USA > Minnesota > Cottonwood County > History of Cottonwood and Watonwan counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 23
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After completing his term, Mr. Annes returned to finish his law course at Michigan University, and H. J. Keith was elected as principal for the year 1883-84, with Miss Della Clark and Miss Nettie Goss for the primary and intermediate departments, Our school had increased in number and when Mr. Keith took charge he found a total enrollment of one hundred and forty. Under Mr. Keith's administration our school began to plan some improvements. Up to this time it had been sailing along under the old common school law, with no apparent end in view except to give our young people the same advantages they might get in any district school of the county, but Mr. Keith, with the assistance of Mr. Robinson, who had now become our county superintendent, planned an eight-year course of study ; high school studies to be introduced as rapidly as the needs of the school demanded, and a definite plan of action for future progress was mapped out and a regular course of study was planned for cach grade. Up to this time one thousand three hundred dollars had been the most that was levied in any one year for school purposes, but at the school meeting held Sep-
253
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
tember 5. 1884, our people began to show signs of breaking ties that up to this time had held them to the old common school system and began to agitate the question of organizing an independent school district. The seeds of progress had been sown and had begun to grow, a public sentiment had been created by the progressive men of our town who were determined to make our school the best possible, and so a tax of one thousand six hundred dollars was levied and a nine-months school in all departments decided upon.
T. J. Hunter was elected principal, with Miss Johnson and Miss Della Clark as teachers for the year 1884-85. School opened September 15 and liad an enrollment of about one hundred and seventy before the term ended. At the annual school meeting held in July, 1885, the report showed that two thousand dollars had been expended for the year and a nine-months school was voted. A. W. Annes, who had finished his law course at the University of Michigan and returned to Windom, was again selected as principal of our school, with Miss Della Clark and Miss Johnson as teachers in the primary and intermediate departments. School was opened in September and before the term closed had an enrollment of one hundred and seventy-five. Up to this time Mr. Annes was the only man to be given a second term as principal, with the possible exception of Mr. Prentiss in the seventies. Is it any wonder we made slow progress? Under Mr. Annes' second administra- tion the seed of progress had been sown nearly two years before it began to mature and the result was that in May, 1886, independent school district No. 6 was organized and the first board of education was elected, consisting of E. C. Huntington, J. H. Tilford, J. S. Kibbey, A. W. Annes, J. S. Ingalls and L. J. Robinson. Our school started on the road with flying colors that was eventually to lead to a high school. Our district had already been bonded for four thousand dollars, a portion of which was already due and still unpaid, and a special meeting was called for June 7, 1886, to vote on the proposition to rebond the said district and also to secure additional grounds for school purposes. This meeting was adjourned to the regular meeting to be held July 17. It was given out by the board that was elected in May that their policy would be to establish a system of grading of study as nearly as pos- sible to the one laid down by the state high school board, intending to start a class at the opening of the fall term on the high school course. Their policy also included the rebonding of the district, taking up the old bonds, that were drawing eight per cent. interest, and, with the consent of the people. rebonding at a lower rate of interest. But, alas for the plans of mice and men. When the regular meeting was over it was found that nearly all of this board had been defeated and practically a new board elected. Windom
.
254
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
up to this time, with a population of one thousand people and two hundred scholars, had nothing much better to offer in the way of school privileges than the poorest district in the county: but progress was in the air, and in the minds of many of our people it was believed that we must provide better school advantages, or our young people would soon leave home to attend school elsewhere. So, in the spring of 1887, our board purchased two lots north of the old school building for additional grounds.
In July, 1887, our school board elected James Ruane, later editor of the Slayton Gasette, as principal, and Miss Silver and Miss Della Clark as teachers for the intermediate and primary departments, and voted nine months school. At the annual school meeting hekt in July, 1887, the report showed an enrollment of two hundred and eighteen for the year, with three departments. Think of three teachers doing justice to two hundred and eighteen pupils! A tax levy of two thousand one hundred dollars was voted for school purposes for the coming year. At this meeting John Clark, who built and owned the Park Hotel, and who was a progressive man from the East and very public spirited, made a strong speech in favor of building a new school building and urged the establishing of the high school, but nothing farther was done at this time. Our school board decided to employ four teachers for the coming year. James Ruane, who had been taken sick soon after school opened, was obliged to resign, and M. H. Manuel was secured to take his place, after a three weeks' adjournment of the depart- ment. Our school made good progress under Professor Manuel's adminis- tration and the board re-elected him for the year 1888-89 and also decided to add another department and build an addition to the school house.
HIGHI SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ADDED.
In June, 1888, a special meeting was held, at which it was voted to build a two-story addition on the north side of the old school building on the lot purchased the previous year, and the board was voted permission to borrow three thousand five hundred dollars for the purpose. School opened Septem- ber io that fall with four departments, Professor Manuel as principal, Miss Helen Hunt for the grammar department, Miss Silver for the intermediate, and Miss Della Clark for the primary. During this term all of our teachers put forth every effort in their power to prepare a class for the high school work and to carry out the graded plan. They also prepared classes for the first state examination and the result was that the following year the upper room of the new addition was finished and a high school department added.
