USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > History of San Luis Obispo County, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 67
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BRANCH SCHOOL
Was visited by the Superintendent on May 9th. There were thirty-eight pupils in attendance, the room was tidy, order fair, lessons good, and enthusiasm at par. The brief examination had was quite satisfactory; the general condition of the school quite encouraging. The Trus- tees of this district, together with the patrons, have recently removed the school building to a more central location, near the Branch Mill. The location is a beau- tiful one. The school-room is large enough to accom- modate all the pupils. Proper apparatus has been pro- vided, and the present attendance is much larger than that of any preceding term. Ex-Superintendent Felts is the fortunate teacher.
Report of the Branch School, R. F. Whittemore, teacher, for the month ending August 18, 1882: Enroll- ment, 52; girls, 20; boys, 32; whole number of days' at- tendance, 796; whole number of absences, 51; whole number of tardinesses, 57; average number belonging, 40; average daily attendance, 38; percentage of attend- ance on average number belonging, 95. The following pupils were neither absent nor tardy during the month: May Fowler, Isabel Monroe, Emma Nelson, Elbert Mon- roe, Emma Conrad, Willie Conrad, Charlie Conrad, John Orton, Samuel Baker, Finis Nelson, George Kitchen.
CANYON SCHOOL.
The term that commenced in this district Monday, March 13th, Mr. J. A. Ford, teacher, closed Tuesday, July 18th. The teacher announced a picnic for the amusement of the children and the grown folks of the surrounding country. A good turnout of the former, and, considering the busy harvest time, a respectable number of the latter arrived at the appointed hour.
Declamations, recitations, and compositions interpersed with songs was followed by the distribution of presents, an out-door dinner and a general good time.
After the exercises were rendered in a creditable man-
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
ner, apples and candy were passed around to the little ones, and the certificates and presents were distributed. Although but three presents were offered at the begin- ning of the term, the teacher saw fit to add to these, so that each pupil was the recipient of some present. The prize for greatest number of days' attendance, a comband bracelets, and also certificate, was given to Maud Jones. For best conduct and greatest improvement, Chas. Jones bore off the prize-an illuminated picture book and rub- ber ball. For general good conduct and attention the following received prizes: Alice Callaway, a copy of Washington Irving's "Sketch Book;" Minnie Jones a necklace of blue beads; H. A. F. Ford, a bank; William Callaway, fancy marbles; J. E. J. Ford, a bank; Georgia Callaway, a portemonnaie; Wesley Bludsol, package of stationery in fancy box; Martha Hampton, colored picture book ;. Alice L. Ford, box of stationery; Rosa Bowling, picture book. The pupils being supplied with jumping ropes, were dismissed to an adjoining shade tree where the teacher treated to lemonade and the patrons had joined him in preparing a very creditable dinner, which was enjoyed by all. H. B. Jones and Mrs. Nancy Jones, two of the Board of Trustees, were present. Mrs. Jones expressed herself as being greatly pleased with the exercises and progress of the school. All of the trustees have been exceedingly alive to the interests of the school and have been generous and advanced in their ideas in furnishing Canyon School with late style apparatus. The patrons have also upheld the teacher in his efforts to make Canyon School second to none in San Luis Obispo County, for all of which thanks are tendered. Mr. J. A. Ford was retained as teacher for the term which opened July 31, 1882.
CENTRAL SCHOOL.
The full Board of Trustees, consisting of Messrs. J. B. Kester, R. Hazzard, and Chas. Mabel, manifested their official interest in the school by their attendance also. The brief examination disclosed the fact that this school is in really good condition. New desks, as well as some new apparatus, has been purchased and the school provided with all necessary supplies. Mrs. Lizzie Goldsworthy is the teacher. This school has suffered much in the past by a too frequent change of teachers, and now that the school is really progressing it is to be hoped that the present competent Board of Trustees will make as few changes as possible.
CIENEGA SCHOOL.
Cienega, the new district, has a pleasant school of about twenty-five pupils, presided over by Miss Sallie Findley.
CORRAL DE PIEDRA.
Corral de Piedra School contains more than a score of happy boys and girls, under charge of Miss Rockwood. Everything pertaining to this school is in first-class order. The building has been enlarged, whitewashed, and otherwise renovated, a good substantial fence has been built, and a number of ornamental trees have been planted upon the grounds. The school has recently been the recipient of a neatly framed and handsome motto card, presented by Mrs. Patchet, one of the pat- rons. The brief examination was highly satisfactory. This is one of our best schools. The Trustees are Messrs. Geo. Steele, J. B. Townsend, and L. Maxwell.
