USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 19
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Twelve schools are nearly ready to enter this list, and will in all probability, be so registered before the close of the present school year. Additional to this there is a long list of those who have made the start, they having installed new seats, and provided improved physical equipment, at a cost of hundreds of dollars. Verily the rural school is coming more nearly into its very own, and improved conditions are indicating in an immistakable manner the progressive sentiment that today permeates every avenue of life's activities.
The "Superior School" diploma is issued for modern architec- ture, and for general requirements far in excess of those indicated for "Standard Schools," it being the intention to make such schools models for the guidance of new structures to be built in the days to come. This diploma is issued upon personal inspection of the state inspector, only.
In receiving from the state educational department, the third diploma to be issued in the great State of Illinois, for perfection of physical equipment as exemplified in a school building. and proficiency in regular school work. Lee county regards with pride the new "Superior School" at Scarboro.
The honor shown its directors in sending from Springfield a representative from the state superintendent's office to deliver a diploma and a doorplate is an honor quite unusual.
It was through the tireless energy, and the beautiful philan- thropie spirit of Miss Ida M. Durin, of Scarboro, daughter of one of Lee county's foremost pioneers. that the realization of this splendid type of school architecture became possible.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
In the summer of 1911, Miss Durin notified the county superin- tendent of schools that she would contribute one-half of the cost of a new modern schoolhouse, provided the school district would raise the other one-half of the cost, and proceed at once with the erection of the building.
This proposition was accepted, and the district's portion of funds was also made immediately available, by the purchase of the district bonds at a low rate of interest by Miss Durin.
Plans for the including of sanitary features, and all regulations for comfort and utility, were developed by Miss Durin, who super- intendented every detail of the construction, in person.
This building conforms to every modern item of perfection. In architecture, it is a model. In sanitary appointments it seems to be more than perfect. The lavatories established therein have porcelain and nickel furnishings. The libraryroom is a little gem by itself, stored with just such books as the school demands. The wardrooms are examples of perfect arrangement. The seats are all graded to adapt themselves to the size of the pupils to ocenpy them from the first to the eighth grades. All light is admitted to the room from the rear and left-hand side of the pupils. All out- buildings are approached by broad cement walks, the grounds are beantified by trees, shrubbery and flowers, and the school is pro- vided with pure sparkling drinking water from a well, equipped with modern bubbler drinking appliances.
The number "3" indicated on the "Superior Diploma" issued to this school indicates that it is the third one granted by the state superintendent's office to any school within the borders of Illinois, a most gratifying and remarkable fact.
The capacity of the new school building was far inadequate to contain those who had assembled to assist in the formalities of the occasion, and the auditorium of the church adjacent was used for this purpose.
Conspienous on the program was the "History of Our School." by Mr. G. T. Noe, clerk of the board of directors. His notations showed that the first school at this place was taught in James Thompson's original log cabin. In this deskless school-room the seats were slabs without backs. placed around the walls of the room. In 1854 a schoolhouse was built by subscription. and three years later became the property of the school district by purchase. Fire destroyed this structure in 1864, and the Ellsworth schoolhouse replaced it in 1865.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
The first teacher in this school was Mrs. Maria Ellsworth, and it was beautifully appropriate to have her present, and to listen to her reminiscences of the days when she received $1.25 per week for her services, and boarded round.
The site of this school was some distance south of the new Superior School, well sheltered on the north, west, and south by the trees of Twin Grove. In recent years, this site was changed to the present location in Scarboro, where the old building gave way for the modern new one. The old building was sold by the trustees, and now forms a part of a store building in the village, and is occupied by C. C. Fisher, with a stock of general merchandise.
Miss Eunice Fisher, daughter of Jacob Fisher is the present efficient teacher in this school, she is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, and holds a life certificate from that state. By her painstaking efforts, splendid judgment, and general professional ability, she has caused the school to maintain a standard of work commensurate with expectations. Manual training, musie, sewing, and the elements of domestic science are taught in this school in addition to the regular course of study.
