Newburgh Free Academy - Graduate Yearbook (Newburgh, NY)

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iiiri l Qlrraiiiiimg At the time of the opening of our Academy, in the Fall of 1886, the system of Manual Training was adopted as an adjunct to our system of public schools. The matter was discussed by the Board of Education for some length of time, and after a thorough investigation of its merits, it was decided to adopt the system and give it a trial. It has proved a remarkable success, and is now one of the finest elements of the education of our boys. p 1 When the system was adopted the shop Qwhich is located in the Glebe school-house on Clinton Streetj contained twelve benches and sets of car- penter's tools. A lively interest was at once manifested among the boys, and the teacher soon found his hands and time fully occupied. Since that time the interest has increased among the older boys, for they appre- ciate the advantage and usefulness of such a branch of education. The facilities have been increased from time to time, until to-day We have sixteen benches, twelve lathes, and two scroll-saws, besides new drawing materials. The work done consists of cabinet-making and mechanical drawing. For the latter, the Board of- Education has provided a room in the Lib- rary building and fitted it up with drawing tables and tools. In the former, the work is a series of exercises. The pupil is first taught the use and care of the different tools. He is then instructed in the different branches of the work-from planing a rough board, on through turning, scroll-sawing, drawing, and carving. Each pupil is given a certain piece of work to do. He first makes a drawing of his work, which he then completes according to his drawing. In this way the two kinds of work are blended together. At the end of the year specimens of the work are placed on exhibition, in order that the public may see the progress of the classes, and, also, as .-17,

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able value. Nearly r,ooo volumes have been received from Rev. John Forsyth, D. D., and his family. The minute book and original records of the Newburgh Academy, from 1807 to 1856, have been placed in the li- brary by the executors of Rev. John Brown, D. D., who was for z 5 years one of the Trustees of the Academy, and nearly zo years President of the Board. His family also donated zo large volumes of old and rare books, some being fine specimens of block printing and hand illuminations pub- iished in 1468. - ' The present Librarian has chosen his assistants, with one exception, from the graduates of the Academy, as follows : Charles A. Peck, who served from June, 1877, to Oct., I88O. Frank E. Estabrook, N H June, 1877, to April, 1881. John A. Burnett, June, 1877, to Oct., 1880. Lillie O. Estabrook tto fill vacancyj, from April, 1884, to Sept., 1884. William Leech, who served from Sept., 1884, to July, 1887. Nellie M. Leonard, Oct., 1880, to Oct., 1888. Alzamora Woolsey, Jr., who served from Aug., 1887, to July, 1888. The present Librarian and assistants are as follows: Charles Estabrook, Librarian, appointed April, 1877. Lillie O. Estabrook, Assistant, 1, July, 1888. Thomas M. Hawthorn ' Oct., 1888. In 1832 the library contained 2,001 volumes, and was open one hour each week. It now contains over 17,000 volumes, and is open daily from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M., except on Sundays and legal holidays. The current number of about thirty leading magazines and reviews, a number of scientific and illustrated papers, with the current issues of the four local dailies Qdonated by the publishersj are regularly received and placed on the reading-room tables. During the past year the circulation of books for home reading has been 65,144 volumes, and books of reference that are not allowed to go out are in almost constant use. The library is a favorite resort for many of the teachers and pupils of our schools seeking information to assist them in their school work and studies, as well as by very many others who recognize it as a valuable auxiliary in the acquirement of useful knowledge or securing the means for healthful mental recreation. ..I5-

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an incentive to the boys to do better work. T hissystem presents to the tired minds of the boys an agreeable change, besides giving them an insight into this useful trade. We desire to thank the Board and the public for this, as well as all the othei advantages, which they have given us. i fmmw T.. -Ex 129 -13-