While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
I. Oak Hill Motto Time is precious
Time is money
Do not stand idle, waiting,
Do not keep others waiting,
Do something useful.
Be a busy, silent worker,
Shun the idle, noisy shirker.
II. Rule Of Order Order is the first law of Heaven, and it
is the first rule in every well regulated
home, school and Church.
It Requires That Everyone:
BE in the right place at the right time,
DO the right thing in the right way,
DO the same things the same way,
KEEP everything in the right place; and
COMPLETE whatever has been undertaken.
Endeavor Benediction
"The Lord bless thee and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee and
be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace.
And unto him that loved us, and washed us
from our sins in his own blood and hath made
us kings and priests unto God and his
Father; to him be glory and dominion forever
[Pg 260]and ever. Amen."
III. Essentials To Success An unwavering aim,
Unswerving integrity,
Intelligent industry,
Never failing promptness,
Indomitable perseverance,
Unbounded enthusiasm,
Willing and strict economy,
In the employment of time,
Talents, money and expenses.
IV. Busy Day THIS is our BUSY DAY.
Do not intrude here to day.
Come some other day.
Loafers
Are worse than useless. Their presence here
is
Strictly Forbidden.
Key Words: The Key words that open or
close doors of opportunity, and contrast the
characteristics of the good and bad student,
are as follows:
Good Student
Poet: Politeness, Obedience, Economy and
Earnestness, Thoughtfulness.
Bad Pupil
Died: Disorderly conduct, Idleness,
Extravagance, Deceit.
Good Workman
Steam: Steam is a good key word, to
enable one to remember how the good workman
works efficiently and profitably. He works:
Steadily,
Thoughtfully,
Enthusiastically,
Alone,
Methodically.
I. Students
The Superintendent and Teachers wish all the
students to be gladdened and strengthened by
the joy of successful achievement. To affect
this each student must learn to do promptly
and thoroughly everything he knows he ought
to do, and refrain absolutely from doing
anything he knows he ought not to do. "The
joy of the Lord is your strength."
Order. Good order must be
maintained in all the buildings and
premises. It requires that there be a place
for everything and everything be kept in its
place; that each student know his place and
be in it at the right nick of time.
Silence. All are expected to be
silent, thoughtful, earnest workers so as to
make perfect recitations. The discipline of
absolute silence is necessary to the
attainment of complete self control, and the
achievement of the best results, both as a
student and workman. Silence must be
observed in the Academy at all times, and
only a low tone of voice is appropriate in
the other buildings at any time.
Obedience. All are expected to yield
a prompt and cheerful obedience to all the
Rules and Regulations, and never indulge in
any disputes with your teachers.
Students render themselves liable to
suspension or expulsion by persistent
disobedience, quarreling, disorderly
conduct, profane or unchaste language,
truancy, or general disregard for the rules
of the school.
No student known to be affected with a
contagious disease or coming from a family
where such diseases exist, shall be received
or continued in the school.
Pupils must procure drinks and make all
other necessary preparation for school at
playtime, and keep their places after the
bell rings.
Pupils shall not ask questions, walk across
or leave the room while classes are
reciting, nor at any other time without
permission.
Pupils must observe the common forms of
politeness and at all times treat their
teachers and one another with courtesy and
respect.
No pupil shall be permitted to leave or be
absent from the school during school hours,
except in case of illness without an excuse
from the superintendent or parent.
Rooms. The rooms occupied by the
students are merely sleeping apartments; and
for this purpose the pure cold air in them
is conducive to the enjoyment of the most
rugged health. They must not be used for
study or amusement, especially at night; and
drafts of air from the windows must be
avoided.
Each student on rising, when no other
provision is made is expected to air the bed
and room, to empty the slop pail and put it
on its shelf in the sun, to make the bed and
sweep the room; and after breakfast to
report for duty, the boys at the office, and
the girls to the matron. They will report in
the same way at 2:30 p. m., and the children
at 4:00 p. m.
