The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1914-07-23

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been established in various parts Of tho country.
Tho first meeting to effect an organization for this
school was held on March 2l. 1914. Boston was then
but u town. In It were boys bereft by death OF one
or both parents, and outside OF the work carried
on by the various charitable organizations. no ade-
Quate relief was available.
In the beginning the management provided princl.
pally shelter and food. An asylum was established
in the West end. Boys from Ave TO twelve years OF
age we're gathered there. and were sent to the pub
lie schools for education. Six years later larger
quarters we're secured at the North end In the for.
mer residence Of the colonial governor, Sir william
Phipps.
As soon after the age OF twelve as was possible
the boys. following the custom OF the day. were ap.
~prenticed to farmers or tradesmen In other parts OF
the state. and there the responsibility OF the school
for the time ended.
Meanwhile another institution was organized
which conceived Its object TO be something more
than providing shelter. II felt the boy. to attain
better results In manhood, should receive Industrial
training. That was the Boston Farm school, which
In 1892 secured a charter. In n few months the sum
Of $4,000 was raised In Boston for the school and
Thompson's island. containing 1877 acres. was bought
tor 5000.
Two years later the asylum at the North end sold
its property there. and. making a union with the
Boston Farm school. removed to Thompson's island.
For nearly three-quarters OF a century the name was
the Boston Asylum and Farm school. and agricu!.
ture formed the basis OF the educational system.
With an isolation that made conditions almost
~ ~" '''V ~
was attracted to the school. and Il quietly pursued
fits unique work as a private school for worthy boys
of limited means.
About ten years ago. more truly TO describe It's
present functions. the name was changed by the
legislature to the Farm and Trades school.
The school is supported by endowments. tut.
ton fees and subscriptions. It's vested funds
amount to nearly $3.50. 900. but the income from
this source and tuition leaves a deficit OF nearly
100000 n year. which Ia made up by subscrip-
tions. Tuition fees amount to about $4,000 q
year. The annual expenses are about $40, 900.
Provision Is made for 100 boys, whose eligibii.
iy for admission requires them to he between
ten and fourteen years OF age. OF good moral
character, In fair physical condition and who are
not lower than the sixth grade In grammar school.
Recommendation are required from the family
physician. a clergyman and from three or four
persons of recognized standing In the community.
Admissions are made four times n year Only
boys whose recommendations are satisfactory are
admitted and. II on trial, a boy proves to be un.
ftted for the school. he Is not allowed to remain.
After admission the school furnishes everything
needed for the boy-clothing, shelter, subsistence.
medical attendance and trade opportunities and
moral discipline.
The school aims to NJ the boy for higher pur.
suits. and. upon completing the course at school.
to place him either in n higher school or In a
position for which he seems adapted.
As the general farm work necessarily In.
ciuded some instructions In certain trades. and
as carpentering and painting and the island loca.
ton permitted practical instruction In the use
and management OF boats. the first enrichment OF
the curriculum occurred In 1857. when a brass
band was organized and has been in existence
since.
II Is said to be the oldest boys band in the
country, and Is one Of the distinctive features OF
the school.
In 1889 the educational system was greatly
broadened by the erection and equipment Of
Gardner hall. which contained a printing once.
manual training outfits and woodworking lathes.
Mere the FIRST sloyd lessons were given. 80 far
a known. IN this country.
Interest In these several branches was greatly
stimulated. and the school course was 30 changed
as TO permit almost daily lessons in carpentry
and printing. while ordinary school work still
continued.
Today instruction Ia given on the following sub
jects: Preparation Of the soil. planting OF seed.
cultivation, harvesting and rotation OF crops. cub
tiyation OF fruits and care OF orchard, setting out
and caring for trees and shrubs. testing and So
lecting seed. mixing OF chemicals for fertilizers.
metoorology. vocal and Instrumental music. sloyd.
mechanical drawing. cabinet work. wood turning.
carpentry, b%iAcksmithing. machine work In metal.
printing and binding. painting, c%obbling. once
work. the handling Of boats and the whole realm
Of household duties,