History of San Luis Obispo County and environs, California, with biographical sketches, Part 16

Author: Morrison, Annie L. Stringfellow, 1860-; Haydon, John H., 1837-
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company
Number of Pages: 1070

USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > History of San Luis Obispo County and environs, California, with biographical sketches > Part 16

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

123 SAN LUIS TOTHISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

with a focus . tartiney a play by the pupils and speeches by various county oratore,

Tuscalen makul $16.000 in its first school boud and a second bond for $3,000. The Tud- fre now being used to erect a fine modern building. The New di triet Luwled itself for $1,700 to build with. Simmler voted a special tax of Sson for a new school. Sunderland voted bonds for $1,600. Lincoln is bonded for $2,700. Shandon sold a $4,000 bond and built a fine new schoolhouse: and after, lo! these many years, San Marcos has as pretty a new schoolhouse as one could wish-but thereby hangs a tale :

In August, 1914, Miss Helen Morrison was engaged to teach San Marcos school. . The tiny old shack stood on its wind-swept slope, cold in winter, zipping hot in summer, and the tramps camped within its gates or slept on its floor. "Campers" left their old tin cans and rags, gypsies hung their dazzling colored wash to dry on its fence, evil-minded vandals wrote vile words upon its doorposts. Yea, San Marcos was in sore straits, and the inhabitants thereof indifferent to its plight. The children felt the demoraliz- ing effect and were rebellious to it all, the teacher included. This plucky young woman avoided the broken boards in the floor, thrashed one or two big boys, won their respect, and later their boyish devotion, mothered the little tots, taught the lessons well, saw that they were learned and finally was engaged for a second year. Towards the close of her second year and when things were running like clock-work, she was offered ninety dollars a month in a district that had a good schoolhouse. The trustees spoke to her about taking the school for a third year. She told them of her ninety-dollar offer and said, "If I decide to remain here it is only with your promise of a new schoolhouse for next year; I will waive the ninety-dollar offer, will go on for the seventy-five-dollar salary, but a new schoolhouse has got to come." Result, those good people got busy right away ; they respected the teacher for her grit and self-respect. They respected themselves and their children Wien they got really waked up, so they voted $2,500 to build the pretty deA building and kept the teacher who was doing a good job for them when she made them see their duty. San Marcos has a good board of trustees, a a bushhouse to be proud of, twenty bright and well-behaved pupils, an up-to- Hatt teacher, and woe betide the tramp, camper or gypsy who dares deface ar wid!reat any of its property now.

& ride over our county will soon convince the traveler that we are Delle up by the band wagon when it comes to schoolhouses, all except wwwmethod cily -and of that we are ashamed. The two old grammar-school Timing- 11 San Luis Obispo are a disgrace to the town. The Court school, Let vran abl. i an old fire-trap now, whatever it was at the beginning. The Mmer Y mescholl ouse on Nipomo street was burned down in 1885, when principal. In 1886 a fine four-room, two-story building $0.00. Later, about 1900, it was added to, and now ms, butt many regard it as a menace to those forced to In the yard are two or three little shacks used domestic-science plant. Time and again a vote bonds for a new building, but always they Ahol-bond fight was early in 1916. F. E. Darke po street school for fifteen years, and he it was who Tal ut and planted the pretty grounds fronting

---------

: --

123

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

the building. The Mitchell block was bought a few years ago for additional school grounds. Recently a plot back of the high school and adjoining it was also purchased. This was a wise move and one or two more pitched battles like that of 1916 will end in victory for better school buildings for San Luis Obispo. The town is rapidly improving along other lines, and it is the worst kind of bad business to refuse to build modern up-to-date schoolhouses for the children.

OTHER SCHOOLS

Academy of the Immaculate Heart

On Palm street, not far from the Mission, stands the "Convent School," as it is generally called. The group of buildings is upon ground once a part of the Mission lands, probably a part of the fifty-two acres set aside for the use of the church when John Wilson's claims to all the Mission build- ings and land were refuted and settled by state officials. This school is in charge of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was opened to students August 16, 1876, with eight Sisters as teachers, four of whom were natives of Spain and four natives of this country, all belonging to the order. Bishop Amat and Bishop Mora assisted at the opening of the school, and Bishop Mora presented the institution with a fine piano. It is both a day and boarding school, giving a course of instruction similar to or corresponding with the eight grammar-school grades. There is a sewing class for the girls, and the musical instruction is of a high order. A boys' school, for boys in the grammar grades, is connected with the Convent school for girls. There are now one hundred twenty pupils and eight Sisters in charge. In 1882 a three-story wing, 90x28 feet, was added to the main building, also a separate building one hundred feet long. In one end is the chapel, 43x26 feet, ceiling 22 feet high. A gallery extends across one end. The upper rooms are dormitories. In the chapel are beautiful stained-glass windows. The build- ing cost $5,000 when erected. These Sisters exert a great influence upon the children in their charge, and needless to say the Convent school is highly valued by San Luis Obispo citizens.