All are expected to refrain from returning
to the sleeping rooms during the day, from
entering the rooms of others in the evening
and from receiving visitors without
permission. The doors must be kept closed.
Illness. The first duty of everyone
who becomes ill is to report that fact to
the superintendent, or matron. He expects
everyone to perform every duty assigned in a
faithful and responsible manner, until
notice of illness has been received.
All are required, even when feeling
indisposed and lacking an appetite, to come
to the table for warm drinks at the regular
meal time.
All requests for meals to be brought to the
rooms, shall be sent to the matron or
superintendent at or before meal time.
Sitting Rooms. The small boys, when
needing the comfort of a warm room, must
occupy their own sitting room, and the
larger boys and girls the rooms provided for
them, respectively; each endeavoring to make
a good use of their spare moments, while
occupying these places, and observe the rule
requiring quiet and good order in the
buildings.
Chapel Bell. The chapel bell shall be
rung at 7:45 and 7:55 a. m.; at 12:45 and
12:55 p. m.; at 2:40 p. m. and at 6:45 and
6:55 p. m. Every student is expected to be
in his place and be ready for work on his
studies, before the tap bell is heard at
8:00 a. m., 1:00 p. m. and 7:00 p. m.
Farm Bell. The signal for the
janitors or fire makers shall be rung at
5:40 a. m., the call to rise, at 6:00 a. m.;
for dinner at 11:40 a. m.; supper at 5:40 p.
m.; retiring at 8:20 and 8:30 p. m., when
all lights in the rooms must be put out.
The dining room bell will ring for
breakfast, at 6:20 a. m.; dinner, at 11:55
a. m.; supper, at 6:00 p. m.
All matters for the mail must be delivered
at the office before 1:00 p. m.
II. Meetings And Chores Genius. All are encouraged to learn
how to work hard and constantly, and to use
every spare moment for some good purpose.
There is no genius like that for hard work.
Enthusiastic interest in one's work is
essential to success. Idleness is a sin, a
waste of life, and cannot be endured at Oak
Hill, which is intended to be a hive of
industry.
Carefulness. All must learn to use rightly
and carefully the books, slates, tools, and
furniture entrusted to them. All injuries to
books, furniture or buildings must be paid
for by those guilty of injuring them.
Services. All, unless specially
excused, are required to attend all the
religious services on the Sabbath, including
the Bible Memory class. The Endeavor meeting
is the student's special training service;
all are expected to participate in it, by at
least reading or repeating a verse of
Scripture; and in the Bible Memory class by
committing an average of one verse a day.
All are encouraged to covet the best gifts,
especially the power of complete
self-control, and the ability to say things
forcibly, and do things thoroughly.
Speakers. Those speak with authority,
who, instead of telling what they think, or
making an apology, tell what the Bible, the
law of the Lord, says. All should endeavor
to instruct, animate and encourage; none
should ever indulge in fault-finding, or
allude to any personal grievance.
Leaders. Leaders of meetings are
expected to be fully prepared before hand,
to stand when they speak; to speak
sufficiently loud and distinct as to be
easily heard by the most distant listener;
to repeat the numbers of the hymns; to
request the audience to stand during prayer;
to afford an opportunity for volunteer
prayers or remarks; and to close the meeting
as soon as the interest in it has ended.
Immorality. No one guilty of
persistent immoral conduct, will either be
admitted, or be permitted to remain at the
academy.
Chores. The domestic work in all the
buildings, the care of the stock, and the
preparation of the fuel, are apportioned
among the students, and all are required to
do their part.
Janitors. The janitors must see that
the kindling has been provided in the
evening; rise promptly at the call of the
janitor's signal; and have the fires in the
sitting rooms and chapel burning in good
shape, before the ringing of the rising
bell. These fires are to be maintained
during the day by those specially appointed
to perform that duty. All are expected, to
exercise good judgment and practice economy
in the use of both the kindling and wood.
