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 68
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This is a new school.
OAK FLAT SCHOOL.
The Superintendent reports that Oak Flat School was visited in company with Mr. Exline, a Trustee of the district. This is another of the "new districts" which maintains a good school. Attendance 15, order good, room tidy, lessons generally good. The exception seemed to be that some of the pupils had been promoted beyond their proper grade. Mr. Chris. McNulty is teacher.
OAK GROVE SCHOOL.
EDITOR OF EDUCATIONAL COLUMN-Dear Sir: One of my patrons said to me, "Why don't you report your school?" I have been hesitating to do so as I have had an unusually small school during my first month's teach- ing. I almost think sometimes that a teacher who has a small school should not report it or give it any "puff;" but the good Book tells us, "Do not despise the day of small things." I do not suspect it, but for fear some one may imagine that nothing worthy of record transpires in Oak Grove District, I will try to pen a few lines. And, if I am allowed, I will send this small con- tribution to your newsy and most excellent educational column. It is true we have had a small school in this district, but for faithful study, punctual attendance, and cheerful obedience to every school rule, the pupils of Oak Grove District cannot often be excelled. The school report for the first month is as follows: Number of pupils enrolled, 7; average number belonging, 7; average daily attendance, 6.85; percentage of attendance, 98; number of days' attendance, 137; number of days' absence, 3. I have just completed five weeks' teaching; they have been five weeks pleasantly spent. The school has received an increase since the first month. My pred- ecessors have spoken well of Oak Grove. Among them have been Messrs. Depeller and Brown and Miss Doud. The former and the latter achieved an enviable reputation. The great exodus that Oak Grove has shared with other districts is the best explanation I can give for the school being small. The incoming immi- gration to Oak Grove represents the very best class of citizens; but they are men who are not calculated to do much in a way to encourage our schools.
The schools of Las Tablas, Lincoln, Sunderland, and Oak Grove spent a pleasant time in picnicing on the first day of May. I recently visited Josephine, Central, and Ascension Schools. I believe they are doing well. I hope and trust that we shall have a pleasant institute and a profitable one. Let us labor to that end. The "Wil- derness Choir" may prepare some pieces for the insti- tute. Let others "go and do likewise."
May 10, 1882.
Very respectfully, WM. J. EVANS.
Number of days' attendance for the month ending June 16th, 209; number of days' absence, 11; number of pupils enrolled, 11. One pupil not of school age not included in the above report. Average daily at- tendance, 10.45; percentage of attendance, 9714. The number of days' absence was greater than usual this month. One pupil was necessarily absent one day in each week; two of the smaller pupils were absent respect- ively two and five days each, on account of sickness. I am, however, well pleased with the punctual attend- ance and progress of the pupils. Those who have not missed a day during the month are Misses Lizzie, Anna, and Ruan Graves, Delia and Burga Hessli, Sammy Whitsitt, and Benjamin Crank.
PACIFIC SCHOOL,
Located on San Simeon Bay, was visited in company with Captain Clark and D. Lippman, who are efficient Trust-
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266
HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
ees of this district. Miss Chappell is doing excellent work, and her patrons speak always in terms of praise of this school. About twenty pupils were in attendance; order excellent, and lessons good. Some additional apparatus, which is greatly needed, will be provided as soon as the district finances will permit.
Miss Mattie Chappell, teacher of Pacific School, re- ports as follows: The following-named pupils were placed upon the Roll of Honor for the month ending September 29, 1882: Maurice Van Gorden, Dora Lipp- man, Josie Asebez, Vine Van Gorden, Annie Van Gor- den, and Henry Webb. This month closes my term of school. My associations with the children have been very pleasant indeed. Total number enrolled for the past three months, 23; average daily attendance, 17. Vine Van Gorden and Hattie Lippman deserve especial mention, being present every day. School will re-open after one-week's vacation with Miss Nettie Horton, of San Francisco, as teacher.
Miss Nettie Horton, teacher, under date of December 2Ist, writes as follows: The school in Pacific District closed yesterday. During the afternoon the children entertained their parents and friends by a short exhi- bition, consisting of songs and recitations. The two months I have taught in this school have been very pleasant ones to me. The pupils have all been faithful and studious. The scholars deserving of honorary men- tion are Sallie Van Gorden, Annie Van Gorden, Josie Asebez, Hattie Lippman, and Sallie Ward. Boys: Maurice Van Gorden, Vine Van Gorden, Rafael Mora, Henry Webb, Ed. Asebez, Joe Bernhard. Sallie Van Gorden and Maurice Van Gorden are especially deserv- ing of honor, as they have been perfect both in deport- ment and scholarship during the time I have taught in this school.
