The Semi Weekly Messenger

OPENINGS VERY BRIGHT.
Red Springs Seminary and Academy Start Off With Fine Prospects.

(Correspondence of The Messenger.)

Red Springs, N. C., Sept. 17.

Editor of The Messenger:

At the invitation of Rev. C. G. Vardell, principal of the Red Springs Seminary, we paid a visit to this great institution of learning and was really surprised at the improvements now going on and rapidly being completed.

The auditorium completed during the past year is a very large building of brick and three stories in height. The basement is used for the heating and electric light plants. The second story is the music department, where a large number of pianos in rooms heated by steam pipes and lighted by electricity. The rooms are constructed with special reference to instruction in music and the visitor in passing through the central aisle hears the sound of thirty odd pianos in as many rooms. Everything is arranged according to latest methods. The music racks in a separate room are all numbered, and everything in the neatest manner possible.

The auditorium will seat at least 1,000 persons comfortably. The whole is a scene of marvellous beauty.

In addition to the auditorium is an annex three stories in height and built in accordance with the most modern improvements. Every room is water proof, fire proof and rat proof. In the improbable event of fire, two exits are provided for escape. Every room is heated by steam and lighted by the latest improved electric lights.

The design of those in charge is to construct another immense building of brick in place of the wooden structures first erected. The cost of building is heavy, but the trustees are nothing daunted and the improvements will continue as the years roll on. The marvelous growth of this famous institution warrants us in the belief that it will eclipse any educational institution in the south in the splendid equipments for thorough education of women. The work being done at this date is equal to that of any institution in the land.

At the date of our visit during the past week the enrollment was about 225. Students are arriving by every train, and the number in a few days will be at least 300.

The North Carolina Military Academy located at Red Springs is also meeting with success and the enrollment up to this date is an advance of former years. Under the management of Professor McArthur, a veteran instructor, this school offers superior advantages at reasonable rates. Captain McLeod, a graduate of the Citadel Academy, will this week assume charge of the military department, having been detained by sickness.

As an educational centre Red Springs is growing in popularity. With its mineral waters and excellent health record, we predict a great future in store for those heroic men who have labored under many adverse circumstances.

H. McM.