The State Inspector, Mr. U. J. Hoffman, commented with much enthusiasm, on the general conditions found here, indicating, "I find everything up to expectations." Plans are now developing for the visit of the state inspector, with a view to a beginning in the third list of schools, the "Standard Graded School." Doubtless a school of this type will soon grace the list as a pioneer in this departure.
This portion of this contribution for history's page would be incomplete without due recognition of the faithfulness and loyalty of Lee county's teachers, without which these splendid achieve- ments would be seriously interfered with ; and to the large body of pupils and patrons whose zeal and fidelity know no rest. All eredit to them, they who bear the burdens in shine and shadow. The inspector's compliment to those responsible for the excellent foundation for achieving these results for the general welfare of the rising generation is most appropriate in this chronicle. "Lee county has a grand foundation for this work of improvement. in which there is honor enough for us all."
The school systems of today are well organized. Accredited courses of study are given in several of the schools maintaining the full four-year work, while schools maintaining but two years of such work, are given full, or liberal credit for the work done. Rural school work is specifically planned and executed, and
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
splendid standards maintained. Monthly reports to the homes are general. Bi-monthly tests are provided for prospective graduates from rural schools and a "Central Examination" paves the way with "half-eredit" for graduation. "Central Examinations" are personally conducted by the county superintendent who reviews the work of each graduate, prescribing in the individual case for deficiencies, none worthy being barred from graduation until the opening of schools in the succeeding year. One hundred and twenty- five out of a class of one hundred and twenty-six graduated last year, and the new High School Tuition Aet, passed by the last General Assembly now makes the district responsible for all tuition payments necessary to give all pupils a high school ednea- tion.
Among the new school laws enacted by the last ( Forty-eighth) General Assembly, we may note the following: The addition of $1,000,000 to the distributable fund for the distribution of 1914. The act to provide high school privileges for eighth grade grad- uates, the home district becoming responsible for the payment of the tuition of all such pupils, during the present (1913-1914) school year, and each year thereafter. The act to provide for the certification of teachers, to take effect July 1. 1914, whereby the county will issue nine different forms of teachers' certificates, instead of two, at present. and whereby the examinations for teachers' certificates will be wholly in the hands of the state exam- ining board. The act relative to the election of members of boards of education provides for nominations by petition, such petitions to be filed at least ten days prior to the election and all ballots to be furnished by the district.
The first annual report of the county superintendent of schools, now available in the office of said officer, bears the date of 1869, and was made by Superintendent James H. Preston. The follow- ing items of interest are taken therefrom :
Total persons under 21 years of age, 13,513; number between 6 and 21. 8,862 ; number enrolled in schools, 8,310 ; number of school distriets, 144: number of schoolhouses, 145.
Male teachers, 93; female teachers, 164: total, 257.
Highest monthly salary of men, $120; lowest monthly salary of men, $20; highest monthly salary of women, $50; lowest monthly salary of women. $10.
Amount received from distributable fund. $10,299.12.
Total expenditure for all school purposes, $83,027.29. Vol. 1-14
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
One section of school land in Hamilton town, and one section in Viola town were yet unsold.
The annual report of the same officer for 1873, forty years ago, shows improved school conditions. Five hundred and sixty acres of the school section of Viola were sold during this year for about $12.50 per acre. The remainder was sold later at about the same price, and the Hamilton section was sold in 1892 for about $7.00 per acre. One cannot help thinking that if the sale of these Lee county lands which were set aside for the perpetuation and main- tenance of schools, might have been deferred, our schools would have profited immeasurably thereby.
Items of interest in the annual report of the county superin- tendent of schools for 1913 are as follows:
Number of kindergarten pupils 70
Number of private schools 4
Number of teachers in private schools 14
Enrollment in private schools 411
Number of public school districts 163
Number of public school buildings 169
Number of teaching positions in public schools. 263
Number of men teachers 23
Number of women teachers 240
Total value of school property $455,512.00
Amount of tax levy 153,697.00
Tuition of transferred pupils 176.64
Paid for transportation of pupils 571.95
Paid for new grounds and buildings 10,001.75
Paid for new equipment 2,920.64
Net expenditures for school purposes 171,494.46
Distributed by county superintendent from distributable fund 7,949.76
Cash on hand-school funds 84,313.57
The following statistics pertain to munbers as per column explanation.
