USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 20
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Henry B. Durfee, president of the board of education, died March 17, 1880, after an ilness of about two weeks. He was elected school director in August, 1801, and con- tinued in that position until the organiza- tion of the board of education in April, 1805. On June 4, 1807, he was elected a member of the board of education and re- elected in June, 1870. He declined a re- election in 1873, but in June, 1877, he was elected for another term and he became president of the board in 1870. The special charter of the Decatur school district was obtained largely by his efforts. He was always an earnest and efficient worker for the interests of the schools.
On Feb. 11, 1881. the superintendent was threeted to see on what terms a thoroughly competent teacher of drawing could be se- cured for the remainder of the school year.
September 2, 1882, the Woman's Chris- Han Temperance A mon was granted per mission to place Richardson's Manual of Temperance on the teachers desks. This was the beginning of the teaching of ser- entific temperance in the schools.
Oct. 11, 1882, the following was unani- monsty adopted :
Whereas, The 6th and 7th grades in the first ward are greatly crowded, while the same grades in the fourth ward are not full : therefore
Resolved, That the superintendent is hereby directed to send all pupils in said grades who live south of Eldorado and cast of Jackson streets from the first ward to the fourth ward school.
This question of the proper assignment of the pupils to the various schools continues to be one of the most perplexing problems of the board and the Superintendent. It causes more dissatisfaction every year to parents and pupils than anything else con- nected with the management of the schools.
May 19. 1882. it was determined to erect a four rooms school house on the lots in the fifth ward purchased some time ago of Ira Harris, Jr.
July 17, ordered that the contract for building the above house be awarded to Melville G. Patterson on his bid of $9,700, and Wm. B. chambers was appointed su- perintendent of the bidding
In October 11. 1882, the contract for seating the building was awarded to 1. H. Andrews A to .. Chicago, at an average price ni $2.38 for single desks set up in the rooms ready for use
April 10, 1883, the contract for heating was awarded to Messrs, Kosmeyer & O Neill for the som of $1.372.
Joly o. 1883. the city was requested to put down a brick side walk around the high
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
school lot in place of the board walk now are still used in the schools but ought to be in use. changed for better ones.
It was ordered. September 13, 1883. that the president and clerk execute a convey- ance to John M. Rainey for the sum of $212.50 for the following described lot of land: Commencing 211 feet west of the southeast corner of block number ten in the Western addition to the city of Decatur, thence north to the north line of the south half of said block, thence west to the east of the grounds belonging to the said John M. Rainey, eight and one-half feet more or less, thence south to the south line of said block, thence east to the place of beginning. being a part of lot number nine of said block ; provided that the said Rainey shall build a good, tight board fence at least five feet high between said land and the yard of the third ward school.
Nov. 22, 1883. the superintendent was au- thorized to employ an assistant teacher in one or two of the primary rooms where the schools were greatly crowded if satisfactory arrangements could be made : also to intro- duce drawing into the schools at the be- ginning of the next term if the publishers will give satisfactory terms for the intro- ductory books.
Jan. 8. 1884, the superintendent was di- rected to have telephones placed in the schools in the first, second and fifth wards.
Feb. 12. 1884. Prof. Demorest asked per- mission to teach classes in music in the school houses after the close of the schools in the afternoon. The pupils to pay for the instruction. The permission was not granted.
Ang. 14. 1884. the superintendent reported that he believed it best to introduce the first, second and third readers of the Mod- ern series, and the fourth and fifth readers of the Franklin series in the place of Hil- Jard's now in use. The report was adopted and the introduction ordered. The books
Sept. 9. 1884. it was agreed to purchase of Mary E. Wortman lot one, block three in Durfee & King's addition for $2,500. It was ordered that the lots owned by the board in the west half of block three be offered for sale; also the buildings now standing on the lot purchased of Mary E. Wortman. The frame house was later sold to Hanson (. Stultz for three hundred dollars and the brick house to David C. Moffitt for one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
Sept. 22. 1884. the contract for building the east four rooms of the Marietta street school according to plans prepared by him was awarded to Melville G. Patterson on his bid of $8.990, it being the lowest of five submitted. It was ordered that the house should be heated by steam.
