USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A twentieth century history of Delaware County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 29
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Besides the existence of several art and other classes that were some- times called "schools," several educational beginnings should be noted. The Muncie Business College was established about 1890, with J. W. Howard in charge, and its work and patronage continued in a flourishing condition from the start. A rival business college, known as the Ball Business School, was soon after established. In March, 1880, Mrs. M. C. Smith and Mrs. Theodore Riley started what afterward became known as the Industrial School, which existed for many years and accomplished results in practical benevolence that are immeasurable. It was a kind of mission Sunday school at first, meeting in Mrs. Smith's home and then in the mayor's office, but its scope expanded into a day school, and for many years its annual reports were a record of worthy benevolence which few of the more pretentious organizations could surpass. Mrs. Smith remained superintendent for years.
The Kindergarten movement was begun during the superintendency and largely at the suggestion of Mr. McRae. At a meeting of interested persons on March 19, 1879, the Kindergarten Association of Muncie was formed, to support a kindergarten, to which each member of the association had the privilege of sending one pupil. The first officers of the association were Mrs. Mary Kirby, president; Mrs. W. S. Richey, secretary; Mrs. Martha Little, treasurer. Miss Fannie C. Colcord was the first teacher ob- tained, and she opened a school with twenty-five members at the home of G. S. Maddy on March 31, 1879. On the completion of the high school building a room on the first floor was set aside for this purpose.
By January, 1892, there were 2,219 pupils in Muncie schools, against 1,419 in 1887, at the beginning of Mr. Snyder's term. In 1886 there were iour buildings and 20 teachers, and in 1892, nine buildings and 45 teachers.
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266
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
After the construction of the Washington school in the carly nineties, it became a necessity, as a result of increase of wealth and population, to erect a large new schoolhouse every few years. In 1895 the Avondale school burned. It was the third schoolhouse erected within a few years for the accommodation of a rapidly growing school population, and the school board resolved to erect a building that should be ample for its purposes. In March. 1895, they obtained permission to issue $20,000 in bonds for the erection of a building at Sampson and Ohmer avennes, to be 106 by 100 feet in ground dimensions, a two-story stone and brick building, with base- ment and attic, of the most modern type. The contract was let in May and the building completed without delay. This was the Lincoln school.
The Blaine school was erected before the Lincoln, the school bond issue of $20.000 which was recently paid off having been made in July, 1892, for the erection of this building. Since 1895 the school city has built and equipped the Jefferson school building; purchased the grounds, built and equipped the Garfield and the Mckinley school buildings; remodelled the Lincoln school building; installed new heating and ventilating systems in the Washington and the Lincoln buildings; installed system of sanitary closets in the Washington, High School, Lincoln and Jackson buildings; and planted trees, graded and improved the school grounds generally. All of these improvements, and interest on bonds, together with all necessary repairs, have been made and paid for without increasing in any way the indebtedness of the school city. The school property of Muncie, which is in a sense the material results of sixty years' progress, represents a total valuation of $354,200, as set forth in the following table :
Grounds. $ 40,000
Buildings.
Contents.
Insurance. $ 20,000
Jefferson School
12,000
32,000
5,000
20,000
Me Kinley School
10,000
40,000
5,000
16,500
Washington School
12,000
22.000
4,000
11,000
Blaine School
5,000
15,000
2,000
12,400
.Jackson Schon}
3,000
3,000
2.000
2,700
Harrison School
3,000
25,000
5.000
16,000
Garfield School.
5,000
32,500
5,000
16,200
Old MeKinley School.
5,000
1,000
500
1,000
East Jackson Street.
3,000
....
.....
.
Willard and Blaine Streets.
200
......
.....
. .
$101,200
$215,500
$37,500
$126,800
The growth of Muncie is reflected in a comparison between the figures given in a preceding paragraph for 1892 and those for 1906. In the latter year the school enrollment was 4,370, nearly double what it was fifteen years before. There has been a steady increase each year, but especially marked since 1904, in which year the enrollment was 3,635. In 1892 forty-
.
High School
$ 25,000
$ 5,000
4,000
11,000
3,000
20,000
Lincoln School.