The ashes from all the stoves must be
carried to the heap every morning. Only old
vessels may be used for this purpose and
these, when emptied, must be returned to
their proper places.
Care of Stock. Those assigned the
care of the stock are required to be prompt
and faithful in caring for it; in the
morning, at noon and evening day by day,
according to instructions, without having to
be prompted. This work must not be left
undone or entrusted to others, without first
notifying the superintendent.
Other Chores. This rule, requiring
faithfulness, applies also to those, who
have been assigned the chore work about the
buildings, kindling fires, sweeping halls,
cleaning lamps, carrying water and wood.
Hall Lamps. The hall lamps, water
pails and other fixtures, that are intended
to serve all, must never be removed from
their places, to render service to an
individual.
III. Work And Things Forbidden Work Period. All over 13 years of age
are expected to render three full hours of
faithful and efficient work each day, and on
Saturday until 2:30 p. m. Time lost by
tardiness, or unnecessary absence during the
working period, must be made up before the
end of the term.
Object. The aim of your teachers,
during these work-periods, is to give you a
practical knowledge of the simple arts of
life; that you may be intelligent, capable
and efficient workmen; be enabled to make
your own homes more comfortable, and create
a demand for your services.
Tool Rules. Each workman, at the
close of the work period, must return all
tools used to their proper place. If they
have been transferred, then the last one
using them must return them. None are
permitted to use any tools, or touch any
musical instrument, until they have been
taught the rules relating to them; and have
been shown how to use them, and do the work
in a skillful and workmanlike manner. Tools
must never be taken to any of the rooms to
do any repair work.
Non-interference. When students are
working under the direction of anyone, they
must not be interfered with by others, nor
leave the work assigned them, without the
knowledge and approval of the one, under
whose direction they are working at the
time.
Irregularity. Irregularity greatly
interferes with a student's progress and the
work of his class and teacher. Leave of
absence during the term cannot therefore be
granted, except for the most urgent reasons.
Those that from any cause, miss one or more
lessons, should endeavor to master them when
they return.
Caution. All are kindly advised never
to be guilty of any word or act that will be
likely to cause you to forfeit the esteem
and confidence of the superintendent, or
your teachers. A good student endeavors to
aid and cheer, but never disobeys or annoys
a teacher.
Things Forbidden. Never permit
yourself to indulge in any dispute with your
teacher in the school room, shop or field.
Don't tease, ridicule or despise others; be
polite and courteous to each other.
Don't indulge in the use of profane or
obscene language, or in any acts of deceit,
falsehood or theft.
Don't use or have in your possession, any
intoxicating liquors, tobacco or snuff in
any form; gamblers' or obscene cards or
pictures; concealed weapons; or soil the
floors with spittle or wash water.
Don't indulge in singing, whistling,
unnecessary talking or foolish laughter
while working with others; or play ball
while others are working, or choring.
All communications between boys and girls,
and all association or interference on the
play grounds are strictly forbidden.
At the close of all meetings, especially
those in the evening, the girls are required
to go directly and quietly to their hall.
Don't be extravagant or foppish in your
dress, or borrow or lend, either clothing or
money.
Don't send home for eatables or other
unnecessary things. New clothing, especially
shoes, should not be sent from home, without
having the measure taken. It is better to
send the money.
Every article of clothing needing to be
washed must have the owner's name.
Don't tamper with the street lamp, or the
plugs in the water trough; nor change the
pins, tubs or tube at the well; nor roughly
jerk the pump handles at the well and
cisterns.
Use everything in the way and for the
purpose for which it was intended, never
otherwise.
Don't leave your seat in the school room, or
go out of it during school hours, without
permission from your teacher. Never sit on
the tops of the desks.
Teachers. Each teacher is expected to
keep in an orderly form on the teacher's
desk, for use in conducting recitations, a
complete set of the Text books used by the
classes; and to prepare before hand all
lessons or parts thereof that may not be
familiar.
