Obligatory Sunday Letter
by C.L. Harden
Autumn 1960
“A Typical Day at Columbia Military Academy”
We arise at whatever time suits us, so long as it is by 7:00. We listen to pleasant music played over the loudspeaker system as we ready ourselves for another delightful day. At 7:00 a bugle blows to gently prod along some who are inclined to do a little lagging. At 7:15 we find ourselves under the radiance of a beautiful sunrise as we march along to breakfast to the accompaniment of march-time music and a cool morning breeze.
As the cadets seat themselves and begin to breakfast, the tangy odor of orange juice and coffee drifts over the dining hall until we are encompassed in stimulating aromas. After partaking of an incredible choice of food, the cadets slowly walk
back to their bedrooms, enjoying the fresh morning air, and the rays of a fully risen sun as they find their way down through the treetops to the dewy bluegrass under the feet of the Columbia Military cadets.
At 8:00 we have a chapel period, which helps to start the day very well, indeed. Half an hour later the day’s classes begin, which are slightly over half an hour each. As the breezes blow through the open windows, birds fly by, and the toot of the occasional train whistle floats to our ears, schoolboys are urged along the flowery paths of knowledge. After two or three classes there is a recess for a quarter hour, so that cadets may rest a bit before their final three classes. At 1:00 recitation is all over, and the young gentlemen reluctantly leave the peacefully drowsy atmosphere of their classrooms for lunch. As they file in again to the dining room, cheerful, white-coated waiters serve their every wish, so that no tummy may be left with any doubt whatever of the opportunities awaiting it there.
When this second repast is completed, and all hunger pangs have been stayed, everyone saunters to his respective dwelling, each boy and teacher displaying an unsurpassable look of contentment.
At 2:00 the rested and considerably refreshed cadets become anxious for some action, so a special period has been set aside from 2:00 to 3:00 where they may romp around and, if willing, learn a little of what a rifle is made of and how to use it. This will no doubt be of infinite value to them in their later years of fox or deer hunting.
After the “drill” period, cadets are free for the afternoon to play tennis or records, read, write letters, or go to town to a good movie.
At 6:00 we stand in formation and listen to the stirring strains of the Star Spangled Banner as Old Glory is lowered from its place on the flagpole.
Following the flag-lowering is a tremendous feast, the main meal of the day. Friendly chatter is heard all around, and everyone feels right at home.
After supper there is often a YMCA meeting which is inspiring beyond words. From 7:00 onwards cadets are asked to be in their rooms, as staying out after dark is not one of the school’s policies. At 10:00 lights must go out, and usually most cadets are thankful to relax in a clean fresh bed, as the air turns cooler, and the activities gradually die down. Oh, what a wonderful place is Columbia Military Academy.