The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-08-24
FORK UNION SCHOOL
WILL Open soon
FOUNDED by LATE
DIR. HATCHER Is DOING A
GREAT WORK.
AN IDEAL LOCATION
LITERARY STANDARD HIGHER
THAN ANY SCHOOL In THE
soUTH OF ITS CLAss-FACULTY
rs COMPOSED OF SCHOLARS.

FORK UNION, VA, August "a
Fork Union Military academy was
Founded in 1897 by the late DR.. Will
liam f. Hatcher. so long prominent
in the religious and educational az
fairs of Virginia and the South. The
long connection of the founder with
Christian education in Virginia seems
20 have impressed him that n vast
virgin field was not being exploited
as II should be. IT was true indeed
that much effort had been put forth
down through the years for the Chris
tian education of young men ana
Young women, with the result that
epiendidly equipped colleges had come
into existence to serve this particular
. purpose, Practically nothing had
been done for the boys and young
men not ready to enter the first classes
OF the higher Institutions of learn
ing. Moreover. there We're hundreds
OF promising boys In the more re-
mote sections who could not attend
such schools as existed because the
expense was more than they could
possibly stand. In addition TO these
there were hundreds OF parents In the
towns and cities who desired TO edu-
cate their boys in a wholesome moral
atmosphere away from the contami-
mating Influences of urban life. To
meet the needs of this great multi
tude OF worthy boys, Fork Union
academy was founded. In founding
this school. the authorities had na
wish to found a money making insu-
tuition. They desired To put an edu-
cation within the reach Of persons OF
moderate means-~such training as
would prepare our boys for the coll
a. f.x+ 4t1Z
teal duties of life, Hence IL is that
considering advantages, Fork Union
Military academy is today recognized
- the ieast expensive school OF Its
kind In the South.
Location and Health.
The academy Is situated In the VII
lage Of Fork Union just on the crest
cf the watershed between the James
and Rivanna rivers. Only lew miles
beautiful Blue Ridge mountains are
plainly visible Situated thus n the
foothills of this famous mountain
range. the village has the rare ad-
vantage of escaping the malarias OF
the low country and the fevers OF the
mountains, There has not developed
q case Of serious Illness in Fork Union
academy for many years. The academy
maintains its own physician, who is
notified each morning Of any cadet
who may he sick He then gives those
on the sick list immediate necessary
medical treatment and attention In
fine Fork Union has become almost
AZ famous as a resting and health
resort as the seat Of great institu-
ton OF learning. for scores of peo-
pie flock here during the vacation
time to recuperate.
In this connection must also be en-
phasszed tae matter Of moral health,
Fork Union liz a community OF hos
pisahle moral people. who take pride
In making the surroundings Just as
wholesome as possible for student life.
The sale of whiskey has never been
known In this community and would
not be tolerated. In fact. II Is doubted
II more wholesome atmosphere for
the formation and moulding OF the
character OF young people can be
found anywhere. This after all. ac-
counts In part Mt least for the scores
of boys who are scnt here for their
early training.
Christian Activities at the Academy.
To begin with, the instructors at
the academy are selected not only be-
cause of their high scholarship. but
each one is an out and out Christian
gentleman. All OF them take an In
terest In tile various student Chris
tiap activities. At the academy liz
maintained Young Mems Christian
ASSOCIATION. n young mems prayer
meeting, and one Of the most inter
esting Sunday schools In the State.
There liz no more splendid scene than
the great group Of handsome boys In
the academy Sundays school on Sun
day morning. where their professors
meet with them to study the Scrip
lures and engage in song and wor-
ship. The battalion of cadets goes to
church In a body every Sunday morn
ing. The regular pastor breaches
twice a month. and on the interven-
ing Sundays the academy authorities
provide ministers and speakers OF note
20 come and address the boys. The
friends Of this school take great pride
IN the fact that some OF the strong
eEt young men In the ministry Of the
State and the South ascribe their pas
sion for the work OF the kingdom Of
God to the wholesome religious In
fluences OF their student life mt Fork
Union. Among its patrons have been
the most prominent ministers and lay
-snen-- 6etnte, whom arer
outspoken In their praise OF the SPLEEN
did work done at the academy.
Literary Standards.
II one will consult the latest cata-
logue Of Fork Union It will be readily
observed that there is not another
school Of the same kind in the State.
and few In the South. that offer as
full courses of instruction. Instruc-
ton Is given In history. English.
French, German Latin. mathematics.
physics. chemistry. agriculture. econo-
mics and Bible. In, the academy work
proper. a total Of 20 points Up required
Tor graduation. Is az which are speci-
Ned and 4 Of which may be selected
BY the student with the approval of
(. the headmaster from group of seven
elective subjects. Two distinct courses
OF study are offered--the literary
course for all students who expect to
40 purely literary work at college.
and the scientific course for students
who expect to attend technical
H school. The entire course Of study
z n intended nilhAr to prepare young