267
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
Eve teachers composed the teaching corps. Ten years later these had in- creased to g8 teachers and three assistants, and in 1906 there were III teachers and three assistants. Besides, there has been growth in many other directions. Reference is made elsewhere to the introduction of manual training in the public schools, Mr. B. E. Cannon having charge of this work in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and the work for the girls of the same grades being under the direction of Miss Nina Walldorff.
The Eastern Indiana Normal University was incorporated May 14, 16. J. O. Lewellen, president ; L. J. Hooke, vice president; F. D. Haim- laugh. secretary ; J. A. Quick, treasurer. The promoters of the enterprise set aside ten acres on the West side, one mile from the court house, and endeavored to dispose of the lots of the townsite, the income thus derived to Le applied to the building and support of the institution. Those interested did not at first succeed, but in the spring of 1898 the matter was revived, and a vigorous campaign begun for selling three hundred lots at three hun- Ared dollars each. The sale was continued up to April 29, when, by the help of one man who bought twenty lots at the last minute rather than see the undertaking fail, the ninety thousand dollars was raised and active preparations begun to open the university. A three-story building, of stone and white pressed brick, with handsome colonial front, was completed in the spring of 1899, and in the following fall the school was opened. The school was the center of a new town-Normal City-which was incorpo- rated and which it was hoped would build up around the college.
The Indiana Business College was established in 1857, and incorpo- rated under the laws of the state of Indiana in 1903. At the time of its incorporation, only three schools were included in the organization, namely, Marion, Kokomo, and Logansport. The headquarters of the association were then at Marion. Since its organization, the institution has grown very rapidly, and now includes schools at Muncie, Marion, Anderson, Ko- komo, Lafayette, Logansport, Richmond, Columbus, and Indianapolis, mak- ing a total of nine schools. The head offices are now located at Indi- anapolis, and the officers are: J. D. Brunner, president, Indianapolis; Chas. C. Cring, general manager, Indianapolis; R. F. Cummins, vice presi- dent, Bluffton; J. T. Pickerill, business manager, Muncie; A. N. Hirons, principal, Muncie; W. Il. Carrier, secretary, Lafayette.
Four years ago when the Muncie school was established the fall term opened with but two students in attendance. Last year the total enrollment in the Muncie school was about three hundred, and the present year bids fair to be even better. These figures show the rapid growth the institution is making. The institution also maintains an employment bureau, which finds employment for its graduates. This department is separate and apart
268
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
from the school, and is located at Indianapolis in the American Central Life Building.
MUNCIE PUBLIC LIBRARY .*
Muncie was incorporated as a city February, 1865, with a population of 2,196. At a meeting of the Council January 13, 1873, several improvements were decided upon. Among them was the establishment of a public library and reading room. A meeting of the citizens was called by Hamilton S. McRae, superintendent of public schools, at the court house, for the evening of May 30, 1874, for the purpose of discussing the practicability of or- ganizing a public library. Those who were present at this meeting become the stockholders of the society. They were Hamilton S. McRae, Walter March, William B. Kline, William Brotherton, Carlton E. Shipley, Thomas J. Brady, Erville B. Bishop, James Boyce, Marcus C. Smith, William Glenn, James N. Templer, Stanton Hussey, Frank Ellis, N. F. Ethell, David H. Case and John W. Ryan. All of these took two shares each, except David H. Case, who subscribed for five shares. After much discussion it was deemed impossible to support the library by private subscription and a com- mittee was appointed which was to appeal to the city council to raise the subscription by taxation. This committee, consisting of H. S. McRae, M. C. Smith and J. W. Ryan, met with the city council on July 31, 1874, and secured the passage of an ordinance subscribing 1,500 shares of $2 each to the capital stock of the association ; 375 shares had already been subscribed to by individuals.
The first books of the public library were those collected from the old county, township, Philalethian Society and Workingmen's libraries, con- sisting of about 2,195 volumes. The county library was in an upper room in the old court house, and books could be rented by the day or year. The Township library was located on East Main street, west of the Neely house, and Wilson R. Smith was librarian. Smith later became sheriff and re- moved to the jail, from where the books were circulated.
