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The Avondale School

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 16.

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The Avondale School

By G. A. Irwin

OUR school seems to be in a flourishing condition. More industries are being added each year, and those we already have are being strengthened. There are at present one hundred and forty-five students, over one hundred of these being in the homes. There is an older class of students this year than we have had during past years.
A short time ago I paid a visit to the school, the first time since the school year opened. I spoke to the students in the chapel, in the forenoon, and after the exercises visited the various industries that were being carried on. There were twelve persons engaged in the carpenter shop. They have three large benches and six smaller ones. Two students can work at each bench. They not only make everything they need in the shape of furniture and other articles about the buildings and premises, but are now making chests, called dressers in the States, for sale. Their work is very nice, and compares favorably with the furniture that is sold in the stores.
There are several mechanics in the school this year. Two of the young men are engaged in making two large tanks for use at the barn. In the printing department carried on by the Avondale Press, we found six students at work, laboring in various phases of the printing business. Others are at work in the food factory, packing foods, etc. In the kitchen we found a class of twelve, taking practical lessons in cookery, under the direction of the matron. They have these classes twice a week, and a quarter finishes the course, so that during the school year nearly all who wish to take this work can do so. Then they have a sewing department, where the young women are taught to cut and fit, and do all kinds of sewing. These classes are held every day. There are some who are just learning, and others who are in the advanced class. They have all the work that they can do, from the people outside.
The blacksmith department is just being put up, and broom-making will be added later. They are raising their own corn, but it is not ripe yet. As the brush has been so high in the past, it has not paid them to buy it.
G. A. IRWIN.