USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests Volume I > Part 54
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FIRST UNION SCHOOL IN MONROE Corner stone laid June 24, 1858; partially destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1888.
The following account is taken from the Monroe Commercial of the next day :
"Notwithstanding the intense heat of the day, a large number of the people of our city and vicinity turned out on Thursday the 24th ult., to witness the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Union School building, performed by the Ancient and Honorable Fra- ternity of Free and Accepted Masons. Although quite a common occurrence the world over, this time honored privilege of the order, was, we believe, never before exercised in this city, and the novelty of the occasion undoubtedly drew many to witness it. The I. O. of O. F. fire- men, civil authorities of the city, the clergy, and the various Masonic bodies throughout the county having been invited to assist in the cele- bration, a procession was formed on the public square, under the direc- tions of the marshal in the following order :
"The Tecumseh Saxe Horn band.
"Germania Fire Co., No. 1.
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"Monroe Lodge No. 19, I. O. O. F.
"Eureka Lodge No. 107, F. & A. M. escorting M. W. Wm. M. Fenton, G. M., and other officers of the Grand Lodge, accompanied by members from Greenley Lodge, Adrian, Dundee, Petersburg and Monroe Lodges.
"The procession marched up Monroe street to Sixth street, and down Sixth street to the building. The Grand Master having commanded silence, the following deposits were made in the box.
"Constitution of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., State of Michigan.
"Transactions of the Grand Lodge for the past Masonic year.
"By-laws of Eureka Lodge, No. 107, F. & A. M., Monroe, Michigan.
"List of principal officers, United States Government.
"List of members of Congress.
"List of officers, Michigan State Government.
"List of officers, Monroe county.
"List of officers, Monroe city.
"Public Institutions, Monroe city, including secret societies, churches, etc., etc.
"Copy of Monroe Commercial.
"Copy Monroe Unabhaengige.
"Copy Monroe National Press.
"Box containing various gold, silver and copper coins of the day.
"The box having been fitted into its place and the cement spread, the stone was lowered to its bed, and adjusted with the usual Masonic ceremonies. After trying it with the plumb, square, and level, the Grand Master pronounced the stone "well formed, true and trusty," and, pouring upon it "the corn of nourishment, the wine of refresh- ment and the oil of joy," he invoked the blessings of heaven upon the building and its purposes. After a few appropriate remarks, he was followed by Rev. Mr. Strong, of the Presbyterian church, Rev. Mr. Carpenter, of the Episcopal church and Franklin Johnson, Esq., of the School Board, in short but able addresses alluding to the important subject of education, our common school system, the necessity of pre- serving its non-sectarian character, the advantage of Union schools, and other topics suitable to the occasion.
"The procession was then reformed and marched down Washington street to the square when it disbanded.
"There was no formal public dinner, but the 'latch strings' of our Masonic fellow citizens hung hospitably out for the entertainment of their brethren and guests from abroad. Some forty, however, partook of a capital dinner served up for them on very short notice by Jos. Weier Esq., at his New Union hall.
"We were pleased to observe brethren from Adrian, Petersburg, and Dundee in attendance.
"The afternoon passed off in pleasant festivity, and at 5 o'clock, the brethren of Eureka lodge, headed by the band, escorted the Grand Master to the M. S. R. R. junction where he took his departure for Detroit."
The school was formally opened in April 1859, Professor George W. Perry having been chosen superintendent. Mr. Perry was from the State of Massachusetts, but nearly every one of the superintendents, since his administration have been graduates of the University of Michi- gan, thus being in close touch and in full sympathy with the high standards which have always been a marked characteristic of the Uni- versity, has operated advantageously to the school. Many excellent teachers have served as superintendents and principals and left upon schools and town their influence for good, among these may be mentioned Prof. J. McLouth, who since occupied the position of President of the
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North Dakota Agricultural College; Hon. Edwin Willits, formerly as- sistant Secretary of Agriculture; the late Judge Rufus E. Phinney ; Prof. John A. Stewart, afterwards superintendent of schools in Bay City and many others of whom honorable mention might be made.
