Millersburg Military Institute

The Millersburg Military Institute is a former military academy in Millersburg, Kentucky.

History

Col. T.F. Johnson’s Female Seminary, a branch of his military school in Blue Lick Springs, opened in 1850 in the Baterton residence in Millersburg. ⁴ The Seminary closed in 1852 but reopened as the Millersburg Male and Female Seminary in September 1852. ⁵ It was operated by Rev. John Miller, pastor of Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Seminary passed into the hands of Rev. George S. Savage in 1854 and the name of the school was changed to the Millersburg Male & Female Collegiate Institute in 1856. ⁶

Rev. T.F. Shellman began work to establish a male and female conference school in September 1857, purchased acreage outside of Millersburg in 1858, and laid the foundations of a large school building. ⁷

The Kentucky Conference met in Millersburg in September to propose to the stockholders of the Millersburg Male & Female Collegiate Institute that, if they enlarged the building and converted it to a male-only college, the Conference would endow the school with $100,000. ⁸ The stockholders agreed to the offer and the Male Department of the Millersburg Male & Female Collegiate Institute was set off as the Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1859 while the Female Department continued on as the Millersburg Female College. ⁹

Facing overcrowded classrooms in the mid-1860s, some male students of the Kentucky Wesleyan attended the Female College. The Female College was consumed in a fire on December 29, 1878, but continued to operate the very next day in rented houses throughout the city. A new structure for the Female College was built between March and September 1879. ⁹

After suffering financial hardship, Kentucky Wesleyan was sold to Rev. Morris Evans in 1884, ¹³ and given to Rev. Cadesman Pope in 1885. In June 1897, Pope retired and Rev. C.C. Fisher assumed the leading role. Kentucky Wesleyan relocated to Winchester in 1890. ¹¹

Fire once again struck the Female College on October 9, 1907, which was quickly replaced. ¹⁴ The Female College was renamed to Millersburg College in 1915.

Millersburg Military Institute

The Millersburg Training School was established by Col. C.M. Best of Virginia in the former Kentucky Wesleyan building in 1893. ¹⁷ The condition of the structure prohibited students from using it until renovations were completed in 1898, at which point the school’s name was changed to Millersburg Military Institute. ¹⁵ A new classroom building was erected in 1903 that allowed the Institute to enroll 28 cadets. ¹⁷ Other buildings were later added to hike the enrollment cap to 70.

Best sold the campus to the county in 1920 for Bourbon County High School, however, the Institute continued to meet in one of the school buildings. ¹⁵In the spring of 1921, the old Allen homestead was acquired and used as the administration offices for the Institute. ^{3 15} Over time, six buildings were constructed. ^{15 16} In the 1930s, the Millersburg College became the home of the Junior Division of the Millersburg Military Institute, ¹⁴ and the campus grew to encompass the following buildings:

Allen House: Administrative offices, faculty apartments, infirmary
Gamble Hall: Cafeteria on the upper level with a student center and post exchange on the lower level
Library
Memorial Gymnasium
Miller Hall: Dormitory for 70 students and three faculty members
Moffett Hall: Junior ROTC activities
Rankin Hall: 13 classrooms
Rees Athletic Field: Football, softball, baseball, and track with tennis courts nearby

Millersburg Military Institute closed in early 2003 over financial concerns, but after a flurry of support from parents and alumni through fundraising, the students were able to complete the school year and have a commencement for the graduating seniors. ² The school was able to reopen in 2004, but by 2005, it carried $1 million in debt. With such uncertainty, enrollment dropped from 80 students in 2003 to 45 students by early 2006.

The Institute began to explore the possibility of selling the school or rebranding it as Forest Hill Preparatory School in a bid to attract a more diverse student body and boost enrollment. ¹ To try and fund the rebranding, the Institute attempted to auction school and military memorabilia in July with little success. The plans to de-emphasize military education also caught the ire of alumni who took the conversion news with disappointment. ²

On August 10, 2006, the Millersburg Military Institute closed after 113 years of operation. ¹

United States Army Cadet Corps

The United States Army Cadet Corps, of Dayton, Pennsylvania, purchased the Millersburg Military Institute on September 12, 2008, with the goal of using it as its new national headquarters and training center for various Corps summer training programs. ¹⁸ The Corps wanted to offer an “army-oriented career exploration” program for males and females aged 12 to 18 and to give students a firsthand view of military life.

The Corps hosted the Millersburg Military Ball on April 24, 2009, with a keynote speech by James McEachin, an actor and a Silver Star and Purple Heart veteran of the Korean War who was also an Army Reserve Ambassador and a member of the Corps Board of Advisers. ²⁰ The city hosted the Parade of Cadets on the following day that evolved into a celebration of military heritage. ²¹

Forest Hill Military Academy reopened on the grounds of the former Millersburg Military Institute in August 2012, which included a residential military high school and junior college. ¹²

In March 2013, a Pendleton County mother filed suit against the Corps, alleging that a former camp instructor made sexual advances against her son and that there was misconduct against her daughter by a fellow cadet. ²⁴ In June, a fire inspector ordered the Corps to evacuate 70 teenagers and some staffers from two buildings after finding safety concerns, which included exposed electrical wiring, missing fire extinguishers, broken fire alarm systems, and missing or defective smoke detectors. ²⁴

The state Attorney General filed suit in the county against the Corps in August 2013 over concerns of mismanagement at the Corps, which led to the resignation of the school’s leadership and board. ²⁴ A court-appointed receiver was put in place to oversee the school’s finances and day-to-day operations until a new board was installed.

In September, following an investigation by the State Police, a grand jury indicted a former school employee on three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. ²⁴ The court-appointed receiver filed an affidavit in December alleging that former Corps employees were interfering with the school’s operation.

Forest Hill Military Academy closed its boarding program in December 2014 over low enrollment ²² but reopened in August 2015 as the Millersburg Military Institute, ²³ focusing on holding camps for high school youths. ²²It closed in September after the Corps filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Mustard Seed Hill

Community Ventures acquired the former school for $450,000 on November 9, 2016, and began transforming the dilapidated campus into Mustard Seed Hill. ²⁵ The historic Allen House was renovated into an event space for weddings and special events while the second floor became office space for the non-profit ²⁵ while the gymnasium was restored for use by the Bourbon Christian Academy with a total project cost of $8.5 million. ²⁶Financing was derived from a $3 million bank loan, tax credits, grants, and fundraising. Mustard Seed Hill was dedicated on June 11, 2018.

