BAXTER SEMINARY
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1930's News
DR. UPPERMAN PREACHES IN WASHINGTON D.C. (January 16, 1930 - The Putnam County Herald) Rev. Upperman is away in interest of Baxter Seminary. Sunday he preached in Washington. While away Mr. Upperman will be in New York and other eastern points. COMMENCEMENT WEEK AT BAXTER SEMINARY (May 5, 1930 - The Putnam County Herald) The Commencement activities at Baxter Seminary began on Sunday morning, May 4th, with a very impressive and inspiring baccalaureate service. The procession made up of the various ministers of the town, the faculty and seniors in cap and gown, and the junior, sophomore and freshman classes, marched from the Seminary to the church. As they entered the church a large congregation rose to their feet and joined in singing, "Onward Christian Soldiers." The music furnished by the Girls’ Glee Club, and a duet by Miss Womack and Mrs. Upperman, were very beautiful. Rev. H. P. Keathley, the pastor of the Methodist Church, preached a most powerful and soul-stirring sermon. Taking David as an example he drove into the minds of his audience in a very forceful manner, the great fact that he who builds a noble life, does so by taking his stand upon the Bible which is the foundation of all life, and goes forward under Jehovah’s leading. Those who were so thrilled by the earnestness of the speaker and the forcefulness of the message, cannot but move upward to higher and nobler living. On Friday evening the annual recital of the Music Department was given in the Seminary Auditorium by the pupils of Miss Mable Womack. This was a very pleasing entertainment, and did much credit to Miss Womack who has been the charge of this department but a few months. It bespeaks much success for her future work here. The coming events of Commencement Week will be the Junior Class Day at two o’clock on Thursday afternoon at the Seminary; Senior Class Day Friday morning at ten o’clock, also at the Seminary; the Senior Play, "It Happened in Hollywood," held at the grammar school at seven o’clock Thursday night, at which the admission will be fifteen and twenty-five cents. On Friday afternoon the Alumni Association will meet from four to five-thirty at the Seminary. This meeting will be in charge of Rev. J. R. Clayton, the president of the Association. SENIORS GIVE ARCHWAY TO BAXTER SEMINARY (May 18, 1930 - The Nashville Banner)
Baxter, Tenn., May 17, -(Special)- A feature of commencement week at Baxter Seminary was the presentation on senior class day of a beautiful wrought iron archway to the seminary. This archway, in the colors of the school, and extending a welcome to all who enter Baxter Seminary, adds much to the appearance of the campus. Interesting exercises held at the entrance to the to the campus, marked the presentation. Commencement exercise of Baxter Seminary began with the baccalaureate sermon, May 4. An impressive processional in which were the various ministers of the town, as well as the faculty and entire student body, marched from the seminary to the church. The Rev. H. P. Keathley, pastor of the Methodist Church, preached an inspiring sermon. The annual recital of the music department, the junior class day program and the senior play, "It Happened in Hollywood," proved enjoyable occasions. The meeting of the Alumni Association under the direction of Rev. J. R. Clayton, the president, brought together many graduates and former students. The program of the seminary was discussed and future plans were made. Friday evening May 9, the commencement processional marched from the seminary to the auditorium where Dr. W. E. J. Grats, of Chicago, editor of The Epworth Herald, delivered the commencement address. President Harry L. Upperman presented the diplomas to the twenty-one members of the graduating class and gave a Bible with each diploma. Various awards and prizes were also given. A large number of scholarships will be awarded to the members of the graduating class during the summer, as these students are able to make definite plans to enter colleges. Immediately following the exercises, President Upperman accompanied Dr. Grats to Nashville where Dr. Grats left by train for Milwaukee where he preached on the following Sunday. Dr. Upperman then went to Waynesboro and Collinwood where he gave the commencement sermon at these two high schools on Sunday. He returned to Baxter Monday to begin the summer's work and plans for the coming year. Baxter Seminary, which is offering education opportunity to the boys and girls of the Cumberland Plateau, who need to work their way in order to secure an education, is an A-grade Secondary School and a member of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of the Souther States. BAXTER SEMINARY OPENS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST (August 28, 1930 - The Putnam County Herald) On Monday, September 1st, at 8 a.m. Baxter Seminary will open for Students with all Faculty members on hand, and from present indications the largest enrollment the school has ever had. The dormitories are rapidly filling up with incoming students from this section, the surrounding counties, and from various States. The general plant has been given a though cleaning, new equipment has been purchased, electric wiring has all been renewed, and fire prevention steps have been taken to safeguard the students who live there. The farm, lands have been kept in as good condition as the dry and hot weather would permit, and a general tone of a good year for the work seems to be at the Seminary. No student earnestly seeking an education will be denied an opportunity to secure it, if that student comes with determination to succeed and a willingness to apply himself or herself. Chances to work a part of the way through is afforded to those needing it. Everyone is cordially invited to attend the general opening exercises at 9:30 a.m., for the Public, at which time there will be speeches by various citizens and a welcome for all who attend the Seminary and all who are present that day. We hope that a large audience will greet the opening day. BAXTER SEMINARY TERM STARTS OFF NICELY (September 4, 1930 - The Putnam County Herald) Last Monday morning everybody in Baxter was early and over at the Seminary there was an air of excitement, for it was the beginning of another year of work and of pleasure for the teachers and faculty of that splendid institution of training for the youth of this section. Everything had been made ready and by 9:30 the patrons and friends of the school gathered to shower congratulations and well wishes on Prof.Upperman and his assistants. After the devotionals, conducted by Rev. J. R. Clayton and Rev. J. A.Harris, the Mayor of Baxter, Mr. Brown, spoke warmly of the welcome extended the visitors and students. The principal addresses were made by Prof. S. L. Gipson, and Rev. Sam Edwards of Cookeville, on topics appropriate to the occasion, after which the members of the faculty were presented. About 150 were enrolled as students and it is expected that others will be added in a few days. The character of work and the ideals held out before the workers by those in charge of this institution is above the average, and the citizenship of Baxter is proud of the school and willing to make any sacrifice for the success. DR. HARRY L. UPPERMAN AT FIRST METHODIST (October 18, 1930 - The Chattanooga News)
Baxter Seminary President Preaches Sunday Morning.