Total Total Enrolled under between in public 21 yrs. 6 and 21 schools Brooklyn 539 278 254 Viola 2644 181 132
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Reynolds
255
164
113
Wyoming
560
109
288
Willow Creek
381
266
108
Alto
354
237
167
Hamilton
175
118
92
Harmon
353
261
134
Nelson
332
240
178
Palmyra
275
193
106
East Grove
211
171
120
Marion
311
206
152
Dixon
2,111
1,554
907
(North) Dixon
1,282
843
630
Maytown
218
164
131
Amboy
847
635
485
South China and Nachmisa. .
535
363
294
North China and Nachusa. .
115
82
35
Sublette
389
277
231
Lee Center
397
251
181
Bradford
352
248
191
Ashton
411
315
249
10,697
7.456
5,178
Of those enrolled in public schools 617 were in high schools. There were 103 high school graduates and 124 graduates from the common schools.
In 1911 an exhibit of the products of the counties traversed by the Illinois Central railroad was held at the Illinois State Fair. Mr. Ernest J. Hecker of Amboy, Illinois, had charge of Lee county's exhibits on this occasion, and took some fine prizes.
Co-incident with this event, and maintained each year there- after, a Boys' State Fair School has been maintained by the Illi- nois State Farmers' Association. to which Lee county has sent representatives each year-the same being boys from the country and city schools.
The 1911 class consisted of C. O. Rosenkrans, Miles Leavens and Charles W. Jeanblane, from Paw Paw. Amboy and Lee Center respectively. F. B. Haley and Ernest J. Hecker, both of Amboy, constituted the 1912 class, while George King and Roy Thomp- son, both of Amboy, composed the 1913 class.
In all rural schools, and in several of the high schools, the Illi- nois State Course of Study is fundamentally the basic guide for the classification of pupils and for the work prescribed for study.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
The subject of agriculture is now required for graduation from the rural schools. The subjects of manual training, sewing and domes- tic science are also fast becoming popular in rural schools, while drawing and vocal music are taught in a large per cent of the coun- try schools. Exhibits of such work in local centers, and at the county fair, indicate that the popularity of these subjects is radiat- ing from the cities and villages to the smaller rural centers, where, too, the larger training of vocational faculties blends harmoniously with mental proficiency.
Standing, as it were, upon an eminence, from which we review the splendid records of the past, warming the heart with a glow of satisfaction, and making plain, and ever more plain, the duty of all into whose care is entrusted, during the plastic formative years of childhood, the moulding of character-the great leadership in matters of a better citizenship for the unborn days, and we pledge ourselves, one and all, to a rededication of faithfulness of effort, and a continuance of worthy motive in the great cause of education -for the children's sake.
CHAPTER XV HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SWAMP By George A. Lyman
The drainage of Inlet Swamp, comprising about 30,000 acres of land in the townships of Alto, Willow Creek, Reynolds, Viola, Bradford and Lee Center, in Lee county, Illinois, is one of the most stupendous undertakings in the history of northern Illinois -not alone from the magnitude of the work itself, but from the great difficulties that had to be overcome. The dam of solid rock. half a mile thick, at Inlet, presented a barrier that had been looked upon as insurmountable.
Action for reclaiming these lands had been taken as far back as the early '70s. The writer has been on at least three drainage assessment juries since 1870; but all attempts proved futile and brought no good results from the fact that there was no sufficient outlet. The ditches cut at various times at several thousand dol- lars' expense, through land that is practically a dead level, served as channels in which the water could accumulate during the sum- mer and fall, when the land was not overflowed; but they provided no current, and aided but little in removing the water. The ledge of roek at Inlet had to be cut through and a deep channel made as the first move in any successful system of drainage. It took time and costly experiment to convince the majority of swamp-land owners of this.
