USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 48
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
The school board counted only those ballots authorized by their resolution and the question submitted passed by a vote of 394 for and 166 against, but the ballots issued by Messrs. Lake and Bemis polled such a large vote and almost unani- mously in opposition to the new school proposition. voting in the affirmative on the first question and in the negative on the second, that the board, not wishing to get into any litigation or run the risk of injunction proceedings, and further not wishing to ineur so much dissension, did not proceed with the issuing of bonds and the matter was dropped for the time being, only to be brought up later with more satisfactory results.
The next move was to procure more room for the constantly increasing over- flow. A room was finally secured in the old Wengert Brewery Building. other classes were held in the Emerson Building and extra teachers had to be employed. The brewery school was named the MeKinley School. This was a most incon- venient and unsatisfactory way of conducting the high school and not only that, but positively injurious to the health of the pupils. Such congested, poorly equipped quarters and the necessity of pupils from the high school going to and from classes in the Emerson Building in all kinds and conditions of weather and not being properly protected, certainly was a menace to the good health and was the cause of much sickness. In the spring the school in the Brewery Building was discontinued and the third and fourth grades in the Emerson Building were discontinued and the room vacated was used for high school purposes.
In March, 1905, applications for superintendent were entertained, a change in superintendent being desired, Professor Buechele having held the position for nine years, being elected superintendent in July, 1896, during which time the school system had made no real progress.
Mr. Edwin Dukes was elected superintendent, salary to be $1,500, and re- elected at a salary of $1.600.
383
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
A school publication called The Maroon and White, was conducted for several years by the high school pupils, begun in 1903. It was a very ereditable little magazine issued monthly, spicy and up-to-date in its literary productions and artistie in its design, with elever illustrations, covers, and contents, contributed by the versatile scholars, two of whom, Miss Alice Carsey and Mr. Leigh Toman, have made an enviable reputation for illustrating, designing and painting. Miss Carsey in Chicago, and Mr. Toman in New York City. Advertisements solieited from the merchants helped pay for the expense of material and printing. E. W. Raymond was the publisher. Besides the paper, to attract and hold the atten- tion of the pupils in school affairs, a high school orchestra was another live issue and much interest was manifested in it. The board generously rented a room and a piano for their use for practice, and rehearsals. This orchestra added greatly to the attractiveness of school life, as well as to the school entertainments.
A fine new Kurtzman piano was hought for the high school, also a fine stereop- tieon lantern and 100 slides of Dr. Russell Backus.
Under the supervision of Professor Dukes, a new regime was instituted in our publie schools, a new system of marking and courses of study, new methods of school administration and government were installed. The schools which previously were only accredited with the small colleges, were brought up to the standing required by universities. By action of the board, although the course of study remained the same, the number of credits required for graduation from the high school was raised to thirty, to conform with the requirements of the state university. Before this, pupils had been graduated with as few as eighteen credits and a number of them with less than thirty. In this way the schools greatly deteriorated in standing.
A publie declamatory contest to compete for the honor of taking part in the declamatory contest of the northern district was held in Independence in the spring of 1906. This was the first time that our schools had ever competed in a contest of this kind. Professor Seerley, of State Normal School, Hon. C. M. Pickett, of Waterloo, and A. M. Cloud, of Manchester, were invited to act as judges and accepted the honor. Ralph Hasner was the winner in the contest.
The Woman's Relief Corps very generously and patriotically asked the board to be allowed to place flags and staffs in all the school rooms and requested that the teachers be requested to eare for the same, and the board very generously and patriotically granted them their request.
A petition was presented the school board, signed by thirty-nine residents, asking that a school be established and maintained in the First Ward schoolhouse for the third and fourth grades, as it was too great a hardship for pupils of tender years to be compelled to go from the north end of the eity to the Second and Fifth Ward schools. So these children were allowed to attend their respee- tive grades in the Lincoln Building. Every grade was crowded full but only twenty-three teachers were employed, which was less than at a previous time.
