Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-31
TAUGHT BY PRACTICE
FACTS ABOUT THE MooaE-sTREET
INSTITUTE AND ITS WORK.
Given Industrial Trsining-Trustees,
Instructors. and Patrons.

The grounds of the Moore-Street Indus
trial Institution for colored people are To-
Gated on the street named after the yene-
rable Bishop Moore, and but minutes
walk from Brook avenue. The lot fronts
i56 feet and runs back to Bacon's-Quarter
branch Sss feet. and contains one large and
several smaller buildings, ali of brick. The
premises are abundsntly supplied with
water from several free gushing springs,
and the lot gently sloping from tho front
improves both health and appearance:
l. IL not far from this point that Colonel
Nat. Bacon, the first Virginia rebel, en-
camped with his followers several hundred
years ago when en- route for jamestown to
beseige Sir " illiam Berkeley, the tyranni-
cal loyal Governor. Bacon and Berkeley
are now but memories, but the name given
to the famous quarter branch IS as fresh as
when first bestowed. Then the redoubted
Virginisns who first camped there were hid
in the dense growth of pine, oak, and
hickory which covered all that part OK the
city.
WHAT THE INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTION Is.
The buildings on tho premises were origi-
nally erected by Matthias Altmeyer; were
afterwards occupied by Christian, Lea &
Co., and since 1878 have been owned by a
board of trustees for the use of the insti-
tuition. The bows and girls attending num-
Der ll2, and they are instructed in carpen-
tering, printing, sewing. and other me
chanic branches. They attend only after
o'clock daily, when their session at the
public schools is ended. The large build
ing on the lot is let to the city for public
school purposes, and this is attended by
$50 children daily. Theinstitute Is modelled
nd n Of Los a
that distinguish the New York trade
schools. The instruction IS of q practical
nature and designed to fit the pupil.
whether male or female. with knowledge
that will enable them In after life TO earn
honest subsistence by their own talent.
MODE OF INSTRUCTION,
The superintendent. who IL q builder.
exercises much patience in teaching the
boys the rudiments and other essentials,
as well by practical example "a by object
lessons. Some of his boys show surprising
aptitude in grasplng the idea he tries TO
instil. To do this requires both patience
and knowledge of human nature. Many
of the children who attend are orphans.
Twelve boys are learning the printers
trade, and their advance has been rapid.
The Industrial Herald. published there for
several years, was set up by these cOlored
lads. Before the lapse of any great period
the institution will commence the publlca-
ton of a monthly journal.
WHAT TIE GIRLS DO.
When at work the girls make all kinds OF
needle-work by hand as well as machine,
and do it well. All kinds of woman's wear
is fabricated, and cutting and fitting
dresses is taught. Some of the girls bring
their own material and are shown how 70
mako their own dresses. The usual work
is generally sold. the proceeds being used
10 procure new material. Seven sewing
machines are used by the girls, and there
Is room around the carpenters benches for
sixteen boys TO work. The handmade
sash and doors constructed by them are
neatly finished the precision of the join
ing and other important points being
specially noticeable. The Superintendent
IL instructing them in the making of O
miniature framed house with double braces
explaining the work as 1t proceeds, and
will have his pupils crown it with bridge
roof.
TRUSTEES AND INSTRUCTORS.
The trustees arc James II. Johnson,
president of the Normal Institute at Peters
burg j. II. Johnston, John Oliver, Temple
Myers, and Coleman G. Smith. Oliver and
Johnston, OF this city, are respectively su-
perintendent and secretary. The officers
are: Oliver, manager and instructor in me-
chanics Orpheus Rutin, assistant; X. n.
Jackson, instructor in printing depart
ment: Mrs. Mary NJ Patterson, instruc-
tress IN sewing department. The sale OF
printers work and the sewing aids to keep
up the institution.
When the institution was first started II
had the active support and assistance. as II
does now, of hundreds of well-known citi
zens here as well "a In the North. Among
tho home contingent were DR.. William H.
Ruffner, Governor Lee, Hon. John T.. Mas
sey, Acknowledgement Ayers, Mr.. Blu
chanan Superintendent of Public Instruc
tom DR.. j. l.. NJ. Curry, Joseph Bryan
Henry X. EllysOn, and scores OF others
During their lives the late John and Daniel
X. Stewart were libeEal patrons.
INSTITUTION GRADUATES.
The institution can point with pride 10
the tact that those who have finished Their
course there have maintained their stand
ing before their fellow citizens as honest
men me- and women and willing workers. One
of the pupils is at the head Of the printing
department of Shaw University in North
Carolina, and the other. John Clinton, Jr.
is publishing daily paper called the Re
porter IN this city, the first effort of the
sort by a colOred man in Virginia.
THE INSTITUTION COMMENDED.
On O recent visit TO the place TIE DIS
PATCH reporter was shown the following
communications, which speak for them
selves:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
DEPARTMENTcT PUBLIC INSTRUCTION,
SCPERISTENDENT's OFFICE,
RICHMOND, March II, 1891.
Dr.. j. 7. n C11g:
Ny Dear Sir,-I visited the Moore-Street
Colored Industrial School yesterday and
was quite favorably impressed with its
work. There are four teachers and ninety
six pupils in pretty constant attendance.
OF course the work Is thus but elemen-
tary, but was well pleased with the close
attention, order. and neatness, especially
in the girls department, displayed, and
the interest all manifested in their work.
L very cordially commend this enter
prise TO your favorable consideration for
such material assistance as you may deem
proper TO render.
Very sincerely yours,
JOHN T.. MASSEY.
A second letter addressed to the trustees
of the John +. Slater fund of date of March
a, 1891, was from William f. Fox, superln-
tendent of public schools, and adds: The
Moore-street Industrial Institution is,
think, doing good work III the interest
of the colered people of this city. ! take
pleasure in commanding it to the fostering
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