PASO ROBLES SCHOOL.
The Superintendent in May, 1882, visited this school, and reports the following :-
Paso Robles District boasts one of the best, if not the very best, school in the county. Attendance, 16; not an absence in the six weeks just ended. Room tidy, order perfect, class and individual work excellent, pupils enthu- siastic. The written work in grammar was especially fine. The name of Henry W. Longfellow adorned the wall, suggesting the fact that the name of America's great- est poet is held in kindly remembrance. United States history is being very thoroughly taught. Before com- mencing a lesson the position of places, discoveries, or opposing forces are found upon the map, the lesson is clearly outlined by the teacher, and for preparation the pupil studies not only the text-book, but reads up the entire subject under consideration from Bryant's large United States History. Neat little sketches, for the most part original drawings from nature, are made in blank books kept by each pupil for the purpose. D. W. James, a Trustee of the district, was present. The Trustees of this district are justly proud of their school, and spare no pains to promote its welfare.
Miss Annis Osborne, teacher of the Paso Robles School, writes as follows: May 12th closed the second month of our spring term. We have not had a single absence during the month; our percentage of attendance is IOO.
RINCONADA SCHOOL
Was visited on May 12th. Twelve pupils were present, the room tidy, order fair, lessons good, and enthusiasm below par. This school needs a general waking up, but in other respects is in good condition. Some neat mottoes, prepared by the teacher and pupils, adorn the walls, and the specimens of penmanship, drawing, map drawing,
etc., were, generally, quite creditable. The term closed last week for the holidays.
SALINAS SCHOOL.
Miss Annie J. Murphy, teacher in Salinas District, writes: School commenced in this district April 3d under very favorable aspects. There were thirteen pupils in attendance, and during the month two more were added to the roll. The Trustees have done everything in their power to render our school house and grounds pleasant and attractive, and as the pupils are studious and obedi- ent, I look forward to a happy and successful term. The following is the report for the school month ending April 28th: Number pupils enrolled, 15; whole number of days' attendance, 264; whole number days' absence, 33; average number belonging, 14 4-5; average daily attend- ance, 13; percentage of attendance, 88. Roll of Honor: Lizzie Cashin, Guadalupe Garcia, Juanita Aranjo, Felipe Pacheco, Isabel Pacheco, Timoteo Aranjo, Cruz Barba, Angelita Aranjo, Luis Pacheco.
Report for the month ending November 17, 1882: Whole number of days' attendance, 333; whole number of days' absence, 27; average number belonging, 18; average daily attendance, 16 13-20. Percentage of attendance, 9272. This month concludes this term, which has been a very pleasant one to me. The pupils have been remarkably obedient and studious, and did their utniost to give satisfaction. This school has a drawback on account of tardiness, but the last month has been char- acterized by a very regular and prompt attendance. But Salinas District has one thing to be proud of, and that is its Board of Trustees, which is composed of Messrs. WVm. Farrell, Thos. Cashin, and J. Murphy. These gentleman deserve great credit for their untiring efforts to secure a good school by doing everything in their power to promote general comfort and aid in the advancement of the pupils. Hoping that each one of the little band I have taught from day to day may grow to be good, useful, and· honorable members of society, I close this school term.
The Superintendent reports the following of his visit to the Salinas School :-
Monday morning, 9 A. M., May 22d, found Messrs. William Farrell, Thomas Cashin, Trustees, and myself, visiting the pleasant school of Salinas District. With the exception of occasional tardinesses the attendance, order, and general work of this school is quite good. Miss Mur- phy, the teacher, is an excellent disciplinarian, and withal takes great pains in training her pupils. Recitations were heard from all the classes, and a calisthenic exer- cise was executed by the school. Mr. Farrell addressed the school in Spanish, and the Superintendent gave a brief talk in English, after which we were entertained by some songs that were finely rendered by the school. The Trustees justly take pride in their school and spare no expense in providing for its success. The build- ing has been ceiled and papered, and an excellent book- case provided, a well dug, the lot fenced, and the house and fence treated to a dress of whitewash since our previ- ous visit. With a good building, a fine library, ample apparatus, an enterprising Board of Trustees, and an accomplished teacher, Salinas ranks as one of the best- managed districts in the county.
SAND HILL SCHOOL
Was visited in company with Trustee Lauretzen. The work and order were good, and the pupils interested. Sand Hill School is taught at present by Mrs. Hallie F. Hamlin.
267
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
SAN JOSE SCHOOL
Was not in session at the time of my arrival there, it having closed for the day nearly an hour before the usual time. Many specimens of work done by the pupils were exhibited, and most of them were very good. Mr. Mc- Knight, the teacher, has fitted up pleasant rooms in the rear of the school room where he resides.
