The Drake Institute Chapter One The Drake Institute, TDI, as most knew it was named after it's founder Colonel W. Drake in 1972. Originally formed as a strict private reform school for troubled teens of wealthy families it was considered one of the most reliable resources to turn the ways of an errant young boy or girl. A strict regeme and the frequent use of corporal punishment were the cornerstone of it's success. Unfortunately, the growing concern of child abuse led to outlaw the non-parental corporal punishment of children. Though other methods of constructive punishment were employed by TDI, none proved as effective as the many sessions of bare- bottom dicipline that took place within it's walls. Eventually, due to the new laws, the reputation of success the institute enjoyed dwindled and was forced to close its doors. In just three short years of it's closure in 1978 it's reputation as a valuable resource to the community was being missed. A growing problem of young adult crime and deliquency had set upon this upscale community. Through mutual efforts of law enforcement and the District Attorneys office a ballot measure was introduced to fund and re-open TDI. However, the institute would not be re- opened for the benefit of the younger teens. It would be re-opened to deal with the young adult problem. State law forbid corporal punishment of children but said nothing of the same should the recipient be an adult. The ballot was a success. The town council persuaded the Colonel to again assume the duties of Director and was able to locate and re-employ some of the original staff. The District Attorney and the Court drafted the charter and a plea- bargain agreement to provide all the legalities needed. The charter stated the purpose and proceedure of the institute and made it legal for it's existance. The purpose was simple. To improve the quality, integrity and responsibility of the young adult community, those between the ages of 18 and 30 yrs of age, by providing a living environment consisting of education and a strict daily regeme. The proceedure, purposefully thin in it's constraints, allowed the Colonel plenty of latitude to employ TDI's former methods. The plea-bargain contract allowed those guilty of excessive misdemeanors, DUI's, and a vast array of moderately serious offences to choose time at the institute rather than jail time. Normal duration of a stay at TDI would be 3 to six months but could be as long as 2 years should the severity of the offense warrant it. It also provided those facing high monetary judgements to choose applicable time rather than having to pay the fines. The contract, lengthy and concise, explicitely detailed the rules of the institute. The strict regeme, conduct, and dress at TDI. It also made very clear that corporal punishment both public and private, including the use of straps, paddles, canes and such impliments upon the bare buttocks could, and most likely would, be the first and most frequent corrective action should any misbehavior or breaking of the rules occur. Though dealing with young adults now, and most having graduated high school, education remained a major focus of the institute. Inmates, properly referred to as "students" under the charter, if enrolled in the local college were still required to attend classes. Their grades, attendance, and conduct were under the strict scrutiny of their respective guidance counselor, Those not enrolled in college were required 5 hours of classwork daily. The guidance counselors, referred to as GC's under the charter, were all certified teachers and all classes counted towards a high school diploma should a student be lacking such. It should be noted again that the Colonel was very successful in recuiting the members of his previous staff. The GC's, as they were now called, were very experienced under the Colonels rule. Those staff who were new went through a 90 day evaluation/training program under another certified GC and directed by The Colonel's First Dean, Miss Price, who began her career with the Colonel years ago as a governess to his two children, Jason and Candice. The entire staff knew what was expected and what (to expect) should they fall from the mark themselves. Just as it was when TDI was a private institution, corrective action towards staff and administration was similar to that of the students. That's right! The GC's, office staff, and even the Deans (2 of them) could find themselves on the recieving end of a paddle or hairbrush. Though it didn't happen often each staff member eventually experience a sore bottom at least once. It wasn't popular among the staff but it was a condition of employment they had to agree to. It was a long hard effort and took a lot of money but finally, some 2 months later, TDI was ready to re-open. Colonel Drake assembled his staff of 6 GC's, 3 aids (GC's in training), 2 deans, and a personal secretary. Four of the GC's were well experienced in the methods and demands of the Colonel. Marie Crandel, George Radcliff, and Carol Moore were all previous GC's at the institute. The fourth GC was none other than the Colonel's own son Jason, who had spent his entire entire 4 years of high- school at TDI and was very familiar with what a strict daily order and a well spanked bottom was like. 32 year old Carol Moore was the youngest and least experienced GC having only completed her training 6 months prior to TDI's closure. The staff, the Deans and the Colonel all resided at the institute. It was a 5 day round-the-clock job but work schedules for the GC's and staff provided for at least one dean or The Colonel and 4 GC's to be present at all times. The GC's were assisted by three aids, Miss Nancy Baxter, Mrs. Betty Burns and Mr. Darin Smyth. Miss Baxter and Miss Burns also had been previous students for a year at TDI. Darin Smyth was brand new to the environment. The two Deans, Jeff Barns - 2nd Dean, and Miss Price, 1st Dean, had also been With TDI previousily. Jeff Barns, 36, was previously a GC for four years and 42 yr old Miss Price had a 15 year history with the Colonel which included 3 years as his first dean,6 years as a GC and six years as his governess to his children. The secretary was the only one completely new to the school but was very familiar with it's ways and confident of the results. Some 12 years ago her own daughter had gone through a period of trouble and thus had been a student at TDI for a brief 90 days. "That was the best 90 days" she boasts "of my daughters life." Once release back into our family her attitude and behavior had done an about face and she is now a lawyer with a local firm.