Community Ventures plans to renovate a third building into ten guest rooms for weddings and corporate retreats and restore a fourth building so that it could start a boarding school. ²⁶

Gallery

Millersburg Military Institute Allen House

Sources

Lannen, Steve. “Historic military academy surrenders, closes doors.” Herald Leader [Lexington] 18 Aug. 2006. Web. 23 Aug. 2006.
Lannen, Steve. “Millersburg military school to stay closed.” Herald Leader [Lexington] 19 Aug. 2006. Web. 23 Aug. 2006.
“Administration.” Millersburg Military Institute. 14 Feb. 2004. Web. 23 Aug. 2006.
Newspaper clippings in a scrapbook kept by Lavina Letton.
Lewis, Alvin Fayette. History of Higher Education in Kentucky. Washington, 1899. 237.
Welch, James R. History of Education in Bourbon County. Diss. University of Kentucky, 1933. N.p.: n.p., 1933.
Lewis, Alvin Fayette. History of Higher Education in Kentucky. Washington, 1899. 126-127.
Ibid., 127
Perrin, W. H. History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties. Chicago, 1882. 127.
Ibid., 238.
Lewis, Alvin Fayette. History of Higher Education in Kentucky. Washington, 1899. 126-130.
“Background.” U.S. Army Cadet Corps. 2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. Article.
Lewis, Alvin Fayette. History of Higher Education in Kentucky. Washington, 1899. 238-239.
Millersburg College Catalogue. 1915-1916.
Clarke, Nannie Deye. Bourbon the beautiful. 1927. 5, 13.
* Primary source for 4-15 above: Booth, Marietta and Mrs. Price Houston Jr. History of Millersburg, Kentucky. n.d.
“Education for Life and Leadership.” Millersburg Military Institute. Brochure.
Scott, Jeanie. “Best chose Millersburg because of choice location.” Bourbon Times [Paris] 2 Dec. 1996: 1, 18. Print.
Warren, Jim. “Summer military outfit purchases Millersburg site.” Herald Leader [Lexington] 12 Sept. 2008. Web. 12 Sept. 2008.
Warren, Jim. “Millersburg Military Institute saved by eBay.” Herald Leader [Lexington] 12 Sept. 2008. Web. 12 Sept. 2008.
“Millersburg Military Ball.” United States Army Cadet Corps 2009. 9 June 2009.
“Parade of Cadets.” United States Army Cadet Corps 2009. 9 June 2009.
Kocher, Greg. “Former Millersburg Military Institute files for bankruptcy, canceling master commissioner’s sale.” Herald-Leader [Lexington], 30 Sept. 2015.
“Military academy to close temporarily, will re-emerge as Millersburg Military Institute.” KyForward, 11 Dec. 2014.
Kocher, Greg. “Planned rebirth of Millersburg Military Institute this fall is uncertain after years of turmoil.” Herald-Leader [Lexington], 7 Feb. 2015.
Musgrave, Beth. “Millersburg Military Institute gets a new owner and a new life.” Herald-Leader [Lexington], 28 Nov. 2016.
Musgrave, Beth. “Can the renovation of Millersburg Military Institute revive this tiny Kentucky town?.” Herald-Leader [Lexington], 8 Jun. 2018.

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Mustard Seed Hill, formally known as Millersburg Military Institute is now offering a bed & breakfast accommodation for up to 8 for $350 nightly:

McIntyre Hall is located at Mustard Seed Hill. This space is a fully renovated two-story building with eight suites on the second floor. Each room includes its own full bathroom with walk-in shower. Guests can also utilize a large gathering area on the same level that includes a living area, dining tables and a kitchenette. All rooms contain king beds. Two adjoining suites are available.

As a former cadet you are especially encouraged to experience MMI as you never imagined. Plus if you want / need to be married / remarried arrangements can be made.

Details: https://www.mustardseedhill.events/

[…] graduated from the Millersburg Military Academy and Centre College and later became a Marine Corps colonel and served as a weapons troubleshooter […]

Greetings!
I’m the President of Operations at Mustard Seed Hill, formerly the Millersburg Military Institute.
My company, Community Ventures is committed to the long-term restoration of this historic Central KY landmark.
I’ve been working with some alumni to document and preserve history, photos yearbooks and memorabilia.
We should have an MMI website up by the end of the year and have big plans to throw a homecoming event in 2019 or 2020.
If you would like a tour of the facility or would like to leave an email address for the Mustard Seed Hill/MMI newsletter, contact me at shawn.burns@cvky.org
Some great videos of the construction phase of our work on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/MustardSeedHillEvents/

I was a Cadet that there once. Cadet Adams 2001 and that place is hell and should never been reopened too much dark history and messed up pass between the land and the people that live there such as myself and all the other Cadets on behalf of everybody in 2001 we should have burned that place down we actually made a video of the deplorable conditions and the, dog got ahold of it and restricted everything from no longer talking to family on the phone to people who were able to go home on certain circumstances or not even if the parents requested their kid the school refused and I was left in my room with a temperature of 105.7 with sergeant barkhurst right next to my side and pack an ice on my body to keep my body temperature down because they refused to take me to the hospital he made I didn’t f****** die. Lieutenant White and it’s f****** dog I’m going to hell and the old chief of police were there supposed to be there to help raise us and teach us right instead they pinned us against each other and made a lot of us as violent as f***

You re Right on Sir. I was there in 1965-66. Nothing changed apparently…

A great article (with photos) concerning the current status and future of the former MMI campus appeared in the June 8th edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Both Allen House and the gym have been refurbished, re-purposed & re-named as it were.

See the ‘new’ “Mustard Seed Hill”

http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/bourbon-county/article212601869.html

My Brother -in -law found a medal from MMI when digging at his house in Shelby Indiana. Do you know if there is a way to find out if an Alumni is from Shelby? Thank You

They have archives

Does anyone remember Walter Hetzel late 60s’early 70s played football

Anonymous
I lived in Moffett Hall four years in the late fifties. There were no unusual or extra ordinary accuracies during that time period. Also, I didn’t hear about a hanging. This story may have started later.

For those of you who remember Col. Hall.
Col. Hall was a second cousin of mine. He had a brother who worked for the CIA who spoke over 27 languages. I’m curious as to why you referred to Col. Hall as “Kern”. Kern is the Gaelic word for foot soldier. Are you aware that his mother’s maiden was Kern?

Colleen Kern Hiltbrunner

Great teachers and strict disciplinarians. A good whoopin makes you a better man! And pedophilia? Well, if that is part of the process, so be it right?

Deep s*** that’s why Supreme Court ban f****** weapons in school whoopings don’t make a great man doing the right thing makes you a great man and they did not do the right thing to these kids so they are not great men

Thank you for this information!! Kern was a special man!

He was the DR for the cadets and a Colonel so we called him Kern. He had a dog named FIBBER!

Any one hear of a guy named Major William H. Hanson? He was a teacher there in the 20s and 30s

See the ‘new’ “Mustard Seed Hill”.

http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/bourbon-county/article212601869.html

My father attended MMI from age 6 through High School. He would have probably started around 1934. He hated his father for sending him there. Felt abandoned by his own family. He didn’t talk about MMI much but as a child I got the impression he did not like the experience in any way. On the upside, he was incredibly well educated and disciplined as a result. I am not surprised to hear others touch on the subject of sexual abuse. My father also spoke of it. For all of you who have posted to this site can you imagine being in that school for 13 years? That was my dad’s experience!!

Community Ventures has posted some updates on the condition of Allen House and their plans to rehabilitate the facility.

Update 1 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivSqCU3b6wE
Update 2 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RLKVByMOKk
Update 3 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbvhOUV2IG8

Community Ventures has posted information on revamping the campus grounds, parking, etc.

