The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-18
MANUAL TRAINING IN NEGRO HIGH SCHOOL Pupils Are Taught Principles of
 Carpentry BASKET WEAVING PROCESS The Sewing Department Where vari- ous Branches of Needle Work Are Being Taught-other Features
 of Manual Training.
 
BASKET WEAVING PROCESS

The manual training course in the negro public schools of Birmingham h/s become in the two years of it's progress an in- teresting and essential feature in public school work Manual training does not necessarily imply a trade, but nothing else so develops that in the individual which may be turned to the most practical ac- count.
 At the negro high school which occu- pies a portion of the common school buildings may be seen the most eneour- aging results of the various branches of manual training. The facilities ore linn tied, but the progress that has been made shows what application will accomplish and what may be expected from increas- ed opportunities for work.
 An interesting feature is the work shop where woodwork is taught the older pu- pills. This room is equipped with a large carpenters table and the necessary tools. period of forty minutes is de- voted every day to this department of manual training. All of the work exc cuted by the pupils is creditable. Brackets of various designs, racks, mod ern rings and hooks and other articles for practical purposes showed both a creative talent and a knowledge of the first prin- ciples in design. The method of training develops the creative powers and the pupil is required to first draw his de- sign and then to reproduce it in wood. Not only Is the e. trained to accuracy but the pupil gains a knowledge of practical value that will be of great help to him in his future work
 Basket weaving and what is known as the ra1a work are among the branches of manual training taught at the Negro High school. The raia work is consid- cred the most tedious of almost any branch and requires a greater amount of concentration and a facility in plating the numerous threads. The pupils design belts of this rafia work, and blend the col ors according to individual ideas The basket work is very interesting, and finds many enthusiastic workers. The different stages of the weaving process was ex- plained by one of the teachers in the manual training work
 The sewing department of the high school is another interesting feature in- cluded in the manual training course. A period each day is set aside for sewing and the girls in the school are being trained in different branches of needle work.
 The first lessons are given in basting and the pupil gradually takes up branch after branch of sewing until she is able to make an entire dress. Lessons in cut ting and fitting are given in the course but greatest attention is paid to needle work. many of the pupils being proficient in hand embroidery.
 Drawing from the object and from copy books is feature of manual train ing in all the schools.
 The music period in the Cameron school is an interesting one to visitors. Musical exercises of a high order were heard. Sight reading was most creditable and the rendition of several songs showed fine training.
 The conditions of the Cameron school are wholesome and sanitary and in mark ed contrast to those of the Thomas Col ored school on the east side of the city. where work Is retarded because of the unwholesome environment and where there Is great lack of facilities.