Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1884 [PAGE 204]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

208

a full professor for this subject. Such instruction as has been given in past years has been paid for bv special fees from the students, but the amount thus obtained has been inadequate to secure a good teacher. I would not advise that the special fee should be remitted, but would suggest that five dollars per term should continue to be collected from each student of this specialty, and that the Trustees add from the general fund enough to guarantee a payment of, say $80 a month, for ten months. The experiment can be tried for the remainder of the current year, and future action can be shaped in accordance with its measure of success.

THE GYMNASIUM.

Some of the apparatus in the Gymnasium is getting much out of order, and the safety of those who exercise there requires its repair. Nothing has been done for this interest in several years, and I would recommend that an appropriation of $150 be made for repairs and additions to its material. A portion of our students are much interested in, and I think are benefited by, practice in the Gymnasium.

WORK UPON THE FAEM.

"Without attempting to Propose any plan for detailed and compulsory labor on the part of agricultural students, which I am convinced would be impolitic and unprofitable, I have yet a suggestion to make which I hope may be productive of good. I am constantly asked by letter or in person, if we can give work to students who desire to support themselves by labor. We desire to assist such persons so far as may be practicable, but outside of the shops and the grounds, the care of buildings, etc., we really have little to offer. The south farm is too far away to permit of the use of labor by the hour, nor is the work needed there such as can be efficiently done in that way. There seems to be more opportunity for using such labor with reasonable profit and success at the north barn—in feeding and milking cattle, and work in the dairy house, the orchard and the small-fruit plantations. To do this, however, the boys who work should be housed conveniently near their work. Might it not assist in this respect if the south dormitory, near the veterinary house, were moved into the vicinity of the north barn, and the statement could be made to those who ask for work that they could be provided with work at suitable rates, in the ways I have indicated? I would request the reference of this topic to a committee, who should report thereon. If found feasible, the change could be made at no serious cost during another summer in season for the opening of the next year.

IMPROVEMENTS.

Most of the improvements which you ordered in June are now completed. The blacksmith's shop has been erected. It is 31 by 36 feet on the ground and 14 feet high. The roof has a lantern 10 by 30 feet, with glazed ventilating sash. The shop contains sixteen fires, with anvils and tools to correspond. The freshman class are now at work there, and the anvil chorus rings there with as much music and more attractiveness than that scored by the famous composer. A cupola furnace for melting iron is yet to be placed in this shop: it is now under construction as part of the class work of the students. The amount expended in building and equipping this shop thus far is $2,256.42; appropriation, $2,500.00. The machines and tools obtained from the appropriation for this purpose include include three engine lathes, a hand lathe and a shaper for the machine shop; a series of hand and other tools for the carpenter's shop, and a supply of belting much needed for both. The amount expended is $1,559.77. The appropriation is $2,000.00. The balance of the appropriation is needed for a series of chucks, and for a supply of small wood-lathes with their necessary driving shafts and pullies. The sewer has been finished with connections to all needed points, including the farm drainage. It has cost $526.59. Appropriation, $550.00. The changes in the ladies wardrobe have been made at a cost of $265.05. Appropriation, $300.00. . The Museum of Engineering and Architecture in the upper story of the west wing, begins to show its capacities as a source of interest and instruction. All the available cases have been re-arranged and are enough to make one range along the west side of the room. In them are placed the collection of models received from the patent office, with much that is illustrative of our own students' work. The material now gathered is much more effective than when it was scattered among the various class-rooms. The Victor Emanuel Memorial Model, presented by its designer, Mr. H. L. Gay, is in place, under a cloistered dome designed by Prof. Ricker to receive it. It was necessarily somewhat broken in removal, but has been thoroughly repaired and restored, by the skill of Mr. Lorado 1 aft, who has kindly given attention to this work, assisted by Mr. Baker. The model is one of the most attractive art gems in the possession of the University. The expenditure thus far has been $313.05.