The State Polytechnic School

Just north of the city limits, facing the Southern Pacific Railroad, is a beautiful group of cream-colored buildings that excites the interest of many passing on the long trains. This is the State Polytechnic School, the realiza- tion of Myron Angel's vision and of Assemblyman Warren M. John's and Senator S. C. Smith's unceasing efforts in its behalf. December 25, 1896, Myron Angel published in the Breeze a letter urging all political parties to "bury the hatchet" and unite in an effort to get a state normal school estab ;- lished here. C. H. Phillips, president of the West Coast Land Co., had offered fifteen acres of ground as a gift to such a school. Budd was governor, a Democrat ; Smith, the senator, was a Republican, and our assemblyman at the time was J. K. Burnett, a Populist. Mr. Angel called attention to our fine, even climate and quoted the weather bureau. The Tribune joined in with the Breeze, the people got busy and called a public meeting. A petition to the legislature was prepared and a collection taken to get it typed. 1 committee on sites was appointed consisting of Benjamin H. Brooks, J. D.

124

WAS THIS OINSPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

Lowiro aval Wy wowlerson Mr. Phillips' offer was either disregarded or witlalrewit www.wenkl suppose.

Tic Wax simt mirluced a bill to the legislature asking that a normal sibool la batvilliers very soon after San Diego put in a claim for a normal schont Son committee was sent to examine both places. February 20, 1897, the ys nimire an nis return from San Diego stopped to look over the ground here alkil of course they were royally entertained. A reception and banquet at loty) Komma was tendered, and the city council voted one hundred doll. sowarils it. Myron Angel was called upon to speak. In his remarks he told! how he arrived in San Francisco in December, 1849, after crossing the plans on foot from Fort Leavenworth to San Diego direct from school on the Atlantic coast. Passage on a brig to San Francisco had taken his last cent, and he walked the muddy streets in the winter rain penniless, ragged and hungry. He said a man hailed him with, "Say, boy, do you want a job?" "Yes," he eagerly replied. "Get up on that roof and nail on those shingles; I'll give you eight dollars a day." He blurted out, "Mister, I never drove a nail in my life." "To hell with you!" he called, and whistled for another boy. "I met other boys who could work with their hands and earn good money ; I had plenty of book lore, but no one had a job for me. Gentlemen of the Committee: I have planned for a school here which shall teach the hand as well as the head ; so that no young man or woman attending it need be sent into the world as helpless to earn a living as I was when I landed in San Francisco in 1849." Hon. Sig Bettman from San Francisco arose and said : "I have been opposed to any more normal schools and came here deter- mined to oppose this one ; but I will return and vote for a Polytechnic, and do all in my power to carry it through."

A bill was presented, passed both houses, but Budd vetoed it. Economy was the plea. The bill called for a school teaching trades and agriculture. In 1898 a governor was to be elected; so with zeal the friends of the pro- posed school "went to it." Gage ran on the Republican ticket ; Maguire, on the Democratic. A new party, the Silver Republicans, convened in Los Angeles, intending to endorse the Democratic nominee; so Mr. Angel attended the convention and did some lobbying ; at any rate the Breeze received and pub- lehed this: "Alcatraz Landing, Cal., August 29, 1898. Breeze, San Luis Obispo. Our polytechnic school adopted in platform and approved by Mm uire. Signed : Angel and Kimball." December 8, 1898, at a public meeting To Moon San 1.nis Obispo, Angel read a letter from Smith promising that the Tret bill he introduced should be for the school. C. H. Johnson, D. Lowe, '01 0 . Parrett. J. P. Andrews. A. McAllister, Myron Angel, A. F. Fitz- por 1! som nat el a committee to bond and secure options from which a site The Bakersfield Democratic paper "kicked" at the school, vel erili ally throwing out its heels; but "we should worry." In hool was again presented, but the assemblymen were de moment of bounties on coyote scalps. Our assemblyman Where 3 Ja toll fer scalps, so his enemies got his scalp and voted down

I IMw 9 rady V.DE hn was sent to the assembly from this county. Den ai ted a bill for the school. In January, 1901, a

" signed by the governor. It was to take 000 rpmary 1. 1902. Governor Gage appointed War-

- -

125

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

ren M. John, William Graves, of San Luis Obispo, Senator S. C. Smith of Bakersfield, F. A. Hihn of Santa Cruz and E. J. Wickson of San Francisco a board of trustees. An appropriation of $50,000 had been made. March 12, 1902, the trustees met in San Luis Obispo. There were banquets, addresses, etc. It was said our young assemblyman, John, "wore a smile a mile wide" when the bill he fought so hard for was a law. He was only twenty-eight years old, and probably about the best-beloved young politician in the state.