Dr. Upperman had done an outstanding piece of work at Baxter Seminary and this educational institution through the cooperation of the board of home missionary and the church extension and the world service commission, is ministering to a great group of the rural and mountain sections of central Tennessee. Dr. Upperman's influence and work in this section has attracted attention not alone from leaders in his own church denomination but in other religious and educational fields. It will be a privilege and an opportunity to hear Dr. Upperman on Sunday morning.
BAXTER SEMINARY SEES GOOD YEAR AHEAD (January 1, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) Institution Not Hurt by Drought or Business Conditions: Baxter Seminary looks for the New Year ahead with the feeling that prosperity and progress is in store for all. Surely confidence in one another and the willingness to work hard applied in everyday walks of life will steadily pull us all forward. Though touched by the effects of the drought and by the general talk of depression the institution has forged ahead during the past year, holding its rating in the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of the Southern States. The library has been given real help this year and practically all of the Departments of the Seminary have been increased in various ways. Both the boys and girls dormitories are full for the year and other students are planning to come, especially if room can be found for them. The general development of the school and its farms is seen on every hand, and it is the hope of the president that some new building may be started this year for certain of the special departments of the Seminary. Baxter Seminary will do all it can to help in the unemployment situation, and Dr.Upperman is now seeking some special funds for the development of a building. REV. AND MRS. UPPERMAN ENTERTAIN (January 16, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) A very interesting affair was a six o’clock dinner given by Rev. and Mrs. H. L. Upperman at their home, the Ward Guest House, on the Seminary campus, last Tuesday evening. Seated at a beautifully decorated table in the dining room, with Rev. and Mrs. Upperman were their parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Watts, of Williamsport, PA, Mr. and Mrs. P. T. Young, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Hunter, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Banks. A delicious four course menu was served. The evening was spent with a nice radio program and conversation. BAXTER SEMINARY GIRL CLAIMS HIGH-SCORING RECORD FOR STATE
(March 11, 1931 - The Nashville Banner) Baxter, Tenn., March 11 -(Special)- Miss Paulene Medley, a student in Baxter Seminary, holds what is believed to be State record in basketball. In a game between Baxter Seminary and Pleasant Hill Academy, played here in February, Miss Medley scored sixty-four points in a single game of thirty-two minutes duration. This is an average of two points per minute. Miss Medley has been high scorer in most every game played this year, being one of the outstanding girl players in the Upper Cumberland section. In addition to her athletic activities, she is a leader in student affairs at Baxter Academy (sic). BETTER BAXTER SEMINARY BANQUET (April 2, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) A Better Baxter Seminary Banquet will be given at Baxter Seminary on Tuesday night, April 7, at 7o’clock, in the interest of the progress of the institution. The special interest of many new friends of education in this work, has recently given great encouragement here, and at this banquet the past achievements, present plans and the hopes and opportunities for the future development of the work so that more young people may be helped through school, will be discussed. Everyone from this community, all surrounding communities and the entire county, who is interested in better educational advantages for our young people, is urged to attend this banquet. The banquet will be sponsored by the Home Economics Department and the Future Farmers of Tennessee for the sake of the advancement of the service of Baxter Seminary, and in order to cover the expenses of the banquet, fifty cents will be the price of each plate. There will be musical numbers and other entertainment, too. Not only are the people of Baxter urgently requested to attend, but the same invitation is extended to all the communities in this county and adjoining counties, for the development of the greater program project will be of material assistance to all this section of the country. It is the desire of Baxter Seminary to render the most efficient service to the greatest number of people at the least possible expense. All who come will be very welcome in the name of the larger interests of education and development. FUNDRAISER KICK OFF BANQUET (April 9, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) More than 150 gathered in the main hall at Baxter Seminary this week for a banquet to kick off a fund drive in which school officials hope to collect $14,000 in contributions for a new building on the campus. Dr. Harry Upperman told the crowd that the building will cost $25,000. He said friends of the school in New York and Chicago have already pledged $10,000 towards the project. And $1,000 has already been raised locally. Now all the 23 year old school just needs to raise is another $14,000 for the project, said Upperman. 