The graduates from the high school are occupying positions of honor and distinction throughout the nation. The bench and bar, the medical profession, architects, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, chem- ists, mining and marine engineers, in the ranks of all the learned pro- fessions will be found graduates and teachers from the Monroe High School, while the Board of Regents of the University, the governing body of that institution has among its members, another of its graduates.
HIGH SCHOOL OF TODAY
The growth of Monroe in population has made necessary the erection of a new and modern building to accommodate the large increase in the number of students, and to furnish adequate and sanitary conveniences,
MONROE'S PRESENT HIGH SCHOOL
according to twentieth century standards. This has been creditably done by the Board of Education during 1910. The entire block bounded by Cass, Third, Fourth and Harrison streets was purchased by the board of education as school grounds. This was the site of Prof. E. J. Boyd's Monroe Young Ladies' Seminary, which for many years held a high position among the educational institutions of the country. Upon this property a spacious, modern school building has been erected, of which a view is herewith given.
MONROE'S PRESENT HIGH SCHOOL
The fine structure, said to be among the most imposing and superbly equipped public schools in the state is of reinforced concrete construction, fire proof in every part and admirably lighted and perfectly ventilated. The cost of the building with its furnishings was something over $125,000. Near the site once stood in the street, one of the historic elms that graced the town, which was of great size and symmetry, its branches reaching far over the opposite sides of the street. An Indian legend of
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romantic interest attaches to this old tree-having been known in the days of the Pottawatamies as the "Council Tree." It has now faded away like the aborigines who gathered here.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
A history of the schools of Monroe would be incomplete without an allusion at least, to private juvenile schools, at which most of the ambitious youth of the city in the "forties," both male and female, were started on their "pursuit of knowledge," and there are many of the same who today look back on those more or less halcyon days, with fond recollection. First was the well known and loved institution kept by Mrs. Ann Keizer, in her own residence, which stood upon the present site of the beautiful home of ex-Mayor Boyez Dansard on Elm avenue. It flourished from 1842 until about 1857. Mrs. Keizer was a native of Ireland and a sister of William Gilmore, an old and highly esteemed resident of Monroe who held many political offices, and in no case were his fellow citizens led to regret their choice. The benevolence of Mrs. Keizer was proverbial-and her consideration for the poor well known- In one case she taught the child of poor parents for a compensation of twenty-five cents per month.
Another school at which many of the boys of Monroe received their first instruction was one conducted by a Mr. MacNab in the basement of the old Episcopal church, which stood at the northwest corner of the public square, having for its neighbor on the east, the River Raisin Bank building and on the northwest the historic Protection No. 1 Engine Companies' home.
Another well known instructor of Monroe youth was John Davis, who for many years taught a parochial school in the parish of St. Mary's in a brick building on Anderson street, which is now occupied by the Detroit, Monroe & Toledo Electric Railway Company as train dispatcher's office. Mr. Davis was a painstaking and conscientious teacher, and his school was under the care and supervision of St. Mary's church.
The first "high school" established was one opened in 1856 by Will- itts & Ingersoll as a private enterprise-and was quite liberally pat- ronized. This was previous to the state system of public schools taking in the course of higher branches of education.
Still another was "Rose Cottage Home School" conducted for a few years by Miss M. A. Griswold, which stood on the site of B. Fredinburg's fine home, corner of Scott and First street. It was a picturesque old building, completely embowered in the beautiful climb- ing roses which abounded in Monroe, which suggested its name. This school was devoted to the education of young girls and was patronized by the best families.
The original beneficent scheme of the government of devoting a cer- tain proportion of public lands to educational purposes was devised in the early days of the republic. In 1785, the 16th section in each township of six miles square was pledged to this purpose, and the "little red school house" became an important factor in western life.