At a meeting November 6, 1874, "On motion William Glenn and E. B. Bishop were appointed a committee to meet the Common Council of Muncie at its next meeting and arrange for the use of the cast room in the second story of the city building for library purposes." (From minutes of Secre- tary.) On December 12 the committee reported that it had secured the use of the rooms for one year, free of rent. Furniture was purchased at a cost of $145, 5 book cases, I table, I reading stand, library desk and a 25 foot counter, were also secured.
In the Mayor's address before the Common Council, May 13, 1878, among other things he says: "In this connection I desire to call your at-
"By Miss Artena M. Chapin, Librarian.
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Muncie Public Library.
271
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
tention to the public library as one of the departments of general education. Its cost to the city is hereinafter shown; its real value, time alone can determine. From our librarian's report, I find periodicals, including dailies, weeklies, monthlies and quarterlies upon her table, numbering fifty ; number of books issued for the year ending March 31, 1877, is 11,979; and for the year ending March 31, IS78, is 17.120, being a gain on the last year in circu- lation, of 5,141 ; and for library reading by persons without cards of mem- bership and the use of books in the library for reference, about 1,500, making the equivalent to a reading of 18,620 books. This extensive reading by the people cannot fail to have an influence for good, present and future, to the people and the city. Through the efforts of the friends of education, our public library has been selected as the repository of the Congressional pub- lications for this Congressional district. From that source we have re- ceived, during the past year, many very valuable books. Our library now needs room and shelving for about five hundred volumes that are now idle for the want of such accommodations. In view of these facts, I recommend to your consideration the adoption of some means in connection with the library board, to place our library where it will be casy of access, free from all objectionable surroundings, with proper room for the reading and storing of its valuable treasure, believing that a generous public will sustain your efforts."
Mrs. Harriet I .. Patterson served as Librarian for six years, at a salary of $250 "with the privilege of selling stationery in the Library rooms only," and in her final report made in January, ISSI, she says that in Febru- ary, 1875, the books from the county and township libraries were given in trust and sent to the public library; that the library committee about the same time, purchased Henry Marsh's circulating library of over 1,300 books, and the library of the Workingmen's institute was donated. The first book in the catalogue was donated sometime during 1874 by Miss Lucy True- worthy. The first donation in 1875 was made by Thomas Kirby. June I, 1875, the library was opened to circulation. Up to that time there had been entered on the accession catalogue 2, 190 books.
The following concerning the opening of the library, is taken from The Muncie News for June 3, 1875 :
"On last Monday night the evening's exercises were opened by placing Rev. O. M. Todd in the chair. Rev. Guthrie then delivered a very fine prayer, and was followed by the regular address of the evening by Mr. Todd. He was succeeded by Mr. J. W. Ryan, who read an historical sketch. Then came Glenn March, Charley Kilgore, Charley Marsh and George Mccullough. Mrs. Patterson then delivered a short address, after which the meeting adjourned."
Up to the time of moving into the present library building there was
279
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
a case in the reading room containing many geological specimens. These specimens belonged to Mr. Charles Kilgore, who claimed them again at the time the library was moved. Interest in the library seems to have been active, for almost every issue of the paper contains some assurance that the circulation department will be opened as soon as possible; also notices of library attendance and of gifts appear almost every day.
The Secretary's book shows no record of a meeting between July 2, IS78, and January 1, 1881. At the meeting of January 1, 1881, a motion was made that a committee be appointed to make investigations as to a proper library building. January 12, 1881, Mrs. Caroline R. Fleming was chosen Librarian, at a salary of $200, "with an allowance of $40 for an assistant, janitor and such other help as may be found necessary."
Some talk was circulated among the members of the City Council in the early part of ISSI to the effect that the Kirby House livery stable would be purchased for the fire department and the public library be moved to the rooms occupied by the fire department. But nothing definite was done.
The library possesses a little blank book about 6x3 inches in which are written a list of paper bound books in the H. C. Marsh circulating library. The books number 146, and added is a list of periodicals, and also of dona- tions. It also contains the expense book of the library beginning January, 1875, presumably the first one used. The expense for the quarter, January to March, 1875, was $4.72. This little book is also a record of receipts for stock purchased. It notes receipts and expenditures through October, 1902.
