USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 18
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The city in 1849 had an estimated population of four thousand. In the mat- ter of public schools up to 1852 the Burlington district was far behind the country districts. Almost immediately on the adoption of the act of 1840 all the organized townships (except Union) had taken advantage of that act. Had elected school inspectors, who had divided their several townships into school districts. Had erected school buildings, principally of logs, in which schools were being taught.
NORTII HILL SCHOOL
In September, 1850, the school board made a contract with Myers & Kelfer for the erection of a school building on lots 729 and 730, original city, at the southeast corner of High and Sixth streets, at a cost of $4.150. Mr. Charles Starker was its architect. This building was completed early in 1852. Charles Ben Darwin was elected its principal at a salary of $40 per month and entered upon the discharge of his duties as principal in April, 1852. Mr. Darwin subse- quently became distinguished as a lawyer ; was elected as representative of Des Moines County in the Eleventh General Assembly; was by joint resolution of the Senate and House of the Eleventh General Assembly appointed one of the commissioners to draft and report to the Judiciary Committee of the two houses a code of crime and criminal procedure and to revise and harmonize the exist- ing laws of the state; was afterwards appointed district judge of the District Court of Washington Territory. Since then additions have been made to this school building. The time finally came when it became necessary to construct a new and modern building for this district.
In 1913, by a vote of the electors of the district, it was determined to erect a new building on a new site. The district purchased the ground situated at the corner of Eighth, North and Spring streets, being a space of 135x150 feet, on
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which is to be erected a building at a cost of $50,000. Tlie plans and specifica- tions of the same have been drawn and adopted.
The principals who have had charge of North Hill School follow: C. B. Darwin, 1852; (no principal), 1852-53: J. H. Smith, 1853-54: R. J. Graff, 1854- 58; Clara Miller, 1858; J. E. Dow, 1858-61 ; R. J. Graff, 1861-63; J. Thorpe, 1863-64; M. Dunn, 1864; C. P. DeHass, 1864-72; George A. Miller, 1872-73; Logan Steece, 1873-81 ; R. S. Davis, 1881-1904: Josephine B. Burt. 1904-1915.
WILLIAM SALTER SCHOOL
This school is situated at the corner of Maple and Seventh streets and is the second school building of Burlington in age. It belonged to Subdivision No. I, made by the school board in 1849; was built by Myers & Kelber in accord- ance with the plans made by Charles Starker, architect. It was known and called South Hill School till the year 1913, when the name was changed by order of the school board to William Salter School. The original structure was not competed till in May. 1853. The first cost of the building was $4,700. Several additions have been added to it since first constructed.
The principals of this school since 1850 have been: Mr. Lemon, 1856-57; E. L. Jaggar, 1857-58; T. B. Gray. 1858-59: A. J. Graff, 1859-61 : J. E. Dow, 1861-64; J. K. Mccullough, 1864-66: J. Morrison, 1866; A. M. Antrobus, 1867; A. E. Millspaugh, 1867-72; J. A. Fairbrother, 1872-73 : A. E. Millspaugh, 1873 ; Charles H. Morey, 1873-74; WV. M. Forbes, 1874-76; William J. Samson, 1876- 1915.
LINCOLN SCIIOOL
In 1858 the school board caused to be erected a one-story frame building containing two rooms. This building was situated three blocks west of the pres- ent building. The ground on which the first building was constructed was pur- chased from Hon. Shepherd Leffler in 1856. Mr. Leffler had commenced the erection of a dwelling house on the site, on the foundation of which the school district erected a two-story brick school building, with one room in the first story and one in the second. Afterwards the building was enlarged to a four-room building. At the time of the erection of the first building it was given the name of "Dutchtown School" and was so known and called by the school authorities and people. The people who lived in this district were mostly' Germans and good loyal American citizens. In time the old building gave way to a good, mod- ern, substantial school building. To show their admiration for the savior of their adopted land the people of this district demanded that the school be called "Lincoln School," and such was the name given it.
