Western Military Academy - Recall Yearbook (Alton, IL)

Text from Pages 1 - 64 of the 1933 volume:

■ ' r life and atmosphere of Western military ACADEMY Alton, Illinois The object of this publication is to acquaint parents and sons who cannot visit the school with the beauty of our surroundings, our modern and complete equipment, and the interesting activities in which the cadets engage. Reference should he made to the Catalog for complete de- scription of the buildings and other features pictured here. Deep in the bosom of a sheltered jdadc Where Interwoven branches spread a shade And give each scene a tongue. Whereby to state its chapter on The book we live of life Colonel Ralph L. Jackson, Su- perintendent, was reared in the atmosphere of Western Mili- tary Academy. He is the father of three sons and understands hoys. He knows how to bring their hidden talents to the surface, and how ' to help hoys understand themselves. Nothing about Western Military Academy “just happens;” this view shows the orderly ensemble and beauty of the campus. Fi,„ ro ic Colonel R. L. Jackson, Superintendents Major F. N. Henderson. Commandants Major R. K. Latham, Assistant Superin- tendents Captain K. S. Anderson, Professor of Military Science and Tacticss Major R. F„ Wilkinson, Principal. Second row? — Major R. S. F-aton. Mathematics; Captain T. C. Jackson, Sciences Captain H. E. Suhre, Commercial Subjects; Captain W. J. Buck, Latin and Germans Captain P. M. Leuri . English. Third rote— Captain N.W. Williams, French and Spanish; Captain G.M. Teal, English; Captain A. L. Williams. History; Captain E. P. Ilroslr, Mathematics and Athletics; Captain F. G. Schrants, Chemistry and Physics. Fourth row — Sergeant A. E. Dunster. Military Department; Captain C. H. Moore, Assistant Commandant; Captain C. A. Thomas. Tactical Officers Dr. II. P. McCuistion, School Physician; Miss T. A. Watkins, Resident urse. Here parents and friends enjoy many happy visits with cadets. The reception rooms are homelike and comfortable. They are called bar- racks”, but their ar- chitectural grace be- lies the hardness of the term. This is “E” Barrack. 1 75-6 $ % .l WUrvtlA, ' wf ' dAwrYi O Ua T , % ' Jr. •) Irving I.oesehe Robert H. Scrvrrf Andrew P. Titus. Jr. Grimm Morgan B. MrDannrll Eugene J. Seidel Fred C. V arney Loui� Ihomav R. Morris Joseph A. Mrarek William E. Semon Bert S. Steiner ( ' urt F. von Mueller John R. agner H. Weil Thomas L. � un Irwin J. Russakov Paul W. Tibbets. Jr. Roe I . Matson GRADUATES OF FEBRUARY. 1933 Bertrand M. Brewster Walter L. Parker There urc live barracks in all. The aerial view on page six shows their ex- cellent arrangement on the campus. “IV Barrack is shown here. The living quarters are fireproof and modern. They provide every facility for cleanliness and comfort. Plenty of sunshine and air, with soft trees anti shrubs for relief. Two for chumminess in a large, cheery room; hut each cadet with his own wardrobe, dresser and bed. Most boys find it fun to “keep house,” anti it promotes that valuable asset of self-reliance. “PALS” Strong friendships are built in the mutual en- joyment of games, in the adventures of hikes, and in constant asso- ciation with congenial companions. ri ' is important that boys enjoy themselves at meal time. Every ef- fort is made to maintain the right atmosphere in the mess hall. Good manners are developed in our beautiful tile floored dining room, with its immaculate linen, ef- ficient service and ex- cellent food. A trained dietitian builds balanced menus which are particularly suited to the proper nourishment of growing hoys. Fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products are served in abundance. The food is pleasing in variety and liberal in quantity. Only the best quality of food is purchased, and it is prepared by a corps of expert chefs. The kitchens are equipped with the most modern utensils and devices. The floors and wainscoting are of tile. V large cold storage room is maintained at an even temperature by means of an automatic machine. A separate room for the pastry department contains the equipment of an up-to-date bakery. 1 HE academic department is the most important at Western. Library, study hall and classrooms are in close proximity to one another, enabling the changes in classes to be made promptly hut informally. Hoys reflect their environment. An older person can sometimes adhere to a high purpose in spite of surround- ing adverse conditions, hut this is too much to expect of youth. Every olTorl is made at Western to maintain a high standard of living in a truly scholastic atmosphere. Hoys will fol- low leadership, and this leadership will he found as often among fellow students as in the faculty. In the controlled environment of a military hoarding school, boys of the finest character can be and are developed as leaders. Such young men set the standards by precept ami by example. It becomes easy for a newcomer to place himself in harmony with the ideals and the scholastic interests of companions whom he can well afford to copy and to admire. A spirit of friendly com- petition prevails in academic work as well as in athletics and military training. Each cadet is taught to look on success in his studies as both a pleasure and a duty. Actually doing tilings is the best way of un- derstanding them. Show boys how to study, and it becomes a pleas- ure as well as a serious pursuit. Classes are not crowded. In- dividual instruction is a po- tent feature of Western aca- demic learning. Learning to speak well in youth is of in- estimable value to the man in all of the world’s work and pleas- ure. Jl ST forty-five minutes a day is the average time of Western cadets spent in military work. Yet the effect of these few minutes each day in making for strong character, keen minds and healthy bodies is incalculable. Military training at Western helps to implant the fundamental ideas of