150 PERSONS AT BETTER BAXTER SEMINARY BANQUET (April 9, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) Enthusiasm Reigns On Eve Of Drive To Secure New Building: Plan Presented: More than 150 persons were present at the Better Baxter Seminary banquet which was held in the Main half at the 23 year-old school there last Tuesday evening. The banquet was the culmination of plans to conduct a sweeping campaign for funds with which to erect a new building at Baxter, and the toastmaster and host, Harry L. Upperman, outlined in full a proposition which had been made to him whereby he could secure funds that would enable the erection of a proposed $25,000 building. The plan, launched by New York and Chicago friends of Upperman, would give the school $10,000 to match $15,000 raised here, and a promise of $1,000 toward the $15,000 has been made so that the aim is to raise $14,600. The campaign for funds is being carried to every state in the Union, and Putnam county, especially the community surrounding Baxter, is taking a sincere interest in the drive and hearty co-operation is being given the leaders. The banquet was prepared and served by the home economic class of Baxter Seminary, under the direction of Miss Mable Hendrix, instructor. The food was grown on Baxter Seminary farm by the Future Farmers, led by the agriculture teacher, Professor Sheaffer. The boys also assisted in preparing the banquet. Among the after dinner speakers representing the various groups present were Mayor J. W. Brown, G. M.Smith, of Tennessee Tech, Miss Lucile Willoughby, Douglass Sutton, Miss Joanna Nichols, O. M. Adams, Bob Nunally, Frank Blankenship, president of the 1931 senior class at Baxter Seminary, Lloyd Hunter, Nonda Wilhite, Will Sewell, L. S. Dunavin, Ethelyn Hill, dean of Baxter Seminary, P. G. Scott, Mr.Sheaffer, W. D. Prickett, of the school faculty, P. V. Overall, Mrs. Joe Banks, the Rev. J. D. Harris, the Rev. J. A. Harris, and Mr. Bain. In speaking of the purpose of the schools, Q. M. Smith said, "An institution is not only buildings and equipment, but an influence. It is best to help those who are willing to help themselves." It is upon that foundation that the drive is being made for the school’s new building, it was shown by Mr. Upperman. Other features of the evening besides the delicious dinner included a reading by Miss Evelyn Grover, a group of songs by Miss Mabel Womack, music teacher at Baxter, and a musical reading by Miss Margaret Rose Gover. Mrs. H. L. Upperman played the piano accompaniment for Miss Womack. BAXTER SEMINARY NEWS: Zetathenian Literary Society: (April 23, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) The Zetathenian Society was formed at the first part of the year. Three members of the Polyhymnian Society and three members of the Alpha Alpha Society answered the call to work up the new society which was to take all freshmen and any new student who wished to join. The six volunteers were Lucille Willoughby, Alvilda Shanks, Earl Nash, Mary Sue Sadler, Prentiss Burgess and Don Neville. The first semester under the leadership of Alvilda Shanks as president and Mrs. Upperman sponsor, the society made a great showing. The second semester leaders were elected as follows: Lucille Willoughby, Pres.; DonNeville, vice-pres.; Earl Nash, Sce-treas, and Mrs. Upperman was re-elected as sponsor. Officers for next year have been elected with Prentiss Burgess as president, and the society is hoping to make a great showing then, as they have this year. The Society made a great showing in debate the past year, winning both affirmative and negative in the Inter-School Debate and having three of its debaters represent the school in the 5th District of the T.I.L.L., which was held at Cookeville, and where they won the right to enter the meet at Knoxville. Junior-Senior Program: The Junior class entertained the Seniors last Saturday night with a picture show, "Temple Tower," and then with refreshments at Baxter Seminary. The tables were decorated with purple and white, the Junior Class colors. Don Neville, president of the Junior class, welcomed the Seniors and faculty. The other speakers of the evening were Frank Blankenship, president of the Senior Class, President Upperman, Miss Hendrix, sponsor of the Senior class, and Mrs. W. D. Prickett, sponsor of the Junior class. Miss Evelyn Gover rendered a solo and a quartet composed of Misses Hazel Pedigo, Edna Jones, James Bain, and Earl Nash, furnished music. Progress of Commercial Club: A group of students acquiring the grade of 90 percent in shorthand and typewriting, met with Miss Hill, the sponsor, in the office, Monday night, Dec. 1, 1930 to organize a Commercial Club. The only requirements to make a grade of 90 percent and live up to it. The following are members: Farmer Carter, Clara Crawford, Millie Denny, Mayme Jared, Adelle Maxwell, Estelle Maxwell, Alice Mills, and Martha Sadler. Adelle Maxwell was elected sec.-treas., and Miss Hill sponsor. Our meetings are held every other Monday night and we have learned many things such as the correct way to stamp envelopes, the correct way to wrap a package, to use the dater, presser clip, multigraph, check protector, adding machine, ditto machine, Dictaphone and other things. FOUNDATION PLOWED BY 200 STUDENTS (August 27, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) Twenty one years ago, 200 young men got behind a plow and pulled it to break ground for the administration building of what became Baxter Seminary. This week at the school, 300 Baxter grammar school students reenacted the event. They pulled a plow to outline the foundation for a new academic building for Baxter Seminary, which many of them will attend in a few years. Hundreds gathered to watch the groundbreaking. STUDENT COUNCIL ORGANIZED AT BAXTER (November 5, 1931 - The Putnam County Herald) A student council was organized at Baxter Seminary Tuesday and Mary Sue Sadler was elected president of the student body. The council was divided into two groups, legislative and honor court. Members of the legislative council are: Mary Sue Sadler, chairman; Zollie Sicy, John Henry Denny, Clayton VanMeter, Reba Delle Maddux, Flinis Johnson, Alfred Jones, Carrell Staggs, Philip Sadler, Earl Flynn, Bob Askew, and V. D. Nunally. The honor court is composed of Donnelie Neville, Edna Jones, James Dotson, Vyda Belle Carter, Allen Moss, Pauline Medley, Ernest Burton, Clara Gill, W. Burke, Martha Bass, Tom Sewell, and B. M. Lee. BAXTER SEMINARY GETS NEW EQUIPMENT (December 20, 1931 - The Nashville Banner) Baxter, Tenn., Dec, 19 -(Special)- Much additional equipment for Baxter Seminary was secured this week from Logan College, in Kentucky, which has been discontinued. Among the equipment are chairs and tables for the dining room and for the library, much chemical laboratory equipment, desks for the auditorium and a large electric refrigerator.