Community Ventures’ plans for the gymnasium.

Fuck that I was there in early 2000s

Anyone know the name “Moondog Odel” . , And the story relating to Moffett Hall ? ’81 – ’82

I was forced to go to that miserable hell hole by my parents between 1969 and 1971. A lot of the staff and a many of the upperclassmen were sadistic sob’s. I know now that there were pedophiles on the staff but was too nieve to recognize it then. At the age of 15 , in the tenth grade I slipped out late one night and walked the railroad tracks to Paris Ky then hitchhiked home to Michigan never to return to home or school again. May MMI burn in hell.

Col hall was a great guy he was still there when I graduated in 95 I love my school it made me a man yea there was hazing there is the same in college

I graduated from here in 1995 my name is Jeremy Jordan. And this was the best time of my life I was there from sixth thru twelve. Great experience went to Europe twice for spring break. I really wish it was open great teacher’s love this school with my heart I bleed blue and gold.

A new chapter begins…

The five buildings that made up what was once Millersburg Military Institute were taken over by Community Ventures, a Lexington-based nonprofit, on November 9th. The purchase price was $450,000.

The current plans call for the main administration building, called Allen House, to be renovated. The first floor will be turned into an event space for weddings and other special events. The second floor will become office space for Community Ventures, which specializes in encouraging both home and business ownership.

The school’s gym will need some repairs, renovations and a new heating & cooling system. Community Ventures has recently released a bid for schools or other groups to rent the facility that includes a large basketball court and a spacious basement with an exercise room.

Renovation of the campus’ three other buildings — the dining hall, a building used as a dorm and classroom building — will not begin for some time. Community Ventures is still trying to determine future uses for those buildings.

Full article here: http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article117270348.html

MMI was a miserable place when I was there in 1962-63. There was abuse and violence nearly every day. Most cadet were there because they had misbehaved in some way, or defied adult authority. The MMI system was to smack you into submission pronto.
Discipline was the name of the game. A new cadet quickly learned to keep his mouth shut and his head down.
I hated every single day of it. I did not return.

Abuse was the name of the game.

I attended in 1962-63. MMI was. at that time, a place of punishment and brutality. The faculty was well aware of the violence and hazing that was a daily occurrence. It was the way that cadets were “kept in line”. The faculty was uninterested in cadet problems. I remember that Bill Brewer ( an orphan from Toledo) was Battalion Commander in 1962.
Most cadets were sent to MMI as punishment for some sort of misbehavior. Some were there by Juvenile Court order. A few were the children of military officers who were angling to be admitted to West Point or another service academy.
It was a year of total misery for me. The discipline was over the top harsh and brutal. It taught me to keep my mouth shut and wait for the main chance to break bad. Thereafter, I was inclined to use abrupt violence as a selective tool for my own purposes. People feared me because of my ability to conceal the violence and hatred in my soul until the precise correct time to strike. I learned exactly the wrong lessons at MMI. I hated every single minute at MMI. I did not return.
It took me nearly 10 years to overcome the anger and violence that MMI instilled in me. It was not too different from a juvenile prison.

It’s very interesting to see that Millersburg has indeed had a life long legacy of corruption, abuse, and overall terrible infrastructure.

I was “fortunate” enough to go from my Sophomore to Senior years at this veritable hell-hole of a “school” from 2001-2003. If you guys thought it was bad back in the day, let me tell you a few stories about TAC Officer Lieutenant Alvin White. We’re talking about a drug-addled, alcoholic, abusive, and violent at times and just unstable in general man in charge of a bunch of young adults and middle school kids. The stories I could tell you all about just this one person would make your skin turn white. I’d also include an additional chapter on another human wasteland running the school named Debbie Ishmael, talk about the whore of Babylon.

I suppose it’s also important to point out that the vast majority of students at this school had serious drug and alcohol problems, as a teenager I’d never seen anything like it in public schools, which was funny to me since the so-called “drug problem” in public high schools during this time was NOTHING compared to what went on at MMA (oh yes, it was even no longer Institute because “Academy’ was considered more “friendly”) The whole military doctrine of the school was a joke, rank and position were meaningless unless you were “good friends” with the staff, PT and extra hardships such as shoveling coal into the boiler and shucking walnuts in below zero temperatures were dolled out on those who didn’t kiss ass.

At this time half the boilers worked both in the barracks and the school building, I have a few pictures of us all huddled around boilers in the mornings that I would be willing to share. The maintenance people or groundskeepers lived on campus in a trailer and were the definition of white trash, often stealing from students and shirking their own duties and assigning them to students instead.

It’s a sheer miracle there was even a graduating class during the years I attended, the teaching staff was a joke and half, and consisted of what I assume were the C and D students of whatever backwater college decided to give these people the right to teach.

You all want hard brutal truth? Let me tell you about the little psychopath 12 year old who held another student at knifepoint and forced him to perform acts best left unsaid on a public forum.

You want stuff to make you feel better about your life? Let me tell you about how the student with the best grades didn’t make valedictorian, the student with the best ass kissing skills did, we’re talking about a drug addict who couldn’t quote a classic novel if you put the book in front of him.

Racism, favoritism, beatings left unchecked, organized crime. I’ve got it all, who would like the expose?

“If you got your ass whooped you deserved it.” That comment tells me all I need to know. I wish you were still there too. Evidently, that is where you belong.

John Davis is a b**** bro guarantee you when I was 13 years old in that b**** you put me in the front seat with your adult ass I’d be the only one walking out that car most the kids there we’re forced to be men it before they even went there guaranteed my thirteen-year-old old self with f****** your adult ass now talk s*** bro pitch

What are you even talking about? Good Lord! Looks like the academic side may not have been your strong suit?

1950’s: recovering from WW II & a promising outlook for the nation. 1960’s: Social revolution, pot & Vietnam war. 1970’s: sexual revolution, disco.

Private military boarding schools that operated on a financial cliff often employed unqualified staff, had horrible reputations and thus accepted any one who might pay the tuition & fees.

On the other hand, many perspective students often failed to be accepted at other schools and attended MMI as a last resort. Many were encumbered by both academic and disciplinary short comings. The same can be said about the faculty.

Losers for losers at a retaliative cheap price. Remember you, your parents choose to go to MMI. Likely, you got what you, your parents deserved. Think back, could you have made a the situation better for yourself? At least you didn’t attend or send your kid to Forest Hill Military Academy.

Check out what others say about their respective military school experiences: https://secure187.inmotionhosting.com/%7Ekmialu5/legendary_schools.html

I was there same time as you

I’d love to hear about everything! That piece of S*** should have been burned to the ground and bulldozed long ago! Nothing ever was good about that place! Col Hall was a good guy although I never had any classes with him. I was there in 75-76 and it was brutal, violent and one of the most depressing places I’ve ever been in my life! Are there any other forums/groups that talk about any of this stuff? Lucky to have made it out of there only mentally scarred and not dead!