The power of suspension or exclusion is
vested only in the superintendent. This
power must never be exercised by any of his
helpers without his previous knowledge and
approval.
All matters relating to the repair of the
buildings and their equipment should be
promptly reported to the superintendent.
The aim of the primary teacher, at the time
of recitation, should be to have all the
pupils reproduce the entire lesson one or
more times in concert and then individually
to accomplish this with as few words as
possible.
The aim of every teacher should be to make
Oak Hill, to all the young people pursuing
their studies here, a fountain of
inspiration, a sanctuary where fellowship
with the Redeemer of the world and a new
discovery of the glory of God shall be among
the blessings bestowed.
Book Marks. The teachers are required
to furnish every new pupil one complete set
of approved, folded marginal book marks; one
for each text book, and for both the Sunday
school and Memory lessons in the Bible. By
example and precept, they are expected to
require them to keep them in their proper
places, and if carelessly lost, to replace
them with new ones of their own making.
Among the objects to be attained by the
enforcement of this rule are the habit of
carefulness in little things, to save the
books from other injurious methods of
marking and to save the time of the teacher,
class and pupil.
Fire Precautions
The rooms occupied by the students must be
carefully inspected by the matrons or their
special monitors every time the students
leave them for the school or chapel; to see
that the buildings have not been endangered
by any acts of carelessness or
thoughtlessness.
The ladders must be kept where they may be
easily and quickly obtained.
On the first Friday of each term the
students shall be organized into a Fire
Department, the superintendent serving as
chief and the matrons and teachers as his
special aids.
The fire-fighters shall include the pumpers
and a bucket brigade; the life and property
savers shall include the ladder squad; and
the strenuous work of all shall continue
until the building or the last possible
piece of property has been saved.
The fire drills shall consist of quick
orderly marches, at an unexpected signal,
from all the buildings occupied, and the
report of each squad for duty to their
respective foremen.
To Parents
These suggestions to parents or guardians
appear on the monthly report cards.
This report is sent you in the hope it will
give you that information you naturally
desire to receive in regard to the work and
standing of the pupils you have sent to the
academy.
In your communications to your children
encourage them to be prompt and punctual in
meeting every engagement, to remember the
Sabbath day, to improve their spare moments
by reading the Bible or some good book, to
do their best during the hours of study and
work each day, and to refrain from
association with the idle or worthless.
(1) Salute To The Flag
(2) We give our heads
(3) and our hearts
(4) to our Country.
(5) One country, one language
(6) one flag.
1. All rise and extend right arm toward the
flag.
2 Touch forehead with tips of the fingers.
3. Right palm over the heart.
4. Both hands extended upward.
5. Lean forward, hands at sides.
6. With emphasis, right hand pointing to the
flag. Sing America.
"The red is for love that will dare and do
The blue is the sign of the brave and true.
The white with all evil and wrong shall
cope,
And the silver stars are the stars of hope."
The Students Goodbye
Good bye, Oak Hill; good bye;
We're off to the fields and the open sky;
But we shall return in the fall, you know,
As glad to return as we are now to go.
Good bye, Oak Hill; Good bye,
The Course Of Study
The following is the course of study pursued
at the academy, the high school course being
added June 1, 1912.
I. Primary Department
First Grade: First Reader, Reading Chart,
Primer, Printing, Numbers and Tables. Books
of Bible, Memory Work.
Second Grade: Second Reader, Doubs Speller,
Printing, Writing, Tables, Primary
Arithmetic. Also the Bible, Shorter
Catechism and Vocal Music in this and the
subsequent grades.
II. Intermediate Department
Third Grade: Third Reader, Doubs Speller,
(Smith's) Primary Arithmetic, Principles of
Penmanship, (Spencer or Eaton), Introductory
Language Work, Primary Geography.
Fourth Grade: Fourth Reader, Doubs Speller,
Primary Arithmetic, Writing, (Thompson's)
Principles of Drawing, Primary Geography, (Krohn's)
First Book in Physiology.
