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

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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—

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