Page:A history of the Michigan state normal school (now Normal college) at Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1849-1899 (IA historyofmichiga00putniala).pdf/42



ing of the school in September, 1882. The facilities thus supplied rendered it possible to enlarge the training school, and to give it a more complete organization, thus greatly increasing its usefulness and efficiency.

The Third Addition.

An appropriation of $7,700 was made in 1883 ‘‘for the purpose of grading the grounds, building out-houses, painting buildings, and making other needed repairs and improvements."’ The increasing number of students created still fresh demands for additional room. In his report for 1883, the acting Principal said, ‘‘The increase during the year just closed over 1881-2 is sixty-eight. This number is a little larger than the increase of any year since 1870-1, and very much larger than of any recent year. ‘The figures are of interest as seeming to indicate a restoration of public confidence in the work of the school, and the opening of a period of greater prosperity and usefulness."'

In his report for 1884 Principal Willits presented the needs of the school at considerable length. Among other things he said, ‘‘We want more room; we need ample study halls. The three study halls we now have are full to overflowing. * * * * It is desirable that there should be one study hall large enough to seat all the ladies. The Preceptress has the special charge of the ladies as regards their deportment, etc., which makes it advisable that at least once a day she may see them all at one time and alone. * * * * J suggest the erection of an addition, a building say 60x100 feet, in the second story of which shall be a study hall of the full size, less the corridor, to accomodate about 500 students, for the ladies. * * * * The third story of the addition may be utilized for the department of physical sciences. The lower story will be needed for enlarged facilities for the practice school. We need more room for the library. work well.’’
 * * * * All these facilities may be furnished by the addition above described. With them, I believe we can handle twice the number of students we had last year at 25 per cent extra cost; we can provide for 800 students in the normal school and do the

In his report for 1885 Mr. Willits said, ‘Last year I