Leslie's Music Chart and Ideal Class Book;
and Thwing's Voice Culture, are used weekly
for instruction in the principles, and
general drills in gesture, note reading and
voice culture.
III. Grammar Department
Fifth Grade: Fifth Reader, U. S. History,
Doubs Speller, Primary Arithmetic, Reed &
Kellogg's Graded Lessons in English, or
Burt's Grammar, Physiology, Writing, Nature
Study Chart.
Sixth Grade: Fifth Reader, History of United
States or Oklahoma, Doubs Speller, (Smith's)
Practical Arithmetic, Writing, Geography,
Drawing, Burt's Grammar or Reed & Kellogg's
Graded Lessons in English, Agriculture.
Eighth Grade: The Bible or Literary
Readings, Doubs Speller, Grammar,
Composition, (Carson's Handbook),
Arithmetic, (Evans & Bunn's) Civics,
Constitution of Oklahoma and United States,
Writing, Bookkeeping (Stephenson's),
Thompson's Drawing for Rural Schools.
Wentworth's Mental Arithmetic is commended
for use in the Sixth to Eighth grades.
Frequent reviews of the rules and
definitions are essential to the attainment
of a thorough knowledge of any textbook and
the most rapid advancement in it.
Didactic Electives: Page's Theory and
Practice in Teaching; Holbrook on the
Teacher's Methods; Wickersham on School
Government; Trumbull, the Teacher Teaching;
or similar works.
This outline of grades and studies is
intended to be suggestive and helpful to the
teachers in the Academy in grading and
promoting the pupils. The pupils should be
arranged in classes according to their
several abilities, rather than according to
this outline in an arbitrary manner, in
order that the classes at the time of
recitation may be as large as possible
rather than small. Their grade is
ascertained by the majority of their
studies, and their standing or rank by their
percentage in each.
This course has been arranged in harmony
with the outline course prepared in 1908 for
the public and city schools of Oklahoma, and
is intended to prepare pupils for entering
the high school course consisting of the
Ninth to Twelfth grades, or a normal course
consisting of Didactics, Methods in Teaching
and School Government.
A suitable certificate is issued to all
pupils that complete, in a creditable
manner, all the studies in this preparatory
course ending with the Eighth grade.
The industrial work and training required of
all the boarding pupils is intended to
include a practical knowledge of
agriculture, animal husbandry, apiculture,
poultry raising, carpentry, cobbling,
concrete, gardening, domestic science,
sewing and laundry work, as the opportunity
is afforded and the pupils discover fitness
for these arts.
IV. High School Department
Ninth Grade: Grammar, Arithmetic,
Composition, Civics, Elementary Algebra,
Bookkeeping.
Tenth Grade: Algebra, Hill's Etymology,
Physical Geography, General History,
Rhetoric.
Eleventh Grade: Algebra, Rhetoric, Ancient
History, American Literature (Abernathy),
Composition, Botany, Plane Geometry.
Twelfth Grade: Solid Geometry, (Hessler &
Smith's) Chemistry, Newcomber's English
Literature, Political Economy.
In January 1908, when P. K. Faison, first
superintendent of the public schools of
McCurtain County, made his first visit to
Oak Hill, he stated that Wheelock and Oak
Hill Academies were the only graded schools
in McCurtain County at that time.
Teaching In Sunday School
As a help to young Sunday school teachers in
the preparation of the lesson and its
management before the class Miss Saxe's
method of five points of analysis and five
points of application are given.
Analysis
What is the principal subject?
What the leading lessons?
Which the best verse?
Who are the principal persons?
What teaching about Christ?
Application
What example to follow?
What to avoid?
What duty to perform?
What promise to proclaim?
What prayer to echo?
This site
includes some historical materials that may imply negative stereotypes
reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. These
items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be
interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in any way endorse the stereotypes
implied .
Choctaw Freedmen and Oak Hill Industrial
Academy, 1914, Robert Elliott Flickinger