The principals who have had charge of Lincoln School follow: C. P. De- Hass, 1858-60; John Ritchie, 1860-61 : Susan Coulter, 1861-62; C. P. DeHass, 1862-64; Jennie Chapman, 1864-65; William Inghram, 1865-70; Logan Steece, 1870-72; J. W. C. Jones, 1872-74 ; R. S. Davis, 1874-81 ; William Inghram, 1881- 88; J. Allison Smith, 1888-93; Mary C. McKitterick, 1893-1915.
JAMES WILSON GRIMES SCHOOL
In 1863 Richard Howard built what was known and called the "South Bound- ary School" building. The name "South Boundary School" was given it because
·CHILDS & f.s
NORTH HILL SCHOOL HOUSE As it appeared in 1553
SOUTH HILL SCHOOL HOUSE
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it was situated just north of the north line of South Boundary Street, which marked the southern line of the original City of Burlington as surveyed and platted under the direction of the general surveyor of the United States.
The cost of the building when first constructed was $1,900. Subsequently additions were made to it, so that it is now among one of the largest school build- ings in the city. The name was changed by order of the school board in 1913 to "James Wilson Grimes School."
The principals who have had charge of this school are: Mrs. Lat Little- field, 1863-64; Milton Campbell, 1864-65; T. J. Trulock, 1865-67; John Paisley, 1867-68; William Pardee, 1868-69; William , Hummell, 1869-1913; Miss L. Gutekunst, 1913-1915.
JOHN LOCKWOOD CORSE SCHOOL
In 1865 the school board caused to be set off a school district in the west and southwest part of the city, known as West Hill School District, and in the next year a one-story building was erected at the northeast corner of Leebrick and Amelia streets. In 1869 a second story was added containing two rooms. In 1876 an addition was made to this building containing three rooms and a large hall. In 1894 three more rooms were added to this structure. About this time the Rutan system of heating and ventilation was placed in the building. On the morning of January 21, 1896, it was completely destroyed by fire, which was the best thing that could have happened for the good of this district. In the same year the board purchased 31/2 acres for the site of a new school, three blocks south of the old building, on which was erected the present building. In 1913 the school board changed the name of this school from "West Hill" to "John Lockwood Corse School."
The principals who have had charge of this school are: Miss M. M. Pol- lock, 1866-67; S. O. Thomas, 1867-72; C. A. Lisle, 1872-73; T. J. R. Perry, 1873-74; E. E. Fitch, 1874-75; S. O. Thomas, 1875-1911; Robert K. Corlett, 19II-1915.
JACOB GARTNER LAUMAN SCIIOOL
This school was known and called the "North Oak School" until 1913, when its name was changed by the school board to "Jacob Gartner Lauman School." The school building is situated at the corner of North Oak and Ninth streets. The district in which it was constructed was set off in 1868 and in the same year a school building was erected to supply the wants of this district. In 1876 a four-room addition was constructed, making it an eight-room building. Twice it has been partially destroyed by fire.
The principals who have had charge of this school are: A. Montmorency, 1868-71 ; W. D. Inghram, 1871-81; Logan Steece, 1881-1912; J. B. Robinson, 1912-13; Mabel Young, 1913 -.
WASHINGTON SCHOOL
The district in which this school is situated was organized in 1879, and dur- ing this year a four-room two-story building was erected. This building was destroyed by fire during the first of the year 1892, and in the same year the pres-
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ent school was built, but not on the same site on which the old building stood. The district was known and called "Hibernia" and the school "Hibernia School" because of the "Irish who lived there." In 1913 the name of the district and school was changed to Washington.
The principals who have had charge of this school are: Fred Embeck, 1875- 91; Marian S. Todd, 1891-93; Anna L. Robins, 1893-1901 ; Belle J. Taylor, 1901-10; Howard Mathews, 1910-11 ; C. F. Banghart, 1911 -.
PROSPECT HILL SCHOOL
Harrison Avenue
The Prospect Hill District was set off in 1879, and during the same year a two-story four-room brick building was constructed. In 1889 a two-story four- room addition was built. In 1892 the entire building was destroyed by fire, and in the same year the present building was constructed according to plans drawn by C. A. Dunham, architect. This school building is one of the best in the city. The site covers two acres of ground.
