The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1896-03-19
VOL. 81
RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT.

With this week the winter term at
the Normal School closes. 1t has
been remarkable term. Remark
able because every one has been un-
usually busy. Everybody ? Yes,
everybody, from the never-resting
Principal on down through all the
grades and departments to the elevator
boy-all have been busy. The great
body of students seemed to realize as
never before, the importance of prop
erly and pro6tably employing every
day of the term.
Il is certainly most gratifying to
know in so large body of young
people as are Here gathered, almost
every student manifests clearly that
he understands what he came to
school for. He understands that.
surrounded by conditions and influ-
ences such as are found in the Blooms
burg Normal, his duty is to get out of
these splendid opportunities every
possible advantage.
Speaking of the conditions and
influences of our school, leads us to
note that the great number of visitors
that have come from far and near,
during the past term, express great
surprise at the splendid equipment of
the school.
We are not permitted at this time
to 60 into detailed statement or
enumeration of all the several depart
ments. Suffice it therefore, to say
that with the well-planned Manual
Training Department, the Vocal Mu-
sic, and Drawing Departments, all
without any extra cost, and adding to
these the splendid opportunities for
physical training as afforded in one of
the very best gymnasiums in this
country, there are very few schools if
any that present to the young people
OF its district, such splendid advan-
tages for securing an education.
Many other things also compel the
interested visitor to say unhesitatingly
that this is well equipped and we'll
organized school. The well selected
library, chosen with special regard to
the various courses of study, and hav-
ing direct bearing upon the work of
each year Of each department, and in
addition to this the advantages arising
from the possible culture to be secured
from the two well conducted literary
societies, all combine to furnish the
student of to-day with advantages for
literary culture that were unheard of
until within very recent years.
And these influences and this en-
vironment are bearing fruit. Yes,
truly, for never before have there been
so large number Of inquiries for
information concerning the school, as
IN this year. Almost every mail of
each day brings from one to a score
of letters wanting to know one thing
or another about the school. And
even more tangible evidence is mani
tested in this, that rooms are being
rapidly taken for the Spring term.
Every available part of the great dorm
itory will be put in readiness to receive
the throng of anxious students, who
will knock at our doors within the
next three weeks. Let them come.
Bloomsburg's great nome school, for
it is as much hOme for its busy toll
ers as any school can be, will receive
them with klndest welcome. And
then as these new members of the
great family go forth in the days to
come, to tell the praises of our school,
other sons and daughters of our great
commonwealth will be drawn hither,
and thus the future is made bright in
the hope of continued usefulness and
prosperity.