The Ocala evening star., 1911-03-09
FESSENDEN ACADEMY
Which Occupies the Place I'm Florida
That Tuskegee Institute Doe.
in Alabama
6Republished BY RequesD

Senden, this county. During that time
the school has grown. its usefulness
Increased and the prospects for great
er development along educational and
industrial lines for the colored race
are very bright, with Prof J. L.
Wiley's energy, efficiency and con-
summate executive ability TO lead on
and promote the good work of making
better men and women and more use
full citizens Of those under his care. 1t
is a pleasure TO state that all the in
structors assisting Prof Wiley are
well trained. experienced and efficient
colaborers for the best interests of the
Institution. one Of the noticeable i'm
provements is that on the campus.
Since last visited the many rocks on
its surface had been removed and in
their place a fine growth of Bermuda
grass was present TO greet the eye
and rest ii from the gIaring sun. The
monument erected TO the memory of
Mr.. FeSSenden, the father of the
school, is in place as you enter the
grounds from the east and just to the
left and which will be unveiled with
appropriate ceremonies and addresses
on Sunday, April 9Th. 1t was erected
by the contributions of the colored
people of Marion county and is a credit
to their generosity and appreciation.
The most commanding and commodious
building on the grounds is the Carne-
gle library building. used for library
purposes, mess hall and dormitory and
sewing and dressmaking department.
The library is growing quite credita-
bly, and the studies are so timed and
so arranged that each pupil is com
PEELED to devote a certain time TO the
L 4.
Of which there is a generous supply.
also books, under the careful super
vision CT one of the teachers We
deem this an admirable arrangement
and one that in time will bring much
mental profit to those so instructed. If
Fessenden stands for anything and
which it prides itself on, is tidiness.
cleanliness. order and system. The
latter word includes discipline and
punctuality to all duties assigned, and
here we desire to state that every
pupil whether male or female, includ-
ing teachers, must take care of their
own sleeping apartments with a per-
son to superintend each dormitory and
report daily to the matron. who fol-
lows up the report with a daily visit
herself and it affords us pleasure to
bear witness to the fact that we have
seen no hotel. public building or any
school rooms or dormtories in a more
cleanly and presentable appearance
than those we inspected at Fessen-
den. improvements are going on all
the while at Fessenden under the
watchful care and discerning eye of
the principal, who during his spare
moments and vacation time is con-
tinualIy advising the friends of the
INC o,,l
by letter or personal visit. Of its needs
and necessities and by their contribu-
tions to the cause betterments are
made. The Carnegie building will
shortly have installed Kewanee.
Ulls) tank system, which will not
only add to the comforts and conven-
fences of the place, but to its fire pro-
lection, while its sewer system Will
improve the hygiene and sanitation In
the Hall of Fame" the largest room
in the Carnegie building and in due
season to be the library room proper.
but used as a dining room. is called
the Hall of Fame" and adorning its
walls are portraits of the great men
and women of the nation, who have
been the steadfast friends of the ne
gro. We desire to make a statement
in regard to work done by pupils in
the sewing room, an exhibition of
patching on dresses and aprons so
skillfully done that you could not see
where the patch began or ended or
with what it was fastened. The work
was indeed creditable. We went thru
the dormitory known as Chase Hail.
occupied by boys and its condition was
perfect, also the domestic science de-
partment known as Douglass Hall.
where the culinary art is taught and
specimens of the girls cooking tested
and in a manner so satisfactory that
they certainly had ma stored the art
of preparing food for the hungry. Cra-
vath Hall is used as headquarters.
where the principal, Prof. Wiley. pre-
sides at intermediate periods at his
desk and the faculty meets daily for
comparison of notes and consultation
effecting the condition and needs of
the school rooms. Just to the east of
this building is the industrial build
ing, where a very competent instruc-
tor instructs the boys in the myster-
les of making squares and joints and
picture frames without a nail used in
their construction. Carpentry is
taught in all its parts, including the
effective use and care of tools: also
blacksmithing. Enough has been said
we'll as the head is carefully trained
The student classes We're shown in
body in FesSenden Hall. Several hun
dred students at one tap of the bell
filed in perfect order and system from
their class rooms into the hall, took
their seats with the precision of mill
tary training. The piano was touched
and Prof. Wiley leading. a song was
sung as only CoIored children know
how. when the editor of the Star was
introduced and spoke 10 them of the
great opportunities they We're enjoy
ing and by following the instruction
given them by their teachers. how use
full and blessed their lives could be
made to themselves and all interested
in them and the communities in which
they would cast their lot when they
became men and women. To carry
the spirit and meaning they were i'm
bibing at FeSSenden with them and
prove an honor and a pride TO the
school. II attention was an evidence
Of appreciation the speaker should feel
COmpnmented. We saw herd OF
some fifty swine. d : fine as you can
find anywhere in Marion county and a
six months colt that would be a prize
winner if exhibited at the Marion
County Fair. with herd of eXcelleu:
milk cows. all for the use of the
school our visit reminds Us of the
fact that il i just Is years ago that
Prof. Wiley took charge OF the school
with thirteen pIuilS and IL acres