Bradley University - Anaga Yearbook (Peoria, IL)

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HO GLCGICAL II E Horological School of the Bradley Polytechnic Institute is a con- tinuation of the famous l'arson's Horological School. It was founded by Mr. J. R. Parson at l,a Porte, Ind., in 1886 and was brought to Peoria in ISQ2 by Mrs. Lydia Bradley. In 1897 it became a part of the llrad- ley Polytechnic Institute which was founded in that year. The building erected is exclusively for a Ilorological School and is the only one of its kind in America. It is made of Bedford stone and consists of two stories and a basement and is one hundred and fifty feet long by forty feet wide, with a clock tower at the center. There are one hundred and fifty outside window- lit benches and fifty inside benches, each being supplied with gas and electric light. The Horological department is in charge of Dean Allen T. Westlake. Mr. VVestlake is a man of long years experience in every branch of the science and art of optics, engraving and watchmaking, and these have made him fitted for the management of the Department. First is the department of watch- work and this is divided into three sections, viz: SECTION A-Filing is the foundation of all mechanical work. In this section students are taught how to handle the various files and make some of the useful tools, as drills, screw-taps, jewel gravers, etc. SECTION B-Lathe work is a necessary part of watchwork and in this section the students are taught the method of using and turning on a lathe. SECTION C-In this section lathe and escapement work of all kinds is taken up. The showing of staffs, setting of jewels and pallet stones, slide rest work, etc. The last two sections are in charge of Mr. James A. Miner and his assistant. Mr. Fred Brown. After leaving section I3 the student is admitted to the Finishing Depart- ment, but only after he has completed his work in the elementary department and by passing the final test. In this section the student is taught to work on watch and make or replace any lost or broken parts in a workmanlike manner. In connection with this department is draughting where theoretical work is taught. But six hours a week is spent for this class. Both of the sections, especially the finishing department, are in charge of Mr. Clarence R. Hart. The next department to enter is the engraving. This is under the super- vision of Dean A. T. Westlake, and like the rest is carried out on a progres- sive system. IIere the work of designing is first taken up, including several styles of alphabets. After this the student learns ciphers and monograms, ctc., and step by step to the more difficult problems. At last we come to the jewelry department, or the goldsmith branch. This department gives a student a practical knowledge of working up metals into new jewelry and repairing jewelry of all kinds. The department is under the supervision of a practical jewelry repairer and manufacturer. The work consists of drawing gold and silver into new jewelry, making of college and class pins, charms and rings of all kinds, artistictdiamond mountings, setting of stones, enameling, plating, and ..

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F N HOROLOGY HALL W -a,.-+- --

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-L-41 'I' Y' I all other methods of manufacturing or repairing jewelry. Lectures on jewelry repair work and manufacturing are given once aweek and these on the setting of precious stones, jewelry designing, enameling, model making and ordinary repair work. This department is under the supervision of Mr. Fred Bahni. The last department to visit is the Optical Dept. This course consists of a series of lectures fthree per weekj on refraction given by Mr. Westlake, sup- plemented by lectures by one of the most skillful and experienced practicing oculists in Peoria, Mr. Charles II. Brobst, M. D. The methods employed at the Horological School are so thorough that a young man who has been there for nine months can find ready employment with any first class jewelry lirm., The demand for workman from this institution is every year greater, and this speaks volumes of praise for the reputation of the Horological Dept. of the Bradley Polytechnic Institute, on account of the expert workmen it sends ont. The attendance during the past year averaged about one hundred and ten. I f l iffy V I I V