The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1902-07-25
Hope for the Blind.

Sam IL. Gill, formerly of Madi-
son county, Tenn, who is now con-
nected with the Tennessee School
for the Blind, at Nashville, was in
Bolivar Friday, for the purpose of
locating blind children who might
be benefited by the excellent advan-
tages offered at that institution.
Mr.. Gill is blind man himself,
and only few years ago be was
living at home without knowledge
of the capacities of the blind for
useful work, when developed by in
struction at the bands of trained
teachers and specialists. He was in
exactly the same situation in which
many blind boys of today find them
selves, almost helpless and burden
on his family, but he learned of the
great advantages Of the state insti-
tuition at Nashville and secured adj
mission there. After two years.
study he acquired sufficient knowl-
edge to become Independent in the
world, and is now a valued member
of the faculty Of the school, having
charge of the industrial department.
AS is we'll known to most people,
the Tennessee School for the Blind
is state institution, part of the
public school system, and therefore
offers to every blind child in the
state of Tennessee an opportunity to
procure ali education as good and in
every respect as complete as that re-
ceived by their more fortunate bro
theirs and sisters. To the regular
liteary course is added most excel
lent training in both vocal and in
strumental music. It's splendid
choir and band have gained no small
recognition from the public and its
friends and patrons. The girls are
taught to sew by hand, to manage a
sewing machine. to cut and fit
dresses, do bead work, knitting,
crocheting, and hammock making.
The boys learn piano tuning, mat
tress making, broom making, chair
Gaming.
All persons residing III the state
of Tennessee between the ages of 5
and 81 years, and whose sight is not
sufficient to attend the ordinary
schools, are eligible for admission
as pupils of the school, provided
they are not incapaciated by physi-
cal, mental or moral infrmity for
useful instruction.
Tuition, books, board, washing
and medical attendance are abso
lutely free; parents or guardians
mourning only the expense of trans
portation to and from the school
and furnishing suitable clothing.
The curriculum consists of twelve
grades, and includes Latin, music
and elocution.
There were eight graduates of the
the institution this year, the term
closing Wednesday, June 4. These
graduates are fully equipped to take
care of themselves, and two Of them
took medals in the department of
instrumental music.
Mum bers Of the graduates are in
different parts of the state earning
their own living. Three men well
known to Mr.. Gill are running
broom factories.
Mr.. Gill requests all physicians,
school teachers or oculists who
know of any blind children to COM
municate with him, or Superintend-
ent Armstrong, care of Tennessee
School for the Blind, Nashville, and
confer a favor by reporting such
cases as may be benefited by admis-
sion to the school.
There are two schools for the
blind in the state institution, one
each for white and colorcd, on sep
arate grounds, and Mr.. Gill states
that there is room for twenty-five
more white and ten more negro
children for next year.