Manual training was first introduced into the Independence schools in Janu ary, 1907, in a simple way. It was further extended the next year and a room was fitted up in the Lincoln Sehool basement with five benches, tools, and appa- ratus for this work. New scientific apparatus, a cabinet of geological specimens and a shower bath were purchased for the high school.
384
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
The board concluded that a male teacher be employed as principal of the high school, so Mr. E. V. Brumbaugh. late principal of the Marshalltown schools, was elected at a salary of $1,000 per school year.
The foreign language courses were lengthened to four years under the superintendent's advice.
In 1908, the standard of teachers was again raised, requiring high school teachers to have a college degree.
In March, 1909. the superintendent received a letter from the inspector of high schools of the State University, reporting that the Independence High School was placed in the accredited list of the North Central Association of Colleges and High Schools.
In 1909, the corps of public school teachers numbered twenty-seven, a physi- cal supervisor was employed to give the pupils physical training, and special equipment for recreation and exercises, such as teeters, swings, ete., were put on the several school grounds, and an active interest in basket ball and other gymnasties was manifested by the older pupils.
A resolution of the board which caused quite a bit of consternation, especially to the sweet girl graduate. was to the effect that at the graduation exercises of 1910 the girls be required to wear plain, inexpensive uniformed dresses and that the boys be required to wear neat business suits. This measure was really an act of self-defense instituted by the long-suffering, over-burdened parents. many of whom had complained bitterly of the extravagance and exorbitant expenses en- tailed for their children's graduation, but nevertheless the measure incurred the board much censure and abuse.
In January, 1910, it was determined by the board to again present the ques- tion of a new high school to the people at the annual election of directors. The two questions as submitted were for the issuance of bonds in the sum of $43,000 for sehool purposes, and the second, against the issuance of bonds in the sum of $43,000 for school purposes, and the proposition carried by a vote of 586 for and 318 against. A far larger majority of the women voted for the proposition than did the men. Il. E. Neteott, president of the board, resigned his office for the purpose of submitting plans and competing as architect for the new building. HIis plans were approved and a contract was entered into with him as architect for plans and specifications and supervisor of construction. Then the question of locating the new building was a source of much discussion and controversy. The board did not propose to use any considerable sum of this $43,000 toward purchasing a site and thus cripple their building fund, leaving an inadequate sum for a commodious, up-to-date building that would meet the requirements of this district. And realizing that a separate block was greatly to be desired they proposed leaving it to the publie-spirited citizens to raise a I'und of $5,000 so that the board would feel disposed to contribute the balance toward a desirable site, this proposition to remain open until May 12th. Otherwise the new building would be constructed on ground now owned by the district. The present site and the Stout Block were mentioned as very desirable places but no fund being forth- coming. a motion to build the new schoolhouse on the Lincoln grounds, also one to build it on the old high school grounds came before the board but were lost. Another, to offer $8,500 for the Z. Stout property carried. Another motion to offer for lots 3 and 4, in bloek 10, Stoughton and MeClaire's second addition to
385
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Independence for the sum of $2,000 and for the remainder of block 10 in the same addition for the sum of $4,000, and to the lumber company for their leasehold, the sum of $250, and in ease the offers be rejected, begin condemnation proceed- ings for the purehase of the above named properties (the site on which the school was built). This motion prevailed and the property was condemned and bought at appraised value; the owners complied with the mandates of the statutes and deeded the district the property. Some litigation ensued regarding the leasehold of the lumber company who refused to accept the appraised value of the lease, brought suit, and were awarded damages in a less amount than the appraisers had fixed.
Bids for construeting the building were received in July, 1910, and George A. Netcott received the contract for $47,900 ($24,050 lower than any other bid) and this amount was deducted, $2,920.60, for changes in specifications, and by leaving the auditorium, domestic science room, and two class rooms unfinished. Lewis & Kitehen Company, of Chicago, seenred the heating and ventilating con- tract and the Fort Dodge Heating and Plumbing Company the plumbing.