I just can’t imagine anyone being hung out of the window, there must have been some sort of provoking reason, besides, I don’t remember that incident, I’m Truly Sorry if I did. BTW, you are close it is Sencenbaugh. I always enjoyed Col. Hall as a coach of the wrestling team. He was a great man. I also remember Cpt. Steel, english. Col Blackshear, algebra 1 and 2. I remember the medical staff and ambulance trying to get to their house just below us. Also the week we all had standing guard at the funeral parlor. I still remember the concern of not getting my homework done correctly. Now as for Cadet Steel, he was a bully, he always tried to pick on smaller cadets.
The school has been talked about as a shining star for discipline, well, at least a third of the core was there as opposed to going to reform school. I truly did not like being there, even though I was on/ and in charge of the color-guard as well as different athletic teams. Always a chance to leave campus.
I also remember the spring where almost all the 9th graders hung out in a empty garage instead of going to Senior School for drill practice. All hell broke loose and the bulling was capped down. Oh well, I have a lot more memories. I did like Coach Dawson.

I attended the 1st half of my 7th grade year, 1991!

I am reading these comments from a bunch of soft ass people it was nothing about kissing ass it’s all about becoming a man if you got your ass whooped you deserved it. As for drug’s they were every place. I got drunk for the first time got laid for the first time at this school i became a man met a lot of great friends there i wish I was there still just to visit. Nobody is perfect everybody has there own stories but I know my class of 95 was the best. Too all you soft ass cry babies stop trying to talk bad about my school you were there cause you couldn’t make it any place else.

Glad not to have been part of your class. Judgmental much??

I attended in the 67-68 school year. Some cadets were sadistic, and possibly psychotic. Others were just trying to survive by making the best out of a bad situation. I have lost touch with all of my MMI classmates, but made some valuable friendships there. I especially remember my roommate, Lester Hopper. Lester was from Germany and was the son of the Junior School cook. His parents had a house in town, but Lester resided on campus. He was intellectually gifted and an extremely interesting young man.

Did you possibly know John McBain? He attended in 67 also

I attended in 1967, and then off to Vietnam. My experience was a little mixed. The discipline was a definite plus and I sorely needed it. I fell totally in love with the Military aspect of the school. I received the Nat Spirit Honor Medal in Basic, the Commanding Generals outstanding boot stature. I attribute this to my training at MMI. I sometimes miss the place for sure and really miss that sword I carried there.

No, you are not crazy at all. I commend you for standing up for yourself, especially at a young age. I think I have repressed a lot of things that went ,but the ones I remember are still not pleasant. There was a kid named Sensibaugh (I may have the spelling wrong) that hung me out of my upper-floor dorm window by my bathrobe tie one morning. The tie was around my waist and I remember looking down at the sidewalk below thinking, if he lets go, I am dead at the age of only 14!

I happened to purchase a country honor badge of this place and thought I would see what it was worth and came across all your stories. Sorry to hear about how bad it was for you and all the bad times for you all. Seems like it was a pretty shitty place for you all. I sure hope you all are doing fine now and are living good lives. Have a good day.

Yes, you touched on the english teacher’s side specialty….bare assed spankings and enemas. I remember more than once, it being scary and crying in fear and pain and him not stopping. I broke into his class room and desk drawer one night in retaliation and retrieved all of the candy and snacks he had confiscated from all of the cadets.
I then shared them Robin Hood style with all of the cadets in my barracks which unfortunately got me another ass whooping in study hall as well. God, those were the worst!! It was worth it though, as at least I stood my ground in the only way I knew how then. Funny thing though, I do not remember his english teaching skills as well as you and that was my favorite subject! He had me there in the infirmary when others were part of the punishment as well. I am sure that all students were not part of this treatment, just his select control group.
Anyway, I was surprised to hear this from someone else as it is a pretty taboo kind of subject. At least I know now that I am not completely crazy and possibly imagined it all. I have learned over the years that most people will never talk of their childhood abuses. I have on the other hand, learned that sharing it, releases some of the pain. Peace to all of you. John

Anyone attend 1990-1992?

John,

I can echo some of your comments. I went to MMI during the 1965-66 academic year. I was in the 9th grade. Gordon Crawford was an English teacher. He also seemed to run the infirmary, for some reason. And his “fix” for whatever ailed you? An enema! I made sure not to be sick all year. And as I said in a comment above, John Steele, the Junior School Commandant was a sadistic bully. And let’s not even get started on the Senior School. Ninth graders went up there to drill and also for dress parades on Sundays. Oh, how I prayed for rain on Sundays so we wouldn’t have the dress parades. Invariably, I got my ass kicked after those. I remember in particular a Sgt. Childers who would verbally berate and knock me down because of poor “marching” skills.

On a positive note, I remember an MMI basketball player with the last name of Parker who was a fantastic player. Loved to go to those games and see that dude play!

Peace,

John Davis

Does anyone know what the tuition was from 1984-1986? My brother Hank Shouse was a cadet then. Sadly, Hank got into an altercation with another alumni named Donnie Smith last Thursday. Donnie assaulted him and he stabbed him in return and killed him.

I attended in 1962-63. I was forced to attend because of my bad behavior. It was brutal and miserable in every way. I believe that many cadets were mentally ill or just violent by nature. The food was marginal.
The faculty was not interested in the lives of the cadets. They taught their classes and then made themselves scarce. There was abuse and violence nearly every day. There was little effort to conceal what was going on.
I hated MMI very much. I did not return.

I attended MMI in 1962-63. It was a place of punishment for most cadets. Abuse and violence were common. The faculty taught their classes and then disappeared. They ignored the open violence and abusive behavior of the cadet command structure. It was rumored that Band Company was a haven for homosexual activity. But, no cadet ever complained.
The cadet system was designed to “keep these delinquents in line”. Little effort was made to conceal the brutality of daily cadet life. New cadets quickly learned to shut up and keep their head down to avoid a punch or a kick.
The food was marginal, but tolerable. Very little free time was available to the cadets. We were up a 6:00 am and run hard until 10:00 pm each weekday. Thus, these “troublemakers” were tightly controlled.
I hated every minute that I was at MMI. I was often fearful of random violence that was so common. It was rather like an Army disciplinary barracks or a juvenile lock-up.
I did not return. It was simply awful.

I also attended in 1968. One year and done. No good memories. Fortunately no abuse by staff, but I was aware of them. I remember Lester Hopper also. Good kid! My brother attended before me and was president of his class and brigade commander, he went on to serve in Viet Nam and received two purple hearts. Like I said I somehow survived the year and returned back to public school the next year and wiped 1968 from my mind. Wasn’t for me!

Hey Roger. I remember you, Frankfort was your hometown as I recall. Tom Moeller was my best friend at MMi but I have fine memories of Lester Hopper, Bill Ragle, Tiny Browning, Mark Hoffman, Cap Schuler, Kern, Tom Herring, Larry Stanley, Kinker, Irwin, Steve Booher, Bill Richardson, David Morningstar, JR Nooney, Craig Pummel, Mike Robbins and several more.