The principals who have had charge of Prospect Hill School are: J. K. Mccullough, 1879-93; Marian S. Todd, 1893-1912; J. B. Robinson, 1912-13; Mary G. Leebrick, 1913 -.
CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS SCHOOL Perkins Avenue
The district in which this school is erected was set off in the year 1870. Prior to this time the children in this district attended what is now known as the "James Wilson Grimes School." For want of room in the last named school the West Madison District was organized, and a two-story brick building was erected on a three-sided piece of ground, with a frontage of 228 feet on Sum- mer Street ( West Madison Road) and 256 feet on Fifteenth Street and 56 feet on Pine Street. This school was known and called "West Madison School" because it was situated on what was called West Madison Road. As the west and southwest portion of the district was built up, the people of the district demanded a larger and better building, situated in a different location. In 1913 the electors authorized the construction of a new building for the district. In pursuance to this vote a modern school building is being erected fronting ou Perkins Avenue. When completed this building will cost about fifty thousand dollars. This school and building was properly named "Charles Elliott Perkins School." The late Charles Elliott Perkins had with his famiy made his home in this school district for more than forty years. He was a man of fine character and lover of the best in literature and a friend of education. He had through his energies and opportunities done as much, if not more, than any other man for the material advancement of the people of Iowa. Ilis widow, Mrs. Edith Farbes Perkins, with a large public spirit and a commendable generosity, gave to the district the ground upon which the new school building is being erected.
The principals who have had charge of this school are: A. Montmorency, 1870-72 : George A. Miller, 1873-1901 ; Anna L. Robins, 1915.
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SAUNDERSON SCHOOL
The district in which this school is situated was established in 1892. The school building was commenced and completed the same year. The school was given the name "Saunderson Grammar School" in memory of Robert G. Saun- derson, who at the time of his death was superintendent of the city public schools. Mr. Saunderson graduated at the State University of Iowa, and soon after his graduation was elected principal of the Burlington High School, which position he held for one year. He was then elected superintendent of the city schools, which office he held to the time of his death. Perhaps no one who has held the office of superintendent gave more general satisfaction to the people, teachers and school authorities than Mr. Saunderson. He was well fitted to discharge the duties of that important office ; was a practical man, had good common sense, to which was added a liberal education. In no sense was he a faddist. He fully comprehended the objects for which the public schools had been established, to fit the great mass of the pupils to discharge the duties and responsibilities of life, and to attain this end he devoted his energies. His aim was to have the pupil master thoroughly the most important branches constituting a course of study, believing a few things fully comprehended was far more important in the life work of the pupil than a superficial knowledge of many things. He took into consideration the age of the pupil, opportunities and surroundings and conditions in life, and on these lines provided a course of study, and this course of study was limited to the time in which the average pupil would attend school. He believed the pupils' acquiring knowledge depended largely on the personality of the teacher. That the teacher in his or her own way should be left perfectly free to use such methods as to his or her judgment would be the most efficient in acquiring results. He believed the schoolroom was a place where the pupil and teacher worked for mental development. That it did not depend whether the teacher or pupil sat on a mahogany seat with desks before them or on a rude bench without any desk. He believed in good sanitary conditions, pure air. good light and sufficient warmth. He fully recognized that the state wanted the best results for the money expended in the education of its children. That it did not have any money to be wasted in matters that did not amount to much ("frills"). Was positive in his conviction, but above all things else in his dealings in the conduct of the schools he was man enough to shoulder responsibilities, for he considered he was the head of the schools; that the teachers were working under his directions, and if anything went wrong between teacher and pupil, or between teacher and parent, growing out of the relation which the teacher sustains to the parent and pupil, he took the responsibility on himself to make amends if any wrong was done; if not, stood firm, defending their action as his own. By such course of conduct he always had the good will of the teachers. In connection with the Saunderson School, and as a separate department, is a Teachers' Train- ing School, of which the principal of the Saunderson School has charge, and is assisted by the other teachers of the school.