SAN MIGUEL SCHOOL.
The following is a report of San Miguel School, Mrs. O. M. Schwatka, formerly Miss Anna Leland, teacher, for the month ending July 28th: Whole number of days' attendance, 213; number of days' absence, 44; number of tardinesses, 26; whole number enrolled, 17; average num- ber belonging, 1312; average daily attendance, 1 1 1/2; per- centage of attendance on average on number belonging, 82. Those who were not absent during the month are Hannah Blad and Eliza Stockdale. The school has maintained a high reputation for some years.
SAN SIMEON SCHOOL.
Quite a number of visitors were in attendance at the time of our late visit to San Simeon School, and among them Trustees Martin and Stilts. The other Trustee, Mr. Comphire, was away from home, and hence could not be present. Since previous visit a commodious school building has been erected, and the school is now enjoying the new room. The people of this district feel justly proud of their new house, and are, we believe, generally well pleased with their teacher, Mr. Burrows, who certainly deserves commendation for his careful grading and his systematic management of his classes. Order good, attendance good, class work good, and the general outlook of the school quite encouraging. The teacher writes :-
We have to-day, April 15th, completed the first month of school in this district for the spring term. It was in- tended that we should commence two weeks earlier than we did, but heavy rains and swollen streams prevented. School opened with an attendance of twenty, and eight more were added during the month. Some of the pu- pils seem to fully appreciate the importance of laying in a supply of knowledge, and these are doing work. The school house is a new building, erected last fall, and is very strong and well put together, but, like most new school buildings, there are many things yet to be pro- cured to add both to our comfort and convenience in imparting instruction. Following is the monthly sum- mary: Number of days' attendance, 505; number of days' absence, 21; number tardinesses, 9; whole number en- rolled, 28; average number belonging, 26.3; average daily attendance, 2534; percentage of attendance, 96. The following-named pupils deserve special mention for punctuality : Mattie Comphire, Ollie Martin, Lottie Stilts, Clara Pierce, Willie Yount, Clinton Stilts, Lonnie Mitch- ell, Ben Shepherd, Alonzo Martin, George Stewart, Lelia Martin, Willie Pierce.
SANTA ROSA SCHOOL.
The following is a report of the Santa Rosa School, Geo. T. Noe, teacher, for the month ending May 12th: School opened with 29 on the roll; total number enrolled, 38; average number belonging, 34; average daily attend- ance, 32; percentage of average number belonging, 94; standing in scholarship and deportment of those pupils who have reached 75 per cent., scale 100 :-
NAME.
SCHOLARSHIP.
DEPORTMENT.
Allie Richards
94
100
Anna Richards
85
95
Sarah McCain
80
NAME.
SCHOLARSHIP.
DEPORTMENT.
Irene Dodson
82
94
Carrie De Nise
S3
94
Maggie Woods
85
91
Sarah Morss
8 1
88
Mattie Baker
91
89
Eugene Dodson
92
95
Willie Richards
83
85
Lewis McFaddin
77
90
Edwin McFaddin
79
90
Higgins McFaddin
84
100
Robert Martin
80
100
Willie De Nise
88
100
John Morss
91
91
Willie Morss
90
89
Harry Armstrong
88 %
93
Charles Woods
91
100
Grant Woods
85
92
Marcus Chamlin
87
95
John Hale
79
100
Santa Rosa District now boasts an excellent school building, good furniture, and a very pleasant, orderly school. The pupils are not so far advanced as we had expected, but are, nevertheless, studious and enthusiastic. Very much of the present success is due to the fact that Mr. Geo. T. Noe, the present teacher, is both systematic and painstaking, and withal a good disciplinarian.
SOMEO SCHOOL.
Mr. J. L. Raines was found in charge of Someo, one of the new districts. This district contained a large num- ber of children who were without school facilities until a year ago, when the present district was organized. A good school house has been built, and much progress made, though the Trustees were at first most unfortunate in their selection of a teacher. We found the pupils as far advanced as could be expected, studious, orderly, and evidently interested in their work. The Trustees have done well thus far, and will doubtless succeed in building up a fine school.
SPRING SCHOOL.
Of this school Superintendent Beckett writes :-
In company with Mr. F. A. Seabury, a Trustee, we visited Spring School; Miss Henrietta Sander, the teacher, is doing effective service. Reading is taught to begin- ners largely by use of printed cards, using the word method. Considerable stress is placed on mental arith- metic and grammar. The recitations were very good, order good, enthusiasm at par, and room neat. About one dozen children attend this school, which is in a sat- isfactory condition. The Seabury Bros. and C. P. Buckley are efficient Trustees.