BOYS' AND YOUNG MEN'S ACADEMY
But the most creditable and important of any of the educational in- stitutions of Monroe in the earlier years was the "Boys' and Young Men's Academy." This was organized in 1851 or 1852 by a number of the lead- ing men of Monroe and incorporated. Some of the principal men en-
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gaged in this movement were Hon. T. G. Cole, Charles Noble, Daniel S. Bacon, David A. Noble, Dr. George Landon, G. T. Bulkley, Wm. H. Boyd and others. The building known as the Macomb Street House, originally built for, and for a long time used as a hotel was secured by the board of managers, refitted and adapted to the uses of a boarding school. Prof. Alfred Stebbins, an accomplished instructor from the eastern states, was engaged as principal with a corps of teachers; the school was extensively advertised through circulars mailed quite generally through the middle and eastern states as a "school for boys, exclusively, where they could enjoy all the comforts and privileges of home, and at the same time be fitted for any of the colleges and universities of the United States." This school took high rank, and a large number of students were en- rolled from Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit and Monroe. A fine gymnasium, fully equipped with all the apparatus then in vogue for physical exer- cise and development was installed and this department of the institu- tion placed under the direction of Prof. Carl C. Zens, then recently arrived in Monroe from Germany, a man of cultivation and an athlete of commanding presence. In the school were some of the brightest young men of the day, and their names were found among the makers of history in the nation and honored in all the walks of civil life and mili- tary renown. It was here that General George A. Custer was a student and was educated for the U. S. West Point Military academy. Emi- nent lawyers, judges, doctors, merchants and teachers received much of the training which afterwards enabled them to occupy positions with credit to themselves and to the old academy, which is now but a memory.
MONROE YOUNG LADIES' SEMINARY
Contemporary with this school was the Monroe Young Ladies' Semi- nary, also the result of the enterprising and high minded men of Monroe, realizing the necessity of affording the girls of Monroe and of the state and of the country generally all the advantages of a school of the very highest grade, where they might be fitted and qualified to hold positions in the scientific, musical, literary or social sphere in the world. Such schools were not, at that day, very numerous, and it was not long before a large membership was found under the instruction of able teachers and their moral and social training in the careful and competent hands of Professor Erasmus J. Boyd and wife. It was, as it should have been, a most important factor in the education of the young women of Michigan and other states of the union. This school was housed in the historic mansion, formerly owned by Stalham Wing, and stood in the block facing on Cass street, where now the building of the new Monroe High school rears its stately front.
No school for young ladies of that period ever gained so strong a hold upon the affections and respect of its pupils as this seminary under the management of Prof. and Mrs. Boyd and their successors. A numer- ous alumni are scattered through the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, who, in 1883, took measures to erect in the Woodlawn Cemetery at Monroe, where the mortal remains of the beloved teacher rest, a suit- able monument to commemorate his good deeds and useful life and their appreciation and love. This was accomplished quickly, and an appro- priate granite monument erected, bearing this inscription :
"Reverend Erasmus J. Boyd was born No- vember 1, 1814, died November 23, 1881. For twenty-nine years, principal of the Mon- roe Young Ladies' Seminary. He possessed in a high degree, the affection and respect of his pupils, who in loving remembrance have erected this monument."
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After the retirement of Prof. and Mrs. Boyd, the school continued its career under different managers and principals. Prof. Hanna and Prof. Richards, being of the number, but competition from eastern schools, and other causes led to the final closing of the doors, greatly to the regret of the people of Monroe.
"ROSE COTTAGE" HOME SCHOOL
I am confident that there are very few reminiscences of the old school days of Monroe, which are reviewed by the mothers and grandmothers of Monroe, today, which are so fondly cherished as the associations connected with that well loved "Rose Cottage Home School," the foster mother of half the girls in Monroe. Such engrossing events as those which occur in the girls' school life are never forgotten-they should not be forgotten-they are the tender links which bind together the past and present-Therefore the reprint of an account of a "May Day" festival must bring to many a former pupil a happy memory. The following is from a local print :
"CROWNING OF THE MAY QUEEN" (1858)
"The revival of this interesting and time-honored custom took place on Tuesday last among the scholars of this school, on the beautiful grounds surrounding Mrs. Manning's pleasant residence,-she having most kindly tendered the use of the same. This little juvenile exhibition was to have taken place at the proper period in the month of May, but has necessarily been postponed until the present time, in consequence of the unusual severity of the weather, and lateness of the season. The day chosen proved to be one of the most propitious, and every incident con- nected with it was equally satisfactory. A May-pole tastefully decorated with choicest flowers was erected, and upon this hung the garland of roses, composing the 'Queenly Diadem.' All the arrangements were admirably adapted and well chosen. The election to the 'Throne of
Flora'-by right of merit-fell upon Miss Florence Consor, she stand- ing pre-eminent, for accuracy in all the lessons of her various studies, during a given time, embraced within the present term; in fact, being perfect in the whole of them. All the scholars acquitted themselves to perfection and evinced most conclusively the admirable tact, perfect system and judicious and thorough training of their esteemed principal. It would be difficult to determine who among the throng was most de- lighted, scholars or teachers, friends or neighbors! It is not too much to say that it was one of the most entertaining, satisfactory and happy gatherings, ever witnessed in this our well-beloved city."
