Sheridan Industrial School, Sheridan, Ill.
By N. W. Kauble
DURING the year 1901-02 seventy students were enrolled, the average attendance being about thirty. This enrollment includes ten students who really belong to the church school rather than to an intermediate school. The work in the schoolroom embraced the sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grades, with numerous drills. Outside, the work consisted of clearing ground, broom making, house building, blacksmithing, horticulture, and general agriculture. The work has been almost wholly done by students and teachers. A hired carpenter, assisted by students, did a few days' work on the cottage, after which the building was completed by students and teachers. Thirteen acres are cleared ready for the plow. There are three acres of orchard, consisting of apples, plums, pears, and peaches. The trees were planted one year ago, and show a remarkable growth. Between the rows of fruit trees, three13quarters of an acre of strawberries was grown and planted, and we are now gathering a large crop of fine berries, which are selling for best prices. The greatest obstacle we met with in the industrial department was the withdrawal of the students when the time came for farm work. During the winter months, when there is but little to be done in their homes, we were crowded to our utmost capacity; but as soon as farm work opened, we were left with few competent helpers, consequently our industrial effort has been greatly crippled. However, with the few and the blessing of the Lord, we have succeeded in clearing several acres of heavily timbered land, and have planted ten acres. At no time has there been any extraordinary spiritual move on the part of the students, and yet we are thankful to say that, with scarcely an exception, there has been a marked spiritual growth. When all accounts are settled, and all expenses for the year paid, we shall have a small remainder.