In October, 1911, Mr. George Netcott, the building contractor, made an assign- ment for the benefit of his ereditors and W. E. Bain, the assignee, and Mr. Net- cott's bondsmen refused to complete the building. so the board took charge of the finishing, and work was continued until its entire completion under the personal supervision of Mr. Chappell, the president of the board. The school was occupied for school purposes in September, 1911, but not completed until spring and the grading and fixing of the grounds is being done gradually and already they are beautiful and artistic.
Superintendent Dukes, having declined reeleetion in March, 1910, Supt. J. E. Foster was secured for the position at a salary of $1,600. He was reelected at a salary of $1,700 and served in that eapacity until February, 1913, when he was made state high school inspector and resigned, and Prof. Robert Reinow was employed to fill the vaeaney.
Physical examination of pupils is, we think, a splendid feature introduced into eity schools in recent years, and the Independence School Board adopted the idea for a trial, but great opposition to this measure prevailed and the plan was dropped; only a dental examiantion was made. It was not a compulsory measure, was without any expense attached, and was only intended as a benefit to the ehild whose parents or guardian either are ignorant of or negleet his physical defects; and the physician's diagnosis is only a recommendation of treatment and not a "grafting scheme" as some are inclined to believe. Manual training and domestic science are taught in the seventh and eighth grades, in the simpler forms, such as plain construction work in wood and hand-sewing.
After the completion of the new high school, a grammar school, consisting of the seventh and eighth grades, was established in the old high school and four teachers put in charge. This was a splendid idea to separate the grammar grade pupils from the lower grades; gave the much needed expansion and many advantages that children of those ages should have. The only possible objection was the distance from some parts of town and a petition from the citizens requested that this school be abolished and those grades be reestablished on both sides of the river. After discussion and consideration the board coneluded to continue as before. Three dozen dumb bells, Indian clubs, and two volley Vol. 1-25
386
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
balls were purchased for use in these grades, and the fine dumb bell and Indian ciub drills given at the school exhibitions showed how accuracy, attention, alacrity and physical training can be developed with simple apparatus.
Superintendent Foster introduced the idea of having each school present a publie entertainment once a year, in place of the usual grade exercises and holiday or "last day" programs. This plan has been followed ever since and some unusually fine productions have been put on. The last year's, 1914, plays, "Bee Bee" and the "Merry Milk Maids" were nnusually well presented, and the high school play, "Cupid at Vassar," was exceptionally good, reflecting inneh credit on the teachers and superintendent, as well as the pupils themselves.
At the end of the school year, Professor Reinow was reelected as superin- tendent, but resigned to accept the position as dean of men at the State University, so Prof. John L. Cherny was employed and is still serving in that capacity, and if the present rate of progress of our schools continues as it has under his able, efficient and progressive management, it is to be hoped that the next historian shall still record his achievements as superintendent of the Independence public schools.
This sketch would be very incomplete without a brief description of our high school, the pride of our city. It is a beautiful building of massive and substantial architecture, modern, artistie and complete and reflects great credit to the architectural ability of H. E. Netcott, the designer. It is conceded to be the finest building in the state in a city the size of Independence. Many visitors, school boards, and prospective builders, have come to see this building and were much impressed in their admiration of its beauty and completeness. There is nothing that attraets families, that is, of the desirable and progressive kind, more than good schools, and certainly our high school, with its splendid advantages and extensive course of studies, has been a great attraction, as attested by the large enrollment of the present year. The location and surroundings of a building add or detract in a great degree and the high school fortunately has few detraetions, and is "exactly the right spot," in the general consensus of opinion, although it was very hard for people to see it that way when that location was first in contemplation. Situated along the river. it is a sightly place, overlooking the business streets, both bridges, and up and down the Wapsie, and the grounds, since they have been grassed and laid out by a profes- sional gardener, have wonderfully improved the general effeet. The building is three stories, built of brown pressed brick, with "raked out joints," Bed- ford stone sills and water-tables, terra cotta trimmings and red tile roof. It faces the west. It has an expansive vestibule entrance, the front embellished on either side by large brick columns, extending the full height of the building. Similar vestibule entrances are on both the north and south sides.