Trinity Episcopal Church
St Pauls M.E.Church
MONROE CHURCHES
CHAPTER XXXIV RELIGIOUS HISTORY
THE CATHOLIC PRIESTS OF NEW FRANCE-FIRST PROTESTANT PREACHERS -COMING OF THE JESUITS-CATHOLIC MISSION, THE FIRST CHURCH- CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED-ST. MARY'S CHURCH DEDI- CATED-GABRIEL RICHARD, PRIEST AND CONGRESSMAN-HISTORY OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH-ST. JOHN'S CHURCH-ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH ST. MICHAEL'S COMMANDERY-KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN-ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH OF EXETER TOWNSHIP-ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, ERIE- PROTESTANT CHURCHES OF MONROE COUNTY-FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MONROE-SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-CHURCH RE-UNITED-CHURCH OF 1846 BUILT- FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LA SALLE -- RAISINVILLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH DISBANDED- ST. PAUL'S METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH-TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH-THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONROE-EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF MONROE COUNTY-YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE MEMORIAL ( EVANGELICAL) CHURCH OF MONROE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH-THE MONROE COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY -THE ALTENHEIM (OLD FOLKS' HOME)-MONROE HOME FOR BLIND BABIES AND GENERAL HOSPITAL.
The history of any city or commonwealth cannot be written in its entirety independent of, and separate from, the religious interests of such community ; the work of its founders and of its representative men and of the religious current of their lives cannot be eliminated from the annals of that community without destroying the structure. The growth and development of sound religious sentiment certainly pre- sents the most striking and interesting elements of the general solidity of the institutions which mark its successful career; the absence of it indicates instability and inevitable decadence.
We need not seek further for confirmation of this than in the history of our own state and city. Contemporaneous with the settlements in the wilderness of the northwest were the establishment of societies for the founding and promotion of the Christian religion.
The exact number and names of churches in Monroe, including those already individually noted, are as follows: First Presbyterian church, St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal, Trinity Episcopal, First Baptist, First Evangelical, St. Mary's, St. Michael's, St. John's, Trinity Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, Christian Science hall, Chamber of Commerce building.
THE CATHOLIC PRIESTS OF NEW FRANCE
We have seen, in our own pursuit of historical facts that the first settlements upon the River Raisin were nearly contemporaneous with those upon the great lakes and around Detroit, but that not earlier than 1784, is there any record of a church being permanently founded in
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this region, although visits by Jesuit priests are believed to have been frequent as early as 1732. So far as successful efforts by Protestants to gain a foothold through the work of their missionaries or otherwise, we find no records of any previous to 1808. The first settlers being French, from the Roman Catholic strongholds of Quebec and Montreal, it was natural that they should adhere to the religion of their people. The Catholic church was supreme in this region, exercising a spiritual and parental care over the small community.
FIRST PROTESTANT PREACHERS
Mr. C. M. Burton, of Detroit, has the journal of Rev. Mr. Case, who came to Michigan as a Methodist itinerant preacher in 1806 remain- ing for a few years in Detroit and extending his labors to the interior, as far south as the River Rouge and the River Raisin and forming a Methodist society at the latter place in 1810. The historical records, however, show clearly that Rev. William Mitchell, a minister of the Methodist church, who was on the Detroit circuit and received his appoint- ment for that work, was the first Protestant minister to preach at Mon- roe, then called Frenchtown; and that early in 1811 he organized a Methodist Episcopal church here, consisting of some two dozen members. The War of 1812 breaking out soon after, the unprotected settlements along the frontier suffered most severely, none more so than those upon the River Raisin. The newly established church was broken up by reason of many of the American families fleeing to Ohio and Kentucky for safety from the ravages of the red men, who, unchecked, inaugurated a war of plunder and extermination upon all whites.
