USA > Michigan > Montcalm County > History of Montcalm County, Michigan its people, industries and institutions...with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families Volume I > Part 29
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lars per year. There are one hundred and forty-two school districts in Montcalm county, and there are two hundred twenty licensed teachers. Three grades of teachers' certificates are issued in the county, namely: The first grade, that of four years: second grade, of three years; and third grade, of one year. The scope of territory which the class of school districts of the county cover extends from the one-room building, teaching all of the com- mon branches, to the banner high schools of the county, with all their mod- ern departments.
In listing the schools, beginning with the high schools and extending on down to those in the districts with only the eight grades, the first men- tioned is Greenville. Then following. in order, comes Howard City, Carson City. Stanton, Lakeview and Edmore, all on the accredited university list. Sheridan and Coral also have schools of twelve grades. Trufant alone has a school of eleven grades. McBride, Vestaburg, Six Lakes, Vickeryville or No. 5. Bushnell. Crystal. Langston or No. 1. and Pine, all support schools of ten grades. In addition to the above named, there are the following two- room common schools for ten grades located in the following districts : Ferris No.3. Crystal No. 7. Evergreen No. 2 and No. 8. Dogulass No. r, Pine No. 3. Pierson No. 2, and Sidney No. 1.
In a certain sense no district school can be held up above the others as surpassing in any way, but one school in the county deserves mention from not only the system which is of A- standing; but the beautiful buildings which the patrons of this district have made possible the erection. This is a two-room, ten-grade building in Ferris township. district No. 3. This build- ing was erected of conglomerate stone, and is built in such way as to give it the most artistic effect possible.
HISTORY OF STANTON SCHOOLS.
The first school in Stanton was taught by Nancy Green in the court room of the old wooden court house. There were five pupils and she received ten shillings a week for her services. The next winter Mrs. Levi Camburn tanght a school in her home. There were then seven scholars. This was the first school taught by a regularly inspected teacher, and it secured the organization of the district and the school fund. These first two schools were paid for by private subscription. The school district, which includes Stanton No. 3 fractional, includes a part of the four adjacent town- ships of Sidney, Evergreen, Day and Douglass, and was organized by the school boards of the respective townships on May 9. 1863. . At the first
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meeting Abram Roosa was chosen moderator, Levi Camburn, director, and D. O. Cornell, assessor. On September 8 the board voted to raise one dollar per scholar and five dollars for immediate expenses. The school house site was established and two hundred dollars voted for building purposes. The board was appointed as a building committee and the house was erected and accepted in 1866. E. K. Wood was the first male teacher in the district. It was organized as a graded school in 1866. The first board of trustees under the graded system were Oscar Fenn. Asa Morse, J. P. Beers, Marmon Smith, Aaron Lyon and E. K. Wood.
When the school house was finished it consisted of two rooms and a small wing on each side used for halls and stairways. It was started in June and finished in December, so the pupils started to school on Christmas Day. There were then seventy-five pupils, and E. K. Wood was the pro- fessor. Up to this time the school had not been graded and at last the attendance became so great that the house east of the Methodist Episcopal church was rented for the primary department. Then, after a year or two, additions were made to the school house. Later it became so crowded that the halls on the south were used for recitation rooms. At this time there were four teachers employed. Mr. and Mrs. N. O. Griswold, Libby Holm- den and Miss Nicholas. Between the years 1871 and 1880 another addition was built on the east side of the building. This was then called the central building. The high school, grammar and primary departments were in this building. The kindergarten and first and second grades were taught in the first ward building on Mill street. The fifth, sixth and seventh grades were then included in the grammar department. During the years 1882-83 Jose- phine Drury was the superintendent and Miss Holleck was the principal. There were three graduates in the year 1882 and one in 1883. Mr. Ransom was superintendent in the year 1884. There were three graduates at this time.
