This is an institution supported by the State of Virginia for the education of the colored youth. The aim of the institution is to impart knowledge, discipline the mind and train the hand and heart, so that those who leave its walls shall be better prepared for the diversified duties of life. In the Normal course of three years, the training has special reference to preparing the student to become a successful teacher. It is to this department that most of the students naturally find their way. This course is comprehensive and endeavors to give all that is essential to fit their graduates to teach any of the public schools of Virginia. Although the course covers a wide field, they endeavor to so drill the student in the branches taught that his knowledge is thorough, and not a mere smattering. Considerable time is given to actual teaching of little children under the supervision of the Model School teacher.
STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE, PETERSBURG, VA.
The college course is designed to give a higher and broader culture to those of their youth who are able to remain longer in school, or desire to pursue the professions. This course covers four years. The school is young, and quality, not quantity or number, being their standard of success, they have thus far labored to prepare thoroughly those who have taken the college studies before admitting them to this department. Their curriculum will compare favorably with the best. The advantages here offered for obtaining a college education at small cost are unparalleled.
JAMES HUGO JOHNSTON.
James Hugo Johnston, A. M., Ph. D., president and Professor of Psychology and Moral Science, is indeed a self-made man. His first work in life was that of a newsboy on the streets of Richmond. In fact he kept his paper route for some time after he began teaching in the public schools of that city. His most excellent work as president of the institute at Petersburg places him among the most prominent educators of his race. He has under him a very able set of teachers.
CALHOUN COLORED SCHOOL
Is a school and social settlement in the blackest belt county of Alabama. Opened and incorporated, 1892. Trustees: Hon. John Bigelow, President, New York, N. Y.; Mr. B. T. Washington, Vice-President, Tuskegee, Ala.; Mr. R. P. Hallowell, Auditor, Boston, Mass.; Rev. Pitt Dillingham, Secretary, Calhoun, Ala.; Miss C. R. Thorn, Treasurer, Calhoun, Ala.; Rev. H. B. Frissell, D. D., Hampton, Va.; Col. T. W. Higginson, Cambridge, Mass.; Mr. C. F. Dunbar, Buffalo, N. Y.; Rev. Silas Jones, Mount Meigs, Ala. Principals: Rev. Pitt Dillingham and Miss C. R. Thorn.
The school is located at Calhoun, Lowndes Co., Alabama, on Louisville and Nashville R. R., 28 miles southwest of Montgomery. It is a one-room cabin and crop-mortgage region.