COMING OF THE JESUITS
* *
* Where once the wigwam stood Upon the river's banks of green Where red 'ning vines and tangled wood Hemmed in the fair but dang'rous scene,"'
Here was planted the first of the rude temples of religious worship in Monroe county.
The general history of a community is inseparable from its religious history. The sturdy growth of religious sentiment plays an important part in moulding the movements and activities of a commonwealth; this is everywhere proven. Contemporaneous with the settlements in the vast wilderness of the northwest territory were societies for the founda- tion and promotion of the Christian religion; by whatever name they were called the objects and aims were the same with each; subduing the wilderness and the erection of the humble home, preceded but for a brief period the building of the little chapel, the laying of the founda- tion upon which to rest the substantial superstructure of prosperous communities of law-abiding and order-loving citizens.
CATHOLIC MISSION, THE FIRST CHURCH
The first house for religious worship which was built in this county was a rude log building erected on the Mominee farm upon the bank of the River Raisin a modest little chapel in whose little belfry hung the sweet toned bell that reminded the settlers of their religious duties, and sounded the Angelus thrice daily, that wherever the hearers might be, or whatever their occupation, bowed head and folded hands should acknowledge the hour of devotion. At the dedication of this humble
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chapel, which occurred October 15, 1788, the nearest bishop whose pon- tifical residence was at Montreal in order to be present was obliged to travel over this long and perilous route in a birch canoe paddled by two Indian guides. The journey was a long and dangerous one, but the devoted and courageous pontiff, arrived safely, and conducted the cere- monies amid the large assemblage of French, Indians, and half breeds.
The services hereafterwards, were irregularly administered by Father Frichette and Father Burke, both earnest and devout missionaries, who labored among the whites and Indians, very often at great personal peril, and always at great inconvenience.
This primitive chapel was located west of Monroe, on the river, about two and a half miles, and stood there for three-quarters of a century or more. Back of it, in an enclosure, was the parish cemetery some of whose moss-grown stones still mark the last resting place of many of Monroe county's pioneers and historical characters.
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED
The centennial anniversary of the dedication of this, the first church of any denomination in this county was held in Monroe on November 29, 1884, and was an occasion of great interest, which attracted a large concourse of people from all parts of the state and county. At this time, a monument, to commemorate the event was erected, and the ceremonies were of an impressive character. Bishop Jno. W. Foley of Detroit, and Bishop Camillus Maes of Kentucky, a former priest of Monroe, together with a large assemblage of the Clergy of the State, to the number of upwards of one hundred and fifty.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH DEDICATED, 1834.
The monument is a marble statue representing the Recording Angel, holding a scroll, eight feet in height, standing upon a granite base suit- ably inscribed; the whole reaching a height of twenty feet. The memorial stands upon the southeastern corner of the grounds surrounding St. Mary's church. This edifice was dedicated with impressive ceremonies in the year 1834 and succeeded the little log chapel which was destroyed by fire. St. Mary's is the oldest parish of the Church in Michigan, except Ancient Ste. Anne's in the diocese of Detroit, and one of the most impor- tant. The church edifice is a large rectangular building of pleasing though plain architecture, supporting a moderately high tower and spire, which encloses a large bell of sweet tone; here have officiated from time to time the notable clergy of the church.
GABRIEL RICHARD, PRIEST AND CONGRESSMAN
Father Gabriel Richard of Detroit was always a welcome visitor to Monroe, where, as well as in his own parish he won by his kind and gentle manner as well as by his religious character, the love and respect of the people. He enjoyed the distinction having been the first Catholic priest if not the only one, who ever sat as a member of Congress; he was elected a Territorial delegate from Michigan territory in 1823. Father Richard was a most notable man in the early days; he arrived in 1798 from Quebec, a priest of the order of St. Sulpice as resident pastor of the Catholic church of St. Anne. His tall and impressive figure was familiar to every one during the long period at which he filled his sacred mission. He was a man not only of great and elegant learning, but of excellent common sense, and withal a most public spirited citizen. He encouraged
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