BAXTER SEMINARY BUILDING IS NEARING COMPLETION (February 25, 1932 - The Putnam County Herald) The county has its first school bus system to take students to Baxter Seminary and The new administration building at Baxter Seminary is nearing completion. It is hoped to have the structure finished within the next four months. "the building is up," said President Harry L Upperman, Saturday, "but there are some details remaining to be finished. It was erected through the generosity of a great many friends of Baxter Seminary. There are still some additional sums of money to be raised and I am working on that problem." Architects of the new building are Tisdale & Pinson, of Nashville. According to Mr. Upperman they have done an admirable piece of work. The picture is a courtesy of the Nashville Banner, Nashville, TN. J. B. DEEDS NOTES (February 28, 1932 - Nashville Banner) Dr. Harry L. Upperman, President of Baxter Seminary, Baxter Tenn., was in the store last week. Dr. Upperman recently bought from J. B. Deeds and Sons a tractor, a corn sheller and other farming implements, also some harness to be used on the farm at Baxter Seminary. Dr. Upperman is to be congratulated for the splendid work he is doing at Baxter Seminary for the boys and girls of the Upper Cumberland. FIRST COUNTY SCHOOL BUSES (September 15, 1932 - The Putnam County Herald) The county has its first school bus system to take students to Baxter Seminary and Cookeville’s Central High School. It’s a chance to get a higher education that many are now missing out on due to the difficulty in reaching school from outlying rural areas. The county court this week boosted the school system’s share of the county property tax rate by four cents to cover the cost of two buses. They'll run from the lower end on to Baxter Seminary and on to Central High. BAXTER SEMINARY WILL DEDICATE NEW BUILDING (October 9, 1932 - The Nashville Banner) BAXTER, Tenn., Oct. 8 -(Special)- Baxter Seminary's new administration building will be dedicated Tuesday, October 18, with exercises from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. Prominent speakers will make addresses and a luncheon will be served guests of the seminary. Baxter Seminary, a school of opportunity for the boys and girls of the Upper Cumberland, has 150 students and is growing steadily from year to year, though many worthwhile students are turned away for lack of funds, room and equipment. For many years it has been an A-grade school, a member of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of the Southern States, giving practical instruction in home-making and other useful occupations as well as sound scholastic training to those who enter. Work here leads some of the graduates to further study while others take up life work in their local home sections or in wider fields. The school encourages and expects all students to pay as much as possible, believing this develops a sense of responsibility and appreciation of their education, but no earnest student is turned away for lack of funds. BAXTER SEMINARY IN 3RD DECADE OF SERVICE TO AMBITIOUS BOYS, GIRLS OF UPPER CUMBERLAND (December 18, 1932 - The Tennessean) BAXTER, Tenn.,-(Spl.)-With many hard problems to solve and many steep hills to climb, Baxter Seminary is now on its third decade of real service to the poor but industrious boys and girls of the Cumberland highlands of Tennessee in extending to them an opportunity for a Christian education and training for leadership in any avenue or department of life. More than any other man, Dr. Harry L. Upperman is responsible for the achievements of Baxter Seminary in giving such splendid service to boys and girls. If boys and girls do not have the money to defray their expenses they are permitted to work most of their way. They are provided jobs about the school, campus and farm, where they prepare and serve all the meals, can fruits and vegetables, assist in the library, work in the administration building and offices, lay walks, install electrical fixtures, do carpenter work and painting. The school has never been known to turn deserving boys and girls away because of a lack of funds. The faculty of school is thoroughly trained and competent. The institution has had several capable leaders at its head. Its former presidents include W.(Sic) S. Ryan, Frank S. Ditto, Patton R. Broyles and the present president is Dr. Upperman, who has served since June 1923. Dr. Upperman is a graduate of Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Penn., and of Syracuse University. He served in the Y. M. C. A. schools during the World war, traveled in various countries of Europe. He served as professor of history at Dickinson Seminary at the time of his appointment a directing head of Baxter Seminary. His name has been recently added to "Who's Who in America," which is one of the many marks of his prominence, recognized ability and fruitful work. Since Dr. Upperman came to Baxter Seminary, the enrollment of the school has increased from about 50 to more than 100 students; the old buildings have been much improved, a gymnasium, faculty residence, president's home, guests house and an academic building have been erected. A farm has been purchased and put under cultivation. Hundreds of boys and girls without means have been given a Christian education of practical training to face the issues of life. The faculty is composed of the following: W. D. Prickett, Lincoln Memorial University, mathematics and athletic coach; W. A. Schaffer, Pennsylvania State College, Smith Hughes agriculture; W. N. Pirkle, University Alabama, science; Miss Mabel Hendrix, University of Tennessee, home economics, French; Miss Lois E. Fenn, Baker University, English; Miss Elizabeth Hunt, Baldwin-Wallace College, history, English; Miss Louise Page, Birmingham Southern College, history, English; Miss Rebecca Morris, home economics; Miss Ethelyn P. Hill, dean and commercial English. Some of the outstanding graduates are Miss Ruby Cornwell, now assistant to the dean of women at Tennessee Polytech, Cookeville; Oscar Sells, now at American University, Washington, D. C.; Miss Helen Sharp, now a graduate nurse from Wesley hospital, Northwestern University; Mrs. Howard Seymour, now studying in Hartford Seminary, Hartford, Conn., and carrying an extensive work among the young people in the church of which her husband is pastor. Although a secondary school and owned by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the institution is well equipped with buildings. Among the buildings on the campus is the new Pfeiffer Hall erected in 1931-32, which was dedicated Oct. 18, 1932 and now used for the administration building. The fire place in the office of the president has embedded in it one of the original stones of Cokesbury College, Abingdon, Maryland, the oldest college of Methodism. It was brought from Maryland by President Upperman while traveling through the state recently. The date and name of Cokesbury College was carved on the stone by the Rev. Walter S. Smith, district superintendent in the Holston Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church. Other buildings on the campus are the Founder's Building erected in 1915, originally used for the administration building, but now used for the girls' dormitory and dining hall , the John A. Patten Hall, erected in 1926, and used as the boys' dormitory, the gymnasium, president's home and other residences occupied by teachers and employees of the school.
