Eleven pupils only were enrolled at the beginning, but the term closed in June with 107.  During this year the building was completed and named “Allen Hall,” in honor of one of the largest givers.  At the opening of the fall term the beginning of the next year, the accommodations were taxed to the utmost.  In August, 1882, the report reads, “Allen Hall is full to repletion, 100 in the boarding department.  Work cannot unfold for need of more room.  Young men and young women in the same building make an urgent appeal for a new building.”

At no time since the beginning of the second year have there been adequate accommodations for all desiring to attend.

For ten years the institution under the name of “Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute” has furnished to students from all parts of the great State of Texas with its half million of colored people, and from other States, and from Mexico, not only an opportunity to acquire a thoroughly practical common-school education, but also a more extended course to prepare students for entrance to the highest educational institutions in the land; and a normal training course for teachers for all positions in the public schools.  Within this period of time a church has been formed for the students of the institution and others, which has been regularly ministered to by the president of the institution.

In the year 1888 a building for carpentry and manual instruction was erected and a teacher was appointed for industrial training.

The picture following is that of Allen Hall as it looks down upon the valley of the river Colorado.  In every direction the views are of great extent, and include many picturesque scenes.  The State capitol—­a mile distant—­and the various public buildings of Austin, are before the eye.  Since electricity has been introduced, Austin by night presents a brilliant outlook from the grounds of the institution, but the light which shines from these buildings on the hill sends its beams farther than those of the electric plant, and pierces a denser darkness than that of night.

[Illustration:  ALLEN HALL.]

The industrial buildings—­viz., the shop for carpentry, another for blacksmithing, for repairing of vehicles, and for painting—­are at a suitable distance in the rear on the “boys’ side” of the grounds.  Below them are located the barn, wagon house, hennery, etc.

On the crest of a second eminence, several hundred feet from “Allen Hall,” is the attractive new building (see picture, page 100) used as a dormitory for teachers and young women pupils.  In this building are the culinary department also, and the dining room for each hall.  There are forty dormitory rooms in this hall which will accommodate sixty pupils and their teachers.  In addition to its dining-hall for all the pupils within the institution there are reading and sewing rooms, etc., which add to its completeness.  There are not many school buildings anywhere with more diversified landscape and beautiful natural surroundings than those of Tillotson.  Encompassed by oak trees large enough for shade and shelter, but not over-towering the prospect, free from the distracting noises and dust of the streets, and yet possessing all the advantages of a thrifty and beautiful city, the student at Tillotson will have at least one period in life that may not be commiserated.