The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1942-02-19
HARPOLD TALKS TO CLUB
ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Blu mess and Professional
Women Hear of Activities in
National Defense Classes

National Defense Classes
An informative talk by Eugene
Harpold, county coordinator Of voca-
tional training for national defense,
on the activities being conducted
along that line throughout the county,
was the main feature of the program
of the Business and Professional
Women's club at its dinner meeting at
the William-James hotel last Thurs
day evening.
Mr.. Harpold pointed out in the be-
ginning that his remarks had to do
with the training of workers for in
dustries and activities directly con-
nected with production of items
needed for the successful completion
of the war effort.
The program is considered a sup
plement to the present public school
system and reaches many more youth
of high school age and older.
Mr.. Harpold was appointed county
coordinator by F. E. Rathbun, coun-
ty superintendent; and H. M. James,
state director, on March II, 1871. He
gave the following facts:
BY the last of March classes were
organized in Oakland, Kitzmiller and
Swallow Falls CCC camp. Glasses are
approved by Mr.. Rathbun and Mr..
James. The kind of class, amount and
kind of equipment, the teacher, the
building, etc, must meet certain re-
quirements as set up by the office of
Production Management.
To date there have been classes in
acetylene welding, electric Welding,
automobile mechanics, sheet metal,
carpentry, cabinet making, and farm
machinery repair The latter course
was not on the approved list until
January 1, 1912, and since that time
four such courses have been started
in the county.
Since the National Defense training
program was organized in the county
there have been enrolled about SOC
students, between the ages of 16 and
SIS, with the much greater number be-
tween % and 35.
On January 81 there were 1873 stu
dents on the roll with as many as rs
on the waiting list for certain classes
The Oakland center, being the largest
and best equipped in the county, has
about so percent of the total enroll
ment. Classes meet at the Helbie
property six nights a week from 6:3C
to 1880, and all day, three days a
week. Glasses are organized to oper-
ate for 200 hours.
The only restrictions or limitations
on any student is that he be regular
in attendance and make satisfactory
progress. Mr.. Harpold said it hac
never been necessary to remove a
student from class because of lack OF
interest. The cost of training is alb
solutcly free except for expense OF
getting to and from the place OF
training.
At present there are fourteen
teachers employed for defense classes
They are employed by the County
Board of Education and are paid from
Federal funds. The cost Of the courses
to the government varies but the av-
crage is about $4,000 for a 20-houl
week for twenty students. These
costs do not include about $4,000 in
equipment which has been supplied
by the Federal government, nor the
81 900 supplied by the County Com
mssioners The latter is used for rent
repair, and alteration Of buildings.
Pledge Money for Planes
The women of Maryland, through
the Women's Council of Defense, have
set a goal to reach in the sale of de
Tense stamps and bonds during the
month Of February in an amount suf.
ficicnt to cover the cost of three
fighting pursuit planes. The matter
was presented to the club and those
present pledged themselves for the
sale of about $1,000, most of which
would be taken care of by individual
purchase by members. An effort will
be made by the members to further
increase the total before the close Of
the month.
Mrs. Mernc Kloss had charge Of
the club program.
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