BAXTER SEMINARY GOING STEADILY ON (March 16, 1933 - The Putnam County Herald) Despite the present financial stress, Baxter Seminary is pushing its work steadily forward toward completion of a successful year. A glance at the institution’s present activities shows that students are being admitted in exchange for farm produce and work on the school farm and plant. The girl’s basketball team is in Livingston this week playing in the regional tournament, and the debating team has just completed a series of two debates with Livingston Academy, one of which the Baxter team won. The school is conducting a community welfare project by which men in and around Baxter are given work and paid in food. This work has been done for the past eight years, and it does not tend to support paupers. Students are busy at the Seminary preparing to plant a crop over the sweeping farm, and a visit through the school shows students busy in all departments.
BAXTER SEMINARY SENIORS AT BANNER OFFICE (April 3, 1934 - Nashville Banner with photo)
Leaving Baxter, Tenn., at 6 o'clock Monday morning, this class of seniors at Baxter Seminary made a gala day of it taking in points of interest in Nashville including the Hermitage, the Capitol, and parks, with Dr. Harry L. Upperman, president of the institution, and his wife. The group is shown here just after completing an inspection of the Banner building where they watched the processes of getting out a metropolitan newspaper.
BAXTER SEMINARY HAS MANY FEATURES (July 29, 1934 - Nashville Banner)
Departments Offer Varied Curriculum to Boys and Girls Seeking Education One of the activities in which this school excels is forensic. The last two years seminary students have represented this section of the nation at National Speech tournaments. This year Mrs. Harry L. Upperman was made chairman of this district, comprised of eleven states, for points awarded to Baxter Seminary Chapter. The Smith-Hughes agricultural department maintains in connection with the school a large farm where practically all kinds of crops are raised, several orchards, a vineyard, an apiary, a poultry department, and gardens are kept. All these offer excellent opportunities for experiment and practical work on projects. In its commercial department the school has typewriters, dictaphones, adding machines, complete filing systems, multigraph, mimeograph, and addressograph machines, and a printing department. Students are given opportunity to operate this equipment and the practical experience gained thereby is advantageous to students going into the business world. A number of students have secured good positions because of the advantage of their practical experience. Special courses in Bible and religious education are a very vital part of the school life, and during the four-year course, students study the entire Old and New Testaments. Linked with this study is the Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. work, as well as leadership in chapel services, all of which offers opportunities in self-expression of religious life and personal development. The building and the caring for the home is strongly emphasized through the home economics department, which is unusually well equipped with sewing machines, lockers, pressing room, and a large number of cooking utensils as well as a nicely equipped dining-room. A part of the training received in this department is keeping rooms in order. Luncheons, dinners, and banquets are served on various occasions throughout the year, thereby giving further training in this department. The department of music, in addition to offering individual lessons, sponsors glee clubs, musical entertainments, and teaches the principles of music in every grade. The newest feature of the school is the trades department. A building for this department is under construction and will soon be completed. Last year boys in this department learned to make and read blue prints, mend old furniture so that it looks like new, equipped the biological laboratory with tables and stools, and a science lecture desk. All the furniture was exceptionally well made. In addition to this work, the boys furnished offices with several pieces of furniture, built shelves for the library, a dictionary stand, beds, porch swings, desks, and several smaller pieces of furniture. This is a growing department and affords much practical knowledge. Literary societies, the Home Economics Club and Future Farmers Club, offer additional advantages. The school has a chapter of the National Honor Society, and a chapter of the National Forensic League. The last two years Baxter Seminary students have represented this section of the nation at the National Speech Tournaments and have won prizes. A very special feature of the school is the opportunity it offers young people who must work a considerable part of their way through school. The seminary is now celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary of service and it is better equipped than ever to render that service. The school especially invites boys and girls, who are in earnest and willing to put forth effort but whose means are limited, to get in touch with the institution. Those desiring to know more about this school can secure information direct for the office of Baxter Seminary, Baxter, Tennessee. "This school stands for thoroughness, worthy ambition, and Christian character," is imprinted on letterheads sent from the school. MANY IMPROVMENTS AT BAXTER SEMINARY (August 16, 1934 - The Putnam County Herald) At the opening of the school year at Baxter Seminary faculty and students will find many improvements throughout the buildings and campus. A quantity of furniture has been secured to better equip the living rooms and the dormitory rooms of both boys and girls halls. Furniture has been added to the social hall and to the faculty parlor. Two pianos have come