New-York tribune., 1903-02-22
MANUAL TRAINING SKILL.
HIGH STANDARD MAINTAINED AT PAT
ERSON
ERSON.

Fifteen years ago the legislature Of New-Jer-
sey enacted law appropriating any sum, from
$500 to 5000. In aid Of the establishment Of
manual training as part of the course Of study
In the public schools of any city in the State
which would devote like sum to the same
purpose. Public spirited citizens Of Paterson,
led by Nicholas Murray Butler, now President
Of Columbia University, at once determined to
have the city avail itself of the chance thus at
forded. w. G. Fenner, Benjamin Eastwood.
Robert l. Hopper, George A. Myers, William
Strange and others promptly subscribed $Z.Ot1
for the purpose, and placed It in the hands OF
the Board of Education. which lost no time IN
securing from the State like amount under the
new law.
On March 1, 1888, the manual training DEPART
ment was opened in a building in Market-stt
near the City Hall A competitive examination
resulted in the choice OF Edwin d. Hilton a.
principal, and he at once organized this branch
of instruction on lines which have made IT more
successful. perhaps. than any other similar pub
lie school system Of manual training IL the
United States.
This school is Just now centre Of educationa!
interest In Paterson It's rooms, machinery.
models and the products Of the skill OF It's stu
dents were wiped out by the fire OF year ago
Absolutely nothing was saved. and the sehooi
has just been reopened in temporary quarters
offered by William A. Myers. at No. 80 Straight
ct New and better machinery and tools nave
been provided by the Board Of Education. and,
barring the lack of models for the advances
classes the school is in better shape 1or "orh
than ever before. The classes in every grace
are full. and Mr. Hilton says he has never be-
fore had. in the fifteen years Of his work more
promising students. When it is understood that
a re-
studios Of New-York sculptors. in the locomo-
tive works Of Paterson, and in shops and fac-
tories I'm distant parts of the country, the sig
nffcance of his statement will be fully appre-
ciated.
The students are admitted TO this instruction,
without regard to age. from grammar S'hooi
grades No. "a. No. SD and No. Sa, ana the a0-
vanced classes are from the ranks Oh studeHts
who have passed through the courses to when
these grades have entitled them and are u the
high school
The instruction is at present confined tc "oou-
working Pupils from grammar grade NO -
first get rectangular blocks OF wood about SIX
inches long, two inches wide and one inch thick
Before receiving this material, each e'tndi-
date must present an outline drawing, to scale
made by himself in the grammar school draw
ing class, and attested by his instructress. OF
inst such a block. The first lesson is devoted
solely to planning one side Of these blocks the
work being tested by Mr.. Hilton with Try
square in the presence Of the pupil and cor
rected. if necessary. Each boy places his bench
number his block and leaves it with his IN
structor. Lessons in squaring, gauging. measure
ing and saving the same block follow. After
that comes chisel work without jOinering- This
embraces all sorts of mortising and ten0ning.
Then follows term in joiner work Every