In the year 1888 the superintendent was Mr. Benedict. Mrs. Cook was principal. There were seven graduates that year. During Mr. Benedict's term he became ill and resigned, and Mrs. Comstock was appointed to fill the vacancy. For two years she retained this position. In 1889 there were four graduates. Mrs. Lizzie Youngs was principal during the year 1890 and Flora Rood during the years 1891 and 1802. In 1890 there were three graduates, in 1891. seven, and in 1892 there were eleven. Maud Tucker Doolittle, who graduated in the year 1880. later graduated from the Ober- lain Conservatory of Music and later studied in Berlin. She is now a noted pianist in New York. Leslie Vaughn, who graduated in 1886, is a noted
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violinist and has toured Europe twice and American three times. He has played for the Prince of Wales and also in the Queen's orchestra.
Mr. McCloskey was appointed superintendent in the year 1893 and hell this position for the following ten years. The number of graduates during the time Mr. McCloskey was superintendent and Mary B. Carpenter was principal are as follow: Two in 1893, eight in 1894, six in 1895, five in 1896, nine in 1897. ten in 1808, eleven in 1899, sixteen in 1900, eight in 1901. and nine in 1902.
Mr. Hendry was chosen superintendent in 1903 and Miss Hinds was principal from 1903 to 1904. Then Miss Carpenter was again principal for a few years. The number of graduates each year that Mr. Hendry was superintendent is as follow : Two in 1903. eight in 1904, fifteen in 1905, fourteen in 1906, six in 1907. and ten in 1908.
Mrs. Ellsworth was superintendent in the year 1909 and Miss Passage was the principal. The number of graduates that year was eleven.
The year of 1910 Mr. Jennings was chosen superintendent, with Miss Tarrey as assistant. Mr. Jennings served the school for two years. Miss Tarrey was taken sick during her second year and was followed by Mr. Sessions, a former teacher at Sheridan. In the spring of 1911 Mr. Sessions resigned and Mr. Whitcomb took his place. The number of graduates in 1910 was seven, and in IQUI there were ten.
In the fall of 1912 Mr. Whitcomb was chosen superintendent and Miss Galation was principal. In 1913 Miss Hunt was secured as principal. There were twenty-three graduates in 1912, twenty-seven in 1913 and fifteen in 1914.
In the fall of 1914 Albert L. Cook was secured to take the superin- tendent's chair, and Miss Rowe was principal. The number of graduates in 1915 were fourteen.
The new Stanton union school building was started in the year of 1905 and was completed in October, 1906. This building is a modern brick structure, well heated, lighted and ventilated. The school has a well-equipped laboratory and a good library has also been worked up from time to time. The rooms are tastefully decorated and many of the best pictures adorn the walls. In connection with the school there is one of the best-equipped normal rooms in the state.
The Stanton high school has been on the university list for the last twelve years. This school has always been prominent in debating contests and oratorical work. During the last year, under the supervision of Supt. A. I .. Cook, they have been able to defeat some of the best schools in the
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county. The high school has always competed at the field meets, and has won a share of prizes. The silver trophy offered by Mr. Baker, of Green- ville, was won from Howard City in 1915-Stanton winning a total of ten games out of a possible fourteen during the year. The members of the championship term were Melville Been. Carl Busch, George M. Stevenson, Heman B. Bhumiberg, 1 .. C. Barnett. Lloyd Barnett, Frank A. Miller, Glenn Hunsicker and Vernon J. Tishue. In all the years of the Stanton high school this was the first aggregation to land the championship. Stanton has been represented by a number of fast teams in basket ball. and has defeated many of the best teams of the county.
The Montcalm County Normal was organized in 1908. It is a depart- ment of the Stanton school system but is separated and distinct in all man- agement. having its own teachers and under the direction of the county nor- mal board and board of education. The normal teachers are Miss Winn, Miss Wilson, Miss Palmier and Miss Crawford. The number of graduates in 1908 was seven : in 1909, seventeen: 1910, eighteen ; 1911, twelve; 1912. thirteen : 1913. nineteen: 1914, fifteen, and 1915, nine.
HOWARD CITY SCHOOLS.
The first school was founded in Howard City in 1869, soon after the first settlement was made. So rapid was the growth of the town that there was not time to build a school building at the time, so a rough board build- ing. formerly used as a carpenter shop near the site of the present electric light plant, was made into a school house by placing in it some crude benches and desks. Mr. Sabine was the first teacher. The district was organized under the primary school law, with Charles O. A. Adams and L. 1). Locklin as directors, J. T. Jones as moderator and John F. Chubb as assessor.
