Life is what you make it. There are three cardinal principles you should observe: reverence for God,
reverence for self, and reverence for your fellows. To yourself be honest and pure, truthful and industrious; to your
fellows, be likewise.
Dr. Brooks chose this service to call the audience's attention to the sobering wartime fact
Clarkson then had 104 of its students and graduates on active military service or in positions
closely related to armed service.
SATC Established.
Because of the war, Commencement activities were telescoped into one
day, June 2, with baccalaureate in the morning and graduation in the afternoon for the 17
graduates. Later in June, in response to a call by the US Government, Clarkson established a
Student Army Training Corps (SATC) program in Potsdam. It enlisted the College's personnel
and equipment in the work of intensive training of enlisted men in the various trades thought to
be necessary for the national military preparation for war. Although many felt that such an
action was unnecessary, as it was believed that the United States was well provided in this
regard, it soon became apparent that the skilled workmen at Clarkson were above the first draft
age, and that they already were engaged in productive work of preparation, while the young
men of draft age were largely untrained. What Clarkson could do in two months of intensive
training was unknown.
Professional teachers with considerable experience were in charge of all the work, with
ample assistance afforded by men who, from practical experience, knew the work from the
workman's standpoint. The College teachers included:
President Brooks, lectured on the War Aims
Prof. Fred Wilson, CE, carpentry, surveying
Prof. Raymond Powers, EE, auto mechanics, gas engines
Prof. John Ross, ME, drafting
Prof. Cloke, Physics, machine shop
Prof. Dart, IE, machine shop
Prof. Sutherland, Forge Shop, blacksmithing
Mr. Roda, (Normal), bench work in wood
Mr. H. L. Haupt, EE, wiring and telephone
Mr. H. Hough, electrical engines and machinery
Three contingents of approximately 160 men arrived at two-month intervals. Coming
mostly from the greater New York City area, the first contingent of 160 draftees, Section A,
arriving at Clarkson on June 15, were assigned as follows: 40 as electricians, 20 as auto
mechanics, 20 blacksmiths, 40 machinists, 20 bench workers, and 20 carpenters. Their board
was provided under contract by the proprietors of the Arlington Hotel under strict supervision
of army officers in charge of the company; they were housed on two floors of the Arlington
Hotel, and in the College gymnasium.
When the second contingent of 160 men, mostly from central New York, Section B,
arrived on August 15, it was divided as follows: 40 as electricians, 40 auto mechanics, 20
blacksmiths, 20 machinists, 20 carpenters, and 20 gas enginemen.
In carpentry work, the trainees were taught the use and care of tools, followed by
instruction in concrete framework; mixing concrete; scaffold building; truss and roof
construction; house, barn, garage, and warehouse construction; joint making; and general mill
work. In electrical wiring, they learned how to wire houses, including insulation and fire
prevention devices. Auto mechanics included the operation of a car, rules of the road, convoy
