ENFIELD SCHOOL.
We copy from a recent number of the Charleston, S. C. Enquirer, edited by Rev. Geo. C. Rowe, a description of the New Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School at Enfield, N. C.:
This school is known as the Joseph K. Brick Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School. It was founded by Mrs. Joseph K. Brick of Brooklyn, N. Y., in memory of her deceased husband, Joseph K. Brick. The lands include 1129 acres, most of which is under cultivation. It was originally an old slave farm. One of the old slaves, a man now about 80, is still living, and we had the pleasure of hearing a speech from him on the occasion of dedicating the boys' dormitory. The beautiful shade trees standing in front of the college building were planted by him before the war.
This school is located in Edgecombe County, N. C., midway between the towns of Enfield and Whitaker, a distance of three miles each way. The Roanoke River, well stocked with fish, bounds it on the north.
The school farm is plentifully supplied with birds, wild ducks, turkeys and deer. While driving over this immense farm on Friday last, two deer jumped up less than 50 yards from us. The land is very productive and the timber is of the best quality. Water is abundant and of the best one can desire; it is obtained at a depth of from 12 to 20 feet. The climate is delightful and healthful. The school farm is amply supplied with a good quality of fruit trees.
The aim is to give due attention to the improvement of the mind, morals and muscles. In order to do this, farming, blacksmithing, carpentry, laundering, sewing, housekeeping and cooking are diligently taught. Great attention is given to the raising of stock, such as horses, mules, cows, hogs and fowl, and to the improving of the breed of these animals. A good curriculum is fully provided in the literary departments. The course runs from the primary up to and including the normal course.
The school just closed the third year. Everywhere, in the buildings, the general bearing of the pupils, the class-room work, all say there is a marvelous advancement shown. Everything here is in its infancy, but from the appearance of things, the stranger would think it had required ten years to do what has been done here in just three years.
The workers to do this work number six teachers. They are cultured, competent, Christian men and women.
Pupils who are anxious to secure an education here, but too poor to pay in cash, have an opportunity to help themselves; such pupils contract to work one year. They are allowed $10.00 per month for such labor; a night school is provided free for them. The money so earned is placed to their credit for the second year; every advantage of the school is opened to them. Many avail themselves of this opportunity.
On the closing day large crowds, colored and white, came from far and near. There were three sessions, morning, afternoon and evening. The morning was given up to the dedicatory services, which consisted of a sermon by Rev. G. V. Clark of Charleston, S. C., with singing and other exercises. The sermon, which was practical and full of food for thought, was enjoyed by an appreciative audience.
The afternoon session was a long one but varied, the three departments being presented in papers by Profs. Martin, Watkins and Mrs. Davis. Volunteer speeches were made by friends and patrons of the school.
At the evening session the over-crowded house listened attentively to excellent recitations, dialogues, and an exercise in calisthenics which was admirably rendered; the singing showed skillful preparation and reflected great credit upon the teachers and pupils.