Miller School of Albemarle - Blue Ridge Blast Yearbook (Charlottesville, VA)

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was as his native tongue, and to this day I recall the terror that seized upon me when in a hopelessly unprepared condition I responded to the usual command of Ho! ho! sir, will you please go to the board, sir, chalk in hand, and translate and parse the following sentence? In clouds of chalk-dust the fields of the Belgians were again laid waste. He taught the boys printing and telegraphy too, and his hobby was bee-culture. Instruction in Descriptive Geometry, free-hand and mechanical drawing were under the direction of Mr. Shepherd. At times Descriptive Geometry is calculated to tax the patience of teachers and pupils, and on occasions blackboard, desks, boys and Mr. Shepherd seemed to spin round in a vortex of forceful language and impassioned protest. Mr. Shepherd possessed many talents. A superb musician, he could sing any part or play any instrument, a graceful actor, he organized a theatrical company which from time to time gave excellent plays and in which we gazed at him in open-eyed wonder, realizing even inlour inexperience that here was genius of no mean order. A splendid athlete, he provided for gymnastic sport, horizontal and parallel bars, rings, trapeze and other appliances, which were situated on the lawn between the main building and the shops. Mr. E. G. Taylor directed the Primary Department and gave instruction in bookkeeping. I am glad to note that Mr. Taylor, always faithful to his work and his pipe clings to both with the steadiness that characterized him in earlier days. No institution has ever had more inspiring teachers than Mr. T. U. Taylor and Mr. VV. H. Seamon. In Drawing, Physics and Civil Engineering Mr. Taylor's work was of the highest order. His thorough and accurate teaching and friendly interest greatly inspired and influenced his pupils. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Botany were then provided for in the main building, the Chemical and Botanical Laboratories in the basement of what is now the Girls' Department. A prodigious worker himself, Mr. Seamon enthused his pupils in Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology and Botany. In these several branches the work of the class- room was supplemented by practical work in the field, and his pupils who accom- panied him on trips over various parts of the country gained many valuable lessons. It soon became apparent that under Mr. Seamon's direction the Department of Sciences was destined to become an important factor in the educational work of the school. He designed the Chemical Laboratory building and superintended its con- struction. The foundation, for the most part, was dug by the boys of his classes. Dr. Smith, then as now, ministered to our bodily ills, with unerring judgment. YV e never could fool him, though I will venture to say that at one time or another we feigned every ill that flesh is heir to. Under his wise and skillful practice the school has reached and maintained a record for healthfulness that is unsurpassed. S5

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