The Somerset reporter., 1906-09-27
Manual Training Inaugurated

Manual Training has at last been in
troduced into the Skowhegsn schools
and classes in the seventh, eighth and
ninth grades are receiving regular in
struction. Miss Alma E. Buswell of
Winona MINI graduate of the Mime
sofa normal school and Thomas Manual
Training school of Detroit, is in charge
of, the manual training work and is also
the instructor In drawing for all the
grades.
A room has been fitted for this de-
partment on the third floor of the Lin.
coin building on Leavitt street. 1t was
previously unoccupied and the only
changes required we're an additional
window on the north side and the lay
ing of floor. In this loom has been
installed twenty benches, and a full
equipment of tools, all the gift of a
Skowhegan lady who has for years
wished to see this department added to
the Skowhegan schools. The benches
are about four feet long, of suitable
width and are fitted with two vices and
other contrivaoces In the most ingenious
manner to facilitate the work of oarpen-
try Each bench is provided with one
each of the following tools two-foot
rule, knife, chisels, in three sizes, mark
ing gage, try square, block and jack
plane, rip saw, back saw, and brush for
cleaning Every bench is numbered and
the tools with 1t bear the same number
Lockers are in process of building so
that one will be provided for each pupil
and will be correspondingly numbered.
Ia addition to the tools furnished each
bench, there is a cabinet with a full set
of special tools to which the pupils have
access as their work requires
Boys from the seventh, eighth and
ninth grades come to this room on
stated days in the week and work for an
hour under the direction of the teacher
Previous to coming TO the manual train
ing room they make drawings Of the
article they are to work upon and these
d awnings are carefully followed from
step to step as the work progresses
While the manufacture of useful articles
is not the primary object, but rather the
careful training in the use of tools, the
work is usually upon some simple thing
that will be of use In the home when
finished like knife boxes letter cases,
etc. While the boys are working at the
benches in the manual training room,
the girls from the corresponding grades
are receiving instruction in sewing from
from their regular teachers, the plans
for which are prepared by the manual
training teacher
The present plan permits one hours
instruction per week in bench work for
each boy and the same time In sewing
for each girl in the grades mentioned
and it may be changed so as to in
clude the pupils of the sixth grade a
little later on. Practically all the pupils
between the ages of eleven and fourteen
years are re ceivlng this much manual
training The pupils show great in
terest In the work and it Is apparent to
any close observer that the hour taken
from other studies is more than made
up by the increased ability which the
variety in work creates.
The hours for the classes at the Man
ual Training room are from half past
one to half past two on Mondays, and
from half past one to half past three on
Wednesdays, and visitors are always
welcome. Citizens of Skowhegan and
particularly those who have been
doubtful about the advisability of add
ing manual training dep to our
course of instruction. are urged to come
aud observe the work now being done.
II is believed that no one can fail to
appreciate the value of his training or
to admit that, for the time required and
the expense involved. it is the most
valuable of any instruction which our
pupils are now receiving.