CUESTA SCHOOL.
Report of Cuesta School, Captola Evans, teacher, for the term ending November 29, 1882: Number of days taught, 98; whole number days' attendance, 179.5; absence, 183; tardinesses, 121; boys enrolled, 12; girls
enrolled, 11; total number enrolled, 23; average number belonging, 9.82; daily attendance, 7.95; p.rcentage of attendance, 80. Sickness and removals from the dis- trict made the attendance small.
EAST SANTA FÉ SCHOOL.
East Santa Fé, Rev. B. F. Whittemore, a graduate of the Warrensburg, Missouri, Normal School, is teacher. Forty- four pupils were in attendance. Room tidy, pupils gen- erally studious, enthusiasm at par, and order fair. This school has long ranked as one of our very best schools, and the reason is apparent when we refer to its record. Only the very best teachers obtainable have been em- ployed, and these have been retained much longer than teachers usually are. The Trustees, Messrs. Barnett, Fitz- water, and Weathers, exhibit a commendable zeal in all matters pertaining to the school, and hence its interests are well cared for. The school house is located about three miles south of San Luis Obispo, and with its white cu- pola is a very pretty one, and is a conspicuous landmark to those passing on the road to Arroyo Grande.
ESTERO SCHOOL.
Report of Estero School, Miss Cornelia Richards, teacher, for the month ending September 9, 1882: Total number enrolled, eleven; average daily attendance, eight. Those who were not absent during the month are We- nona Huntley, Frank Cochran, and Harry Sheldon.
The work of the pupils thus far has been quite satis- factory. Marked improvement has been made in writing. At the end of the two months, the autographs of most of the pupils bore no resemblance to those written at the beginning of the term.
Two months' training in reading has not produced results so commendable. Not that it is difficult to teach reading, but to overcome bad habits previously acquired. Teachers of ungraded schools have more to contend with in teaching reading than can be imagined by one who has not engaged in the work. People who give the subject little or no thought, pronounce in favor of read- ing as the branch requiring least preparation or thought on the part of the teacher.
During the month, Montgomery's Revolving Chart has been added to our list of apparatus. We hope with it to accomplish results that shall compensate, in a measure, the great outlay.
ESTRELLA SCHOOL.
Following is the report of Estrella School, Cornelia Richards, teacher: "On the 8th of the present month, May, I opened school in Estrella District, with an attend- ance of twenty-nine scholars. During the week the num- ber increased to thirty-two. The children have been prompt in attendance; but three absentees having been recorded during the week, and four were tardy. No spirit of insubordination has yet been made manifest, and I anticipate a pleasant and profitable month of school. Unless there are accessions to the neighborhood soon the district will be materially affected by the removal of four of the families."
The healthfulness of the Estrella is shown by the fact that during the ten years the district has been organized, with the school children numbering from 25 to 70, there has occurred but one death among them.
The superintendent after visiting this school in May, 1882, writes of it as follows: Estrella School is presided over by Miss Cornelia Richards. Recitations were heard from all the pupils. Attendance 22, room well kept, order good, lessons excellent. This school is in fine con- dition, though the attendance is little more than half what it should be. A good school house, good library, neces- sary appliances, efficient apparatus and bright children
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PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
are the necessary concomitants which together with good teaching for several years past has rendered this one of our really good schools.
EXCELSIOR SCHOOL
Was visited in company with Trustee Mothersead. Miss Alice Mac has done some very faithful work in this school, but the attendance was small and the general interest was not such as to secure the very best results. The recitations heard were generally quite good; many improvements have been made and the school house is now a comfortable structure.
FAIR VIEW SCHOOL.
We visited Fair View School in company with G. A. Freeman and Mr. Zabrieska, Trustees of the district. This is one of the "new districts" and for the short time that it has been in existence it has really accom- plished wonders. Miss Mary L. McKennon is the fortu- nate teacher who dispenses the benedictions. The school house and some other improvements have been secured by subscriptions, and the school census was taken free of charge last year by Mr. G. A. Freeman. A lively contest is anticipated to-morrow over the school election.
FRANKLIN SCHOOL
Was visited in company with Trustee J. Q. Buffington and S. Donatti. About thirty pupils were in attendance. The class work done by the school is very good, but the order just a little below par. Under the manage- ment of J. W. Raines this school is rapidly improving, and will doubtless in course of time rank as one of our best. The people of this district think of moving this school to Cayucos, and it is said that the citizens of that thriving city will subscribe the necessary funds to erect a fine school building.
