The Sheridan Industrial Academy
By W. T. Bland
After a good rest from the taxing labors of several years in connection with our educational work, I am again glad to be with one of our schools for a while. For some time it has been my desire to have a better understanding of the work of our small industrial schools, for I have believed there are problems connected with them not easily solved, and not understood by the majority of our people. So when the invitation was offered to connect with the industrial school at Sheridan, Ill., for this year, I was glad to accept of the same. This school is situated near Sheridan, Ill., a few miles from the city of Chicago. The location is a beautiful one so far as the natural scenery is concerned. The school farm, consisting of about forty acres, is touched by a small stream that near by empties its waters into the Fox River, one of the most picturesque streams in the State. It is in the midst of, perhaps, the richest agricultural district in the world. From the farm the school tables are supplied with vegetables and small fruits of various kinds, while pasture and grain are provided for the horses, cows, and poultry belonging to the school. This is a help to the school, and it also furnishes some work to the students, who thus meet their expenses in part while pursuing their studies. The academy building is a comfortable structure containing the kitchen, dining hall, and furnace room on the ground floor, while on the floor above are located the chapel, class room, and office, all of which are comfortable, well-arranged rooms. The third floor is arranged in living-rooms for the young ladies. On the campus, near the academy building, in a pretty grove are located cottages for the accommodation of the young men. Besides these, a substantial building has been erected for the manufacture of brooms, a small stock barn, and a poultry house. Perhaps ten thousand dollars in cash, besides much hard labor, would cover the cost of the entire plant. With a few more improvements and some more good hard work, this may be made one of our best small schools. The school can be made to accommodate about seventy-five students; perhaps not more than that number should be encouraged to attend at one time, though nearly that number is required to place the school on a substantial, self-supporting basis. Classes are not provided for those below the seventh or beyond the tenth grades. Those planning to attend should make note of this fact. Strong classes are now being carried on in the various common branches and in a number of the higher studies, while all are provided with classes for Bible study. I think I have not seen a more earnest class of young people than are here this fall. They came with a mind to study and improve themselves. As a result, the Lord has already greatly blessed the efforts put forth, and it is a common expression among the students that this is the best year in their school experience. Now that the fall work is about finished, others of our young people should be arranging their plans to be here for the winter months. The expenses have been made very reasonable, fourteen dollars a month being the amount required for board, room, and tuition. Sufficient work is furnished to reduce the actual cash payment to about ten dollars a month. I shall be glad to correspond with the young people who may be interested, or with the parents of any who may desire further information.