Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1874-1875 [PAGE 45]

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School of Domestic Science and Art. SCHOOL OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND ART.

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This School was put into practical operation the present year, under the chief instruction of Miss Lou C. Allen, late preceptress of the Peoria County Normal School. Classes have been taught through the year, and a full course of studies has been arranged. See Appendix. The purpose of this School is to provide a full course of instruction in the arts of the household, and the sciences relating thereto. No industry is more important to human happiness and well-being than that which makes the home. And this industry involves principles of science, as many and as profound as those which control any other human employment. It includes the architecture of the dwelling house, with the laws of heating and ventilation; the principles of physiology and hygiene, as applied to the sick and the well; the nature, uses, preservation and preparation of animal and vegetable food, for the healthful and for invalids; the chemistry of cooking; the uses, construction, material and hygiene, of dress; the principles of taste as applied to ornamentation, furniture, clothing and landscapes; horticulture and culture of both house and garden plants; the laws of markets; and the usages of society and laws of etiquette and social life. Drawing is taught by a skilled instructor, music can be had as an "extra," and Painting will be provided for. Vacation Journals will be required as in the other schools.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL TRAINING.

A spacious Gymnasium for young women has been fitted up in the Chapel wing, and instruction in calisthenics is given to two or more classes daily. Lectures on health, its conditions, and on other important topics, will be delivered to these classes at suitable intervals, and great pains will be taken to secure, to the utmost possible extent, physical vigor, robust health, and a graceful carriage, and to prepare young women to take enlightened care of their own health and of the health of others under their charge. Students are requested to come provided with a Gymnastic Suit. The texture of this should be woolen, but other material may be used if lined with flannel. To secure the required freedom of motion, a loosely fitting waist is recommended. The seam on the shoulder should be short, and the belt should measure three or four inches more than the body, to allow the free use and expansion of the respiratory organs. The skirt should reach within nine or ten inches of the floor, and measure three and one-half or four yards around the bottom. Dark solid colors which permit the use of bright trimmings are usually adopted. The preferred uniform is a dark steel giay flannel, or ladies' cloth.