Georgia Southern University - Reflector Yearbook (Statesboro, GA)

Page 12 text:

CURRICULUM . . SANFORD HALL-Erected 1937 Freshman and Sophomore Men ' s Dormitory WEST HALL-Erected 1907 Sophomore Women ' s Dormitory Besides the program for which the school had been founded, the curriculum included such electives as Latin, solid geometry, music, psychology, and at least two courses in teacher training. J. W. Hendricks, who was the first prin- cip al, resigned at the end of the first year and was succeeded by E. C. J. Dickens, a member of the Board of Trustees. The year following its beginning the school had quite an increase in enrollment as well as in the number of faculty mem- bers. In 1915 the curriculum was enlarged by adding a course in expression, special work in English composition, and an extensive farm improvement program. Training in domestic duties continued until 1920. Closely following the election of E. V. Hollis as principal in 1914, the A AA School attendance disclosed the alarming fact that education here was coming to a standstill. Since more and more vocational education was being taught in hometown high schools, there was no longer the need for a boarding school of this type. The grounds and buildings began to lose prestige. The merchants of Statesboro and nearby Savannah swung into action— appropriating money and rehabilitating the camous. The Board of Trustees, the General Assembly converted the First District A AA School into the Georgia Normal School. This bill, passed in August of 1924, provided for the educa- tion of public school teachers for south Georgia. Changes in the administration of the Col- lege occurred soon after the change in op- eration. Guy H. Wells, who had become dean in 1926, succeeded Hollis as president the next year. At the same time, Zach S. Henderson, a native of Eastman, Georgia, took over the dean ' s office.

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UNIFORMS . . . The three buildings which were con- structed on the 300 acres just South of Statesboro cost their builders approximately $45,000. The boys ' dormitory, West Hall, contained 42 rooms and was furnished with hot and cold water. The girls ' dormitory, East Hall, had, besides 36 rooms, domestic science departments where the young ladies could learn the arts of homemaking. An academic building stood in the exact center marking a dividing line which neither sex could cross. The required girls ' dress was purchased at the time of their entrance at the First District School and was to be worn at all times— to and from school as well. For casual there was a blue serge skirt, cut along unflattering lines. This standard was aug- mented by a white poplin waist, black hose, and black oxford shoes with a Cuban or military type heel. A white cotton gabardine skirt, worn with white Windsor tie, completed the costume for Sundays and dress occasions. Boys were not restricted as to dress until 1917 when the military department came into existence. Then they wore the khaki military uniform on all days except Sunday. Students failing to comply with the rules were issued demerits, and a system was set up whereby the unfortunate ones could work off their demerits with hours of hard work. For example, the smoking penalty was digging stumps by hand for five hours. CONE HALL-Erected 1954 Junior and Senior Men ' s Dormitory LEWIS HALL-Erected 1937 Junior and Senior Women ' s Dormitory 7

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EXPANSION . . . A revival of the building program brought in a new gymnasium and a dining hall. The gymnasium, which was built from contributions made by graduates of the in- stitution, was hence given the name Alumni Building. From the state, appro- priations were finally granted with which to construct an auditorium. A $15,000 heating system was installed for these new buildings and for the dormitories and the administra- tion building erected at the founding of the college. At the time of the completion of the dining hall, the President of Georgia Normal School made his home on the third floor of that building. Three hundred students were enrolled at this new teachers college by 1926, justify- ing an increase in the amount of subjects and fields listed in the curriculum. Entrance to the school was determined either by ex- amination or by certificate. New courses added to the curriculum and those for which two-year certificates were issued included library science, physical education, industrial arts, home economics, expression, business, and music. A two-year course for elementary teach- ers was the main attraction. Two literary societies, a Y.W.C.A. home economics club, Latin club, a glee club, and several social organizations were established so that the students interested in grouping with kindred souls could do so. THE REFLECTOR, published by the senior class, had its beginning in 1926 and in- cluded photographs and drawings of stu- dents and buildings. EAST HALL-Erected 1907 Freshman Women ' s Dormitory ANDERSON HALL-Erected 1932 Married Students ' Apartments and Dining Hall