Education
Kid Kolony, Schools, Colleges, Library

"Vernon Parish Democrat," January 24, 1920

"Mr. Theo Cuno gave a number of books to the colony library recently. The library is now quite well stocked with books covering a wide variety of subjects. Responsible persons outside the colony are invited to use the books. Two weeks time is allowed on fiction, longer time on other subjects. The library has several sets of reference books."

"Vernon Parish Democrat," January 27, 1921

"I was at the hotel last night while the Esperanto classes were in session. Classes, yes, two of them, the new class and the advanced class in session every Monday and Wednesday night. Many of our colonists converse in Esperanto a great part of their time."

"Vernon Parish Democrat," February 24, 1921

"Mrs. Theo F. Cuno is now presiding over the Library, much to the delight of many friends."

"Llano Colonist," April 29, 1922

"Our schools have grown wonderfully [since 1919] and we have excellent teachers from kindergarten to high school and are now an accredited school. We are extending our night course into agriculture and the higher studies. Music of all kinds is taught and we have a band, orchestra, mandolin and guitar club, as well as a choral society."

"Radical Education in the Rural South; Commonwealth College 1922-1940" by William H. Cobb

In 1923 the Commonwealth College Association designated a teaching faculty of Job Harriman, Kate O'Hare, Howard Buck, F.M. Goodhue, Frank O'Hare, Wilbur C. Benton, Theodore Cuno, Ernest Wooster, Harold Z. Brown, Ivy Van Etten, and William E. Zeuch.

"Llano Colonist," December 10, 1927 (Gateway to Freedom)

"A healthy mind in a healthy body, carefully trained, imbued with the spirit of cooperation, with a complete understanding of life as it exists, with the power of concentrated thought well developed -- this is the ideal towards which the Colony school system is tending."

"It is thoroughly realized that there is a fundamental need of an educational system in the Colony which will fit children for industry and life generally, giving them the training that will make them valuable citizens, yet based on a broad froundation of intellectuality [sic] so that each child is given the proper concept of life... this is the ideal towards which the Colony school system is tending.

The school is now recognized by the state school authorities, and is in charge of experienced educators and school organizers of our own choice. The children have an 8-hour school day, six days a week; part of this time, however, is used for vocational training in the various industries. Foremen-teachers in the fields, gardens, and workshops now conduct this part of the education, all of them being practical workers actually engaged in the work they teach.

EVENING CLASSES FOR ADULTS -- One of the attractions of the Colony is the educational advantages. While its schools are in the formative stage, yet there are many adult classes. Some perish quickly; others endure. Spanish, astronomy, psychical research, correspondence courses, literary subjects, German, French, Esperanto, dancing, singing, instrumental music, physical culture, aesthetic dancing and many other classes have been formed and carried on for different lengths of time.

KINDERGARTEN -- This department of the school is a very important one, and it takes care of the little ones from two or three years up to the time they go into the usual grammar grades, and teaches them the rudiments of many subjects. Not the least important part of the work done by this department of the school is releasing mothers from the care of their children during the day, so they may go into Colony industries part of the time. It takes women away from the drudgery of unbroken housework and gives them a part in the activities of the Colony."

"LIBRARY -- A line of books and a reading room form the Colony library. There are thousands of splendid books here, and more are received from time to time from Colony admirers, some sending in large boxes of books and others subscribe for current magazines for the reading room. At the present time this is located in a large building across from the hotel."

"Llano Colonist," December 17, 1927 (Gateway to Freedom)

"Educational Facilities consist of kindergarten for little folks up to usual age, grammar schools under state supervision, but all employing Colony teachers, and high school, also under state supervision. The Colony ideal in education is to make PRACTICAL men and women; and for this reason all students and most of the instructors put in at least half of each day in industry. The dignity of labor is taught.

Night classes embrace a variety of subjects. Short lecture courses are sometimes given. Musical education is among the opportunities offered."