August 18, 1885. ordered that the school houses be known as follows:
First ward, Sangamon street school : sec- ond ward. Church street school : third ward, Wood street school: fourth ward, Jackson street school; fifth ward. Jasper street school, and the new building the Marietta street school.
March 26, 1886, the superintendent was directed to invite the president of the Uni- versity of Michigan to send a committee to examine our high school with a view to ad- mitting our graduates to the university upon their diplomas.
June 21, 1886. Ordered that the assem- bly room in the high school be changed so that the teachers' platform should be on the south side of the room. Also that bay win- dows be put in the four old rooms in the Sangamon street school for the purpose of securing better light.
Feb. 9. 1887. It was ordered that addi- tions of two rooms each be built at the Jack- son and Wood street schools and that four rooms be added to the Marietta street school.
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the Isso rooms at the Wood street school was awarded to Harrison & Baker for Spiso. the two rooms at the Jackson street school to ! ! Wilson for $5.845 and the four rings at the Marietta street school to Melville & Patterson for $8,9).
Ang. 23. 1887 The superintendent with directed to introduce Frang's drawing books at The beginning of the schools in Septem her mest.
V.s. 22. 188- A committee of the 1. 1. K asked that the board would consider the cases of worthy old soldiers when there Should be any vacancies among the jam- tors in the schools. Addresses were delis ered by Messis. R. I. Koby and tien. S. Durice.
March 10. 1888. Samuel Dickinson pre sentel a las receipt showing that he had been assessed in Decatur school district when he lived in district No. 4. town 10, 3 east He asked that $4.34 be returned to him The request was not granted as the board had no power to correct erroneous assessment -.
the superintendent was directed to noti is all parents who have children of proper age who have not attended any school since September last that if they were not sent to school at the beginning of the next form. March 20, that the parents would be liable to a time under the provisions of the com pulsory education las. This was the first action taken by the board on this subject.
July 5. 1888, It was determined to put bay windows into the four front rooms of the Head street school to improve the lighting and to put a grate into each room to III- prove the ventilation
1.eb. 17. 1888. The superintendent was directed to firmsh practice paper for draw - ing the same as other supplies.
Non. 1.3. 1888. It was ordered that the wells be closed at all the schools, except Jackson street, and that water from the
Co bol as soon as It can be done.
De 18, 1855 Misses Jackson Lyman and
nothing the company of the Normal or Holt System of vocal musk. Placed on 11/c.
Jan. 12. 1880. 4 contract for digging a cel- Far under the Church street school was awarded to John Williamson at 300 per cule yard, $1.50 per day for laborers, and Se per day for himacht Henry Lann was ungaged to do the brick work at &t per day for masons and $175 per day for helpers. It was also agreed to engage Mr Ivans to do the carpenter work.
Un Jan 6. 1800. Mr. R. I. Johnson was appointed the first truant oficer in the dis triet at a salary of Si sa per day.
March 11. 1890, the beard agreed to buy of Witham 1. and Sarah 1. Smith for 52357 lot 2 m block 3 of Lake & tosad dition of out lots of Warren street for a school site.
On May 20. 1800, the contract for build ing a four room school house on Warren street according to the modified plans of Mensra. Framer & Zoll, Findlay, Ohio, was awarded to John J. Wilson for Sit.915, his Ind being the lowest of five submitted.
The board directed the superintendent, August 25. this to correspond with Virs. 1 1. Miller, of Bloomington, and see on what terms she would teach drawing in the schools for four of five months.
Sept 3. 880) The following was read and ordered placed on file No action has wer been taken on it by the board .
Me E. L. Gastman, Sapt Public Schools. Dear Sir
Could not the board of education here be induced to open night schools for the bene ht of the large number of young men and! women who are compelled to leave the day schools at an early period of their history to earn a living. It seems to me this ele-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
ment of our population should be afforded an opportunity by the establishment of night schools to complete their public school course.
Respectfully, J. G. Badenhansen.
Oct. 29, 1890, ordered that lot 9, block I, of Powers' second addition be purchased of Mrs. Caroline M. Powers for $1,252.50. It contains 1.67 acres.
It was also ordered that the pupils pur- chase the musical readers the same as other text books.
Jan. 19, 1891, Mrs. L. L. Miller was em- ployed to teach drawing for the remainder of the year.