Since the establishment of the Saunderson School, Miss Martha Cox has been its principal.
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SUNNY SIDE SCHOOL
In July, 1876, the city limits of Burlington were extended so as to include the territory of the Independent School District of "Sunny Side." The question arose whether the extension of the city limits destroyed the corporate existence of said Sunny Side District; whether two independent school districts could exist within the corporate limits of a city. To determine this question the state at the instance of the Burlington Independent School District brought quo war- ranto proceedings against the board of directors of the Sunny Side School Dis- trict. The holding of the lower court being against the state, the case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which held that the school system of the state was complete within itself, and such was the case with the laws and regulations governing cities. That the law providing for the extension of city limits did not provide how it would affect school districts within such extended limits, and the extension of the city territory did not affect the corporate organization of Sunny Side District. Subsequently the Legislature passed an act which in terms provided that all the territory of a city should constitute the territory of the Independent School District of the city. It was by this means Sunny Side School became a part of the Independent School District of Burlington in 1882. The old schoolhouse and grounds were sold and a new building erected in 1891 a short distance east from the old site. This school has a large area for play- grounds and has one of the most beautiful locations for a school.
The principals who have had charge of Sunnyside School since it became part of the Burlington Independent District are: J. A. Smith, 1882 to January, 1887; C. P. DeHass, January, 1887, to February, 1887-died in office ; J. A. Barnes, February, 1887, to June, 1893; Josephine B. Burt, 1893 : Mabel S. Young, -; Hattie E. Kline, 1915.
BURLINGTON HIGII SCHOOL
Dr. William Salter was president of the school board in 1853, and in his report of that year says :
"With the enlarged facilities that will be furnished with the completion of the schoolhouse on the South Hill it is to be hoped that an improvement will take place in the character of the schools. Before long the erection of a new schoolhouse will be necessary to serve for a high school. The board is of the opinion that the time for that enterprise has not yet arrived. Our primary and grammar schools must first be established on a more firm and satisfactory basis than at present. The number of children somewhat advanced in years who are found to be ignorant of the first rudiments of knowledge is exceedingly large. The board is at the same time of the opinion that a high school is to be regarded as an indispensable part of our common school system, and that they will hail with joy the day of its establishment."
Nothing seems to have been done looking to the establishment of a high school with a prescribed course of study until the annual meeting of the electors, March 14, 1864, at which Mr. McCosh offered the following resolution :
"Resolved, That the board of directors of this school district be instructed to establish a school in which more advanced studies than those now pursued in the schools shall be taught." After some discussion it was carried.
BURLINGTON UNIVERSITY
E
--
IHIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGTON
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The records of the board for April 18, 1864, show that the board considered the vote of the electors as binding upon them: "On motion, Luke Palmer, the president, was directed to appoint a committee to ascertain the cost of a building for a high school ; also to report upon a proper building or place for the school."
On June 6th the same record tells of the establishment of a high school com- mittee, defines its powers and asks for a report at the next meeting.
This committee reported August 10th, in full, a course of study and rules, which report was adopted.
The electors having decided that a high school should be established, the board to carry out their rule, on June 15, 1864, on motion of Mr. McCosh, ordered a contract to be made with the trustees of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. The contract leases the building for two years at $200 per year with the privilege of renewal for three years. On month later J. E. Dow was elected principal of the newly established school and Miss Josephine Cutter his assistant.
The school opened in September, 1864, in the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church, corner of Division and Fourth streets. The first class graduated in 1868. The school remained in the old church for five years and was moved to Marion Hall, the present city hall, in 1869. It remained here until 1873, when it moved into its new building.