On February 3, 1871. plans and specifications were adopted by the dis- trict for a school building, which was to be twenty-four by thirty-six feet. This was to be a one-story building. Before work was begun upon it the plan was found to be inadequate for the present needs. Therefore, on September 19, new plans were adopted for a two-story building, thirty-eight by forty-eight feet. which was to be erected upon the present site. Amie Pierson, the first teacher, remained until 1872. In 1873 the upper room was finished. and Thomas E. Keith took charge. At this time the faculty con- sisted of Morris E. Keith, Sarah T. Keith and Julia Dove. So great was the increase in members attending that. in 1878, Lowell L. Horton was
SCHOOL
GREENVILLE'S $100,000 IHIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
GREENVILLE'S UNIQUE CITY BUILDING.
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added to the staff, having the position of principal. On January 6, 1879, Mrs. S. C. Langerson took charge of the intermediate department, which position she held for nineteen years.
On February 17, 1885. the school house burned, and it was decided to rebuild upon the old site. A new building was erected, which contained five rooms and a recitation room.
In 1897 a number of new subjects were added to the curriculum. In the same year Ethelwyn Whalley became principal. At this time the enroll- ment was four hundred and eighteen. The following is a complete list of the Howard City principals: 1873. M. F. Keith; 1878, Lowell Horton; 1870-80. Thomas II. Clayton: 1881-82, William E. Watt; 1883-84, Myron (). Graves: 1884-8 ;. F. V. Wickham: 1888, C. B. Collingwood; 1889-90, George D. Papson: 1800-97, E. D. Straight: 1898-1904, Henry Tulles; 1904-16. J. E. McCloskey.
The Howard City high school is on the university list. It boasts of nine teachers, four for the high school and eighth grade, one for sixth and seventh, one for fourth and fifth, one for second and third, and one for the first grade and kindergarten. There are two hundred and twenty-one pupils in the grades, and seventy-three in the high school, making a total of two hundred and ninety-four. The building contains nine rooms, the high school and eighth grade being on the second floor. the rest on the first. Improve- ments have been made at various times, steam heat being installed in 1910, electric lights in 1913 and drinking fountains in 1915. The total number of graduates to date is two hundred and thirty-two, nine being the average number graduated each year.
Howard City was one of the first schools in this part of the county to introduce music and drawing. Mr. Oaks was the first music instructor, taking charge about twenty-six years ago. Latin was introduced the same year : German not until 1912.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF GREENVILLE.
By Harriet Macomber.
In 1845 the inhabitants of Greenville decided that the future prosper- ity of this town depended upon the education of their children. Their sin- cerity in this was shown by the erection of a school building on the site now occupied by the city hall. Since then eight other structures and two annexed portions have housed the schools of the place.
The three-storied white brick building, which perished by fire in 1911,
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was the best known of these structures, for it stood like a sentinel guarding the little city from 1869 to 1911. The cost was $30,000, Judge Myron Rider being the director at the time of its erection. The fine high ground upon which it stood was purchased from the government by Judge Josiah Rus- sell. This land became the property of Manning Rutan, and was by his generosity presented to the city as a school site. The land was covered with fine oak trees, both white and black, while here and there a fine specimen of wild cherry added variety. The land sloped gently northward toward Frank- lin streets: its once beautiful slopes have since been replaced by artificial levels, far less attractive than the original ground.
So suitable in many ways was this elevated site, and so dear had it become to the alummi of the school. that no material consideration could induce them to believe that a more suitable location could be found for the fine building which replaced the structure built in 1869.
That the men of the sixties believed in doing things well was proved by the great strength of the walls of the old building. Gouged by fire in its hour of destruction. the walls stood firm, acting like a great chimney through which the fire poured, destroying the interior, but powerless against the walls. The fire occurred on the night of April 23, 1911.
The little first building, twelve by sixteen feet, was presided over by Catherine Satterlee. Of her twenty-five pupils, six were Indians. She received for her services nine shillings a week, and the privilege of testing the beds and fare in the homes of her school children.
