Page:History of Southeast Missouri 1912 Volume 1.djvu/491

 HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 431 the present societies that inter-society con- tests were held. They have now become a feature of society work. In addition to these societies there exists an organization of the students somewhat broader in character, known as the Oratorical Association. Its membership is made up of representatives of the four societies and has control of the various contests between the so- cieties and also with other schools. Under its auspices are held declamatory, oratorical and debating contests in the school, and inter- school debates and the oratorical contests with other Normal schools. Since the participa- tion of the school in these contests it has won an enviable place. Besides the literary societies already men- tioned, there are several other student organi- zations connected with the school which add much to the value of school life. One of these is the Toimg Women's Christian Association, which was organized for the first time in 1890, and since that time has been one of the features of student life. It holds weekly meetings of a devotional character and also advances the social interests of its members and other students in the school. At the present time a student secretary is employed, who gives to the work of the association a considerable part of her time. The Yoimg Men's Christian Association was organized in the school in 1900 ; since that time it has had a steady growth and now has a member.ship of more than a hundred. As is the case with the Y. "W. C. A., the asso- ciation holds weekly devotional meetings and also looks after the social life of students as far as possible. The association at present conducts a number of Bible study classes in the school and also in the various Sunday schools of the town and has a committee on self help whose officers are directed to aid students who are making their way in the school. Another one of the student organizations is the band. This was organized in 1906, under the direction of H. L. Albert, who was the first director. It has a membership of thirty and is one of the features of student life that adds very much to the pleasure and interest of the school. One of the activities of students which de- serves notice is the publication of a paper. A number of papers have been published at different times, but none of them have been placed upon a firm financial basis until the beginning of the publication of the Capaha Arrow during the school year of 1910-11. It is now in its second year and receives suffi- cient patronage in the way of subscriptions and advertising to warrant the continuance of its publication. The Arrow gives oppor- tunity for the expression of the student views and for experience in journalism that is quite valuable. A German society known as the Schiller "'ei'ein has existed among the students for several years. It gives an occasional pro- gram, all its exercises being contributed in German. Besides the oi'ganizations mentioned there exist a number of others having in view the promotion of different objects; all of them adding something to the life of the school and furnishing a part for training in organization and management that is much needed and appreciated. Library Early in the history of the school the board determined that it was essential to its work to equip a library. The first record which ap- pears of its action along this line is authority granted to the executive committee to buy a