The commission had selected the site offered by Mr. Lowe. At the Palace Hotel, May 26, 1902, the deeds were delivered to the commission charged with establishing the school, which consisted of Governor Gage, State Super- intendent of Schools Thomas J. Kirk, and the board of trustees. Prof. LeRoy Anderson of the state university was chosen director of the school at a salary of $200 per month. In September, 1902, Mr. Graves died and R. L. Shackelford of Paso Robles was selected to fill the vacancy. Early in 1903 the corner stone of the main building was laid with due ceremony. October 1, 1903, the school received its first pupils, fifteen in number-Laura and Irene Righetti, Lila Weaver, of San Luis Obispo; Kent S. Knowlton, Port Harford; Allen V. and Charles J. Emmet, Arroyo Grande; Mary Bello, Morro; Gustavus and Henry Wade, Francis D. Buck, Owen Hollister, of Goleta; Paul L. Williams, Ventura; William H. Boswell, Soledad; Herbert H. Cox, Morgan Hill; Frank L. Flinn, Descano, in San Diego county. The faculty was Director Anderson, S. S. Twombly, Gwendolin Stewart, O. L. Heald and Naomi Lake, stenographer. A minute history of the school was written and published by Myron Angel ; so for all data other than what is here given we refer you to his book, as it covers all points up to 1907-1908.

Many fine teachers were added to the faculty. among them Miss May Secrest, domestic science. In November, 1907, Mr. Anderson resigned and LeRoy B. Smith, a graduate of Cornell, was chosen director. In 1913 Smith resigned and Prof. Ryder became director, and is still at the head of the school. In 1913 the tenth anniversary of the school was celebrated with a beautiful pageant and three-day glorification. Many new shops and barns have been built, a beautiful domestic arts building, boys' dormitory, dining hall and electric plant. In December, 1907, there were one hundred thirty- four students attending. The enrolment for 1916-1917 is about two hun- dred. The school fills a great need, and to show what its future may be we append this from the Telegram of January 6, 1917. "After years of but little or no recognition by the state, the California Polytechnic School is to be considered at this year's session of the legislature for permanent improve- ments.

"The State Board of Control has requested that the, state architectural department go over the ground plans of the Polytechnic and make plans for a permanent building plan similar to that of the University of California. In complance with the board's request, Charles F. Dean, assistant state architect; A. R. Widdowson, chief draftsman ; and James Dean, chief de signer, are now at the Polytechnic, and with Director Ryder are making a careful survey of the grounds.

"The plans are for making the Polytechnic one of the state's influential, permanent institutions, sufficient for the instructing of one thousand stu- dents.

"It is expected that this year's legislature will pass an appropriation suf-

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

hewent for the Proches of five permanent buildings : an armory, an administra- Lux Bulling, on sercoloural building, a science hall, and a combined shops

OUR HONORED VETS

Int wrivue: fl6- history of the San Luis Obispo County schools, we feel IT Mty Tndo CTes a tribute to those who, for many years, have faithfully coyote pecchers Not only have they taught the curriculum required, but in horloof- of cases they have been as "a lamp unto the feet and a light unto the with" of those struggling for an education under adverse circum- stanice or, more pitiful yet, of those hampered by low moral surroundings. la hjort chill realize its possibilities, to give a helping hand at the right miment, to encourage in all noble endeavor and aspiration, to have the Bryon mother-instinct and use it for everybody's child, this is what makes Quiray teachers revered long years after they are dust. There are other findes that belong among the "vets," but for various reasons we have ob- mined no data other than what we could recall. Miss Mary McKennon was a highly prized teacher of this county for nearly thirty years. Mrs. String- field is mentioned elsewhere; C. H. Woods wielded a good influence in our schools for many years; and there are other names that will come to the minds of our mature readers, of well-beloved teachers-Mrs. Lesa Lane for one, and Miss Lottie Wise for another.