A second building, known as the "Old Red School House," which served for church and public meetings, as well as school, stood at the corner of Cass and Lafayette streets. This was removed to Grove street east, and transformed into a small boarding house, called the "Eagle Hotel."
Quite the most ambitious of the earlier buildings was a four-room stric- ture on Cass street. erected in 1853. For many years the name of Mrs. Millie Stoughton was a power in this building. Other earlier teachers were E. B. Towle, the first teacher, who was succeeded by J. R. Brigham. But time and change wrought then work bere, too. and the old wooden building is now a tenement house on upper Orange street.
Cities often change their minds as to the direction of their growth- this was true of Greenville. The city began to grow northward, until today a good part of the town stands north of the river. Because of the increase of population in North Greenville a building of white brick, containing two rooms, was erected on William street, in 1872. In time manufacturing
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crowded this building, making the vicinity unsuitable for a school; it was. abandoned and afterwards sold and torn down.
The schools became so crowded that a small, two-roomed building was. erected on Clay street : this was first occupied in 1889. Even this was not provided with any of the modern conveniences until it was remodeled in 1909. It is today one of the most cheery and inviting building in the city. It contains six rooms, and is provided with furnace, electric lights and base- ment toilet rooms.
In 1902 the present Cass street school, a neat red brick structure, was erected. The contractor was Edward Backus, who did the work for $5,000. This contained four rooms, provided with furnace heat and electric lights. Many improvements have been added to it in later years, until now it is a. well-equipped building.
In 1908, at a cost of $20.000, an annex to the white brick building was erected. This was a two-story and basement affair, which served as high school auditorium. It contained also the superintendent's office and four recitation rooms, and the rooms devoted to the use of the commercial depart- ment. The high school had been occupying the third story of the old build- ing; this the steadily increasing numbers crowded until it seemed impossi- ble to get along with so little room; moreover, the floors of the third story were condemned as insecure ; hence the annex was built to relieve the crowded rooms. This annex was not entirely satisfactory, and yet when fire took the old building, the structure, though injured, did not burn, but remained and became very useful during the buikling of the new structure. The old build- ing burned on Sunday night. With characteristic energy, the superinten- dent. C. F. Straight, planned and arranged accommodations for the school. On Wednesday all students were in classes again. The Grange hall became the scene of much activity, and the city hall became a school house for the younger grades.
There is one more small building to mention. The Pearl street school was occupied first in January, 1914. This is a building of two rooms for the younger children of the North Greenville families. It is well built, and possesses all the necessary equipment for a well-ordered school.
Great interest surrounds the fine structure built to replace the old "Union school." Its corner stone was laid in 1912 with impressive cere- monies. In June, 1913. the commencement exercises were held in its audi- torium. The building is one of the most modern in design of any in the state. The architect who drew the plans is E. Boyd, of Lansing. The
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contractors were Wright & Prall. and they did their work well. The struc- ture stands in the center of Franklin street. which slopes northward from it. It extends broadly from east to west one hundred and sixty-five feet and has a depth of one hundred and thirty-five feet. This material is red shale brick, with trimmings of white sandstone. the roof being of red tile. There are many entrances, but the main entrance is in the center of the north frontage. By this one enters a corridor extending east and west. while directly in front is the north wing of one story, containing the tine high school auditorium. This room is the crowning glory of the building: nothing, seemingly, has been left undone in making it beautiful and useful. At the south end is a stage with all the equipment for entertainments or plays, yet the utilitarian side has not here been forgotten, for wooden slid- ing partitions may be used for transforming it into recitation rooms. The same planning has been used in the balcony in the north end of the room. The woodwork is in the dull finish of a beautiful brown oak. The desks are of the same color, in mission style. These are unique in that they were suggested by Superintendent Straight, and designed in the merchanical drawing department under the charge of Hester Fuller: the desks are removable, each having a silver plate containing its number, and a chair with a duplicate number. In twelve minutes students remove the desks and transform the room into an audience room, reception hall, great play room, or whatever way as be desired. Pieces of statuary and fine pictures adorn the room, the whole effect being one of restfulness and beauty. The same scheme for desks is carried out in the primary room with perfect success. The little folks like nothing better than changing the prosaic arrangement usual in school furniture, to more artistic forms. Upon this same corridor . may be found the superintendent's office, high school recitation rooms, three grade rooms and numerous cloak rooms.