255
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
In December, 1890. the state high school board placed the Windom high school on the map as a full-fledged state high school.
TIIE PASSING OF AN EXCELLENT TEACHER.
There is one event in connection with our school that happened about this time that I feel I ought to call your attention to just now and that was the passing of Miss Della Clark from the teaching force of our school. For nearly fifteen years she had devoted her entire time, her talents, and practically her life, to the primary department of our school, with always a very large enrollment in her department, running as high as seventy-five to eighty some years. You teachers who have handled small children can realize something of the responsibility that was upon her shoulders. She was not only a teacher to these children, but practically a mother, as well, always looking after their welfare in school and out, visiting them in sickness, and encouraging them in every way she could. No mother has ever watched over her children closer than did this little woman over her flock of children that was placed in her charge. It was no uncommon sight to see her com- ing down the street from school house with a dozen or more of her little folks as close to her as they could get. Her services to our school and to the mothers of Windom cannot be estimated. and no amount of money could ever repay her for the sacrifice she has made for the children of our com- munity during those fifteen years.
P. G. Fullerton had now been elected principal, with four other teachers to assist in the other departments, and our school continued to grow. We graduated our first class in the summer of 1892 as follows: Miss Jennie Warren, Miss Nellie Scott, Miss Ada Ellis, Miss Edna Jefferson and Miss Cora Smith.
Mr. Fullerton was re-elected for the year 1892-93, and more improve- ments and new apparatus were constantly being added to increase the effi- ciency of our school.
In the fall of 1893 A. N. Farmer was elected superintendent for the school year of 1893-94 with a good corps of teachers and that year a class of three was graduated. Our school was now growing by leaps and bounds, more teachers were being added, and it was very evident that more room would have to be provided. In July of this year our board voted to have free text books and also to secure another room for school purposes. Such a room was fitted up in the temple for a temporary school room, and four thousand dollars was voted for the support of the school for the ensuing
256
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
year. Our board, as well as the people of the town, now saw that the time had come when we must build a larger building and as a step in that direction a meeting was called for July 11, 1894, for the purpose of voting upon the proposition of building a new school building upon the present site, and bonding the district for twenty thousand dollars to cover the cost. The result was that the proposition carried, the bonds were sold, and the contract for the new school was let to Donehue & Hoffman, of St. Paul, for sixteen thousand six hundred dollars. Another lot was bought of J. C. Christy and added to the school ground and six thousand dollars was voted for school purposes the coming year.
Professor Farmer was re-elected as superintendent for the year 1894-95 with practically the same corps of teachers, and later the school moved into the new building. Our school continued to increase in the number of pupils enrolled, a large number of them coming from the country to attend. Pro- fessor Farmer was again elected for the year 1895-96. For the year 1896- 97 Mr. Blanche, who had been filling the place as assistant superintendent, was elected superintendent.
For the year 1897-98 A. F. Armstrong was elected superintendent and at the annual meeting, held in July, the report showed a total expenditure of twelve thousand nine hundred and twenty-five dollars for the year and a cash balance on hand of three thousand three hundred and seven dollars. In 1898 and 1899 Mr. Armstrong was re-elected with an able corps of teachers to assist him, and this year a class of three graduated.
On April 7, 1899, J. M. Rhodes was elected superintendent for the year 1899-1900. He was a man equipped in every way for the position and under his directions our school progressed very rapidly. In the spring a class of nine was graduated and from this time on to the present I believe our school continued to graduate a class each year. Mr. Rhodes was re-elected for the year 1900-01, and at the meeting he showed our school to be in a very prosperous condition, with a large enrollment and a cash balance in the treasury of seven thousand one hundred and ninety-six dollars and twenty- seven cents.
MORE IMPROVEMENTS MADE.
It was beginning to become a problem to provide room to accommodate the pupils that wanted to attend our school and our board saw that it would only be a short time when something would have to be done. So they called a special meeting of the district for October 22, 1900, for the purpose of voting on the proposition of buying the Stedman property, adjoining the
257
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
school grounds, and also purchasing a site for a school building on the east side of town. The result was the purchase of the Stedman property for one thousand six hundred dollars, and of block 3 on the east side, for one thousand dollars, and it was voted by the board to elect fifteen teachers for the ensuing year.
In July, 1901, Mr. Rhodes tendered his resignation and Mr. Conger, of Minneapolis, was elected for the year 1901-02.
In the summer of 1902, A. M. Locker was elected superintendent for the year 1902-03 and music was added to our school in connection with the library.