To Ira Brewer, one of the earliest settlers of Bradford town- ship. belongs the credit and the honor of being the pioneer in reclaiming the swamp lands of Inlet. He first recognized the pros- pective valne of the lands and was always active in protecting public interest in them. The old Dewey dam, eight feet high, set the water back about twelve miles and overflowed about fifteen
221
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
thousand acres of land. All these lands were given to the county by the state, which received them from the Government. A move was made in the early days to have the 15,000 acres of over- flowed lands given to the mill owners for a perpetual mill- pond. The action was well meant, and at that time appeared to be a wise and judicious action ; and but for the personal efforts of Ira Brewer it would have been consummated. He stood at first almost alone in his opposition to it on the county board, and was the only member that was determined in his opposition to it. The scheme was finally defeated by a majority of one.
Following this action came the removal of the Dewey dam at Inlet and the lowering of the water level all over the tract of 30,000 acres. In place of the waste of water in which grew gigantic rushes, Indian rice and other worthless vegetation, the home of millions of geese, ducks, swan, brant, pheasant, grouse, wild turkey and other wild game, there came in gradually a growth of coarse slough grasses, some short and mingled with weeds in great variety, other kinds rank and tall, growing to a height of ten or twelve feet. The land was overflowed during the spring and early summer, but later unless the season was wet, the water drained off and the sod, which was of the very toughest nature, would bear up a team and loaded wagon. During the fall of the year, after the grass had been killed by frosts, magnificent prairie fires prevailed until snow came; the flames at night, when there were high winds, lighting up the sky with surpassing grandeur, enabling a person to read by the light miles away. and being visible for a distance of nearly one hundred miles. These mag- nificent scenes of thirty years and more ago remain indelibly impressed upon the memories of those who witnessed them. Dur- ing the winter months there were unlimited skating facilities. It continued to be the home and nesting place of wild fowl, and of deer, wolf, and other game, and was a paradise for hunters. During the grazing season the eastern part of Viola township was headquarters for an immense herding ground extending throughout the entire eastern part of the swamp, where thousands of cattle and horses were herded by a troop of herders-cattle for one dollar a head and horses for two dollars a head during the sea- son. Robert M. Peile of Reynolds township handled the herding many years, and a man by the name of Collins also had a large herd there. Enclosed pastures were almost unknown in those years, and almost every farmer in the eastern part of the county. and many from a greater distance, had cattle in the herd during the sum-
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
mer season; and notwithstanding the swarms of "green-heads" and other annoying insects, stock came out in good condition the first of October.
The swamp, especially about the edges, began to be dryer; the quality of the grasses became better and better. Attempts were made to raise crops on lands that a few years before were under water; the wild grass improved in quality, and dry seasons after harvest hundreds of farmers from miles around could be found on the "swamps" cutting "sprangle-top" hay. At first it cost nothing but the labor of cutting. curing, and hauling; but in a few years its value became known to the land-owners and it sold for from fifty cents to one dollar and fifty cents an acre standing. Dur- ing the extremely dry summer of 1887 the marsh was nearly all eut for hay, farmers and liverymen coming from Polo, Oregon, and even farther, buying the standing hay for from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents an aere. "Pond hay" sold the following winter as high as eight dollars to ten dollars a ton.
About this stage in the transformation of the marsh lands, the project of forming a hunting park was agitated by Mr. Val- entine Hicks of Bradford, who owned what was formerly the Stephen Clink farm. now owned by W. S. Frost, Ir. He is a native of Long Island, a practical hunter with much experience in such matters, having organized the first hunters' club of New York city and was the founder of a hunting park at Currituck Sound. North Carolina. After several years of agitation the "Rising Sun Park Association" was organized and incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000, comprising 500 shares of $100 each, with the principal office at Ashton, Lee county, Illinois, the duration of the corporation to be ninety-nine years. The object was to preserve the lands- inclosing a tract about seven miles square-for game and fish, for hunting and pleasure for mem- bers of the association. The Rising Sun Park Association was incorporated Dec. 24, 1887. and papers issued, Henry D. Dement being Secretary of State. The incorporators were Samuel Dysart, John Nelles, Samuel F. Mills. U. Grant Dysart. Valentine Hicks, William A. Hunt, Dr. Nicholas Rowe. A constitution and by- laws were adopted and books for subscription to the capital stock were opened.