"Llano Colonist," September 15, 1928

In September 1928 college faculty included:
Lowell H. Coate - Superintendent and instructor in Sociology, Economics and Public Education
E.C. Bennett - English and History
Benjamin Roe - Scientific Agriculture
Guy F. Rogers - Mathematics
Eugene Hough - Psychology
F. Hamel - Spanish, German and Latin
Mary Erma Wilson - Voice and Piano
R.B. Snyder - Director of Orchestra, Wind and Stringed Instruments, Chorus and Ensemble
Geo. T. Pickett - Industrial Science
Daisy Daugherty - Domestic Science
Edna Mae Coffin - Manual Art, Sculpture and Architectural Drawing
Austin McLane - Journalism
Nell Rogers - Botany
Hope Shoemaker - Shorthand, Typewriting and Book-keeping
Mr. Daugherty - Intermediate Grades
Mrs. A.E. Bennet - Primary Grades
Esther Allen - Health and Hygiene
Mary H. Atworth - Librarian and Instructor in the Art of Expression
Anna Tabb - School Nurse
Dr. J.P. Kimmel - College Physician
Alice Pickett - Girls Counselor
Theodore Atworth - Oil and Watercolor Art
Alma Wilson Bell - Dramatic Art.

"Llano Colonist," September 22, 1928

"School opened here today... The grade pupils go to school in the A.M. and in the P.M. they go to the industries, where the High School students work in the morning... [and] attend class in the afternoons.

College classes will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings in order to give adults a chance to attend and we feel that all together we have just started a term of school that is to mean more to us than any other we have had in the past."

"Llano Colonist," February 23, 1929

"If you know of young people who might be interested in attending Llano Cooperative College, or whom you would like to send a copy of the Special Educational Number (March 2nd issue of the Colonist), please write their names and addresses with pencil in the blank below and mail to Llano Co-operative College today."

"Llano Colonist," March 2, 1929

"An Ideal College Atmosphere by Lowell H. Coate, Superintendent, Llano Co-operative College -- It is in this delightful atmosphere that the Llano Cooperative College is located, and the Colony has an educational system which is second to none in teaching the students useful industries as well as those things which are learned in other schools...

We know of no other place where a student can earn his school expenses for an education as he can at Llano Co-operative College. Only three years in the regular classes will complete the standard four-year college or high school courses, thus enabling the student to complete both the customary high school and college courses in only six years.

The College Library facilities are good, the teachers are from the best college and state universities in the country, and take a personal interest in every student. A new student is guaranteed regular employment from the day he arrives, which covers all his school expenses while in the College, or whatever course he wishes to pursue...

These courses are going to continue throughout the year, instead of discontinuing thru the summer months, which is necessary in most colleges in order to give students an opportunity to earn money for the rest of the year. These students earn their way as they go by working four hours a day at some agreeable employment in the industries to which they are assigned and are out of debt at the end of their college course...

New friends and students are entering the Colony right along, and those who wish to come from England and Europe as students find little or no difficulty with emigration authorities. About a dozen new students have just arrived, ready to begin the new Spring Term, March 4."

"Llano Colonist," March 16, 1929

"We have a fine system of education here, and an organized College, with Professor Coate at its head. he is an experienced college man, and knows the capitalistic system throughly and teaches accordingly. We see improvement in our young people right along and are greatly pleased over the fact."

"Llano Colonist," March 30, 1929

"College Classes as usual in the evening, varied by the attendance of Comrade Lockwood of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who added greatly to the enjoyment of the Sociology class with a fine talk."

"Vernon Parish Democrat," April 11, 1929

"Llano library is indebted to Dr. J.E. Enfield for a copy of his excellent treatise on "Your Health". Eugene Hough has also added another interesting volume to our library -- "The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Socialism and Capitalism".

"Vernon Parish Democrat," April 25, 1929

"Dad Cuno remembered the library again, sending magazines and a dozen or so editions de luxe of the latest books."

"Llano Colonist," June 1, 1929

"Whosoever wants to see and to learn how children should be brought up from their birth to maturity will learn the most valuable lesson by visiting Llano Colony's Kid Kolony, Kindergarten, primary and high schools and College. There you will discover what can be done, and is done, for the health, education, real and lasting happiness of human beings. Cuno"

"Llano Colonist," September 21, 1929

"A new building is being started this morning... the new school house out at the Kid Kolony. This will be two stories high, having two school rooms below and two apartments for teachers upstairs."