as gifts. Additional refrigeration have been installed for preservation of food in the boarding hall. Several new rooms have been equipped for the use of more students and faculty. In the school building there is a new grand piano and a new radio. The new dairy barn will soon be ready for use and additional cows are being secured to provide more butter and milk for the dining hall. The flock of poultry of a higher grade has been doubled in size. All of these various changes and additions will greatly improve the living conditions and make for a finer life among students and faculty throughout the coming year. BAXTER SEMINARY HIGHLY IMPROVED (August 25, 1934 - The Chattanooga Times) New equipment and services this year. Capacity enrollment starts year's work under Dr. Upperman's leadership. Baxter, Tenn, - Baxter Seminary opened its fall term last Monday and Tuesday with a capacity enrollment and a number of improvements in courses and equipment. Dr. Harry L. Upperman, under whose presidency the school has made splendid forward strides for years, and kept progressing in spite of the depression, will continue in charge. A new biology laboratory, equipped with tables and seats made by the students themselves in their industrial arts work, is ready for use. The chemistry department has an excellent lecture desk, also made during the vacation months by the students. The trades and industrial arts department is much better equipped and is about to move into the new Industrial Arts building, where a more definite type of work can be done as well as a much more extensive course given. This department will be known as the John W. Lowe trades school of Baxter Seminary. A new opportunity is open for the girls in the department of arts and crafts, where they will be able to learn picture tinting, stencil work, polychrome work, designing and various other arts. The Department of music will be under the direction of Miss Constance Ohlinger, who has studied under some of the best teachers of America and Europe. In addition to private lessons and glee club and chorus work, she will also offer credit courses in public school music in line with other secondary credit courses. Consistent with the school's program, it now announces that in full connection with the Smith-Hughes agricultural department, a large farm is in use and will be know in the institution as William B. Ward farm school of Baxter Seminary.
Literary Work Stressed
Special training is to be given in the literary activities along the lines of debating, oratory, declamation and essay work. This work has so developed that the district chairmanship now happens to be in the hands of Mrs Harry L. Upperman who will have charge of the national Forensic League work for eleven states directed from this office. Advanced programs in all student activities are planned along literary work, in the Home Economics club, the Future Farmers of Tennessee, the Wesley club and the Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. An advanced program of physical education and athletics will be carried out and special attention will be given to health of the students through the service of a trained nurse, who will be in charge of all health measures of the school, and will lay much stress on the prevention of disease, as well as curing any illness that may occur. The stand of the school, for high ideals of truth, honor, loyalty and service and the development of the fourfold life will be strengthened; the Bible courses will be much better organized; student leadership in chapel and Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. work will be emphasized. At the opening of the school year faculty and students found many improvements throughout the buildings and campus. A quantity of furniture has been secured to better equip the living rooms and dormitory rooms of the boys' and girls' halls. Furniture had been added to the social hall and the faculty parlor. Two pianos have come as gifts. Additional refrigeration has been installed for preservation of food in the boarding hall. Several new rooms have been equipped for the use of more students and faculty. In the school building there is a new grand piano and a new radio. The new dairy barn will soon be ready for use and additional cows are being secured to provide more butter and milk for the dining hall. The flock of poultry of a higher grade has been doubled in size. All of these various changes and additions will greatly improve the living conditions and make for a finer life among students and faculty throughout the coming year. The spirit of accomplishment is stronger than ever before, as is manifested in much work already being done by students to assure the success of their various activities throughout the year. The faculty are exceedingly well equipped for the year's work. A number have attended summer schools, taking advanced work along various lines. The weaving industry will be introduced during the year. A new working plan will enable a number of additional students to attend school. Parents and friends are welcome at any and all times throughout the year to visit the campus, the buildings and the various classes and industries. Faculty members and students will be glad to direct them about. UPPERMAN IN WASHINGTON AT METHODIST MEETING (October 11, 1934 - The Putnam County Herald) Dr. Harry L. Upperman, president of Baxter Seminary, left Tuesday for Washington, where he will be a delegate to the sesqui-centennial of Methodist Episcopal Church. All the branches of Methodism will be represented at the meeting. Dr. Upperman was also a speaker at the convocation of students at the University of Chattanooga Monday, returning to Baxter Monday night. He will be in Washington all this week. We'd rather do business on the word of a man whose word can be depended upon, than on the signed contract of the other kind.
