Omaha daily bee., 1886-07-29
THE WESTERN NORMAL coLLEGE
4 Rising Educational Institution,
the Pride of shenandoah

SHENANDOAH, Iowa, July 81 Core.
spondence of the BEE. lit is difficult to
estimate the progress of an enterprising
community heartily interested in a great
and laudable undertaking. Such is the
case with the beautiful little city of Shen-
andoah. Scarcely a score of years ago
the very site of this city was vast
waste of green prairie without history or
record but to-day it is covered with spac-
ious business houses and the happy
homes of, 800 people, with their churches,
public schools and college. We'll may
less favored localities envy Shenandoah
her proud distinction of an educational
center Four years ago buildings were
erected, and the Western normal college
opened, largely through the libcrality
and public spirit of the citizens. Although
scarcely settled in their new homes they
knew full well the great worth of good
educational institution, and literally
subscribed to the enterprise, and to-day
on one of her most slightly hills stands
the college, an institution second to no
other in the west, in her equipage, man
agcmcnt, discipline, and methods of in
struction. After four years of varied
success we can now say the institution is
an accomplished fact, and that its super
intendent, Prof. VIM, McCroan, is the
man for the place.
On yesterday at 3 o'clock p. m, vast
audience assembled in the college chapel
to hear the Baccalaureate address by the
principal, Professor q. Ill. Longwell
Although the weather was hot, yet the
masterly address captured every one
present. Especially was it enjoyed by
students, school officers and educators.
The topic discussed was "A Practical
Education" This subject was skillfully
handled under certain divisions termed
requisites"
/. The course of study should contain
enough and the kind of work to give the
proper mental discipline, or culture, for
clear thinking.
9 The work should be done in such a
manner as to develop individuality and
character in the pupil.
3. The pupil should be so instructed
that he is able to exercise good Judgment.
Under these heads the speaker verify
| showed that
"A little learning is dangerous thing.
Drink deep or taste not the Pierian
spring"
The peculiarly positive, terse and con-
else language used forced every idea
| upon the attention with all its strength.
Your reporter thinks there could have
been no one present who was not in
structed and aroused by the discussion.
| Professor Longwell is the proper man
for the head of the faculty. The exerc ises
of the hour were supplemented by soul
stirring selections rendered by the Union
orchestra under the efficient management
of Professor w, f. Strong, director of
the musical conservatory, closing with
Sweet BY and By" in which the
| audience heartily ioined.
The large attendance at the college
during the past year and the many
| present from abroad on this occasion
demonstrate the popularity OF this noble
institution with its successful principal
and his noble corps of teachers. l feel
safe in saying that the w. n. G.. is in the
front rank. During the coming four
days the various commencement exer,
ciseE will be given headed by the alumni
this evening. They will, by far, excel in
volume aud character, anything in the
history of the institution. Should not
the people of Shenandoah and vicinity
look with pride upon this school and
guard its interests with fostering care?