Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-05-27
Work of Pupils Pleases Par
ents and Many Others
Who View 1t.
MANUAL TRAINING PRACTICAL
Articles Made by Young People Are
Both Beautiful and of Ser
viceable Character.

Several added attractions, greater
preparation and far larger crowds
combined to make this years exhibi-
tion in Alma's public schools the most
successful undertaking initiated in this
city in a good many years. Friday
afternoon and evening the doors of the
three school buildings were thrown
open to the public and the representa-
tive, as well as the best work, done by
Alma students during the past year,
enjoyed the eXacting scrutiny of faith
ers, mothers, friends, relatives-moth-
ers particularly.
The committee on arrangements
with Prof. Maxwell at the head had in
itiated few changes in the plans for
this year which were instrumental in
making it such huge success. The
exhibits were all made i'm the rooms
in which the work was done e.g. the
spelling, writing and art work of the
first grade pupils was on exhibition
in the first grade room etc. In this
way those most interested in the pu-
pills work could go directly to the
orom where it would be open to inspec-
tion. Of course, the gymnasium of the
High School building held that part
Of the exhibition which interested the
larger number of people, that is the
work of the manual training, sewing,
science, English and similar depart
ments were arranged. However, to a
large number the work exhibited in
the other two buildings was of equal
or greater interest.
The major portion of the afternoon
was given over for exhibition purpos-
IS. The work of the manual training
department under the direction of
Prof. Maxwell, attracted the larger
crowds and provoked the most praise
Just a few of the many fine things
done by boys of this department, dav-
export made by Roy Perry, a rocking
chair by Glen Campbell, several libra
~ tables, one made by Floyd Helman
was especially good, lamps by Charles
Dutt, table by Merlin Richards and
others. Some of the articles which
were unusually well made were, buff
fets, porch swings, writing desks, book
cases, umbrella racks, and chairs. The
point is often made by those who
would criticize manual training work
by saying that it is of such an i'm
practical nature TO be unnecessary in
the school curriculum. That this ar
gument is false is shown by the char
acter and variety of things made by
members of the Alma manual train.
ing department. 1t is practical nearly
10 a fault Mr. Maxwell is to be con.
graduated not only on the splendid
success of the whole exhibit of which
he was the guiding spirit but also upor
the success of the manual training de
partment of which he is head.
The quality of the work done by the
art and domestic science department
also showed off to a good advantage
Though she has been at the head of tn,
art department only a semester, Mis-.
Jones has accomplished wonderful re
suits as is seen by the students draw
ings and paintings. This testified t,
the superior training given them b,
Miss Jones. Some life work drawing
flowers etc. provoked most favorabl,
comment. Two sketches coming in 70
the largest share of praise.
Unusually fine samples of the sew
ing done by classes for this purpos
under the direction of Miss Rogers
were on exhibition and attracted 10
of attention from the crowd. The 9th
er branch of the domestic science de
partment, the classes in cooking had
fine opportunity of showing their ski
along culinary lines for a light lunch
con was served all afternoon to over
thousand who thronged the building
Drop cakes, coffee, and doughnut:
comprised the luncheon.
In the gymnasium could also be see
products of class room and study roor
activities. There were note books 70
physics, chemistry, English and his
tory as well as samples of penmanshi
typewriting, bookkeeping and mechar
ical drawing. All of this work was es
pecially good and reflected credit upo
the instructor or Prof. Crisp, who
giving the students of the commercis
department, a fine course in thes
branches of business training.
The splendid spirit of cooperatio
which prevailed among the teacher
had a great deal to do with the ur
qualified success which this years es
hibit gained for itself. That the val
ious grades and departments of Alma
public schools are doing better wor
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