Mrs. Mary S. Spaulding

Probably no better-loved nor more capable teacher ever taught in the county than Mrs. Spaulding. She was born at Killingly, Conn., was educated in the grammar and high schools of her native town, and taught nine years in the union graded schools of Danielson, Conn. She came to California in January, 1884, and her first teaching in the state was in the Home district. She then taught in San Luis Obispo, but a change caused her to go to Arroyo Grande. She taught there for a while, then took charge of the Laguna school, which position she held for fifteen years. Later she taught at Stowe, Vila and Santa Fe. She taught almost continuously in this county for minty years, only ceasing during a severe illness. In 1914 she retired on a 500-year annuity granted for thirty years' service by the Retirement Salary Haend Both of Mrs. Spaulding's parents were teachers. A brother, seventy Har dinge, is now principal of Brown School at Hartford, Conn. He has SI simpleted fifty years of service, twenty-five of which have been in the

Miss Clara Belle Churchill

MIhier hill surely deserves a place among our "vets." She was Vous of weil in 1855, was educated in San Jose, graduated from the man Fra 0 23 and from the normal in 1876. She taught two years in bonben toreto the state and in 1878 came to this county and taught in 10 c 001065 ni Luis Obispo. Later she taught at Los Osos, West then back to San Luis, where she taught for five cmvar ol primary grades. After teaching for five years in Fondos 1 .1.jo1. Lincoln and Cuesta. In 1888 she went to w yer only three teachers in the town, taking charge Tove lo has been for twenty-eight years, constantly

- - ---

-- -

127

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

employed as teacher of the first grade. The little "beginners" go joyfully off to school, for there they can spend lovely hours with Miss Churchill, whom they all know and already love. She is "pretty" too, they say, and no one disputes it. She says that for some years now she has had pupils who are children of former pupils of hers; and going to school to "papa's teacher" is now their delight. She proudly says, "I've seen the schools grow from three teachers to ten in our new $40,000 grammar school and seven teachers in our fine high school." By the way, this new concrete grammar school is one of the finest in the state. A large plot of ground has just been bought for agricultural uses; irrigation is taught, using sulphur water from the school's artesian well. A new barn with stalls for twenty horses and room for as many vehicles is also being built. It's good to go to school in Paso Robles.

Flora E. Armstrong

Mrs. Armstrong deserves mention among those who have had a strong influence in our public schools. She came to California via Panama in 1860, was educated by private tutor in her uncle's home, as there were few good grammar schools at that date. She took a course at the University of the Pacific and at the San Jose normal. She taught in the San Jose city schools and was vice-principal of the San Jose high school. In October, 1876, she came to this county and taught several years in San Luis Obispo. She went to New Mexico, but in 1896 returned to this county and taught three and a half years at San Marcos. Next she was principal of the Templeton school for five years, then principal of Arroyo Grande school for six years, and vice- principal of the high school there for three years. She is now on the retired list. Mrs. Armstrong also was a member of the county board of education in Santa Clara county for two years, and was on the board of this county for some years.

William M. Armstrong

William M. Armstrong crossed the plains by ox team in 1864, going to Portland, Oregon. He was twenty years old and entered the Portland Com- mercial College, graduating the next year. He came to this county in 1878, taught many years, was twice elected county superintendent of schools, 1886-1890. Before being elected he was principal of the Court school in San Luis Obispo. In 1896 he founded the Armstrong Business College in San Luis Obispo and trained many successful business men and women. He died, July 13, 1909.

Clara E. Paulding

Mrs. Paulding has been identified with the schools of the county since 1883. She taught two years in Arroyo Grande, then in Canon district, two years in San Luis Obispo town school, then taught the Spring school near Shandon, while homesteading a government claim. Later she taught five years in Arroyo Grande, a term in Stowe district, two years in Huasna, and is now teaching her fourth year in Branch school. From 1900 to 1910. Mrs. Paulding was teaching music and acting as substitute in Arroyo Grande school. She says, "This is what might be called a checkered career." At any rate it has been a very useful, well-appreciated career. No woman in Arroyo Grande has ever held or now holds a higher place in social and school life

SNS LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

dan Une muen kwent Woman, who for years has served on the school board, mulas sought &- www authority on questions of the public or moral good. + Dry Diw mie Piifiling is a descendant of the noted Jonathan Edwards of or loviday - mail ister of Professor Edwards, teacher of mathematics in the Unwwmail) af Berkeley. She married Dr. Edward Paulding, the pioneer phamman 1 Namyd Grande. They have one daughter, Ruth, now a teacher in Th Amigo Grande high school.

