James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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(iur PrFhtatnrir Age EVERY institution that is truly great had its real beginning in some- body ' s visions, lived first in somebody ' s heart ; and no matter how massive the dark stone walls and red tiled roofs of the Harrisonburg Normal now, it was just a little while ago only a castle in the air. When, last October, the Board of Trustees met at the school and for the first time looked upon their work and found it good, the eyes of strong men were dim as they grasped hands and rejoiced together over dreams come true. But mere dreaming could never have wrought this achievement. While enjoying the results, we are apt to forget the struggle previous to the foundation of such a school, and the strong, persistent effort required to build up an institution. Let us, therefore, go back and, with the aid of the facts and figures so carefully filed away in the office, review that part of the brief but intensive history of the Harrisonburg Normal School that dates before its beginning. The need of such a school was fundamental. The general public awoke to the necessity of bringing the school into touch with the life of the people. The child must be taught how to live in order to contribute and give back to society at large what society has given to him. For this, professionally trained teachers are absolutely necessary. Virginia came to realize that she must have more and better teachers every year. By actual calculation it was found that fifteen hundred new teachers are now required annually. It was clear that one normal school, however strong, could not supply this demand. Then too, little by little, the State came to believe that she had not bsea quite fair to her daughters in the matter of higher education. Realizing these things, the people of Virginia, through their represen- tatives in the General Assembly, by an Act approved March 4, 1908. provided for the establishment of this State Normal and Industrial School at Harrisonburg. Two years earlier that body had appointed a committee to travel over the State inspecting locations. This committee had been very favorably impressed with Harrisonburg, and had recommended it, together with other possible sites. We must not think, however, that appropriations for this school were obtained without struggle. Some men were hard to convince ; the State was torn with many pressing claims for money ; and for a while the result —23-

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of the bill was uncertain. But Senator Keezell, our tall sycamore of Rock- ingham, planted himself at the entrance of the Finance Department and effectually blocked the way to all extravagance in movements less vital. In fact, there was a rumor of a joke among the senators which pictured the huge form of their incorruptible Guardian of Finance as seated, on the lid of the State ' s money-chest and refusing to let a penny go out for the pet project of any member who should not first promise to vote for appro- priations to the Harrisonburg Normal. At anv rate, it was passed — the bill that opened up to more than two hundred girls this year of opportunity and privilege. In accordance with this Act, His Excellency, Governor Swanson, appointed a Board of Trustees, who met and organized in Harrisonburg, April 29, 1908. They immediately began to work on a plan which should provide for a large school, to accommodate ultimately over a thousand students. The scheme of the whole was to be complete, so that each building, as it should be added , might be a permanent part of the original plan. Thus from its very inception the founders of this institution have unanimously favored the broadest possible policy. In this connection, Supt. J. D. Eggleston tells us that now, for the first time since Jefferson founded the University of Virginia, we have seen a great school organized on strictly definite, scientific, pedagogical principles, before a nail was driven or a class taught. The county of Rockingham subscribed ten thousand dollars, and the town of Harrisonburg five thousand dollars, toward the establishment of the school. On June 18, 1908, the Board purchased forty-two acres of land from Mr. A. M. Newman as the site for the new school, and later added the Lurty lot of six acres, adjoining the Newman property. They considered themselves fortunate to secure these grounds, as they present most exceptional advantages for the purpose. Adjoining one of the best residential sections of the town, within easy reach of the railroad, affording a healthy environment in the midst of an unrivaled landscape, and enjoy- ing a combination of sanitary comforts with a wholesome social and religio us atmosphere, a more favorable site could not have been chosen. The next and most important thing to do was to elect a president, and in this election the vigilant Board did the best piece of work that even they have ever done for the institution. On June 26, 1908, Mr. Julian A. —25—