Mixed memories but mostly good. There were some psychos and Cap Steele was an a-hole but the crew I ran with were pretty advanced and we managed. I went back to public school after my year at MMI and tried to grow hair as fast as I could. I wouldn’t change anything except maybe ducking when Glen Dohn jacked my jaw for some perceived inspection infraction. I was there 67-68

My recently deceased brother, Alvaro Corredor from Colombia, South America, went there 1951-1953 ish. Anyone remember him or what it was like then? He made few comments a bout his time there.

Anyone know of a guy by the name of W.H. Hanson who worked there in the early 40s?

The condition of the buildings vary building to building. The newest building is Gamble Hall (kitchen / dining hall) built in the 1950’s. It’s in good condition but could use modernizing.

A rear section of McIntyre Hall (1939) with living spaces was torn down following condemnation by building inspectors for life safety issues. Cost of repairs were deemed not feasible.

Miller Hall (1946), behind Allen House (administration building), has a failing foundation among other short-comings.

The gymnasium, built in 1946, is in fair condition but needing substantial maintenance.

Electrical, heat & plumbing systems are woefully out-of-date and / or in disrepair campus-wide. Other than a few window units none of the buildings are air-conditioned.

To a great extent little to no heavy maintenance has been performed on these buildings for decades. An acquaintance (MMI alumnus) commented to me the buildings weren’t in great shape when he attended in the 1950’s They may appear to be in good condition from the road, but viewed from the inside one’s impression is quite different.

Don Spencer,
I attended MMI for two years (77-78).
I’ve researched the school online for about ten years online and have read several message boards regarding MMI.
Your post is the first to mention anything negative about Col. Hall. The other forums are much like this abandoneonline board: nothing but respect and admiration for Col. Hall.
My recollection of Col. “Kern” Hall is similar to others that I have read. Kern was like a grandfather/mentor/coach and friend to me.
Kern was like that with all of us.
I saw Kern about everyday and he never said or did anything sexual to me. I don’t recall anyone having one bad thing to say about Col. Hall.
Pedophilia is one of the worst accusations that one could make about a man -especially in a public forum like this.
Are you sure that you aren’t confusing Col. Hall with someone else Mr. Spencer?

Rankin & McIntyre Hall status.

Hi Colleen, I attended MMI from 1984-1986. We all called him “Kern”. I don’t ever recall asking why, it’ s just what we called him.

Hello Ms. Hiltbrunner,

In 1956 Floyd Hall’s rank was Captain and by 1959 it was Major. Kern was not associate with him during that time period. Cadets attending in the mid sixties refer to him as Col. Hall or just Kern. This must be the time the name started.

I read his book and was surprised he was interested in sailing. He didn’t talk about sailing at school. There must be other interesting off campus parts of his life we don’t know about. Please comment on his other interests.

Hi,
I attended Col. Hall’s class to study German. That was 1972/74. Of all the teachers, instructors, professors I’ve had over my life, he was amongst the best.
We queried him about his nickname and he stated that it was bestowed by students like us in the past. It was German for “Nut”. That translation never exactly fit his lessons or the language the way he taught us. He would have us chew gum so we could learn correct pronunciations (more saliva) and taught “common” German (not High German). He told us he had taught many troops at the end of WWII, how to speak German.
He also was the wrestling coach and as you know, was in great shape for his age. As a side note, he told us his passion was Marine Biology and if we showed interests, he’d spend that day fascinating us with tales of giant squid and whales.
He certainly did leave a lifetime impression on me. I would spend 20 years in the US Navy, heavily involved in oceanography. The appreciation for that work started in 1972/74.
Kind Regards,
JD

Coleen
I’m not sure why ,but I can tell you he was a hell of a good man.
Jason. Class 1993

I can tell you this, he was a man of integrity. He was a true role model. You should be proud. Glad to say I knew him.

I attended as a day student in ’71, was in the band, and stories of the hammer attack were fresh then. Didn’t remember the names involved.

Hi Colleen –
I was at MMI from ’78-’82, and ‘Kern’ was undoubtedly the best teacher I ever had in my life at any level, He inspired me to be an English major, and I loved him. I visited him in the hospital shortly before he passed. To my knowledge, ‘Kern’ was just the phonetically spelled, shortened version of ‘Colonel’ – instead of calling him Col. Hall, we just called him Kern. He was my tennis coach, English teacher, great friend and mentor. I wish for all students to be so lucky as to have at least one teacher like him in their lives. He was a great man.

I went to MMI From 1969-1973.When you catch someone in a sexual act with a 14 year old the adult is a pedophile.I also talked to other cadets who told me similar stories.A pedophile is trickery expert.They come at you like a wolf in sheep clothing.Col. Hall also called KERN IS A PEDOPHILE. He was not the only one. To the person calling other people soft,you are an idiot.No person should have to put up with sadistic behavior and homosexual pedophiles. Wrong is wrong.It is not your school.You were probably a bully yourself.

I was there the same time too….You know this is a fucki___lie…I hated being there, but to lie about a war hero/man especially now after he dead, is simply wrong. You could filed charges long ago…or blew the whistle, but of course you did not cause you know you know this untrue. Kern was not able to have sex…”War injury was commonly known even back then…which was the reason for his divorce and now this unfounded charge….Asshole!

Col. Hall was a great man and mentor one of the coolest men
I’ve ever known.

The rear section was Rankin Hall…

I was sent to that hell hole for one school season in 1964/65. I was a mere 10 years of age and not emotionally ready for what was in store for me there and did not do well.
FOR SOME REASON(S), I DO NOT HAVE POSITIVE MEMORIES OF ANY PART OF THE EXPERIENCE!
Now the names of most staff and students escapes my memory but that has been the case since shortly after leaving the facility, not necessarily due to old age, but rather repression, I am thinking. The one name that has been etched deeply in my psyche since those days, is the infamous Dr. Crawford, a teacher and the resident doctor as well. He and I did not get on well from the git go and he made sure to let me know just who was in authority and who was the submissive. I could elaborate but will decline unless others chime in. I seem to have a “Colonel Betts” name deep in my head as well. The study hall abuse was another favorite activity of other staff whose names I have long buried, as well as the science teacher who was obsessed with guns and ammo in his spare time when not beating us or acting as a teacher.
Sadly, the tobacco flowed easily on campus and therefor began a life of misery in that addiction arena, at a much too early age that I only shook, way too many years later. Kentucky smokin’ pride? Maybe for some. (Nothing now against the state or the native folk there, as I find it quite the beautiful place to visit from time to time and enjoy the people there as well).
The bullying was unchecked on many levels and if you were at the bottom of the pecking order, you were just plain screwed, in more ways than one. And the hill that I marched endless days on with those crappy worn out (M-16’s?) on my shoulder at least built up my right arm after earlier being changed from a “lefty”, as that was just plain unacceptable in those days anyway. At least it prepared me for a life of heavy trucking early on.
So yes, I did not come across this site due to fond memories but rather a link from abusive schools of the 50’s-60’s. Living proof, these things of the past will keep one company all of one’s life, like it or not.
I am certainly glad some of you have fond memories of the place. I just hope that those do not include the abuses that some of the older cadets heaped upon the younger of us. Despite what they might have thought, we did not actually enjoy it as they would have some believe.
Sounds like things escalated in a bad way for you Don, after I left.. For that, I am sorry.
Through the miracles of “faith in something larger and better than us all”…I did not end up on drugs, or in prison, or commit suicide, as some of my piers and friends that I lost over the years did. Oh well, I suppose it was time to vent. Everest to all. John

Curios and Inquisitive

The comments of the cadets of the sixties and seventies paint a very vague dark picture.