ALGERNON THE TRUCK (March 12, 1935 - The Putnam County Herald) Baxter Seminary has a lot of friends around the country. That became evident after Dr. Harry Upperman, head of Baxter Seminary went on a trip to Milwaukee this week to get a truck given to the school by a supporter. On the drive back, Upperman made several stops along the way to pick up a diversity of items offered by other supporters of western Putnam County’s church sponsored high school. Packed in and lashed onto the truck when Upperman rolled into Baxter were lab supplies, electrical equipment, a piano, a radio, 61,000 envelopes, a collection of other stationery, and parts for a printing press. Upperman, at the end of the three day, 650mile trip, said a man in Nashville offered the school a load of hay too, but Upperman said he didn't swing that far went on the trip home. MORTGAGES BURNED (October 8, 1935 - The Putnam County Herald) Several hundred students, faculty and supporters of Baxter Seminary stood around a large wire basket in front of Ivy Hall one day this week as dusk gathered and marked the end of a 25year struggle for the school. The basket was full of tiny scraps of paper, what had the day before been $150,000 worth of mortgages and bank notes on the school. Now, they were being used to feed a fire. The crowd cheered as the presidents of each class of the school dropped bits of paper into the flames, lighting the night. It’s the Depression and the fact that the school was able to pay off its notes is considered something of a miracle. The school’s enrollment and revenue has been down in recent years. But gifts from former students and friends, as well as the ingenuity of the school’s founder and president, Dr. Harry Upperman kept the school afloat. Upperman told the crowd this week that the school is now taking on a new struggle - finding ways to stay out of debt. SNOW FAILS TO DAUNT TOWN'S HUMAN CLOCK (December 31, 1935 - Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery, Ala.) BAXTER, TENN., Dec 30-(AP) Snow may come and snow may go, it makes no difference to Charlie Hughes. At the age of 47, Charlie Hughes is this little town's human alarm clock. A snow might be expected to make a difference to a man like that. As an alarm clock he has to have some place to alarm. And Charlie Hughes's place is a 20-foot pole on a bluff above a creek. As an alarm clock he has to make a noise, and the noise he makes on these near-zero mornings is a series of blasts on a bugle. His lips pucker up a bit with the cold, but he puffs right manfully. It has been going on like that for more than 11 years - Winter and Summer, come rain, snow, or clear weather. Back in March, 1924, Charlie Hughes decided it would be a "healthful" sort of exercise to climb the bluff near his farm house each morning at 6 a.m., scale a 20-foot pole, sit in a seat on top of it and toot his favorite notes for the inhabitants of the town of Baxter. Whereupon he did it. So the people have come to listen for the sound of Charlie Hughes's bugle. They awake and have breakfast by it, and go to work, and send the children off to school. And Charlie Hughes, with such responsibilities and his health to look out for, can't afford to be deterred by the weather. It makes no difference to him that Tennessee is just completing its coldest December in almost 20 years.
NEW SCHOOL YEAR (August 20, 1936 - The Putnam County Herald) Baxter Seminary opened its school year this week with more than 200 students enrolled. The high school academy’s dormitories were filled to capacity, officials say. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s fight against an outbreak of infantile paralysis has held the malady to just one new case since July 1. In all, now there are 133 cases being treated in Tennessee, mostly in eight countries along the state’s southern border. BAXTER SEMINARY DORMITORY BURNS (November 19, 1936 - The Putnam County Herald) Damage Estimated at $10,000 Only Partially Covered By Insurance: The boy’s dormitory and contents at Baxter Seminary were destroyed by fire Sunday morning. The origin of the fire has not been determined. The fire was discovered when the boys returned to the building after eating breakfast in the dining hall in the girls dormitory. The damage estimated at $10,000 was partially covered by insurance, it is understood. The new John W. Lowe trades department building has been fitted up with beds for the Baxter Seminary boys who were routed out of the dormitory, Patton Hall, by the fire. Harry L. Upperman, president of the school, and other officials hope for a new dormitory soon.
UPPERMAN ACCEPTS NEBRASKA WESLEYAN POST (February 17, 1938 - The Putnam County Herald) Baxter Seminary Head Is Named Chancellor of University. At Seminary 15 Years, Dr. Harry L. Upperman, president of Baxter Seminary, who has been appointed chancellor of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Neb., spoke at the Putnam county teachers association in Cookeville Saturday morning saying that he had accepted the position and would make his first appearance at the University in Nebraska, February 16. He has been named chancellor for a ten-year term and will be inaugurated next fall. He succeeds Dr. E. Guy Cutshall, who resigned. Dr. Upperman will continue to serve as president of Baxter Seminary until the close of the present school term. He expressed his regret on leaving Baxter, but said that he was taking the position after three times refusing to leave the Seminary. A native of Baltimore, Dr. Upperman was educated at Syracuse University. When he came to Baxter Seminary fifteen years ago, the school had only 37 pupils and a plant valued at $35,000. The school now as an enrollment of 250 students and two dormitories, a new administration building, industrial arts building, and $18,000 gymnasium, football field, two tennis courts, a large dairy barn, several hundred acres have been bought and the school has a plant valued at $210,000. The school has no debts and during the past year an endowment fund of $100,000 was established. The modern water system now under construction has also been paid for. Dr. Upperman’s contacts over the nation have resulted in frequent contributions towards maintenance and development of the school. Dr. Upperman has made an excellent record as president of the Seminary and deserves credit for the building and development of that institution. He is a former president of the Putnam County Teachers Association having served two years in that capacity. Dr. Upperman is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Shriner and a member of the Lions and Rotary clubs. BAXTER CITIZENS ENDEAVORING TO KEEP DR. UPPERMAN (February 17, 1938 - The Putnam County Herald)
Citizens of this area are making an effort to induce Dr. Harry L. Upperman to continue as president of Baxter Seminary,
instead of going to Nebraska Wesleyan University as chancellor, to which post he has been elected.
BAXTER SEMINARY APPROVED
(April 1, 1938 - Nashville Banner)
BAXTER, Tenn., March 31 -- (Special) -- Word has been received from Dr. Harry L. Upperman, who is attending the annual meeting
of the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges, that Baxter Seminary has again unconditionally been approved
as a secondary school. Dr. Upperman is chairman of the association.