STOW SCHOOL.
We found the pupils of Stow School listening with rapt attention to a pleasing story from St. Nicholas, which was being read by Miss Wear, the teacher. This school is in an excellent condition, the building is good, the ap- paratus first-class, and the children earnest workers.
SUMMIT SCHOOL.
Summit District School opened March 27th with eleven pupils. Miss Addie Howard, teacher, writes: Their past work has been very thorough, and many orderly habits have been formed. The teacher before me held his position for two years and a half; from these facts I infer that one teacher can make more impression on a school than two or three in the same length of time. The number of pupils is now sixteen.
268
HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
The Superintendent writes in May: Summit School contains about twenty pupils. Miss Howard, the teacher, is doing faithful service, and is appreciated by her patrons. Order good, lessons good, and enthusiasm at par.
WASHINGTON SCHOOL
Was visited in company with Trustee, B. F. Muma, a gentleman who spares neither time nor money in looking after the educational needs of this district. Miss Lily Doud, the teacher, is doing earnest, painstaking work, but the school is in a very backward condition, owing mainly to the fact that the terms have been very short and the vacations somewhat long, a necessary result of maintaining two schools in a sparsely settled district.
TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
The school system of California includes in its pro- visions the authority to hold annual sessions of teachers, for consultation, instruction, and exercise in their various duties. These are denominated Teachers' Institutes, and where the teachers and the public evince an interest in the schools, the institutes are well attended, and of great interest and benefit. The institute in San Luis Obispo in 1882 was largely attended and great enthusiasm pre- vailed. It met June 27th, holding its sessions in the Garden Street Methodist Episcopal church. Prof. Allen, of the State Normal School, attended. Superintendent Beckett presided; Rev. B. F. Whittemore, Secretary; Miss Annie J. Murphy, Assistant Secretary; and Messrs. J. A. Ford, J. M. Felts, F. E. Darke, J. L. Raines, W. F. Kent, and A. F. Parsons were Vice-Presidents.
The following teachers represented the schools pre- ceding their names: Arroyo Grande, Superintendent J. F. Beckett; Ascension, Miss C. E. Kingery; Avenal, Miss Maggie McHenry (absent); Branch, J. M. Felts; Canyon, J. A. Ford; Central, Mrs. Goldsworthy; Corral de Pie- dra, Miss Josephine Rockwood; Cuesta, Miss Capitola Evans; East Santa Fé, Rev. B. F. Whittemore; El Dorado, W. F. Kent; Estero (not represented); Estrella, Miss Cornelia Richards; Excelsior, Miss Alice Mac; Fair View, Miss Mary L. McKennon; Franklin, J. W. Raines; Harmony, Miss Clara F. Carmen; Hesperian, F. E. Darke; Home, Miss Agnes Doud; Hope, W. W. Beckett; Huasna, Miss Sallie Findley; Huer-Huero, J. L. Dunn; Josephine, Wm. M. Armstrong; Laguna (not represented); Las Tablas, Miss Lizzie La Tourette; Lincoln, Mrs. Mary E. Thompson; Los Berros, Mrs. M. C. Popp; Los Osos, Miss Meda Cole; Mammoth Rock, Miss Ellen Dill; Mission, C. H. Woods, D. M. Meredith, Miss Belle Churchill; Mountain View, R. L. Rigdon; Oak Dale, Miss Agnes M. Parsons (absent-sick); Oak Flat, Chris. McNulty (absent); Oak Grove, W. J. Evans; Olm- stead, A. McLean; Oso Flaco (not represented); Pacific (not represented); Paso Robles, Miss Annis Osborne; Rinconada, Miss Mattie McKnight; Salinas, Miss Annie J. Murphy; Sand Hill, Miss Hallie F. Hamlin; San Jose, S. M. Mcknight; San Miguel, Miss Anna Leland; San Simeon, A. F. Burrows; Santa Fé (not represented); Santa Manuela, W. H. Findley; Santa Rosa, George F. Noe (absent); Someo, J. L. Raines (absent); Spring, Miss Henrietta G. Sander; Stow, Miss Emma J. Wear;
Summit, Miss Addie Howard; Sunderland, A. F. Par- sons; Washington, Miss Lily Doud.
The following new members were enrolled: Misses Jennie E. Doyle and Mary Ferrari.
Messrs. J. W. Stringfield, James Stringfield, and D. M. Kelsey, teachers from Santa Barbara County, were also enrolled as members of this institute.