The question of construction of a high school building had been discussed for a year or more prior to 1865. At this time considerable opposition to its construction existed ; but at the annual meeting of that year a tax levy of 2 mills carried. The opponents of the measure, however, carried the day at that meeting, and the money raised for the above tax levy was appropriated for other purposes. In 1867 the title to the land east of West Boundary Street (now Central Avenue), on which the old high school building was erected, was examined. On June 27, 1867, the board determined to purchase the Burlington University grounds and a committee was appointed to ascertain on what terms it could be acquired. This committee reported favoring the payment of $38,000 for the building and grounds and $1.500 for the ground east of Boundary Street, the title to which had been investigated under the law then in existence. The question of purchase had to be submitted to a vote of the electors of the district at their March meeting. This was not done because the trustees of the university withdrew their proposition. Then came up the question at the meeting of electors whether to purchase the ground east of Boundary Street, paying for the same $2,000, for which sum the trustees of the university had offered to sell. This proposition carried, and it was determined to go ahead and build on this ground. In the meantime the university people seeing their opportunity to sell was about to vanish, renewed their offer to sell for $38,000, which offer was not considered.
In July, 1868, plans were drawn by C. A. Dunham, architect, and accepted by the board, and advertisement for bids for excavation for foundation was made. A contract was made for the stone work of basement and brick cross walls at a cost of $10,085.59. When this was completed it was covered with boards and remained in this condition for four years, during which time the battle for and against the high school was going on. The minutes of the annual meeting of March 9, 1869, contains the following :
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"John H. Gear moved that the board be instructed to give notice of a special meeting of the electors to vote on the proposition to issue the bonds of the Inde- pendent School District of Burlington to raise the funds necessary to complete the high school," which motion was carried. The special election was held; the vote was :
For issuance of bonds. 224 votes
Against issuance of bonds. 532 votes
Notwithstanding this vote, the friends of the high school did not lose cour- age. At the annual meeting in March, 1870, the report of the secretary of the board showed on hand $22,517.19, the result of taxes collected under the 2-mill levy for the past three years and i-mill tax in 1868. The question arose how to dispose of this money. Mr. Thomas French, the leader of the opposition to the establishment of any high school, offered a resolution that $8,000 of this money raised for high school purposes be used in the construction of primary school- houses. This resolution was adopted. The opponents of the high school at the time were the loudest shouters for the grammar schools, while the friends of the high school were not slow in telling them in plain words that their love for the grammar schools was not in fact that they loved them so much, but was engen- dered by their hate of the high school, and were not over-delicate in showing up their past record in reference to the grammar schools. But the end to all con- troversy came at the regular annual meeting of the electors in Marion Hall in 1872. Both sides had marshalled all their forces. At this meeting Mr. Thomas French offered the following resolution :
"Resolved, That the judgment of this meeting is that the board of school directors are requested to suspend the high school for the ensuing year and the sum raised for that purpose be placed for the benefit of the common schools." This motion was met with a second, and the battle was on. Captain French and his follows supported the resolution. Robert Donahue, Thompson McCosh, George H. Lane. A. M. Antrobus and others opposed its adoption. It will not look well in print to put down all that was said at the time. A voice vote was taken, and a great shout went up-"ayes." The negative was called and as great a shout "no." It was impossible for the chairman to decide whether the resolution had been adopted, and a division was called. Those for the resolution to line up on the south side of the middle of the room, those against on the north side. The heads were counted and the "ayes" had a good majority. The friends of the high school, seeing they had a majority in the meeting, were not slow to act. Mr. Thompson MeCosh immediately made a motion that a tax of 3 mills be levied for the purpose of erecting the high school building, which was carried. This ended a five-year struggle to have a high school building erected in Burlington. A contract was at once made with Hayden & House- worth for the completion of the work, at a cost of $28,000. The building was ready for occupancy in February, 1873. Since this time opposition to the high school has practically ceased, and many of those who were its strongest oppo- nents have become its warmest friends. The building completed in 1873 has served its purpose for the time, when on March 17, 1002, the electors voted to purchase the Burlington University grounds on which to erect a new high school
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building. Being authorized to make the purchase, the board of directors pur- chased the grounds of the university for $9,540. Soon after the purchase the first and second floors of the main building in the university were remodeled and used for a manual training and domestic science department.
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