Tennessee Military Institute - Radiogram Yearbook (Sweetwater, TN)

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0 INTERIOR OE GYMNASIUM A thoroughly modern eighteen- bed intirrnary, designed, built, and equipped during the I923-I924 session to care tor any boy tern- porarily untit tor regular school duties. A competent and ex- perienced nurse is constantly in charge. Separate wards tor iso- Iating cases ot contagious char- acter. The health record ot the school is such that we frequently go tor weeks without a single boy in the intirrnary. 0 EXTERIOR VIEW OF NEW GYMNASIUM Page Twenly

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ing in T. M. I., and has demonstrated his ability by successful experience in the classroom. No inexperienced teachers are employed. This means much in arousing the boy to his best efforts. A second provision in the interest of better academic work is the regular study period. There is a definite prepa- ration period which the cadet must observe preceding the recitation periods. Then there are our special privilege lists, under which certain coveted privi- leges are open only to those attaining the requisite class standing. Almost any boy will put in his best efforts to place his name on the Privilege List, a copy of which is mailed to all patrons monthly. In addition to these provisions and incentives for higher scholarship standing, there are the firm, but considerate, requirements of each teacher and extra-hour special sessions to help up and spur on those who are behind the class average or are care- less in their preparations. We believe, therefore, that Tennessee Military In- stitute can justly claim superior results in stimulating mental growth. CHARACTER But more important than physical growth and more significant BUILDING than intellectual training is the character of the boy-that which will later be the character of the man. Athletic proportions of body and superior attainments intellectually do not, by themselves, procure respect and confidence. Many men of magnificent physique are bywords in their communities, and many masterminds may be found in the penitentia- ries. Such men did not get the right start or point of view in their teens. From this it follows that character building is the first and highest work of the school. Noble impulses are present in every boy's soul. Inspiring the higher motives and inculcating correct conceptions on the fundamentals of truth and honesty go far toward character building. We strive earnestly and continuously to get our boys to recognize their own better selves and fix permanently in their lives the foundations of sound and clean manhood. The key wor-d to our method of dealing with boys is frankness. We are open and straightforward in our treatment of the boy, and in nine cases out of ten we are able to secure a like attitude on his part. What we have to say to our boys in a body or as individuals is expressed in simple, direct language. We use no bluff or bluster. The average boy despises sham and hypocrisy, and is quick to detect any symptoms of such in officer or teacher. Honesty and truth are part of the atmosphere and spirit of the in- stitution, and the new boy soon catches this spirit. Under this influence, there is no doubt but that many boys come clean and tell the truth in T. M. I. who previously have practiced deception. We believe, therefore, that T. M. I. is contributing in a very genuine and positive way to the building of trustworthy and honorable characters in the pupils enrolled with us. Page Nirzeleen

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GROUNDSAND BUILDINGS The grounds of Tennessee Military Institute are ideal for military school purposes. The campus embraces one hundred forty-four acres of land, with the buildings and drill ground on the crest of a high hill, with such slopes in all directions as to furnish perfect natural drainage. Ample space is included for drill grounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, nine-hole golf course, etc. The soil is of a gravelly character, which drains rapidly after rains. The main building of Tennessee Military Institute is one of the most complete buildings in the nation for all phases of schoolwork. It contains under one roof space designed and equipped for every need and activ- ity of the school except outdoor military drill and athletics. This includes an assembly and study hall, 100x44 feet, classrooms, offices for all admin- istrative officers, mess hall, 100x50 feet, living quarters for cadets and apartments for teachers, commissary, storerooms for supplies, armory and storeroom for government equipment, indoor shooting gallery, laboratories and storeroom for chemical, physical, and biological apparatus and supplies, reading room, shower baths, toilets, etc. This building was designed when the school was moved to the new campus in 1909, and the different sections of it were built in 1909, 1912, 1917, and 1920. The school had been in operation for thirty-five years when the move to the new campus was made, hence, every need of a military school was foreseen and provided for in designing the new plant. It is our belief that there are very few school plants in America better adapted to the needs of a military school. More than half of our plant is less than twenty years ol-d. The barracks sections of the building deserve special mention. Every cadet room opens on an outside concrete and steel porch, thus eliminating fire danger and avoiding corridor problems at one time. All cadet rooms are of the same dimensions and arrangement and equipped with the same furnishings. The entire barracks has both hot and cold water in every room. Our rooms are well ventilated, well heated, and furnished adequately for the convenience and comfort of our boys. GYMNASIUM The new gymnasium, built during the summer of 1937, is a two story building 95 X 65 feet. On the first floor is situated the barber shop, school store and caretaker's quarters, a section 65 X 65 feet devoted to boxing ring, fencing, bag punching, ping-pong tables, etc., dressing room with ninety-six individual lockers, shower room and visiting team room. On the second floor we have one of the most beautiful basketball courts in the South. Bleachers with a seating capacity of 350 along one side are so constructed as to make storage space beneath for all athletic supplies and the Athletic Directors office. Page Twenty-One