The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-17
THE 1sTN COMMENCEMENT
of the Mount Metgs Industrial
 School.
Mt. Meigs. May 15, 1901

Mt. Melgs, May 10, 1Sol. Editor The Advertiser:
 Thirteen years ago Cornelia Bowen, who was born on the Tuskegee campus, in a building still preserved by the school, began the work here. She is still principal. She graduated from Tuskegee in 1885. This was the first class sent out by the institution. Over 300 students have been enrolled this year and, in many respects. this has been one Of the best years in the his- tory of the school. The people have paid. in tuition, over $40e, Five teach CTS have been employed. besides a su- perintendent of industries. All but one were educated at Tuskegee and all were born in Montgomery or Macon counties. They are possessed in a re- marksble, degree, with. the Tuskegee spirit Fred Parker the Superinten- dent of Industries. learned blacksmith ing at Tuskegee but, having been Hur- ism, at Tuskegee, he has here carried on. not only blacksmithing, but also, wheelwriting. carpentry. upholstenng, painting and farming. In all these he has been assisted by the students. He is this year carrying on a model farm of forty acres. Louisa payis e.se es the teachers. was born on the old Mitchell place." in sight of the school where her father, Rev. Moses Davis, still lives. He has been a trustee of the school since it's beginning and, for many years, pastor of St. James Bap- tist Church, located on the school grounds. His daughter, Louisa, Is a graduate of Mt Meigs and Tuskegee. and, since her graduation from T1ske- gee, in 1897, she has been one of the most respected and successful teachers here. Commencement day Is the great day of the year with these plantation schools. Everybody comes. Today the grounds about the school swarm with people and mules. Large numbers are present from Montgomery. The brass band. twenty strong, is here from Tus- kegee. Their music is excellent and charms the people. The morning hours were devoted to class work, examina- tions and inspection of work done in the various industries. Cooking. house. keeping and sewing have been taught the girls. The boys have had more or less instruction in biacksmithing, woodworking, painting and farming. The school has graduated 46, in the thirteen years of its work. Many of these have taken higher courses al Tuskegee and elsewhere. Some are teachers. quite a number are following trades. a few are in business and oth- CTS are farmers. Almost without ex- ception their lives have been success ful and honorable. Cornelia Bowen IS a strong character. She is called by many. the Booker Washington among colored women" Her influence on those who attend here is very marked for good.
 At ? o'clock the exercises of the af- ternoon were held in a large bush sr- hor, made for the occasion. There ere no graduates this year as the course of study has been raised so as to enable all to pass the examination for second grade certificate. now called for by the improved condition of the public schools Two interesting addresses were delivered by those who will grad uate next year and one of unusual merit by Perry N. Harris of the class of '95. who came at the invitation Of Miss Bowen to speak for the forty-six graduates who have gone out from this school. He spoke on How to Over come Difficulties" This young mar was born on the Garter place" For five years he has been carrying on an excellent grocery business in Birming- ham, He has a good reputation there among business men. The time for the annual address was divided between Revs. Semms and Lewis of Montgom- cry. They were listened to with re- spectful attention. K. C. B.