The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-09-26
RESERVE
OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS
Prairie View State Normal &
Industrial College,
Prairie View, Texas.
Sept. II, 1919.

| Sept. II, 1919.
TIC the Editor,
Des Moines Bytander,
Des MONIES, Iowa,
My dear Mr.. Thompson:
I have just noticed in your paper
mention of my transfer to this station,
and thinking Of the many pleasant
hours spent in your city, due to the
great hospitality of the Des Moines
people, thought they would probably
appreciate line or two of informa-
ton about the institution, as well as
my work here. The state of Texas
should be complemented for the work it
is doing in the elevation and the fit
ting Of Negro youths to take their pla-
ces as useful citizens Of this great ma
ton.
The institution has land area of be-
tween 1900 and 1900 acres, beautifully
situated on hill about two miles from
the station at Prairie View; most Of its
buildings constructed of brick; and an
enrolment of about 600 students, to
date. AS school has just begun, it is
only fair to believe this number will
be increased in the near future.
In addition to a curriculum that en-
braces the literary sciences, and also
a commercial course, many industrial
trades and professions are taught.
Some are mentioned here, viz: Auto
in all its phases, blacksmith
ing, including wheelwright work,
broom making, electrical engineering,
hat making, carpentry and cabinet max
ing, mattress making, shoe making, and
household economies: Cook
ing and sewing. A steam laundry with
all modern machinery and appliances is
operated for the accommodation of all
persons connected with the school, and
for practical training Of young people
who desire to take up this class of
work. We have also college course,
at the successful completion of which,
degrees are conferred.
A full agricultural course is given,
treating on horticulture, dairying, stock
raising, and veterinary science. An ice
plant is also maintained at the school.
The head Of the institution (princi-
pay) is DR.. J. G. Osborne, a Negro Of
sterling quality, high ambition, great
efficiency, and Christian gentleman, in
whom, one who has hade experience in
executive work, can readily see, and
the one great necessary re-
quisite, leadership.
The faculty and teacher force con
sists of men and women who have the
interest Of their people at heart, and
are showing that the confidence placed
in them by the state Of Texas is well
merited They hail from some of the
best institutions Of learning in the
country, viz: Ames, Amherst, Boston
Technical, Columbia, Harvard, Howard,
University of Illinois, University Of
Kansas, University Of Minnesota, Uni
versity Of Pennsylvania, and many 9TH
ers too numerous to mention.
A well regulated hospital is main
tanned, and several young ladies are
being trained in nursing.
E 1t is gratifying indeed, to see all Of
this administrative work fully in the
hands Of Negroes; to see large electri-
cal plant furnishing power, heat, and
light for the entire institution under
the full control of one of our race.
B: Dr.. w. B. Bizzell [white) is presi-
dent of this and three white schools
OF this state. He is righteously proud
of p. ". and a real friend Of our race.
All Of the Texans (white) with whom
I have talked, are deeply interested,
and very proud Of the school, and
\ III - 9st- 80 = I 3 X ~