Oakwood Manual Training-School, Huntsville, Ala.
By W. J. Blake
WE believe the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to know of the progress of the work at the training-school. It will be remembered that last October the main building of the institution was destroyed by fire. Plans were immediately made for rebuilding, not one large building, but five of smaller size, and better adapted to the needs of the work. Faithful carpenters, assisted by the students, soon began work, and one of the new buildings, known as Manual Arts, has been completed for about a month. Workmen are now busily engaged in making cement blocks for the new Study Hall, which will contain chapel, recitation rooms, and business offices. The foundation of this building is nearly finished. Excavating for the boys' dormitory is also in progress. When these new buildings are completed, the school will be in a better position than ever before to do the work especially appointed it. It is the aim of the management to make the work self-supporting as far as possible. With this in view, very careful efforts will be put forth the coming season on the farm and garden. It is the plan to raise a good supply of general farm produce, and also a large amount of garden truck for near-by markets. We are also raising some choice nursery stock, seeds, bulbs, etc., in order to furnish more work to worthy students who desire to get an education, but who have no money whatever with which to pay their expenses. These we can not turn away. They must be helped. Having perfected arrangements with a reliable Northern seedsman, as well as with one of the large nurseries of the South, we are enabled to supply all varieties and kinds of trees, plants, seeds, and bulbs at very reasonable prices. By sending us orders, we believe many can give assistance to the work, and at the same time benefit themselves. We shall be glad to correspond with any in regard to this matter. Also if any have choice flowering roots, cannas, gladioluses, dahlias, or shrubs which they would be glad to give to the school, we hope they will kindly let us know. We desire to add new varieties to our list. We are greatly encouraged by the arrival of several new students, who seem to have an earnest desire to prepare themselves quickly for the work of God. We desire the prayers of all that this important work may be directed and carried forward in harmony with God's will. W. J. BLAKE, Principal.