HARMONY SCHOOL
Contains about sixteen pupils under charge of Miss Clara Carmien. The pupils are doing some excellent work and the school is giving, as it deserves to do, excellent satisfaction.
HESPERIAN SCHOOL.
Visited this in company with Mr. Geo. S. Davis, Clerk of the Board of Trustees. We found ex-Superintend- ent Darke dispensing instructions to about fifty-eight pupils. School has been maintained about eighteen months, and considering the ravages made by the epi- demics the attendance has been generally good. This school is in excellent condition, and this is largely due to the fact that the same teacher has been employed year after year without change. The Trustees furnish all needful supplies, and exhibit a commendable interest in their school.
This is one of the schools of Cambria, and was pre- sided over for many years by Prof. F. E. Darke, who reports that for twelve years not a death occurred among the pupils, and, at times, there had been as many as 150 in attendance. This is a record of the salubrity of the climate of Cambria and vicinity. The epidemic of diphtheria is of recent occurrence.
HOME SCHOOL
Is in prime condition. Attendance nearly forty; order excellent; lessons first-class, and pupils enthusiastic. In addition to the brief examinations and some general class work, we were further entertained by an excellently per- formed calisthenic drill, and some finely rendered songs,
by the school. School visited in company with Trustees Ira Van Gordon and B. F. Mayfield. These gentlemen, together with Mr. George Balaam, constitute the Board of Trustees-gentlemen who contribute both time and money to render their school-room attractive, and the school work successful; and they have one of the best schools in the county.
The following is the report of Home District School, Miss Agnes M. Doud, teacher, for the month ending May 19: Number of pupils enrolled, 37; average num- ber belonging, 3014; average daily attendance, 2813; percentage on the whole number belonging, 94. The names on the Roll of Honor for the month are: Blannie Music, Blanche Music, Bennie Music, Ella Balaam, Laura, Lucy, and Clayton Leffingwell, Ethel, Solan, and Fred Mayfield, Ella and Sibyl Webb, Mary and Birdie Wilkinson, Gillie Gross, Lay and Jesse Gillis, Johnnie and Charlie Heinzerling, Willie and Lawson Shaug, Michael Wilkinson, Newton Phillips. Everything is pro- gressing satisfactorily in this district in regard to school business. The Trustees are pleasant and agreeable, and take quite an interest in the school. The scholars are well behaved, and are advancing rapidly in their 'studies. In conclusion, this is the most pleasant school that I have ever taught.
HOPE SCHOOL.
Report of Hope School, W. W. Beckett, teacher, for month ending May 12, 1882: Whole number of days' attendance, 424; whole number of days' absence, 28; whole number of tardinesses, 5; total number enrolled, 27; average number belonging, 22; average daily attend- ance, 21; percentage of attendance, 95. Those not ab- sent during the month are Frank and Obe. Brians, Rosa and Nettie Tromer, Louisa and Justina Minoli, Francis and Dolores Chaves, and Refugio Serrano.
HUASNA SCHOOL.
Mr. A. W. McArthur opened school in Huasna Dis- trict on Monday, November 19, 1882.
HUER-HUERO SCHOOL.
The Superintendent says :---
Leaving Salinas School at HI A. M., we crossed the Salinas River, and wended our way up through Rocky Canon and over the ridge to the Huer-Huero Ranch. Arrived here, we scanned the roadside carefully to find some road leading up into the settlement. After travel- ing more than two miles, we concluded that we had already gone too far, and turned back. Turning off and following a single wagon track through the tall grass, we at length emerged into a dim road, which we followed over hill and dale, and finally up a sandy canon of many meanderings, that seemed miles to the place of Mr. Moody. Here we were directed to cross the ridge to another branch of the Huer-Huero, and descend that stream to Mr. Donovan's, which we did, and were there directed to tie up our st_ed and walk one-half mile to- wards Mr. Moody's. Having done so, we arrived late in the afternoon at the school, after having driven ten or twelve miles, to really go a distance of about three. This school is presided over by Mr. Jack L. Dunn, a practical printer, who is also a graduate of the Warrensburg, Mis- souri, Normal School. The school house, though made of logs, is comfortable. It is situated in a sequestered glen, with a cool spring near it. Though one of the "new districts," much has already been done to make here a good school. Lessons good, order fair, room neat, enthusiasm at par, and the general make-up of the school quite encouraging. The Trustees are Messrs. Morgan, Moody, and Donovan.
