The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-07-08

| tIS Oiu Cidpcl was one Oh lnenl. ne
spirit OF progress that has of late years
pervaded the hearts of the honorable
Board of Trustees, could no longer en-
dure the unsightly room with its still
more unsightly furniture, and early in
the Spring term just closed, they de-
cided to remodel the room.
Plans were advertised for and those
OF architect Albert Kipp of Wilkes
barre were chosen.
On April 27th the contract was
awarded to Mr.. Long also of Wilkes
barre, requiring that the room be finish
ed by June IS.
Mr.. Long began work about May
10, and to-day we have one of the
neatest and prettiest auditoriums in
eastern Pennsylvania.
First in order among the improve
ments made was that Of splendid
gallery, in the form of a horse shoe
running around the entire room.
This increased the seating capacity
about four hundred, giving in all a
present capacity of over one thousand.
That which produces the most
pleasing effect in the new chapel is the
elegant taste displayed by the decora-
tions in arranging and blending the
various colors IN their painting.
THE DECORATIONS.
Mr.. G.. c. Tidden of New York
city was the contractor under Mr.. LONG
for all decorations.
He sent as the painter in charge
Mr.. VIM. Gallaer, and all are loud in
their praise for this sentleman's good
taste.
The ceiling and sides are IN cream
and salmon pink. while the stage is
set in olive green with golden brown
woodwork. The doors and windows
and all wood trimmings, are ivory
white. The columns Of support be-
meath the gallery have beautifully
silvered tops with deep red bases.
The decorations of the central
dome and Of all lateral or vertical
figures is that Of classic laurel set in
white, which with the cream sides
blends very prettily.
The effect of the entire room is at
once restful to the eye, and speaks
loudly for the good judgment and
general culture of the painter Mr..
Gallaer.
THE CLAss.RooMs AT THE NORMAL.
A splendid effort was made during
the past year in some of the depart
ments, noticeably in those of Ancient
and Modern Languages, and Geo
graphy, to hang the class-rooms with
elegant pictures which would be at
once helpful In better understanding
and comprehension of the subjects
taught, and also relieve the bare and
uninviting air of the average class
room.
THE MANUAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
This report OF Commencement
week, full as it is, would hardly be
complete without special reference to
the department of Manual Training.
. Five years ago this feature of edu-
cational work was not known in our
Normal Schools; it was indeed, by
: many, rediculed as fancy Of certain
= innovators, that would never be real
5 lied.
But marvellous change has came
upon us. The spirit of progress evil
denced in all industrial lines, has been
diffused in educational affairs, until
even now the former objectors say:
"Well,t may have little place in our
public school work"
A visit to this department of our
Normal School, will convince the
most skeptical that Manual Training
or the training of the hand with the
mind has practical value, which for
the good of our youth, should have
been recognized long ago.
The splendid earnestness in which
; all the work is done alike, by Senior,
Junior, and especially the model
school classes is certainly proof that
this work interests the student.
1t is positive pleasure to see these
) busy people WORK with such a fine
spirit, sense of freedom and a deter
mnation to accomplish something.
The educational value Of having a
definite thing to be accomplished, or a
: particular piece of work to be finished
and of keeping ones self down to that
) work, is recognized by all thoughtful
: persons, and that is just what Manual
Training is doing for all our students.
The requirements to keep tools in
! order and in their proper places, the
, , leaving of their work benches always
clean, in short the entire work in this
line is we'll and particularly calculated
to develope certain much needed lines
of character in our youth that would
otherwise go undeveloped
: The appropriateness Of this work
for girls has been questioned by some,
E but the evident pleasure they take in
| IL. Il. Al 81