Don, your comments were clear enough to be revealing. Please take the time to elaborate. Many older cadets are interested in what it was like in the sixties and seventies.

Also, anyone else’s comments would be appreciated.

If i may ask a few questions….Are the buildings in disrepair? Why so low on the bidding at the auction? Are there any public plans being discussed for the facility?…thank you for your answers…

Don, I wish you would! Seems back then men could get away with anything…. I’ on this site because I was looking for a “Eddie…..?” that went to Millersburg 62-? from Cincinnati. Sang with a group that traveled to Tulare , Calif. during the summer of 62. Any one out there….know him? Ilived in Indian Hills at the time. Suburb of Cincinnati.

The property of Millersburg Military Institute was sold at auction for $450K, February 2016. The sale comes a week after the Cadet Corps filed a civil suit against Farmers Deposit Bank. The Cadet Corps alleges that the bank breached its fiduciary duty and “unjustly enriched” itself.

The school had been in receivership for two years. The school ceased operation in December 2014 because of low enrollment. Since then it has held camps for high-school youths on the property.

It started down hill after Col Nelson lefy

I went to millersburg military institute from 1969-1973, its time for awake up call. Col hall at this time had dark secrets. Its called pedophile.The school including Col. Johnson knew exactly what this sick individual was doing. All in the name of money the drugs, alcohol and beatings were allowed to go unchecked. School officials at this time did not know the meaning of honesty and justice. Anybody remember Major Hamm,one sadistic piece of work.This was just the tip of the iceberg. If i had a couple of hours i could write you a book.

68,69,70 junior school..Hamm was a sadistic piece of shit..skull drills by shoving your head into the slate chalkboards..then beating your ass with the pocketsize…and Crawford was a fn perv.loved those enemas..you had to never be ill.Gordon and Ruby betts were the only salvation to my youth..can’t speak for senior school.but they did have some sicko already mentioned that they let come down and prey on us..
Hamm was a cruel piece of shit..
My 2 cents…
B.N

It doesn’t surprise me. Since it left Sea Girt NJ the organization seemed to used as a cash-cow by two or three administrators at the top. Too bad because it had been a good organization before 2007 or so.

In a hearing in mid-December the court voided Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for failure to comply with the Court’s requirements. Without protection, the bank may continue foreclosure on the campus.

The court order may be viewed here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxZVJNsYaZvqVzVGR2lCQnltbWM/view?pref=2&pli=1

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection has been dismissed for failure to comply with the Court’s requirements. Without protection, the bank may continue foreclosure on the campus.

In a hearing held in mid-December the court listed Millersburg Military Institute (aka: United States Army Cadet Corps, Inc.) as having failed to:

> Have a plan to resolve the dispute regarding ownership of its property.
> Maintain property insurance.
> File status reports (regarding reorganization efforts).
> Secure approval of counsel (contract).

Thus the bankruptcy protection has been withdrawn.

The court order can be seen here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxZVJNsYaZvqVzVGR2lCQnltbWM/view?pref=2&pli=1

I attended MMI four years in the late 1950s.

I remember the school purpose and emphasis was academics and character building. The purpose of the military format was to organize 186 individuals on 18 acres. Without organization it would become kayos.

Things change. I do not dough the harassment, hazing and bulling accounts. But I am surprised that Col. Blackshear and Capt. Hall would let it happen. Also, there was no instruction on the use of a garrote or any other for of killing while I was there.

I do believe some senior officers were given more authority and power than they had maturity to handle

Can anyone list all of the Presidents/School Chiefs that MMI had?

The organization is making arrangements with the bank and getting on a payment plan for the debt that was back owned since 2014. It isn’t over with until the fat lady sings and she is not getting ready to sing anytime soon. Out with the bad and in with fresh instructors and new faces.

So hoping the fate of this facility does not go the way I have heard. I have been told plans are to turn the facility into Section 8 housing. Please people help save this facility and the history of the grounds. The long standing members of the Millersburg community do not need this type of drastic blow. I wish I was financially able to help, not only save this property but to help be able to maintain the value of my own.

I do know that one ray of hope is the fact Millersburg City Council marked the property as a designated Educational Zone several years ago. I hope the council will do everything possible to make sure the future outcome of this property continues to be a positive asset to the community of Millersburg.

Forest Hill Military Academy is in default on its loans and is scheduled to be auctioned at a master commissioner’s sale on Oct. 1. A court judgment earlier this month ordered the property to be sold to pay the lender, Farmers Deposit Bank. The bank filed suit against the Cadet Corps seeking $535,188 plus interest. Court records indicate the Cadet Corps had two loans totaling $1 million borrowed from the bank. A senior loan officer said in an affidavit that the school had not made payments since August 2014. The property value was appraised at $675,000 according to court records.

I attended MMI from fall of ’66 – May ’70 when I graduated. My mother was the librarian from fall of ’66 through spring of ’75. During my years there, there were two school presidents, Col Haynes and Col Johnson. Col Hall was the senior English and German instructor as well as wrestling coach. He also served as Commandant a couple of times over the years (lead disciplinarian).

Jeff Weaver, I remember you and experienced some of the hazing that you are talking about. I will say that my class of ’70 did our best to assure that that culture of hazing and abuse was no longer acceptable during our senior year. I’m sure there was still some going on but we did attempt to stop it when we encountered it

I attended MMI from 1965 to 1968. I vividly recall the cruelty and hazing at the hands of upper classmen and student officers. Everything from verbal humiliation to out and out physical torture. How another could student whose parents pay the same tuition as every other cadet have unlimited power over their charges as it was with the student officers was ludicrous. The food at MMI was substandard. I stood in the queue for my breakfast one morning and we had sausage and pancakes. By the time I got to my assigned table the syrup on my pancakes had crystallized to a hard, inedible crust. I believe that some of the food was military surplus that was probably canned before I was born. The only teacher that I felt gave a Damn was Col. Pope Blackshear, who taught my Algebbra 1 class. Patient and kindly, he made sure I understood the subject. Unfortunately, he dropped dead of a heart attack walking across campus with his wife on their way to supper at Gamble Hall. His replacement was mean and inadequate. I lost interest and failed the course. Military Science classes were totally inappropriate for young minds. It was the height of the Vietnam War and I remember the teacher demonstrating to us the use of a garrotte to “Kill them damned Gooks” I was just shy of my fourteenth birthday. Tobacco was king in Kentucky and smoking was rampant among cadets, and overlooked by faculty. I say good riddance to that place.

Jeff do you remember John McBain? He attended during that time as well.