The Library is also fortunate in having the reports of the Secretary from the beginning, which show the progress of the library step by step. The growth was steady and each report makes apparent an increased in- terest.
When it began to be generally known that Andrew Carnegie. was will- ing to assist various towns to equip a public library Muncie, always alert to take up anything which might benefit the town, was among the first in Indiana to agitate the question. It was discussed for some time by the members of the Library Board, but this Board having heard that the Com- mercial Club was considering the subject, decided to turn it over to their committee. The committee prepared the following letter, which was sent immediately to Mr. Carnegie:
Muncie, Indiana. Feb. 27, 1901.
Andrew Carnegie, Esq.
Dear Sir :-
We have been appointed a committee of the Commercial Club of this city, to ask for assistance in providing a public library for the city. We hope it will be convenient for you to investigate the conditions, which we believe will make the project worthy of a place in your splendid scheme of public benefactions.
!
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273
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
We have a population of 29,000, city and suburbs. It is a manufactur- ing city, and has grown from a substantial county seat with a population of about 6,000 in 12 years to its present size. It has also, by public spirit, de- veloped in a permanent and progressive manner. We already have a fair beginning for a public library. If we had a building worth $50,000 it could be liberally maintained and would be a perpetual fountain of intelligence and worthy of your noble efforts.
We would be glad to furnish any additional facts as to this project that may be desired.
Yours Respectfully, (J. C. JOHNSON, (JAMES A. DALY, ( HARDIN ROADS.
The answer was as follows:
Andrew Carnegie.
5 West 51st Street.
Hardin Roads, Esq. Muncie, Indiana.
Dear Sirs :-
Yours of Feb. 27th received. If the city of Muncie will furnish a suit- able site and agree to maintain a free public library at a cost of not less than $5,000 per year, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to give $50,000 for a building. Respectfully yours, JAMES BERTRAM, Secretary.
This reply was turned over to the city council, and at a meeting on March 11, 1901, was presented by Dr. Allen Budd, and with it the follow- ing resolution :
"Be it resolved by the Common Council in the City of Muncie, in the County of Delaware and State of Indiana, That the generous offer of Andrew Carnegie, stated in the letter of James Bertram. his private secre- tary, to Hardin Roads, dated March 8, 1901, to give said city $50.000 for a free public library, upon condition that said city provide a suitable site, and agree to maintain such free public library, at a cost of not less than $5.000 per year, be and the same is hereby accepted. Be it further
"Resolved, That the Mayor of said city be, and he hereby is instructed to express to Mr. Carnegie the appreciation of said gift by said city and this Common Council, and transmit to him a copy of the resolution, and request information with respect to such further proceedings as may be necessary to make such gift effective."
On March 25 the City Council passed a resolution guaranteeing a perpetual maintenance for a free public library, the annual income to be as required by Mr. Carnegie, i. e., I-ioth of donation. At this meeting a . committee was appointed to investigate suitable building sites, and on July 29 it reported and recommended the purchase of the Shirk property, cor- ner Jackson and Jefferson streets, which was valued by its owner at
274
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
$13,000. The recommendation was accepted and the committee authorized to purchase the property. Mr. George W. Spilker had previously given his home for library purposes, and this residence was now sold for $6,000 and the amount applied toward the new ground. Wing & Mahurin, of Fort Wayne, were chosen as architects, and the contract was awarded to Mor- row & Morrow, of Muncie. The committee contracted with various firms for furniture, decorations, etc., as shown by the list given below, which shows the total cost of the building ready for use, to be about $56,000:
Morrow & Morrow, general contract, including all addi-
tions to same .. $46,970.85
Sutherland Mig. Co., electrical fixtures. 2.500.00
Mandel Bros. art glass 750.00
Mandel Bros. decorations
1,500.00
Architects 2,000.00
Cement side-walks 350.00
Sundries
330.00
Total
$55,900.85
The building was dedicated Jan. 1, 1904, with appropriate exercises, the Mayor of the city, Mr. Charles W. Sherritt, formally turning over the keys to the library board.
