The Toluca (N. C.) School by D. T. Shireman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Apr 1, 1909

The Toluca (N. C.) School

By D. T. Shireman

THIS school was begun with the object of placing orphan and homeless children in a family home. As a family, we now number twenty, including the principal and his wife, the cook, the seamstress, the farm superintendent, and the teacher. It is a happy family, and one could not tell but that those in charge were the real father and mother of a real family. The evening and morning services give the children a good opportunity to take part in religious duties. The work on the farm and in the home gives them a training that fits them for real life. We wish to put up two more buildings within one mile of the school, where from ten to twelve may find homes, situated on land where they can raise cotton and grain. We believe that such schools may be made self-supporting. The same teacher and school building which we now have will answer for at least three of these homes, without any additional cost. One half of the children can attend the school in the forenoon, while the others work, and then those who work in the forenoon can attend school in the afternoon. Our school is doing practical work, and exercises a good influence in the community.

D. T. SHIREMAN.