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
JOSEPHINE SCHOOL.
The following is the report of Josephine School, Mat- tie McKnight, teacher, for the month opening July roth, and closing August 4th. Whole number of days' attend- ance, 2691/2; absence, 2012; tardiness, 12; boys enrolled, 7; girls enrolled, 11; total number enrolled, 18; average number belonging, 1412; daily attendance, 13 19-40; percentage of attendance on number belonging, 92 27- 29; number of pupils entered, 7; number of old pupils re-entered, II.
LAGUNA SCHOOL.
Report of Laguna School, W. W. Beckett, teacher, for the month ending October 13, 1882: Whole number of days' attendance, 692; number of days' absence, 39; number of tardiness, 18; number of boys enrolled, 24; number of girls enrolled, 18; total number enrolled, 42; average number belonging, 36; average daily attendance, 34; percentage of attendance, 96.
LINCOLN SCHOOL.
Report of Lincoln District School, Mrs. Mary E. Thompson, teacher, for the month ending September 29th: Whole number of days' attendance, 478; whole num- ber of days' absence, 50; average number belonging, 25.9; average daily attendance, 23.9; percentage of at- tendance, 92. Those who were not absent during the entire month, are Sarah Morrison, George Lonigan, Carrie Lonigan, Lydia Fisher, Abbie Fisher, Eddie Fisher, Lora Thompson, and Josie Burnes. Those who stand 100 in attendance, punctuality, and deportment, are George and Carrie Lonigan.
Of this the Superintendent in May, said :-
Lincoln School was visited in company with John S. Worth and Mr. Beebee, Trustees of the district. This "new school" has suffered greatly in consequence of pre- vailing epidemics, and frequent vacations consequent thereto, also from a lack of apparatus. Mrs. Thompson, the teacher, has doubtless labored diligently, but the pupils need discipline, as well as a vigorous waking up. The brief examination disclosed the fact that this school is in a very backward condition. This is largely ac- counted for by the frequent vacations, and irregular at- tendance as well as the short time that this school has been taught. During the year a good school house has been built by subscription, and some patent desks pur- chased. The Trustees pledge themselves to sustain the teacher in her efforts to secure good order and good work, hence we expect a good report from this district during the next year.
LOS OSOS SCHOOL.
Report of Los Osos School, Miss Meda Cole, teacher, for the two months ending May 19th: Whole number enrolled, 17; average number belonging, 13.75; average daily attendance, 13.05; percentage of attendance, 94.9; number of tardies, 20; number not absent, 5; number not tardy, Io. The school building is well built, nicely finished, and well furnished. The only things lacking to make it one of the most desirable school houses in the county are a fence and shade trees. These they propose having as soon as possible. It is a pleasant school-the pupils bright, cheerful, and easy to govern. With a school of this kind a teacher feels well repaid for all the labor and energy expended.
LAS TABLAS SCHOOL
Is in a flourishing condition. A new school house has recently been built. Twenty-two pupils are in attend- ance, order perfect, lessons good, enthusiasm good. The
patrons justly feel proud of their school, and express themselves fortunate in securing the services of Miss La Tourette as teacher. The school was visited in company with Mr. A. F. Parsons of Sunderland District.
MAMMOTH ROCK SCHOOL
Is ably presided over by Miss Ellen Dill. The school- room is comfortable, and furnished with good furniture, and sufficient apparatus. The school is small, but the pupils are both orderly and studious, and this is in every respect an excellent school. Unfortunately, nearly half the pupils of this district reside in the hills north of Santa Rosa Creek, too far away to enjoy school privi- leges. Report of Mammoth Rock School, Miss Nellie Dill, teacher, for the month ending September 22, 1882: Number of boys enrolled, 9; number of girls, 12; total, 21; whole number of days' attendance, 37512; whole number of days' absence, 2012; whole number of tardi- nesses, 31; average number belonging, 19.8; average daily attendance, 18.7; percentage, 94. Those pupils who were not absent during the month were Lottie Buffum, Joseph Buffum, Annie Buffum, Josie Sharp, Dollie Sharp, Reuben Phillips, Bell Phillips, Alfa Phillips, Willie Blitch, and Anna Davidson. The school has increased in num- ber since the new term opened. During July the aver- age was 16.4, and August, 17.9. Montgomery's Revolv- ing Chart has recently been added to the apparatus list.
MISSION SCHOOLS.
