1922 Graduation

Sources:

Norfolk Journal and Guide, 1922 June 17

Headline: Piedmont Sanatorium Anniversary Events. Institution has made commendable Progress under state maintenance in four years.

“During this week the tidings of school and college anniversaries have been heralded far and near, and thousands of glad graduates are singing the joyous praises of their Alma Mater. But there is one institution in this state, up near the Virginia mountains, in Burkeville, which held its anniversary last week and boasted not of many degrees conferred nor of certificates granted, and no throng of students left its gates hoping to return next year. Nevertheless, it is one of the great institutions in the country. It is an institution of learning - an institution for saving of human kind - Piedmont Sanatorium is its name. And the hundreds whose very living on earth today is mute testimony of the great work of this institution are its alumnae.”

“Piedmont Sanatorium is a completely modern equipped sanatorium, maintained by the Virginia State Board of Health for the treatment of early pulmonary tuberculosis in colored residents of the state. It has grown rapidly from thirty beds in 1918 to one hundred beds now, and the last legislature made provisions for an additional thirty beds.”

“Has Discharged 328 patients: On March 1st, 1922, the number of cases discharged as improved was 328, and fifty percent of these have reported no return of the disease since they left.”

“At the anniversary exercises last week Mr. T.C. Walker was the principal speaker. A solo was rendered by Mrs. J.A. Emerson. Mrs. J.B. Darden, of Petersburg also rendered a beautiful solo.”

“Mr. T. C. Walker, the speaker was introduced by Superintendent, Dr. H.G. Carter, who paid him a high tribute for his loyalty to his race and for the part he played in all big questions especially in the great fight for prohibition and referred to the writeup in the “World’s Work” under the head of “Tom Walker and the Devil.” Mr. T. C. Walker spoke in part as follows: “I came here today because of the interest I have in this institution and in Doctor Carter and his co-workers who have dedicated their lives in this service the care and upbuilding of suffering humanity; I came here today because of the interest I had in this institution before it ever was, is now, or ever will be until eternity. I was one of the number consulted when the authorities agreed to erect an institution of this sort for my people.”

“Boasts of Virginia: “Friends, I am glad I am a Virginian and I would not live anywhere else but in Virginia and I mean to die here when I cannot do anything else. I want to go to Glory from Old Virginia. May I say we are proud of this splendid institution? I have been in the last year in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York and many other states in the north and nowhere have I seen an equal of this institution for my people and let me say to you our graduating nurse that you are honored today, and as you go out into the world let your service be consecrated to the uplift of suffering humanity, and whenever you come into contact with suffering humanity matter not where you might find them whether it be in the alleys of the slums, in hedges and highways forget not that it is your duty to care for those with whom you come into contact- whatever you do in your profession let it be creditable and bring honor to this institution and remember the great need in the rural districts where you and other nurses who graduate from this institution can do the most good to humanity. You have the fervent prayers of your race and of these people who you have served so fearlessly and loyally. May God speed you on until you reach the goal.”

“Following the above address was a violin solo by Mrs. F.B. Marshall.”

“Presentation of diploma by Assistant Commissioner of Health, Dr. Roy K. Flannagan.”

“Presentation of pin and remarks by Superintendent, Dr. H.G. Carter.”

“Solo-instrumental Evelyn Johnson; solo by Mrs. J. B. Darden, anniversary address by Dr. Carter, followed by remarks from Mr. Lee Brinkley, Mr. J.A. Emerson and Miss Theresa Clarke (ex-patients.)”