July 7, 1891, the contract for deepening the cellar and heating and ventilating the Sangamon street school was let to the Smead Warming & Ven. Co. for $1,547.
July 22, 1891. The superintendent was directed to secure a good teacher of draw- ing; also to confer with Miss Elizabeth Kneiper concerning the teaching of vocal music.
Aug. 20, 1891, the rules were amended so as to read as follows :
Pupils shall attend school in that division of the district in which they reside, except when transferred by the superintendent of schools. The following will be considered sufficient grounds to warrant a transfer :
I. From a school which is crowded to a school which has vacant seats.
2. In case of injury to health from greater distance traveled, the injury to be determined by the certificate of some well accredited physician.
3. When in the judgment of the super- intendent it may be for the interest of the pupil or the school that the transfer be made.
On October 21, 1891, the superintendent was directed to purchase such flags for the schools as would enable the teachers to
comply with the provisions of the flag law lately passed by the legislature.
The board directed the superintendent, April 28, 1892, to use his judgment about closing the schools on circus day for an hour to allow the pupils to see the parade. The superintendent has struggled with this question ever since and he is not sure now what ought to be done. Most of the parents and teachers and all of the pupils are in favor of closing to see the show.
few of the parents are very much opposed to the practice. At this writing, the super- intendent is inclined to the belief that the schools should not be closed and that the parents should determine whether their children shall go to school or to see the circus.
May 3, 1892, the contract for building an addition to the front of the high school house, according to plans and specifications prepared by Melville G. Patterson, was let to Harrison S. Baker for $16,484.
The contract for building a new school house at the corner of E. Herkimer and N. Jasper streets, according to plans and speci- fications prepared by Elah Terrill & Co., Columbus, Ohio, was let to White Bros., of Springfield, Illinois, for $12,000.
May 19, 1892, it was voted that the con- tracts for building two room additions to the Jasper and Jackson street schools, ac- cording to plans and specifications prepared for the same by Melville G. Patterson, be let to Messrs. Krentel & Lyon according to their bids of $6,325 and $3.925, respec- tively.
July 5, 1892, it was voted unanimously on the motion of John K. Warren that the new school house be known as the H. B. Durfee school in memory of the late Henry B. Durfee.
August 1, 1892, it was ordered that forty- five ten-twenty year five per cent bonds for $1,000 each be issued to E. H. Rollins & Sons on their bid, the highest of ten, of
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARION COUNTY.
S40, 125. Before the bands were delivered. Messis. 1. 11. Rolling & Sons conveyed their interests to Messrs. V. W. Harris & Con of New York, and the bands were is- sted in the name of the latter firm.
April 13. 1803. it was decided that in view of the fact that the programmes of recita- tions and studies were all arranged for the present term. It was not wise to attempt to introduce physical culture into the schools at this time-this was adopted as an answer to a communication received from the De- catur Furn Verem.
The board ordered. June 5. 1803, that the contract for erecting a four room addition on the north side of the Warren street school be awarded to Messrs, Lyon & Will- iam- for Speed. The plans and specifica- tions as prepared by Mellville (i. Patterson we're adopted.
June 18, 1804. the contract for building a two room addition to the Jasper street School, according to plans prepared by Mell- vilie & Patterson, was awarded to Thomas 1. Antrim for $2.270. It is believed that this is the smallest amount ever paid for two chod ron - in this city.
May 2. 1805. it was ordered that lot- 19. 20, 21. block 2, of 1. 1. Brueck's addition be purchased of Edward A. Denz for S2000), and that lot- 17 and 18 in the same block be purchased of B. I. Rosebranch for $2.525.
May 1, 18015. it was ordered that the new school house to be built at the corner of V. Monroe and Pugh streets, be known as the lugh school in grateful recognition of the military and civil services ci the late Ien Lane C. Dugh.
It was voted May 22. 1805, to jste in N. W. Harris & Co. New York, forty twenty year four per cent bonds of Stool each on their bid of go and accrued iter-
May 20, 1805, the contract for billing an addition of six rooms at the north end
of the high school, according to the plans and specifications prepared by I. D. Stine. was awarded to William I. Gebhart on his bid of $15.30.
