Fork Union Military Academy - Skirmisher Yearbook (Fork Union, VA)

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LOWER SCHOOL BUILDING

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X' FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY GALLERY RANGE Realizing the interest and importance of rifle marksmanship and training in the safe method of handling firearms, we have recently built a modern gallery range. lt consists of four targets built according to the best specifications and is 100 per cent safe. All cadets are given ample practice and all firing is under the immediate supervision of a faculty member capable of giving the best instruc- tion and of enforcing all safety precautions. SWINIMING POOL Pure artesian water THE ALUMNI GYMNASIUM This structure was completed in December, 1923. It is a modern gym- nasium in every particular, containing ample floor space for drills in inclement weather, room for basketball, indoor track, lockers, shower baths, athletic equipment, trophy room, etc. It is constructed of brick and concrete. Having a separate building devoted to the gymnasium makes it possible for cadets to have afternoon practice and recreation without disturbing anyone who may be reading or studying in the barracks or library. SWIMMING POOL Through the generosity of two of our trustees, Mr. M. C. Thomas and the late Mr. B. F. Dickerson of Charlottesville, Virginia, our cadets enjoy an inside all-season swimming pool. This pool is connected with the east side of the gymnasium and entrance is effected through the basement of the gymnasium where shower baths are enjoyed before the refreshing dip and swim in pure artesian water. Here boys can in safety learn how to swim under proper supervision and many are the happy hours enjoyed in this good sport by our students. TI-IE CAMPUS The campus, together with the Academy farm which adjoins it on the east, consists of 140 acres of land to which the cadets have free access. Twenty-seven

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FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY The Lower School UR LOWER SCHOOL can take care of only sixty boys. This school is just entering its fifth year in the new buildings. lt is divided into two departments, one of the second, third and fourth grades and the other the fifth, sixth and seventh grades, thus carrying our boys from the second grade to high school entrance in our Upper School. Boys are received in the Lower School from seven years of age up. The Lower School buildings are entirely separate from the Upper School. They have light, airy classrooms, lounge room. sleeping quarters, showers and toilets and the Lower School enjoys all the privileges of the gymnasium and the swimming pool. A special athletic director will give every cadet in the Lower School some part in athletics during the year. The housemother lives on the same floor in the dormitory and looks after the boys just as a mother would her own children, caring for their clothing and presiding over them. Boys in the Lower School could not be healthier or happier. They are the objects of affection on the part of everyone and the cadets in the Upper School look upon them as their little brothers. The boys in the Lower School carry on in a really worthwhile way and have their own organization in sports, literary lines and general activity. In a sense the Lower School is the pride of Fork Union. This school is meeting a great need and the boys are of a gratify- ing, high type. Their military bearing and general manliness quickly attracts the attention of every visitor. The charges are 8100.00 less in the Lower School and the uniform costs considerably less than the Upper School outfit. Parents express surprise that we do not charge more in view of the fine care given the boys in their tender years. Our reason for charging less is, we have a longer opportunity to take a very young life and carry it through both the Lower and Upper Schools. MRS. KATIE PETTY SNEAD Woman's College, Richmond, Va. Lower School HOUSEMOTHER Twenty-nine