The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-13

"1T has been definitely decided that
ISL the National Technical Institute
LSs11 shall have a department devoted
EcgT&Gl TO women When the school was
49, first planned this was hardly con-
sidored. but since such great progress has
been made in providing for boys, the direct
ors came to the conclusion that some pro-
vision should be made for girls. Just what
work the women will take has not as yet
been considered and is 70 be left wholly
TO an advisory board composed of proml-
nent women. Who will be members of this
wcman's board is not known for the direct
ors have not made any selections, but have
under consideration a number of women
whom they will soon ask to serve on this
board The character OF the woman's de-
partment has, SO far, been indefinite, and
nothing has been done but to discuss the
matter; lately. however. the discussion has
begun to take the shape of an actually,
and the work has been taken up in earnest.
The only thing, however, that the directors
are definite about is, the womans depart
ment will be to fit women to earn their
livelihood in the same manner as the trade
school of this institution fits men to earn
their living, by thoroughly teaching them
an occupation.
II is already assured that the proposed
department will have a large endowment.
though the benefactor does not wish his
name given to the public. The sum which
he contributes puts it beyond doubt that
this new venture in the institution will be
a success. and it is thought others will fol-
low with endowments when the proper time
comes. When the department for women Is
opened the institution will be conducted
partly on a co-educational and partly an
annex system. 1t is now proposed to have
the northern end of the ground, which lies
along East Tenth street, reserved for the
woman's building. There have been many
inquiries as to whether or not there would
be a girls school in connection with the
other, and many expressed their opinion by
saying that, in an institution which will be
as large as this and which will be equipped
with every continuance for learning all
sorts of trades, there should be a place for
girls to learn suitable calhngS. 1t was these
opinions coming in so frequently, that had
much to do in influencing the board or
directors to take the step in forming a
woman's department., and before long the
course of study the women Will take VIII
be thoroughly mapped out.
1t has been definitely decided by the au-
thOrities of the school that ii will open
sept. ii. Many nave InOuSnt t1dt IL WOulu
be impossible to get the school in working
order by that time, but because of the build
ings that were formerly used by the govern
ment when the place was occupied by the
arsenal this will be feasible. II was a
great surprise TO the directors of the Tech
nical Institute when they came to invssti-
gate the buildings which 1t was thought
would amount to nothing. Every one or
them was found to be in perfect condition,
and there will be scarcely any expense at
all attached to repairing them. Ii Will,
however, put the institution to considerable
expense to get them in readiness for school
purposes, but the structures themselves
could hardly be in better order and were
found to be just what was wanted by the
institute.
SIX GOOD BUILDINGS.
The buildings that are now on the old
arsenal grounds are six. The main structure
is large and spacious and, like all of the
rest. is built of pressed brick. 1t is almost
like a new building, for the government
spent $4,000 on it for repairs shortly before
the arsenal was sold. 1t is thought now
that this building, on account of its size,
will be used for the machine department
However, the machine department will not
be ready for students before next year, as
it will take some time to equip and find
instructors for it. In this building will be
taught the machinistS trade, which is
seldom given as a part of the course in
institution will be one of the few in the
United States.
The building that was formerly used as
the artillery hall is also in excellent condi-
ton and will be an admirable place for the
teaching of building trades on account of
the large floor space which is TO be had.
Then there is the new power house on the
grounds, which erected only a few
years before the place was sold and which
cost in the neighborhood of $4,000. This,
of course, will be very necessary for a
school of this kind because electrical
power will be one of the chief essentials.
The building at present is not fitted up with
machinery, but contracts have already been
let for putting in the power. When this is
completed the place will be thoroughly
fitted out.
What was formerly used as the stable,
where the horses of the government were
kept, will be transformed into chemical
laboratory. This stable is large structure
composed of brick and stone and is three
stories high. The barracks, which is
located near the stable, will also be con-
verted into chemical laboratory, as two
buildings devoted to this use will be neces-
sary. The architect is now drawing up the
| necessary plans, and he says that there will
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