"Llano Colonist," February 1, 1930

"The new school house at the Kid Kolony is one of our best buildings. It is well lighted, blackboards all around the wall under the high windows, comfortable and warm."

"Llano Colonist," March 1, 1930

"The schools are running true to the plans formed long ago, but really improved and made sure of realisation by Prof. Hewerdine. He has been with us but a short time but his efforts are seen in the increased interest taken by pupils and parents."

"Llano Colonist," April 26, 1930

"It has surprised me to find the many advantages and opportunities the children have in the co-operative movement. At an early age they child has become acquainted with the different work in the various departments and can choose and follow the line that interests him most and is happy in doing useful and constructive work.

Even to the babies at the Kid Kolony, they show a self-reliance seldom seen in children so small. I am staying in Llano because I know of no better place in which to raise the children. Florence Hamel"

"Llano Colonist," December 27, 1930

"We will consider a few more buildings which can be observed from this vantage point, on the hotel porch. A little to the right of the hospital is one of the School buildings fitted with desks and comfortable seats suited to the size of the occupants. Up on the walls there are large blackboards. This building is also used for some of the business meetings."

"Llano Colonist," February 7, 1931

"Going to the hotel for supper I saw the little children just brought in from the Kid Kolony, making a run for mama and home. They are a husky looking bunch alright and reflect credit upon the caretakers at the Kid Kolony."

"Today I thought it would be interesting to say something about the Kid Kolony, about three-quarters of a mile west of the main colony, nestled under tall, slim pines... George T. Pickett always had the idea that a Kid Kolony should be started sufficiently far from the main schools so that the children could have the feeling of proprietorship. Also, because there was and is a demand to take in and care for, at a certain rate per month, children, whose parents are unable to give proper care and educational advantages. The Kid Kolony is an outgrowth of that.

There are some eighty children out there in the grades and they are under the care and guidance of several teachers and directresses. Mrs. Samuel Irwin, capable and experienced, knowing the wiles and witcheries of the ingenuous young, has a big class; Dr. Cecil Williams, who has an understanding heart, and endowed with patience absolutely beyond my understanding, is teaching the young ideas "how to shoot" and accomplishing the task exceedingly well; Mrs. Still, another amiable, capable, patient and efficient teacher, has charge of another class of youngsters who are getting the start in life under the most auspicious circumstances. Then there's Comrade Ginsberg, clever, courteous and filled with ability still has another class which he handles with effectiveness."

"Llano Colonist," September 17, 1932

"Turning off to the right about half a mile on the road which runs west of the colony, one enters a beautiful park filled with the fragrance of pines and the happy voices of children. This is known as the "Kid Kolony" where the children of Llano pass their days in a most ideal environment that could be imagined...

The new school semester opened with an attendance of about 70 children...

Professor Lewis plans to meet with parents once a week to consider the aims and principles of the school. He likes the idea of teaching half a day out of books and the other half in the industries, farm or garden. In this sort of curriculum the student is sure to get a rounded education."

"Llano Colonist," September 22, 1934

"Llano School started again September 3. There are about thirty-five children enrolled in the first seven grades. Dr. Cecil Williams teaches the first grade; Mrs. Lentz has the second, third and fourth; Mr. Lewis is teaching the fifth and sixth and Mrs. Stansbury the seventh. Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Ware have charge of the kindergarten. Lloyd Potter is industrial director for the boys."

"Llano Colonist," June 20, 1936

"The primary department of the school is... located at the Kid colony and has equally attractive quarters. The youngsters have plenty of sunshine and exercise playing in the outdoors. Everything is quiet and peaceful out here away from the busy life of the grownups. The children are transported to and from their homes and are as enthused about the ride out to the place as they are about the rest of the fun they have."

Letter to Mrs. Henry Ford, January 12, 1938

"[The schools in the Llano Co-operative Colony began with] the kindergarten, and from there up through the graded school, high school, and into college courses. We had a superior opportunity for our students... because we also gave them the opportunity of getting a practical education in our agricultural and horticultural departments; also we used the machinery and tools and the factories of the entire Colony to further their practical education.”