The contract for building the l'ugh school. according to the plans and specifications prepared by Melville & Patterson, was awarded to Thomas 1. Antrim on his bul of $10,500.
November 14. 1805, it was ordered that the superintendent be authorized to hire substitute teachers in case of the sickness ci the regular teachers and to pay such sal- aries as their experience might warrant but i'm no case to exceed $2.50 per day.
The clerk was directed to pay Miss Clara F. Eyman her regular salary for one-half of the time she was kept out of school by order of the board of health on account of the death of her niece from diphtheria.
Dec. 12. 1805, the superintendent reported that several parents in the southwest part of the city had asked that the board con- sider the matter of closing the Wood street school on account of the prevalence of diph- theria in that part of the city. He also stated that he had held a conference this morning with the mayor. D. H. Conklin, and Dr. Cass Chenoweth, a member of the board of health, and that it was the opinion of both these gentlemen that but hitle if any good could come from closing the schools. After a long and careful discus- son of the subject, the superintendent was directed to use all possible care to keep out children who might be in danger of com- municating the disease to others and to re- quire a written permit from Dr. Ira N. Barnes, chairman of the board of health. before admitting children from families where the disease had prevailed.
On March 13. 180%, Mrs Elizabeth Har- Good asked that a uniform tag salute be adopted for use in the schools. The teach- it's Were requested to use such a drill in their schools as often as they might deem
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
it desirable. The superintendent was di- rected to try dustless oils upon the school room Hoors.
On the 16th of April, 1896, the contract for building the Oakland school according to the plans and specifications prepared by Melville G. Patterson was awarded to Messrs. Humphrey & Brooks for the sum of $11.498, their bid being the lowest of seven submitted.
June 9. 1800, the following report on a drawing exhibit made by the schools was ordered published :
We found our task an unenviable one and it was only after hours of conscientious work that we allowed the ribbons to be placed in their respective places.
In many cases we found more than two admirable drawings representing the same class of work, but as it was deemed advis- able to honor a few only, we could by no means recognize all good work, but select- ed those which contained the greatest num- ber of excellencies from an artistic stand- point. This being true, we wish not alone to encourage the fortunate few, but others who have shown work full of expression and meaning, and which show talent on the right road to development.
We believe these exhibitions do much to- ward stimulating art education in the schools, and this we believe is the surest and simplest way of bringing the people to that state of development where they can appreciate and enjoy great art.
Some one has truly said that a nation as such can best comprehend and express its worthiest ideals in art form, and the first practical way of arousing universal inter- est in works of art and of discovering abil- ity that, once developed, will produce such work is by making art education as com- pulsory as the more common lines of work. Only a few years have passed since art education was a privilege of the rich, but this exhibition alone proves it otherwise
now. We must endeavor to make art a genuine thing, in no sense an affectation- a fad. It affords an order of enjoyment and growth which mathematics and ath- letics cannot furnish, and a nation cannot reach the highest state of civilization with- out a great existing art.
Mrs. Florence Stookey Lutz, L. Crunelle, and R. O. Rosen,
Committee.
The thanks of the board were tendered to the members of the committee for their valuable report : also to the Woman's Club for the free use of its elegant apartments, for the exhibit and for the helpful interest its members have manifested in the educa- tional affairs of the city.
August 13. 1896, it was ordered that the system of vertical penmanship published by Messrs. Silver, Burdette & Co. be used in the schools for the coming year.
October 15, 1896, the petition of J. W. Barber and others asking that certain de- scribed territory west of Oakland avenue be received into the district was granted by a unanimous vote of the board and the clerk was directed to notify the county clerk.
August 12, 1807, the following was read : Decatur, Ill., Aug. 10, 1897. To the Board of Education :
Owing to the uncertainty of my return to Decatur to reside permanently, and feel- ing that the duties of the office require the attendance of a full board, I hereby resign my position as a member of the board of education.
Yours very truly, Mary E. Haworth.
On motion, the resignation was accepted and Mrs. Minnie P. Hostetler was elected to fill the vacancy until the regular election June 7, 1898.
The following were unanimously adopt- ed :
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
Whereas, The removal to another city has necessitated the resignation of Mrs. Mary E. Haworth from this board, and
Whereas, In her withdrawal the board feels that it has lost a very wise and efficient member, therefore be it
Resolved, That in tribute to her wise counsel, faithful interest, and never weary- ing labors as a member of the board we ex- press our sincerest regrets in her resigna- tion, and wish for her in her new home a happy continuation of her interest and labors in behalf of education.
