TILLOTSON, AUSTIN, TEXAS.
BY SECRETARY A.F. BEARD.
In the year 1875 the Rev. George J. Tillotson, of Connecticut, visited various points of the South with a view to the establishment of a school. He was accompanied by a secretary of the Association. After a careful survey they selected Austin, Texas, as the most promising point. About twenty-five acres of partially wooded land just beyond the eastern boundary of the city of Austin were purchased for $5,000, the gift of Mr. Tillotson. In the following year a charter was obtained and the work of raising money for the building was entered upon. The funds were finally secured, and in 1879 the foundations were laid, and the building, 104 feet in length and 42 in depth, constructed of white pressed brick with dress stone trimmings, rose to its five stories in height. On the 17th of January, 1881, the school opened. Two of the five floors were then open spaces. Eleven pupils only were enrolled at the beginning, but the term closed in June with 107. During this year the building was completed and named "Allen Hall," in honor of one of the largest givers. At the opening of the fall term the beginning of the next year, the accommodations were taxed to the utmost. In August, 1882, the report reads, "Allen Hall is full to repletion, 100 in the boarding department. Work cannot unfold for need of more room. Young men and young women in the same building make an urgent appeal for a new building."
At no time since the beginning of the second year have there been adequate accommodations for all desiring to attend.
For ten years the institution under the name of "Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute" has furnished to students from all parts of the great State of Texas with its half million of colored people, and from other States, and from Mexico, not only an opportunity to acquire a thoroughly practical common-school education, but also a more extended course to prepare students for entrance to the highest educational institutions in the land; and a normal training course for teachers for all positions in the public schools. Within this period of time a church has been formed for the students of the institution and others, which has been regularly ministered to by the president of the institution.
In the year 1888 a building for carpentry and manual instruction was erected and a teacher was appointed for industrial training.
The picture following is that of Allen Hall as it looks down upon the valley of the river Colorado. In every direction the views are of great extent, and include many picturesque scenes. The State capitol—a mile distant—and the various public buildings of Austin, are before the eye. Since electricity has been introduced, Austin by [pg 99] night presents a brilliant outlook from the grounds of the institution, but the light which shines from these buildings on the hill sends its beams farther than those of the electric plant, and pierces a denser darkness than that of night.
ALLEN HALL.
The industrial buildings—viz., the shop for carpentry, another for blacksmithing, for repairing of vehicles, and for painting—are at a suitable distance in the rear on the "boys' side" of the grounds. Below them are located the barn, wagon house, hennery, etc.
On the crest of a second eminence, several hundred feet from "Allen Hall," is the attractive new building ([see picture, page 100]) used as a dormitory for teachers and young women pupils. In this building are the culinary department also, and the dining room for each hall. There are forty dormitory rooms in this hall which will accommodate sixty pupils and their teachers. In addition to its dining-hall for all the pupils within the institution there are reading and sewing rooms, etc., which add to its completeness. There are not many school buildings anywhere with more diversified landscape and beautiful natural surroundings than those of Tillotson. Encompassed by oak trees large enough for shade and shelter, but not over-towering the prospect, free from the distracting noises and dust of the streets, and yet possessing all the advantages of a thrifty and beautiful city, the student at Tillotson will have at least one period in life that may not be commiserated.
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This new building has not yet been duly named, and if anyone of those who may read this sketch will give $1,000 to be used as an endowment fund, the interest to be applied year by year as long as the school stands, we shall be glad to name this new hall after the giver, unless the name should happen to be too un-euphonious. Would not this beautiful hall be a fine monument to bear the name of some considerate and generous giver?
NEW HALL: DORMITORY FOR TEACHERS AND PUPILS.
Tillotson was chartered under the corporate name of "Institute." This charter has now expired, and since the institution has blossomed out with the possibilities of a college it is hoped that under the new charter it may bear the name of "College."
It has the following departments: Common English, Normal, College Preparatory, College, Vocal and Instrumental Music, and Industrial, and a department for trained nurses. The faculty of the institution has consisted of the president, the normal principal, the industrial teacher, and ten other teachers. The boarding department is conducted upon the model of a Christian household. The intention is by no means simply to furnish rooms and meals for those who are in attendance, but also to inculcate ideas of right living and thinking, which are indispensable to true manhood and womanhood.
[pg 101]
In the Common English department the purpose is to prepare the pupils thoroughly for the practical duties of life.
The College Preparatory gives a careful preparation in the way of language studies which will fit them to enter into the more generous course of study in which they may be fitted to be intelligent preachers and leaders of their race. The demand for college-educated men among the negroes is an intelligent one. This race cannot be elevated unless there can be raised a sufficient number of strong, earnest men, thoroughly trained intellectually, as well as morally; men who shall have a larger than a local vision, and who shall stand forth as representative leaders and teachers of those less fortunate than themselves.
The Normal department adds the study of subjects and methods, for those who are preparing to become teachers among their own people.
The Industrial includes not only manual instruction, but carpentry, blacksmithing and mechanical drawing for boys and young men, and also sewing and dressmaking for girls and young women.
MANUAL INSTRUCTION SHOP.
For a young institution the record of Tillotson is excellent. There are few places in the great empire of Texas where it has not already become known through its pupils, or through teachers who have received their education within its walls.
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Being under the care of a distinctively Christian organization it carries out the intention of its founders in providing religious instruction for all who attend. Its Sunday School, its Christian Endeavor Societies, its social worship, its church service, its mission work, all intensify the religious influence and religious life.
Tillotson is far away and needs friends who will give it help. It needs scholarships and professorships. It needs a library, chemical and philosophical apparatus, and a printing press. It needs gifts of bedding, tableware for the halls, and clothing for needy students. Friends, it needs your Christian sympathy and Christian prayers, that the great and blessed Teacher may dwell within its walls and in the hearts of the inmates.