There were eight directors: Samuel Dysart, Franklin Grove; Samuel F. Mills. Ashton: John Nelles. West Brooklyn; Valen- tine Hicks. Bradford: Dr. N. Rowe, 343 State street. Chicago; Dwight Townsend, 187 Broadway, New York ; Mr. H. S. Bergen,
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Bay Ridge, L. I .; Mr. M. C. Clark, Washington, D. C. The officers were : President, Samuel Dysart; vice-president, Valentine Hicks; treasurer, N. A. Petrie, Ashton; secretary, U. Grant Dy- sart, Franklin Grove. A part of the stock was subscribed and a lively interest was taken in the enterprise by gentlemen in Chi- eago, New York and other places. There arose a contest for supremacy between those favoring a park and those favoring reclaiming the land for agricultural purposes. It is still thought by some that a game preserve would have been a good thing, and fully as profitable in the long run as to dry up the great source of water supply in that section. The advantages of a game park and preserve as contemplated by Mr. Hicks and others were never understood by the landowners and the public. We are too practical and would turn everything to profit, regardless of pleas- ure and other considerations. A game preserve, as contemplated, comprising about fifty square miles, would have been a source of profit to farmers in that section, in the greatly enhanced value of land which would follow the attractions of a park owned and beautified by wealthy men of the cities. Hard roads, telegraph and telephone lines, fine club-houses, distinguished visitors with money to spend with a postoffice and other features most desir- able and advantageous would have followed in time.
In this connection it is proper to call attention to the game park now in process of establishment in Bureau county. com- prising about twenty thousand acres of what is known as St. Peter's marsh-a tract of land very similar to the Inlet marsh lands. It would not be difficult to drain these lands; but a park association has been organized, wealthy men have been interested in the project, and $200,000 will be used in the purchase of the tract and as much more for attractive club honses and for beanti- fying and making necessary improvements. The association will be organized and take possession this season, 1901.
While these marsh lands were well adapted to the purposes of a game park, the idea of reclaiming them for agricultural pur- poses had gained such a hold upon the minds of the landowners. that it prevailed, and the game park project failed. It had the effect, however, of foreing the friends of drainage to act more promptly and decidedly. The game park movement is an incident in the history of the swamp lands that is worthy of this notice. Hlad the movement been launched ten or twenty years earlier, the prospect of success would have been good. Only those who lived in the vicinity of the swamps in the early days, before and just
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
after the Dewey dam was removed, would believe the marvelons facts that could be narrated of the millions of geese, duek. brant, swan, and other water fowl that during the spring and fall cov- ered the swamps, rising in immense flocks that literally spotted the sky like flying clouds and filled the air with a noisy quack and cackle, flying low in the air within easy range of a shot-gum- with prairie chicken, quail, pheasant, sand-hill crane, and other game, all in such vast number as to become a nuisance in grain fields. Wild game was more common on the table than domestic fowl during the spring and fall; and a wild goose, a pair of dueks or a brace of chickens could often be had for the asking.
The wisdom and foresight of Ira Brewer had become mani- fest, and the swamp lands came during all these years to have a value. The idea of draining the lands began to take shape, although but few believed they would ever become equal in value to the adjacent highlands. Schemes of private drainage and drainage under special acts of the Legislature were worked with little snecess and not much profit. The landowners were not satisfied until they had practically demonstrated that the lands could not be drained with a wide stone dam at the natural ontlet only a few inches lower than the level of the swamp. The stone dam must be cut through and a system of ditches dug, at an expense estimated by Mr. Rutledge, the first engineer employed to make a full and careful estimate. of $185,000. This dismayed the landowners. being far more than the entire swamp was worth. The system was modified to reduce the expense to $67.000. That was the first outlay. The completed system has cost nearly the $185.000: and the price of the swamp lands now fully equals, and even exceeds the price of the adjacent uplands.
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