In the fall of 1876 the mission school building in the city of San Luis Obispo was erected on the corner of Santa Rosa and Mill Streets. This is an imposing struct- ure, fifty by eighty-eight feet on the ground and thirty-five feet high from the ground line to the top of the cornice, and forty-six feet to top of the deck in center of the roof. The cost was about $14,000, for which bonds were issued under an Act of the Legislature authorizing the same. It is second only to the Court House in size, and quite its equal in style of architecture and finish, and standing as it does upon the crown of the hill back and north of the Court House, forms a conspicuous land- mark for miles around.
The following is the report of J. L. Raines, principal of mission schools, from July 24th to September 29, 1882, succeeding Prof. C. H. Woods :-
The following are the totals for all of the departments : Number of days' attendance, 12,992; number of days absent, 997; number of tardiness, 72; number of boys, 224; number of girls, 149; total number enrolled, 373; percentage of attendance, 93.
We call the attention of patrons to the necessity of a prompt and regular attendance at school. By the above report you will find that during this term of less than three months there are on record 72 1 tardinesses and 997 days of absence. The State apportionment for this school was $5,696.46 in 1881, and over $6,000 in 1882. The salary of the principal is $95.00 per month.
OLMSTEAD SCHOOL.
The Olmstead School was visited in company with Trustee Williams. The attendance in this school is now small, owing to the removal of many children from this district. Much attention is paid to phonetics, music, and mathematics, though other branches are not neg- lected. The pupils are orderly, studious, and quite thorough in their work. Mr. Allan McLean is the suc- cessful teacher.
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PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL,
Another of the "new districts," has made an excel- lent record. This school, now under charge of Rufus Rigdon, Jr., is composed in most part of Spanish chil- dren. Mr. Canet, Mr. Feliz, Mr. Romero, and Trustee Withrow, accompanied us to the school. Reading and other recitations were heard from each of the pupils, and they acquitted themselves finely. Next we were favored with declamations and recitations by the several pupils. Mr. Canet then addressed the school in Spanish, and was followed by the County Superintendent, in English, after which we were entertained by a song which was nicely rendered by the school. Quite a number of the Spanish children here who but little more than two years ago knew not a word of English, now write grace- fully, and read fluently in the fourth reader.
Mr. R. M. Rigdon, of Mountain View District, writes as follows, under date of December 11: Last Friday fin- ished my second years' work in this district. The clos- ing exercises consisted of the usual programme of reci- tations and singing, which was listened to by a number of friends and. patrons. The following were the selec- tions: Bautista Rome, The Little Rabbits; Ascencion Romero, The Brown Thrush; Annie Romero, Jack in the Pulpit; Adolph Quintana, Burial of Sir John Moore; Peter Quintana, Little Star; Freddie Romero, Sparrow and I; Willie Romero, Thanksgiving Day; George With- row, Mr. Nobody; Ollie Withrow, Five Little Chickens; Frank Withrow, Teasing Totty; Bertha Conlee, Tired Out; Winnie Withrow, A Blossom Legend; Caona Estu- dillo, A Little Girl's Fancies. With music interspersed to quiet our enthusiasm occasioned by some of the "speeches" the afternoon passed quickly and pleasantly by. At the beginning of this term two prizes were of- fered, the first to the one who should make the most improvement in writing, and the second to the best writer. The victors were: First prize, Ollie Withrow; second prize, Annie Romero. The attendance this year has been better than last, but still not so good as might have been.
In the May preceding, he wrote :-
We have over sixty children on our census roll, and yet not over twelve or fourteen attend school. This is a very bad showing for the district. The only redeeming feature about the affair is that those who do come attend regularly.
OAKDALE SCHOOL.
Miss Agnes M. Parson, teacher, writes April 7, 1882: The Trustees of Oakdale District merit much credit for the manner in which they furnished their school house. The walls are neatly lined and papered. New desks, maps, globe, and other apparatus, most essential, have been purchased.
We heartily thank the gentlemen for their efforts, and will strive to show our appreciation by the manner in which we pursue our work.
School opened March 12th. The pupils show much earnestness of desire for advancement. The following is the report for the month ending April 7th: Whole num- ber of pupils enrolled, 16; whole number of days' attend- ance, 212; whole number of days' absent, 22; average number belonging, 16.76; average daily attendance, 12.47; percentage of attendance on average number belonging, 90.
These pupils were neither absent nor tardy during the month: Tina Hudson, Harry Hudson, Willie Wallace, George Wallace.
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