In January, 1903, the library was reorganized under the Mommert law of 1901. The Board required by law consisted of T. F. Rose and Mrs. Nellie M. Stouder, appointed by the city school board; L. W. Cates and Miss Belle Thomas, appointed by the City Council; A. L. Johnson, Miss Nettie Wood and C. M. Carter, appointed by the Circuit court judge. All of these were new members excepting Mr. Rose and Mrs. Stouder, both of whom had served for a number of years on the old board.
In accordance with an amendment made by the Legislature in 1903, the Township Trustee, J. W. Dragoo, and his appointee, G. A. Ball, became members of the Board in May, 1903.
During 1903 Miss Artena M. Chapin served as librarian, with an assistant part of the time, the library being open every day except Sundays from 9 A. M. till 9 P. M., closing one hour at noon and evening for meals.
Beginning Jan. 1. 1904, the library was open every day, continuously, from 9 A. M. until 9 P. M., except Sundays. On Sundays and holidays the reading room is open from 2 to 5 P. M.
On Jan. 1. 1904, the library contained 19.291 volumes, and during the . year 1903, 35,077 books were circulated, an average of HIS per day. On Jan. 1, 1907, the library contained 22.750 volumes, 1,800 of which were added during the year. The statistics for 1906 showed that 77.765 books were circulated, making an average of 254 per day. In the reading room
275
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
are ILAt magazines and 12 newspapers. During 1905, 15.078 persons used the reading room. All persons living in Muncie and Center Township may have the privileges of the library and any others may have the same privileges by the payment of two dollars per year.
In the Monograph on Indiana Public Libraries issued for the Chicago World's Fair, Mr. Dunn gives statistics of libraries, and Muncie's library was 6th in number of volumes, and gth in circulation, it then having 8.266 volumes, and a circulation of 10,000. The last report of the Indiana Library Commission (1904-06) shows Muncie fifth in number of volumes and second in circulation, the only public library having a greater number of toks borrowed being the Indianapolis public library. In this report the Muncie library contained 20,859 books and had a circulation for the year of (6.525. A comparison of these figures is interesting as indicating the larger use of the library. In 1893 the circulation was 1.2 times the number of books in the library, and in 1905 it was 3.28 times. In 1893 the number of books borrowed was an equivalent to one book to every 1.13 persons in the town (population II.345-census of 1890) ; in 1905 the circulation cqualed 3.22 books to each person in the town (population 20,942-census of 1900). These statistics are very gratifying, showing, as they do, that while the funds of the library have not permitted a great expenditure upon books the interest has increased and the use of the books become much more widespread.
After the library had been open about a year it was found that the accommodations for the reference department were too small and it was decided to move the children's books down stairs, and to use the room for- merly occupied by the Juvenile department for the reference books. This was done, a room being fitted up for the children with shelves and delivery desk, at a cost of about $700. The children's books were all removed to this room, which has been made the most attractive in the building. Here they are apart from the rest of the library and have a freedom which could not be allowed them while upstairs. Each Saturday afternoon there is a story-hour for the children. during which a story is told on some current topic or of some book which it is desired to bring to their attention. Re- cently a Children's Literary Club has been started. The club is conducted entirely by the children, a committee chosen among themselves having c'ected the officers, and formed the constitution. Another committee ar- ranges the programs, which consist of discussions and papers on literary subjects.
Early in 1906 were started three Branch stations, one in Avondale. one in Congerville, and a third in Whiteley. The object in establishing these stations was to reach the people (especially the children) who lived at too rent a distance to come to the main library. They have come to mean
276
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
merely an extension of the children's department, for so few adults came that it did not seem practicable.to send books for them. The books, during school months, are kept in the respective school buildings, and one morning each week, an assistant from the building goes there and distributes them. During the summer the little libraries are kept in stores, whose use is kindly donated by the proprietors; almost all of the children who use these books were never in the habit of patronizing the main library. It is hoped that when they reach the age to care for adult books they will con- tinue in the habit of reading which they thus have formed, and will borrow from the main building.
As is the case in every public library the per cent of fiction reading is the largest part of the whole. And whether this is to be deplored, as some librarians think, or whether it is merely as it should be, as other librarians contend, it is always gratifying to find that through the instrumentality of the library its patrons have been lead to more serious reading than is found in the average novel. The annual report of the library for 1936 shows a gradual decrease in fiction reading for the past four years as icl- lows :
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