The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-08
SCHOOL LIFE AT M. I. H. S.
THEFE ri TWELVE HUNDRED PU-
iILs AND MANY TEACHERS.
Pupils Work More Combining Than
AZ ShortrfdEe SchOOI-The
Many Organizations.

he gets his morning paper may see a line
OF bOts on bicycles riding rapidly toward
the business district. These boys with
their BOXES OF lunch and books are going to
the Manual Training High School. where
lessons viii occupy their minds from SIS
until 315. An insight into the school will
show why II differs so much in its political
and social life from the school on the
North Side. where the pupils remain only
four hours a day.
AS its name implies. the most prominent
feature Of the VI. T. II. s. is the manual
training received while completing the four
years course. consisting Of thirty-one
credits necessary for graduation. Tbs
pupil who enters this school does so be-
cause Of a desire for a mechanical educa-
ton and he could enter no better institu-
ton where he would receive an equal share
OF every course
When "A 'freshie" begins his high school
career in the manual training course he
takes up woodworking. including bench
work and turning. After a year IN this de-
partment he Is sent 10 the forging room
and from there 10 the foundry and pattern
working department. In the senior year
the student receives instruction in machine
fitting. Besides this work a pupil selecting
the training course must complete "A years
work I'm free-hand drawing and three
years work in mechanical drawing. Ad-
Vanced work in science and mathematics
IS also required in the manual course
For the benefit Of the young women who
attend the school there are courses In cook
Ing and sewing StenOgraphy and type
writing are also taught. An adequate de-
s%cription Of these different departments
cannot be given but visitors are welcome
any school day, when II would well repay
one to investigate the different depart
ments Of the school.
In February. 1895. the school first opened
its doors with 526 students and a faculty
OF twenty-five teachers. There are now 100
names on Professor Emmerich's roll and
thirty-eight instructors compose the fac
ulty.
1t may readily be seen that the life Of the
student would differ materially from that
Of an institution where not so much time
IS required in Rotations. The. pupils are
busy from fifteen minutes after s until 3:l5,
when, as a usual thing, they are glad to
q meeting. Hence the absence OF many or
ganizatfOns-
As an illustration Of how the students
put in their time in the Manual Training
High School "A boy was working in the
machine fitting room one afternoon at a
large plane. He had an advanced geometry
book before him and while the plane went
forward and backward the student rode
with It. studying the book as he sat on the
Probably the most interesting period dur
ing the day 10 a visitor Is the lunch hour.
At u-30 the bell rings and IN a short time
the long tables In the basement are filled
with hungry students For those who do
not bring lunch a small restaurant
serves meals at a reasonable cost. After
this present ceremony is over the pupils
spend their time discussing athletic events,
the most prominent topic in the school. or
cOngregate in n session room and listen to
rag time" until the big bell again an
nounces the call 10 books at 12:15.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS.
However, there are many associations
and organizations which make the lives of
the students enjoyable and add to the So
cial and political side of the institution.
In the entire list of NJ. T.. H. S. clubs there
IS none that stands higher in the estimation
OF pupils and faculty or that has attained a
higher standard Of real excellence than
the orchestra. 1t is practically as old as
the school. having been organized by Prof.
Emmerich shortly after the school came
into existence. From a modest beginning
the orchestra has risen TO the dignity of
more than twenty pieces and has had great
success. nc. only with standard, but even
with classical music. Professor Emmerich
IS the director and the success of this en-
terprise is due almost entirely to him. The
orchestra performs during the auditorium
exercises twice a month and Is a source or
delight 10 the students and faculty.
Closely Connected with the orchestra is the
latest musical venture. the teachers dou-
bic quartet. IL is composed OF eight Of
the male teachers and takes the place of
a Elee club. This club pleases the stu
dents at the auditorium exercises twice
Two years ago Mr.. Camben organized a
mandolin club which has been very sue
cessful and is now in charge of Mr..
Sprague. Its playing Is much enjoyed by
the students for whom IL performs every
two weeks.
Foremost among the prominent school or
CARNATIONS is the Athletic AsOCisatiOn.
This asOCiastiOn has a large membership
and is strongly supported by the school.
The standard OF NJ T. II. S athletes and
the position they have attained both in
this state and other States is well known
10 everyone. All the different teams and
departments OF the schools athletes are
separately managed. but the Athletic As
ISOLATION acts as a head which controls
mEa n4LT~sn Oh it'll e. III. 49, -
the red and white. 1t was organized In
the spring OF 1890 with John GOOde as pres
ident. The present officers are: Joe Minor.
president. Martin Quinn. vice president;
Thomas Sheerin. secretary; Prof. a J.
Bean, treasurer
Among the literary and debating clubs
the 81. +. n. : Literary Society Is the
most prominent. 1t was organized by Miss
Toy. the present critic, and meets every
Monday afternoon. The programme con-
Eists OF reCitations and musical numbers.
Different writer's and their works are stud
led and debates on literary subjects held.
This society has the largest membership
OF any of the organizations and its meet
ings are greatly enjoyed by the pupils.
The Forum Debating Gu is a we'll
known organization that meets every Mon
day afternoon. Debates are held on all
topics OF general interest. Its purpose has
never been 10 make orators, but rather
accuSJom Its members 10 think quickly
and GO express their thoughts clearly. \
criminal court will be- held some time soon
when il is believed the Forum will make
a good bid for popularity. Harry Boyle
will be the judge and Albert Jennings pros
ecuting attorney. while the prisoner will
be defended by Martin Quinn.
The Senate. as its name implies. is a
mimicry OF the nations law-making body.
but is generally lacking in the dignity one
might expect from such a distinguished as
sembly. Ii is a comparatively new Organi-
cation and has not attained that prOmi-
nent place among the schools associations
that the Shortridge body has. The Sen
ate. however. has a good membership and
tie discussions Of bills are often exceed
fngly interesting.
The latest OrganizatiOn 10 appear is the
n T. Fl :. Science Club. which was or
gained a few weeks ago. Those at the
head OF the new club believe IL is filling
a long felt want and predict a success
ful career II Is fhe object OF the club TO
take up every branch OF science and me
ckanics which can be readily studied by
its members. The clubs first lecture will
b given by Prof. \. O.. Abott on Dec. Is.
The subject Is Liquid Air and Prof Alb
OFT VIII give demonstration OF its uses.
The present officers Of the Science Club
are Lin Smith, president. and Mamie
White. secretary.
The Manual Training High School. unlike
many high schools. organizes classes dur
ing the freshman year. This plan has
worked well in the school and the different
classes play an important part in the social
life OF the school. There are always four
classes duly organized and distinguished
81 the NJ. T. II. :. As soon as a class
reaches the lib grade IL adopts a consti-
tuition and selects officers TO serve one