F. E. Darke

No Man has been more active and efficient in the schools of the county for the last forty-seven years than F. E. Darke. Mr. Darke served four Miars in the Civil War, and was in many hard-fought battles to save our wowatry from disunion and ruin. He did not come to California to escape hi- duty, but continued to serve his country, for he went right to work helping boys and girls make men and women of themselves, teaching them the lessons in their books and the lessons of self-help, self-respect and hon- orable living. Mr. Darke came to the state from New York in 1868. In 1869 he was employed to teach the San Simeon school. From 1870 to 1882, or for twelve years, he taught the Hesperian school, now called Cambria school. Each year when the funds were used up at Hesperian school, he would teach a summer term for Mammoth Rock, Santa Rosa, San Simeon, Salinas or Morro school. In 1882, Mr. Darke was elected county recorder, and from 1882 to 1889 he filled that office. In 1889 he was engaged as principal for the Nipomo street school in San Luis Obispo and taught there until he resigned in December, 1907, to take office as county superintendent of schools. He served four years, and did much to improve certain con- ditions. One thing was to compel trustees to pay the salary granted by law, not less than $70 per month for eight months ; also he saw to it that ladies looking for "a good time in a cow country" left for other fields, and teachers able and willing to teach school got the positions. Mr. Darke advocated teaching the essentials rather than the furbelows of education, and the schools of the county showed marked improvement under his rule as superin- tendent. In 1911 he again taught Cambria school, remaining there until 1913. His last active schoolroom work was at Nipomo in 1914. He retired of the $500-a-year annuity in 1915, after having served in the ranks four years M a soldier of infantry, and forty years as captain in a schoolroom. Mr. harke's wife died, leaving a family of small children. These children were all Foed by the father, well looked after and every one sent to a university or die .. Such a father deserves the respect of all, and few have it in larger ovouin theth Mr. Darke.

CHURCHES Pioneer Churches

religious services held in the county were those of San Luis 014 PM 10. 11 missions. September 1, 1772, Junipero Serra hung a bell mor didelio : camore tree on the bank of San Luis creek. After tamper, logo in dret the Indians, he blessed and raised the cross and

POS PRT Pp testen church built in the county was erected by the Holox H: Evi- of 1 Mufferegation in December, 1869, at San Luis Obispo.

129

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND ENVIRONS

The first service in the building was held on the Sabbath, January 2, 1870, Rev. A. P. Hendon, pastor. The pastor inserted a notice in the Tribune announcing Sunday school at 9:30 A. M. and preaching at 11 A. M. He stated that the building was enclosed. "We have ordered the windows and doors, which will cost not to exceed $50, and at our first service we hope to raise this amount by collection." It is hoped he got it, for going to church in winter without doors or floor or windows in the building would mean a surplus of fresh air, though now we are apt to have too little of it. If we had to take up a "collection" to pay for fresh air, we should likely have it in abundance. This building cost $1,400 cash. In 1874, Rev. D. H. Haskins pastor, the church lot on Garden street was bought, and the church build- ing moved onto it. There were repairs and additions made; and the new edifice was dedicated June 21, 1874, Rev. C. V. Anthony from Oakland preach- ing the sermon. The congregation was the largest ever seen in the town ; and when the minister stated that they had a debt of $900, and "passed the hat," the enthusiasm was so great that $1020 was dropped in. The ladies had raised enough to buy a bell weighing one thousand pounds, and this was placed in the new belfry. In 1911 the congregation erected the present commodious structure on the corner of Morro and Pacific streets, and built a pretty parsonage. This building cost $18,000, and was dedicated February 19, 1911. Rev. H. F. Munger was pastor. Rev. Dr. Charles Edward Locke of Los Angeles preached the dedicatory sermon.

Rev. A. B. Spooner was the first Protestant minister in the county. He resided on Old creek, was chaplain of the San Simeon Lodge, F. and A. M., and preached wherever and whenever he was called upon to do so. He said words of comfort to the dying, preached the funeral sermons of those who died, and helped the living by his counsel. In time he moved to Morro, and being well acquainted with the bay, sometimes acted as pilot. On the evening of February 5, 1877, he heard the steamer "Mary Taylor" whistling for a pilot. He started out in a small boat, but the tide was racing out to sea and capsized the little boat. The current was sweeping through the channel by Morro Rock and his body was never recovered. Memorial ser- vices were held in all the Protestant churches for this good man.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of San Luis Obispo County and environs, California, with biographical sketches, Part 16

Author: Morrison, Annie L. Stringfellow, 1860-; Haydon, John H., 1837- Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company Number of Pages: 1070

Author: Morrison, Annie L. Stringfellow, 1860-; Haydon, John H., 1837-
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company
Number of Pages: 1070