section is
famed for its vast mineral wealth, and
the agricultural and grazing qualities
of the soil Within radius OF about )
miles from the college and bearing
slightly more to the South their lies n
track of land which for farming and
grazing cannot he equallei in the state.
1t has been 6tly termed the garden
spot of West Virginia. This can only
be to the advantage OF the student.
Such constant and great production of
the soil serves 10 cheaper those articles
necessary to furnish a nutritious diet.
Hence it is that students can board
themselves or procure boarding IN
private families forless than at any
other School or college in the State.
The College Building and the Grounds
which are now five acres in extent will
be laid off and greatly improved during
the coming Summer. The Campus
affords an excellent ground for the
notwithstanding out door amusements,
such as base ball, tennis, crouuet,
etc. 1t also ma1nes an excellent drill
ground upon which the Cadet Corps,
execute their movements. The slope
connecting the plateau with the bot
tom land along the creek, is covered
with dense and beautiful grove of
shade trees One of West Virgiuia's
best educators wrote of it: Every
time pass by the grove on your campus
it reminds me of the classic shades of
tbs ancients. The very place seems to
invite to study" Right by the foot of
this slope and between it and the creek
the b. & o. r. r. passes, thus afford
ing every needed facility for communi-
cation with the outside world. Thus
it is that we have complete isolation
and accessibility at the same time. a
student may here remain for weeks
engrossed in no other thoughts than
those of his College work and associ
atoms free from the annovances
and busy stir of towns and cities
and far removed from the allurements
of vice. 1t is not our purpose to con
struct here an ideal community TO
which vice will be an entire stranger.
But il IS our purpose here ia this quiet
place TO throw around our students
every good and sacred influence, every
incentive toearlest study, end sound
christian manhood and womanhood.
Therefore parents need not send to us
sons that are depraved and addicted to
vicious habits as we cannot tolerate
their presence among US. Although
the place is secluded and cut off from
the distractions Of the busy world, a
ten minutes walk will put us on the
principal tholoughfare of the northern
half of our State.
The West Virginia College is situat-
ed nearer the center of the State and is
more accessible than any other institu.
ton giving collegiate instruction.
Taking it all in ALL perhaps no spot in
the State could be found that combines
so many desirable elements, for the
seat of an institution of learning. No
community In the State can surpass
this in respect to those social, moral
and religious influences which tend to
preserve the character of youth, and
promote among them gentemanly and
ladyli conduct, good order and
studiOus habits 1t is indeed a College
community Every citizen feels deep
ly interested in the success of the Col.
lege and wishes it a hearty god-speed
in its noble work. There is not, nor
has there ever been for any considera-
bic length of time drinking saloon in
the vicinity. A peculiar atmosphere
of culture and good order prevails.
Pennington and the valley in which
it is found is from II to 10 hundred
feet above the sea level. An impor-
tant fact, when we remember that the
higher the atmospheric strata the
purer the air. We have the highest
location and consequently a purer air
than any other institution in the State
BY some, it has been objected, that it
is a country village, that a city would
afford better advantages for education.
Il that last proposition true
Every advantage to be derived from
city location, such as the opportuni.
ty Of attending lectures, parties for
social amusements, meeting distn.
guished men, aud witnessing theatrical
exhibitions, the opportunity Of COM
menting upon "prima donas' OF some
of these really be advantages) are
more than compensated for by the
manifold temptations % SIN and tha
aIlurements Of vice Of which they arc
so fruitful IL Is an impossibihtv for
an institution 70 attempt to play the
tyrant over young men and women
and thus prevent them If possible
from being subject % these influences
hence 10 is decidedly the better plan q
put them out Of the reach Of tempta
ton
When young men and young women
have reached the age Of maturity, OF
scIf-dependence and are pursuing mol
Collegiate but University studies, 80
ting themselves for some useful calling
in life, then indeed residence in som,
great centre of literary and social cul
turc may be profitable But for per
son- Of the average age Of college Stu
dans, ranging from 10 20 %, thai
period 10 which more than any othe
are sown the seeds Of future intellectual
and moral greatness, mediocrity, oi
weakness that transition period IL
which the youth seems 10 have lost al
self direction and control, capable o
doing deeds at which be himself 3
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