I attended when Col. Berwick was President. Capt. Lloyd was Commandant. I believe it was year 2001-2002. I have good and bad memories of this place, but when I look at the pictures, it takes me back to my youth. Hindsight is 20/20, and I’m glad to have been a part of the Millersburg Military Academy legacy.

Sean P.

I think my brother attended the Millersburg Military Academy around 1949-52. Is there any place that would have records of students attending the school at that time? S

I attended MMI 96until beginning of 98 col. Hall or (Kern) to cadets, was like a father to me. Though he was never the president. Just a dedicated history/German teacher. A brigadier gen. Whose name I cannot remember was the president.

I attended one year at MMI in 1964. I simply loved the dedication to duty that the Corps expressed at the time. My simple one year of training did wonders for me. I finished my regular HS with honors in my senior year, and trust me that was very strange and due totally to the discipline I learned at MMI. I then served for almost 8 years in the US Army, with a tour and a half in RVN. It’s good to see the site saved and serving again.

I attended MMI in the 1965-66 academic year. I was in the 9th grade. At that time grades 6-9 lived in what was called the junior school dorm. Yet we did our drilling at the senior school. There was so much bullying of the freshmen by the senior school cadets, that the higher-ups ultimately decided to make the freshmen an individual troop (lovingly known as F-Troop) to end the harassment. Too little, too late, in my opinion as this didn’t happen until the Spring of 1966.

I have nothing but good things to say about the academics. Gordon Crawford was an awesome English teacher and the other teachers were good as well.

I would love to know what happened to Jon Steele. He was the Cadet Commander of the Junior School. What a sadistic Jerk! Students with a high GPA had the privilege of studying in their rooms rather than in the group study hall. I remember Steele coming around to make sure the honor students were studying one night, and whacking me repeatedly with my hair brush for no apparent reason. Hope you found your peace Buddy Boy…

Dear Robert:
I was reading today from the few cadets that have written comments on the abandoned webpage.Your writings did indeed put a smile on my face.
As I attended the school for only 2 years,my second and 3rd. grade my memories are still very good as to what I saw there and the things that happened.I can remember when Roosevelt died and even at that age I was up set at his passing.I think we bathe agree that that school had a lasting impression on my soul.
That said I was wondering if you might have a picture of the school building as we knew it in those years.I have looked quite a few times and written the acting head of the school and with no results.
If you have one I would really appreciate it if you coulf email it to me .
As you will notice from my email address I am living in Mexico now and not very likely I can ever return to Kentucky again.
I do hope this email puts a smile on your face even if you do not have a photo.As you said above we are just kind of passing time now.
Take care and have a good one.
Billy Martin

Sorry to here the news of Col. Hall. I knew the Col. from 1959-1963. He was definitely the best German language teacher around. I believe that Cadet Will Smith would agree. The Col. taught many of us how to play tennis. I can remember all the teachers and staff. Each gave me much direction such as Col Blackshear, Capt Steele.
I do understand Cadet Tom S reaction to that type of environment in the 60's, but that's what I needed. I didn't become a politician, Judge or a ranking officer of the military. I carried M.M.I.'s discipline ,agressiveness, good and bad times my 68 years of life. Thanks to the discipline of M.M.I.I raised a family and had a good life. I must be aging because in 2011 walking around the empty campus feeling the sadness of great days gone by. The old football field and track has been destroyed by time. I remember Jay Reed lost a track shoe while running for the the State Championship in the hurdles. Let's not forget the undefeated football Champs in the 60's. The only memories I have of my teen years were all on this old M.M.I. property. WOW I got carried away. I think Billy Martin knows how I feel. To all Alumni still alive I pray peace and good health.
Thank you Army Corp of Cadets for saving this grand old place
Respectfully William Ford

I spent 1960/1961 at M.M.I , very little time there was good.I came from Akron children's home. At that time there was four of us there from the home. One of us at the time was student battalion leader.
Me and my room mate where subjected to constant harassment and bulling. We got it from the students and
Some of the staff. So there was little there that gave me good memories! Under today's law some of the staff
Would be jailed. Tom S

MMI was very formative in my life. I graduated from the Jr School in 1942 after three years starting in the 5th grade.
I remember Ms Brown as teacher of the first four grades, yes we had kids as young as first grade then.. I also remember Ms Stonebreaker the house mother and Cpt Betts. Col W.R. Nelson was head man then and I was in class with his youngest daughter Mary Del.

Most who I knew are gone and I will soon follow. Anyway "a salute to MMI"

Sleepy Jones

My uncle, Crutcher Ellis, attended MMI. As he was born about 1903, this would have been probably during or just after World War I. I have (from my father, his youngest brother) a photo of Colonel Best and a group photo of cadets, whose faces I cannot distinguish.

Are their archival records that would tell me any more details about him or his attendance there?

I am also curious whether perhaps his mother, my paternal grandmother, born Rhoda Herndon in 1883, may have attended the Female College/Seminary.

Is there anyone who has student records from so long ago? It would be wonderful to know more of my own family’s history with regard to the school.

Thank you very much. Mary Van Kesteren (born Mary Hall Ellis in Shelby County)

I today read about the misfortunes of my old and loved school.I had the privilege and honer to have attended school in the old grammer school that was across from the Methodist church.My attendance was in the war years of 44 and 45.The only thing that remains of that school are my memories of some of the good things
that have happened to me
although I was too young to know it a pattern was set that was to carry me thru a lot of hard times and a lot of good times.I still remember my teachers name as she was the only woman teacher there .Her name was Brown and she did an excellent job.Also remember the commander and his name
was Captain Betts.I don't remember when exactly but I did manage a trip thru Millersburg sometime in 2000 and was disappointed to see an apartment house where the school had stood.The back playground was still there and looked exactly like it did when we all frolicked and played ball there so many years ago.
I went to the high school and it was during the summer and it was unattended at that time.
I was never able to find any of my class mates but perhaps one will read this and we might talk again.I have
nothing but great memories of that school and will always cherish them.

I’ve been surfing lately and goggled MMI. OMG, so surprised to read about the changes. Since you were in the Dance Band…did you ever go to Tulare, Calif. in 1962? I met a guy______ Womack in 1962 in Tulare and attended your concert. He lived in Cincinnati and his first name just came to me…Eddie? Just wondered what happened to him? I dated him that summer when I flew back to Cincy [I lived there, Indian Hills] end of summer he went back to school and lost touch. just thought I’d reach out. Currently living in South Florida. Thanks, Gail

Steve, I attended from 1947-1952. This was the heyday of MMI. Junior School was run by Capt. Gordon Betts who was on the 1927 KY basketball champions. There was about 100 students then. I was in the Senior School until I graduated in 1952. I am trying to recall some on the cadets during my years. Wally Labermier an industrialist from Cincinnati. Two Dawhares out a family five who attuned earlier. Baxter Kelly from Richmond. There were several cadets from Cuba, Colombia and Mexico. From my class of 1952, we had Billy Mac Layson an scientist and the class’s brain, Dr. John Hall, “Hardware” Charlie Wells who was my roommate, Kentucky Laurate Wendell Berry, and others. 1956 class produce General William Suter who was Chief Clerk of the US Supreme Court. Many doctors and lawyers as well as other professions. I was Treasurer of the BOT 2003-2005.
You can contact me any dnvero@comcast.net for more info. I loved the school and everyday pleasant memories still daily reminder of MMI. Dwight Baker

The U.S. Army Cadet Corps is proud to have assumed the legacy of the historic campus of Millersburg Military Institute. Since our acquisition of the post, more than 1,000 young men and women have attended career exploration programs, traveling from 34 states and 21 countries to do so.