November II. 1897, the following com- munication was read :
To the Board of Education: - The Woman's Club of Decatur hereby petition your honorable body to incorporate physical culture in the public schools. We beg you will investigate this matter and give it your attention, as the members of the club con- sider it desirable. This subject is presented to you only after mature consideration, as we appreciate the difficulties to be, over- come, but we feel that the welfare of the children demands that some efforts be made 10 overcome the effects of such continued mental work with so little physical relaxa- tion.
Ida W. Baker, Carrie E. Clokey, Susan 11. Abel, Committee.
It was ordered that the request be re- ceived and laid over for future considera- tion. The opinion prevailed that the course of study in the schools was already crowded and that pupils and teachers found it diffi- cult to secure sufficient time in which to properly do the work. It was also believed that satisfactory results in physical train- ing could not be secured without the em- ployment of a special teacher and the con- dition of the treasury would not warrant
the board in incurring this ad litional ex- pense at the present time.
July 21. 1898, the contract for making im- provements at the Jasper street school ac- cording to plans prepared by R. O. Rosen, architect, was let to Harrison S. Baker for $2,540. There were six bidders.
October 13, 1898, the superintendent was directed to prepare a circular and send it to the parents having children in the public schools and ask them to favor the board with their wishes concerning physical cul- ture in the schools. On ( ctober 25th the superintendent reported the form of ile cir- cular sent to the parents and the answers which had been received. Twenty- me hun- dred seventy-four circulars were sent out. Four hundred eighteen were not returned, six hundred and thirty-cight voted against and eleven hundred eighteen in favor of having the subject taught in the schools.
December 8, 1898. Mrs. Jeanette L. Tyler was appointed teacher of physical culture. On June 23, 189), the contract for build- ing a two-room addition to the H. B. Dur- fee school according to the plans of M. G. Patterson, architect, was awarded to Har- rison S. Baker for the sum of $3.628.
.At the January, 1900, meeting of the board, Mr. Frank Hlamsher, principal of the high school, asked permission to change the hours of study and recitation in the school. The plan was adopted, but he was directed to send the following ballot to the parents:
Decatur High School. Jan. 15. 1900.
To the parents of the pupils of the Decatur High School:
According to the present arrangements the program of the High School is as fol- lows: Morning session ( a. m. 10 12:05 p. m., lunch 12:05 10 12:30; afternoon ses- sion 12:30 10 2:30.
For a long time it has been felt that the present plan in regard to lunch is unsatis- factory. A few pupils go home to dinner,
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
a large number have no lunch at all, some it will be adopted. If after a fair trial it bring a lunch, and some bring money and proves an unwise change, the former order will be resumed. buy their lunch-a lunch for the most part of such articles as pickles, cheese and pie. E. A. Gastman, Supt. of Schools. That present conditions are unsatisfactory Frank Hamsher, Prin. High School. is indicated by the large number of re- Please write your name on the line that indicates your vote. quests we receive from parents and physi- cians that special privileges in regard to For Against lunch time be granted this or that pupil.
To remedy this condition various plans have been considered. We submit the fol- lowing as the most satisfactory :
8:00 a. m. 8:40 a. m. first hour recitation. 8:40 a. m. 8:45 a. m. recess.
8:45 a. m. 9:05 a. m. opening exercises and singing.
9:05 a. m. 9:45 a. m. second hour. 9:45 a. m. 10:25 a. m. third hour. 10:25 a. m. 11 :05 a. m. fourth hour.
11 :05 a. m. 11 :15 a. m. physical culture. 11 :15 a. m. 11 :55 a. m. fifth hour. II :55 a. m. 12:35 p. m. sixth hour 12 :35 p. m. 1 :15 p. m. seventh hour.
According to this plan only those need come at eight who have a recitation at that hour ; others need not be present until 8:45. Those who come at eight may be excused at 12:35. Those who came at 8:45 may be excused at 1:15. In the afternoon of cer- tain days the teachers will be at the build- ing, at which time the pupil may be required to return for consultation, or to make up back work.
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