BAXTER SEMINARY HEAD HONORED BY ROTARIANS
(March 4, 1938 - Chattanooga Daily Times)
Special to the Chattanooga Times E. H. Boyd, a member of the club, paid tribute to Dr. Upperman as a Christian citizen and educator. Dr. Upperman
has been president of Baxter seminary for several years and has just recently been elected to the Nebraska position.
DR. UPPERMAN TENDERS HIS RESIGNATION AT NEBRASKA WESLEYAN
(August 19, 1938 - The Times-Herald, Alliance, NE)
Dr Harry Lee Upperman, chancellor of Nebraska Wesleyan University since July 1 officially, and acting in that capacity
since February 10th, tendered his resignation to the board of directors this week. He is going back to Baxter
Seminary at Baxter, Tenn., as president. Dr. Upperman in a long letter to Dr. Walter Aitken, president of the board
of trustees, stated: that the pressure of the demands from Baxter Seminary students, friends, and faculty swayed him to
return to the institution he headed since 1923.
GORE SPEAKS AT BAXTER
(November 24, 1938 - Chattanooga Daily Times)
BAXTER, Tenn., Nov. 23,-Albert Gore, of Carthage, congressman-elect of the Fourth Tennessee district, spoke to Baxter
Seminary faculty and students this morning on the subject, "The South."
HONORED AT BAXTER
(March 12, 1939 - The Tennessean)
BAXTER, Tenn,. Mar. 31 - (Spl) - The annual "who's who" contest was held yesterday at Baxter Seminary and winners are as
follows: "Miss Baxter Seminary," Myrtle Maxwell; best all round boy, Bill Lee; best all round girl, Pearl Thomas;
most popular boy, Robert Cole, James Anderson, tied; most popular girl, Cornelia Bartlett; most handsome boy, J. A. Cline (Sic)
and most beautifule girl, Louise Clarke.
ANNIVERSARY OF DR. UPPERMAN’S RETURN TO BE OBSERVED AT SEMINARY
(July 3, 1939 - The Putnam County Herald)
September 10th will be the first anniversary of the return of Dr. and Mrs. Upperman to Baxter Seminary after they had
accepted a call to the Chancellorship of Nebraska Wesleyan University at Lincoln, Nebraska. At the time they returned
a year ago, a number of friends suggested that it would be most fitting to observe the anniversary of that day each year by
a fitting services of appreciation. In accordance with that suggestion the Board of Trustees of the Seminary early
this year officially set aside that day as a "Day of Thanksgiving Personal Consecration and Sacrificial Giving."
Following up this action the entire community has decided to join in union services on Sunday morning, September 10, at
11 o’clock, to he held in the chapel of Pfeiffer Hall.
The following program will be carried out: Hymn, "A Charge to Keep I have;" Scripture lesson, Rev. J. A. Harris;
prayer, Rev. Houghton. J. A. Harris will speak in appreciation of Dr. and Mrs. Upperman on the behalf of the
community, and Chester Patton will speak in the name of the schools. These talks will be followed by a song, "Give
of Your Best to the Master," Prof. J. M. Hatfield of Tennessee Polytechnic Institute will give the principal address
of the morning. Mrs. Lawrence Grace will speak works of appreciation from the community to Mrs. Upperman. Dr.
Upperman will speak briefly in response to the various talks and the services will close with the hymn, 'I Need Thee Every
Hour." The purpose of the entire program is to show gratitude of friends far and wide for the continuance of Baxter
Seminary under the leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Upperman, and at the same time emphasizing very definitely the need of
personal consecration on the part of all concerned to the Kingdom of God and the advancement of righteousness.
Friends of Dr. and Mrs. Upperman and of Baxter Seminary, are not only most cordially invited, but are definitely urged
to make a special effort to be present to take part in this service of thanksgiving and consecration on that day, and it
is hoped that many friends from other places as well as from the immediate community, will be present.
GIFTS FOR THE NEEDY
(December 21, 1939 - The Putnam County Herald)
The American Legion Big Brothers have raised $600 in cash to buy gifts for the needy this
Christmas. And 300 toys were collected at the annual Toy Matinee at the Princess Theater, in which kids brought a toy
to see the picture.
TTU students have gone home for the holidays and this Friday is the last day for students in public schools
and at Baxter Seminary until January. The Rev. Harold Stephens of First Baptist Church has authored an
original Christmas pageant entitled, "The Story of Jesus Never Grows Old." The five act pageant is being
put on this week by a cast of 50 from the church. And the newspaper this week looked back at earlier
Christmases here through the eyes of some of the older residents.
T. D. Ford, 77, recalled for readers the day the church broke.
That was back in the 1870s or 80s when Cookeville only had some 200 residents. The big holiday event
was a special service at First Methodist Church, then located a bit south of the Square.
The building had recently been jacked up and its supports replaced with new limestone pillars. Just about
everyone in town turned out for the service. Under their combined weight, the church settled and shifted
and a loud crack was heard as one of the supports snapped. Everyone stampeded out into the cold night,
said Ford.
Photos: Baxter Seminary Highlander - Baxter Seminary Yearbooks 1934-1960 by Mike and Audrey Lambert
www.ajlambert.com
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CHARLIE HUGHES, Baxter, Tenn., bugler, recently celebrated his thirteenth year of blowing morning reveille atop this
pole. He started his stunt on March 15, 1024, and claims he has not missed a morning’s blow at 6 o'clock in 4,745
days. The chestnut pole of late has been decaying, and he intends to replace it with a 20-foot concrete post within
a few months. He says that the bugle blowing is good for his lungs and has developed his chest. - Wide World Photo