The stairs at the west end descend to the library. This is both public and school library. and the librarian. Alice Fuller, looks after the needs of all. The library is fast recovering from the injuries done by fire and water : the people of the city often add gifts which are greatly appreciated. Among the most prominent donors was Dr. John Avery, who gave many volumes. Miss Laura Richardson has recently presented both books and pictures. Var- ious reading tables accommodate students. The best current literature is provided, and even the little folks have their own corner for reading.
From the basement corridor one may enter great play rooms, one for boys and one for girls. Here, too, are well-equipped laboratories, with the
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necessary class rooms. Toilet rooms are on this floor and on the second floor. From the corridor on the second floor one may enter the bookkeeping department, English class room, seventh and eighth grade rooms, balcony and teachers' rest room. All rooms are light and well ventilated. The equipment of the entire building is fast becoming ideal. All floors are of reinforced concrete, arranged to be quite noiseless. The walls are as yet of white, but will be tinted in harmonious colors as time goes on.
Perhaps the once despised "Annex" is today, in the minds of the pupils, the most important part of the building, for there is the gymnasium, the scene of many a hard-fought battle in basket ball, of many a gay, frolicsome party, and of physical training classes enjoyed by all. In the basement are shower baths, toilets and the manual training room. In the second story is the commercial department under the able instructions of Harry Myers.
Too much cannot be said in honor of the men who have personally superintended the building of this fine school and its equipment. No effort was considered by them too great to make for the success of this school plant. although they are busy men, with more than enough of business of their own to occupy their time. These men are Charles M. Miller, Ellis Ranney, Dr. Duncan K. Black, Frank Gibson and Edward J. Bowman. Since the erection of the building Doctor Black has purchased and presented to the school different land south of the building for a fine athletic field. Improvements have been begin upon it, and in time the "D. K. Black Ath- letic Field" will be one of the finest in the state.
One could hardly close this brief article about the schools without a bit of reminiscence. Memory recalls some of the sterling people who were strong supporters of the school in an early day. A few of them have been mentioned. But there was a group of college men and women who made their interest felt by even the younger pupils in the early days: Rev. J. L. Patton. pastor of the First Congregational church for twenty-five years; Mrs. Patton and Mrs. S. R. Stevens, who used to bring their weekly darn- ing and sit among us listening with keen interest; Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Cra- bill, always as much at home there. and as well known to the pupils as the teachers themselves; Doctor and Mrs. Fish, the father and mother of our dear high school principal. Mary F. Fish. There have been many more as the years have rolled along, and most of them have passed on.
Comparatively few superintendents have been employed since 1869. The first was S. S. Babcock, who forsook teaching to become a Detroit lawyer; Mr. MacGrath; Mr. Dutton; Edward P. Church. who served many years,
(21)
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and left in 1889 to become superintendent of the state school for the blind; N. A. Richards; F. D. Smith; Chester F. Straight, now representing the Charles E. Merrill Book Company. The present superintendent is A. R. Shigley, who is ably carrying on the work so well begun. The small num- ber of superintendents indicate good usage on the part of Greenville people, and efficient service on the part of the men. Added to the work of these superintendents is the work of Miss Fish, whose splendid influence over school and community can never be overestimated.
The high school has in the present year enrolled two hundred and fif- teen pupils. To these is offered a choice of several courses. A college pre- paratory course offers Latin, French and German. A commercial course offers bookkeeping, penmanship. typewriting and stenography. Work in algebra, geometry and trigonometry is offered; the history classes are many and well taught ; a course in agriculture is provided, and a course in mechani- cal drawing. Sewing classes attract the girls, and manual training is offered both boys and girls. A class in orchestral music is receiving instruction, and one in vocal chorus work. A high school "Senate" offers to the boys oppor- tunity for oratory and argument, and a literary club will fulfill the same office for the girls.
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