ACADEMY OF THE IMMACULATE HEART.
A few blocks westerly of the mission of San Luis Obispo are the spacious grounds, the elegant buildings and chapel of the Academy of the Immaculate Heart, sometimes designated as a college for young ladies. This school was established in 1876, the term beginning on the 16th of August of that year, and is under the charge of the Sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Lady Superior being Sister Raymunda Cremadell, a native of Spain. The academy commenced its term with eight teachers, four being natives of the United States, and four natives of Spain, all belonging to the Order. The building was regarded as a model in every respect. The young lady pupils were taken as boarders at the rate of $200 per annum, with $10.00 en- trance fee, and an extra charge of $60.00 per annum for instruction upon the piano. Day scholars were taken at $2.00 per month, elementary and senior at $3.00 per month, and piano at $6.00 per month. Bishops Amat and Mora assisted at the inauguration, and the latter made the academy a present of a fine piano. The school was soon filled, established a high reputation and popularity which it has ever retained.
In 1882 an important addition was made to the build- ing, being a wing of three stories, conformable to the main building, ninety feet in length by twenty-eight feet in width. In addition to this a large building was erected one hun- dred feet in length, called the chapel, although parts were devoted to various purposes. The chapel is forty- three by twenty-six feet in dimensions, with a ceiling twenty-two feet high, with a gallery across one end. Another portion is devoted as a sick-room, where aged and infirm women are attended and treated by the Sisters. The upper stories are divided into rooms as dormitories. The large windows are of stained glass of beautiful de- sign and coloring, the whole costing above $5,000. The buildings and grounds are ornaments to the city of San Luis Obispo, and the institution is highly esteemed by the citizens.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
In addition to the many and excellent free schools maintained at public expense, numerous private schools in every branch and class of education have been estab- lished. In July, 1876, Mrs. Womble opened a select school in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in San Luis Obispo. The building had previously been occu- pied by the mission school. In the same year Rev. Alvin Ostrom, assisted by his sisters, opened a select school, teaching, beside the ordinary branches, drawing, embroidery, needlework, music, the languages, etc.
269
JOURNALISM.
PROF. C. H. WOODS' SCHOOL.
December 4, 1882, Prof. C. H. Woods, formerly prin- cipal of the public schools of the city of San Luis Obispo, opened a private school in the Turn Verein Hall of that city. This was for those most advanced in their studies, and to take the place of a high school. Prof. Woods had long been connected with the public schools, and had obtained a high reputation as a teacher. He is a gradu- ate of Dartmouth College, holds an Educational Diploma from the State of California, and while a member of the Board of Education of San Luis Obispo aided materi- ally in bringing the schools up to their present high standing. In the campaign of 1882 he was the Repub- lican candidate for Superintendent of Common Schools. The terms of tuition he established for his private school are, for the period of fourteen weeks, primary, $6.00; common English branches, $7.50; higher English , $8.50; classical and modern languages, $10.00.
CHAPTER XXX. JOURNALISM.
Early Journalism in California -- Record of the Pioneer Presses -- Legal Advertising - An Editor -- The Pioneer - Rome G. Vickers-The Tribune-Our Programme-Prospectus of the San Luis Obispo Democrat-Valedictory-Daily Tribune- H. S. Rembaugh-J. K. Tuley-G. B. Staniford -- Charles Maxwell-Myron Angel-Democratic Standard-The South Coast-Charles L. Woods-Southern California Advocate -- San Luis Obispo Mirror-H. H. Doyle, J. H. Crenshaw-The Republic.
HE newspaper is not one of the early institutions of San Luis Obispo. The many years of mission and Mexican rule passed without even the thought of establishing that great power and element of civilization. But in those days there was no paper in all California, a condition which the people of the present day would deem quite unbearable. The missions and the few wealthy people possessed libraries, and occasionally received papers from Mexico. So great was the isola- tion that but little interest was felt in the great questions that excited the enlightened world, and the matters of the church, the merry-makings of the people, social meetings, gambling, horse-racing, and the necessary labors of the rancho and the house, certainly not great, combined to occupy their attention if not to satisfy their minds, and for this relief was obtained in an occasional political revolution or an exciting demonstration toward that object. Couriers on horseback carried an occasional mail along the coast, and the frequent communication between the missions and the ranchos gave circulation to the relation of the most important events. Such was the condition when the change of flag occurred in 1846. But that change brought but little immediate change to the condition of affairs in San Luis Obispo. The region, although central on the coast, was the most isolated of all the settled portions of California. A line of mission villages, and ranchos extended along the western border from about the bay of San Francisco to San Diego, and through these localities the line of intercommunication
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