Each April we have an All-Cadets Reunion, specifically for MMI Cadets of all generations, as well as the young men and women who have earned the title "Cadet" during our 103 years of operation.

The next chapter for the campus begins in August, 2012, when Forest Hill Military Academy opens its doors. Watch our website for details!

Respectfully,

Joseph M. Land, Sr.

Colonel, GS, USAC

Chief of Staff

U.S. Army Cadet Corps

I too attended MMI, however it was towards the end of its life. I only attended one year, 1994-1995, before both my parents and I decided it was not for me and transfered to FUMA. While you list financial reasons for the demise of the instituition, that was only partly to blame. NO effort or money had been put into the property for MANY years. I can remember being assigned to Miller Hall, which is where the lower school (6th-8th grade) was housed. Only 15 of the rooms where even still inhabitable. I remember there were 9 of us at the begining of the year and we finished with 8 at the end. The foundation had settled so bad that the floor was litteraly several inches away from the walls. Two of the rooms, the floor had completely collapsed into the basement. For either the author of the site or anyone interested, I thought I would list the purposes of the buildings before closure…

Allen House was used as the commandants residence. Gamble hall was used for indoor drill hall as well as the chow hall. Mcintyre Hall was used for the upper school (9th-12th grade) with alpha company on the first floor and bravo company on the second floor (note there was no bravo company the year I was there and there were only approx 65 cadets that year. As I mentioned before, Miller Hall was used as the lower school dormitory. The gymnasium was never opened while I was there, I was told that part of the ceiling had collapsed in, but I can not confirm this because I didn't actually see it.

I have both good and bad memories of this school. I can remember taking off my watch and setting it on my desk and my room, and because the floor was so sloped, it rolled off the desk and into the crack between the wall and floor. I would imagine it is still there, LOL. I also remember riding through the tornado of that year, that passed just south of the campus, while being under the table in the chow hall. I can remember there is a rock wall behind the commandants office and walking along it one day and tripping and taking a sizeable portion out of my shine and chipping the bone. I still have the scar from this to this day.

I have heard rumor that the Army Cadet Corp has really spruced the place up, and hope to stop by in the fall on my way to Florida and see if they really have.

In 1956 F H Hall was a captain and taught English and German. He taught at MMI a few years before 1956. There was no wrestling or weight lifting program at that time. He was an Ohio State graduate. This means. he would have started college about 1950. The Korean and Vietnam wars started after 1950.

Captain Hall was a very solitary person, He did not engage other people but when approached by people he was open and friendly. Unlike other faculty members, he did not have a car on campus and stayed on campus months at a time. This fits the characteristics of a single handed sailboat skipper.

I have just finished reading “In The Lamb White Days”. It may be that some of the material for the book came from MMI student’s circumstances woven around his interest in sailing.

Steve what was the circumstances about the cadet falling out of the window?

I am so impressed with what has continued to happen at and to a very fine Insitution of learning. I too attended but during the early sixties, 1961-64. I am sadden that I did not stay one more year to graduate. My memories of a great dance band, and friends take me back to a time far more inocent than today (2011). I also remember Col. Hall as a leader, educator, and inspiration to the Cadet Corp. The riggors of the daily life taught discipline, self assurance, and responsibility. I miss the school and I am joyful to know the traditions are kept alive by outstanding young cadets who are an honor to their school, their country and to those of us who marched those hallowed grounds.

Hi.

I was there at MMI 1986-1990. I knew Bryce and like him, remember him well.

Col Floyd H. Hall was affectionately known as “Kern” taught English, German, Latin, Journalism, Boxing, weightlifting, and probably a few more topics I forgot. He was more than a teacher, he was an icon, and a mentor. He taught us more about being “tough” in the sweat box and in his classes than we ever learned anywhere else. A gentleman type of toughness.
He was not the president, but he outlived so many of them.
His military background was as a medic with the 82nd ABN on D Day in WWII, followed by a stint in Korea. Afterward he was one of the first troops in parts of Vietnam and Laus as a SF or SOCOM medic in the highlands/mountains. I never asked him but it was probably there he adopted Buddhism.

I remember his medical skilsl came in handy one day when a student jumped out of the third floor of miller hall and landed in the bushes, with a sick through his chest. Kern never even batted an eye, and handled it until the local volunteer ambulance arrived.

he died in 1999 while on vacation back home of pneumonia if I recall correctly. He was also a published author “In the Lamb White Days” (https://www.amazon.com/Lamb-White-Days-F-h-hall/dp/0671809482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476858678&sr=8-1&keywords=In+the+lamb+white+days.) I am told he also wrote a book in Italian but I can’t confirm that. It wouldn’t surprise me. he was a true Warrior Scholar in the most quiet way.

Steve Cole
1986-1990

CMS Fulltime boarding tuition between 1984-1986 was about $7,000/yr. I went to school with both Hank and Donnie during that time. I was in Jr. School 7th-8th grade. I am shocked to hear about the fight between him and Donnie. One striking memory that I do have about Hank from 1985 . My friend found a hand written note on the floor of Jr School building first floor. It was a note from Hank to someone else. It looked like it fell out of someone’s pocket. The note was talking about killing someone. I don’t know if it was past tense or future tense. I can’t remember the name mentioned. I wanted to turn the note in, but my friend kept calling me a snitch if I did. He tore the note up.

I remember cadet Sherrill was thrown out of 2nd floor window in late 60’s. Don’t remember his injuries….

campus looks awesome … i am a 1988 graduate of MMI .. i started school there in 1982 … the campus has changed – much for the better .. i was saddened to hear that the campus had been abandoned but very happy to see all of the improvements !! WOW !! would love to visit when i am back in area …. One thing that i am suprised about …. Col. F.H. Hall taught at this school for many , many years – before the 1970's and he was very dedicated to the school and all of the students …. most respected by students , staff , and parents ….. i understand that he died while still teaching there in 1999 …. i dont understand , that with his dedication , he is never mentioned …. thank you for this site … i love it .. brings back fond memories .. i did love the school ……

Hello Bryce,

Would you please provide more information about COL F. H. Hall? Was he the President of MMI? If so, what years did he serve as President?

Thank you.

I played corner and wide receiver.
Caught my one and only touch down
In the pouring rain. I remember the whole team getting kicked out of the locker room at half-time, we sat on the side line in the rain and sipped moonshine until 3rd quarter started. Great times!

Hey Bryce, I was there with you with bill Lazarus, kicker and right guard on football team! I took trip there this past weekend, got to even go in my old room! Like yesterday! Place is a wreck!