As you enter the building from any of the three entrances, you ascend broad concrete stairs (all the stairways are of concrete) which open into a spacious hall extending north and south through the building. This hall is eighteen feet wide and considered one of the most beautiful parts of the building. On the first floor is located the assembly room, where 275 pupils can be comfortably seated ; on either side of the assembly room are two spacious class rooms; across the hall, two class rooms of like proportions and the library and superintendent's office with a small waiting room in front of the office proper. On the second
387
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
floor are situated the auditorium and two class rooms exactly corresponding in size to the assembly and class rooms below on one side, and two elass rooms, including the commercial and science department, and a girls' rest room across the hall on the west. Both the superintendent's office and rest room have lavatories.
It has been the plan of at least one of the women's clubs of this city to furnish the girls' rest room, and a fine russet leather davenport was the first donation given by the Chantanqua Literary Circle. Other gifts are intended.
In the basement is located the gymnasium, 50 by 70 feet, same size as the assembly room and auditorium, and adjacent to the gym are the boys' and girls' lockers and toilet rooms, the domestic science room and what was formerly the manual training room (until the accession of the Munson Building for that purpose), but now converted into a sewing room. Both of these last named rooms are the size of the two class rooms above. The furnace and boilers are in concrete rooms built adjacent to the building.
The equipment in the high school is of the best and most modern available. The heating and ventilating is by a new scientific and absolutely sanitary process called the blast system. The pure, cold air from outdoors is forced by a seven foot fan into a plenum chamber where it is heated and then forced into the different rooms. The temperature is regulated by automatic thermostats and the air in all the rooms is changed ten times every hour.
The building is also equipped with a vacuum cleaning system which sueks the dust and dirt into the furnace, where it is burned.
It is profusely lighted with electrie lights. In the auditorium the ceiling is studded with handsome fixtures. This room is equipped with 424 opera chairs, a spacious stage, a very handsome stage eurtain and some scenery. There are four entranees to this room. The gymnasium has a cement floor and quite an amount of athletic apparatus which is constantly being increased.
The boys and girls each have a shower bath and lockers convenient to the gymnasium.
The toilets and lavatories are of the most modern, sanitary, and approved kind.
The domestic seience room is equipped with a gas range and stoves, tables, and kitchen utensils to accommodate twenty students; cupboards, full of all necessary and convenient articles for kitehen use, sink and drain boards, refrig- erators, and a complete set of dining room furniture, dishes, silver, table linen, and all the appointments needed to serve a scientific meal in a scientifie way.
In the sewing room are eight fine Singer machines. The manual training department, now located in the Munson Building, is well equipped with twenty carpenter's benches, a turning lathe, and all necessary tools. The commercial department is equipped with eight Remington and Underwood typewriters and the science department has all the necessary apparatus for experiments. To be sure, the equipment is not as complete as desired, but the board supplies every need as speedily as possible with the funds available. This year they introduced printing into the schools and propose to publish a school paper.
The Munson Industrial School Board and the board of education entered into a contract whereby the board of education agreed to conduct an industrial school in the Munson Building in accordance with the terms of the will of Perry
388
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Munson, and in consideration thereof are to receive the income from the endow- ment fund which was left for that purpose by him. The industrial branches which at the present time consist of mannal training and printing are now conducted in that building. The printing equipment consists of a fine up-to-date machine newly installed.
In March, 1914, a rule was adopted by the board that will still further tend to improve the standing of the schools, as follows: "No elementary school teacher shall be employed in the public schools of Independence who does not hold a certificate, and who has not had educational preparations equivalent to that of a fully accredited Iowa high school, and, in addition thereto, either a course of professional training, covering a period of two years in a standard normal school or teachers' college, or two years' successful teaching experience in a system of graded schools employing not less than six teachers under com- petent supervisors."