thoroughness, promptness, respeet for authority, and faithfulness in the performance of duty. Hoys quickly learn to obey cheerfully and to command efficiently. The military work is so timed as not to interfere in any way with academic work. Nor does it preelude reasonable participation in sports and recrea- tional activity. In fact, because of the mental and physical development which are natural adjuncts to military training, it actually enlarges the cadet’s ability to enjoy and benefit from other activities. It is the finest known train- ing for productive life habits. The Commandant is the Dean. Clean-cut discipline and prompt obedience are the re- ward of a disciplin- arian who wins the re- spect, the confidence and the affection of his cadet corps. There is a feeling of romance in a winter practice march. Our cadets are taught to take pride in their personal appearance. Three well tailored uniforms and an overcoat provide a variety of combinations. Respect for the flag is a symbol of pa- triotism which should be instilled in the heart of every hoy. The military pro- gram is occasion- ally enlivened by group games. The Battalion in mass formation in winter dress. Exhibition drills are held every Sunday afternoon throughout the school year, ami are enjoyed by parents and friends. Cadet officers are appointed from the Senior Class on the basis of merit. worth striving for! An honor Military authorities of the United States have consistently expressed their admiration of Western Military Acad- emy’s conduct of mili- tary training in all its branches. The routine of close- order drill is of particu- lar value in the develop- ment of precision, promptness, and coordi- nation of mind an 1 muscle. Instruction in the use of the special weapons which are part of the equipment of a company of infantry adds interest and vari- ety to the program. T JL OO often a school’s athletic program leaves most of the students on the side- lines. At Western the ideal is “physical training and athletics for ever) hoy.” An unusually broad athletic program is pro- vided. Western athletes are known not only for their skill and determination, but for the obvious pleasure they derive from “playing the game.” Two large athletic fields with three hasehall diamonds give ample room for outdoor sports. Much of the school year falls in winter months. This recreation building is more than 300 feet long by 70 feet wide. It contains a gymnasium, several basket ball courts, a billiard room, bowling alleys and an auditorium with a fully equipped stage. As a builder of strength and endurance, swimming is unsurpassed. The spark- ling water of this tile- lined pool encourages every hoy to swim throughout the year, under the in- struction of an expert coach and the protection of an ever-present life guard. .Jj li ji . _ There is no sport superior to fencing for the development of grace, strength and poise. Boxing for recrea- tion — not for exhi- bition — is encour- aged at Western. This sport teaches a boy to give and take ami to exer- cise self-control. There are seven record-breakers in this undefeated Western track team. Clearing the bar. Baseball and track are the most popular sports at Vi estern (lur- ing the spring season. Boys who might no. otherwise enter into competitive team sports are given that opportunity at Western by the formation of company teams which compete with vigorous rivalry. Late in autumn and early in spring the tennis enthusi- asts are up and do- ing. Twelve courts on the campus pro- vide ample facili- ties. The Gun Club engages in frequent trap-shooting competition. Instruction in rifle marksmanship begins with a small mechanical clot ter, passes through a stage of gallery prac- tice with a 22-calibre, and ends with actual range firing of the 30- calibre army rifle. Bridle paths on the campus and adjacent country roads are who enjoy horseback riding. available to those Practice holes on the campus, and a nine-hole Country Club course are available to cadets. There are monthly and annual tournaments and inter-scholastic competition. r .INHERE are many extra-curricular activities which add color and interest to school at Western Military Academy. Prominent among these is the pub- lication of a weekly school newspaper, which brings great benefits to the mem- bers of the staff who gather the news, prepare the copy and manage the busi- ness under the direction of a faculty advisor. Those in authority at Western fully appreciate the importance of leisure, and the danger that lurks in it for the youth whose recreation is undirected. Cadet soon learn that their greatest pleasure is derived from genuine recreation, which is rich in the elements of mental and physical growth, rather than from merely entertainment or idleness. A well-trained Glee Club gives a series of concerts at Western ami in nearby cities during the winter months. The Dramatic Club frequently produces one-act plays and at times combines with the Jazz Orchestra in a vaudeville production. A Military Ball is held each month under the direction of the student dance committee. The Boy Scout Club for the younger cadets engages in many interesting activities. Each fall aiul spring the school charters a palatial M ississippi River steamer, uud the cadets spend the day with friends on the beau- tiful Father of Waters. Western Military Academy is lo- cated near the beautiful bluffs which overlook the Mississippi River. The cadets, with faculty officers, fre- quently’ explore the historic cliffs and caves made famous by Mark Twain. One of the joys of the boarding school hoy— going home on fur- lough. An excellent cadet l and adds zest to nftlitary school life, and pleasure and benefit to the musicians. Safe skating is en- joyed in season on the campus La- goon. “TAPS” Fading light dims the sight And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright. From afar drawing nigh, falls the night.