There are nineteen regular teachers employed in the grades besides the music teacher and twelve in the high school besides the superintendent.
In the fall of 1914 the Palmer System of Writing was introduced. At present there are 756 pupils enrolled in the public schools of the Independent Distriet, of which 110 or 115 are tuition pupils. A more diversified course of study, more competent teachers, or better accommodations can not be found in the state than in the Independence High School.
It is fully accredited, both by the State of fowa and the North Central Association of Colleges. The very high standards set by this association have made it possible for only a few schools in Iowa to become members. Thirty-two credits are required for graduation, and credits are only given for work completed and satisfactorily done. Ten courses are embraced. They are English, Latin, German, mathematies, science, history, civies, etc., commercial, normal, mannal arts, printing, ete., domestic arts.
The normal course was introduced into the schools in 1911, and in 1912 the state superintendent designated it as a normal training school under the law, whereby it receives state aid provided by statute.
And besides the regular studies, the student activities, the literary societies, of which there are three this year, 1914, the Girls' Glee Club, the Boys' Glee Club, High School Chorus, orchestra. debating, deelamatory and athletic con- tests afford ample opportunity for recreation and general development.
There are 249 pupils enrolled in the high school-ninety of which are tuition pupils.
Twice has the Independence High School entertained the Cedar Valley Track and Declamatory Meet, once in 1913, when the Independence High School Athletic Association secured the eup by winning the greatest number of points in the athletic contests and second place in the declamatory contest-and in 1914 secured an enviable reputation as good losers and fine entertainers if not eup winners, although to do justice to the students, our high school won several pennants in the athletic contests and third place in the declamatory contest.
The recent achievements of our high school students certainly justify the vast expenditure of money which the taxpayers have been called upon to make for their benefit. They have made a name and a place in history for our high school. They have competed in athletics and won honors in declamatory con-
389
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
tests, and finally capped the elimax by securing the coveted cup in the state debating contest. Messrs. Harry Christianson, George O'Toole and Raymond Townsend constituted the champion team. It took six successful contests to aequire that honor. They first debated Clinton, then Strawberry Point, Gut- tenburg, Sigourney, Fort Dodge and Le Mars.
The first four debates took place in the high school auditorium, the one with Fort Dodge at Iowa Falls, and the final debate with Le Mars at lowa City. The State University presents a handsome silver eup to the champion debaters and "our boys" won the title and the prize.
The interest and excitement shown in these debates was something to be wondered at, in such a usually staid and prosaic community as Independence, but with every fresh snecess of our team the interest and excitement waxed more and more intense.
When the champions came home laden with the silver eup and with laurel wreaths upon their brows, the enthusiasm knew no bounds. An immense delegation of citizens on foot, in carriages and per automobiles, with the band, banners flying and horns tooting assembled at the Rock Island depot on Satur- day A. M. to honor our returning heroes; alas and alack, the fates had ruled otherwise, and the expectant crowd were greeted with the triumphant smile of the president of the board and those loyal supporters who had accompanied the debaters to battle. Great as was their disappointment, their ardor could not be dampened by so trifling a misealeulation of events and heroes' modesty, so not to be thwarted in their plans, they again assembled with reinforcements to meet the 6 o'clock train and this time their patience was rewarded. As the train approached the band played "Hail to the Chief." Only two of the debaters braved the ordeal, the other preferred the unidentified seclusion of the city and remained in Cedar Rapids until the enthusiasm had somewhat subsided. But these two brave ones were triumphantly borne aloft on the shoulders of the general populace to a star spangled automobile, with Ray- mond's band in the lead discoursing patriotic and spirited music, followed by dozens of automobiles erowded with people waving flags, banners and blowing horns, the triumphal procession started on a grand parade which extended over the entire city and continued until the last spark plug refused to ignite, so to speak, and finally ended in a monstrous bonfire on the high school campus.
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.