Our board now saw that we would have to have more room the coming year to care properly for the increased attendance and they called a special meeting on June 20, 1903, for the purpose of voting on the question of build- ing a school house and raising funds for the same and deciding on a site. The result was our board was instructed to build a four-room building on block 3, on the east side of the town, and on July 8. 1903, the contract was let to J. B. Nelson, of Mankato, for six thousand seven hundred and twenty- two dollars, all of which was afterwards paid for from funds on hand with- out an additional bond issue, and at the annual school meeting held in July, 1904. the report showed that the school house had been completed and paid for and a balance on hand of two thousand four hundred and nineteen dol- lars and fifty-nine cents.
In 1911 the construction of a new school building was begun, at a cost of forty thousand dollars, for high school and grade purposes, commodious and well arranged. The aim of the school board was to make it as near per- fect as possible in respect to its light, heat and ventilation. This building was dedicated in January, 1912, with the usual dedicatory ceremonies. Among the notable visitors present were President Vincent, of the State University, and Hon. George B. Aiton, state high school inspector. In the latter's remarks he said that as a preparatory school Windom's was second to none in the state of Minnesota.
The basement of the building contains a gymnasium, sixty-five by thirty- five feet, a domestic science room, and lavatories furnished with lockers and shower baths. The first floor contains quarters for four grade rooms, a normal department and an ungraded room. The second floor provides a high school assembly room, sixty by forty-eight feet. a library, double office, a teachers' room, two class rooms and a place for supplies. The old assem- bly hall is divided into class rooms for the sciences and languages.
(17)
258
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
On March 19, 1914, the board had a meeting and selected E. T. Ches- nut as superintendent for the year 1914-15 and his work has been so satis- factory that he is still serving in that capacity.
The school year of 1915-16 was perhaps the most successful and pros- perous in the history of the school, due in greater part to the untiring efforts of Superintendent Chesnut, assisted by an accommodating and appreciative school board. The board of education at the time this is written consists of the following: President, D. U. Weld; secretary, Dr. F. R. Weiser ; treas- urer, A. D. Nelson; Jene Anderson, T. A. Perkins and Dr. H. C. Beise. The exact amount paid out by the board for the school maintenance for the school year of 1915-16 was twenty-four thousand three hundred and thirty dollars and eighty-six cents.
The high school offers everything in its course of study that is found in our city schools, including domestic science, manual training, a complete commercial course, agriculture, mechanical drawing and three different lan- guages.
MOUNTAIN LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
There is nothing of a public nature for which the people of Mountain Lake have more reason to feel grateful than their public school. In order to give a brief history of the school it is necessary to begin with the organ- ization of the school district in 1871. At that time there was erected a little "box house," fourteen feet by twenty feet, and which. in the modern sense, would be called a cheap shanty. The weather boarding was of boards placed edge to edge, perpendicular to the foundation. It was through these cracks that the cold winter winds whistled and shrieked and, with other things, caused the big boys to snigger out loud and finally to stand on the floor with their noses in a ring. The school benches were of sawed boards and were placed around the wall. and the teacher's desk, if it may be called stich, was near the center of the room. AAbout sixteen or eighteen pupils was the total enrollment.
In 1872 the school district comprised nearly all of what is now Midway and Mountain Lake townships, but, considering this broad area, only thirty- six pupils were in attendance. After 1874, the boundaries of the district contracted from year to year and in 1887 the district comprised only six and three-quarter sections. In 1888, the village formed an independent school district.
In 1875 the one-room school house was situated on the present site of the Mennonite hospital. This building was used for about five years, but
259
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
as immigrants were coming in fast, it was necessary to erect a more com- modious building. A two-story, two-room building was erected and used for about ten years. Additions were made, until the building consisted of four rooms. The need for a more improved and modern building became imminent, which led to the sale of the building to a hospital corporation and the final construction of the present modern structure in about 1908, at a cost of thirty-two thousand dollars. Already the building has become too small to accommodate the needs of the school and a fifteen-thousand- dollar addition is to be built within the next two years.
Among the early teachers who will be recalled by many of the old settlers are: O. P. Moore, who will always be remembered on account of his spelling reforms; Mr. Sharp, Mrs. Kennedy, J. J. Balzer, I. I. Bargen, Mr. Miller, Miss Rice, Miss Dredge, Miss Yanke and others.
The present school system has at its head Superintendent H. A. Falk, who has been weighed in the balance and found equal to every occasion and emergency. He is assisted by an able corps of sixteen teachers and an appreciative and helping school board consisting of the following men: President, H. P. Goertz; clerk, J. H. Dickman; treasurer, Frank Balzer; A. A. Penner, J. I. Bargen and D. Ewert. In the person of H. P. Goertz, Mountain Lake has a public spirited citizen of whom it may well be proud. When a lad of fifteen years he came to Mountain Lake in 1875 and ever since has been a man of public and business affairs, working tirelessly for the growth and betterment of his community. He has served for twenty- seven years continuously as president of the school board, a fact which alone speaks of the high esteem of his fellow citizens.
The total enrollment for the past school year was three hundred and eighty-five, of which number the high school contributed about one hundred.
In several respects Mountain Lake may not excel other villages of its class in the state, but when educational interests are considered it would be a difficult matter to find another village of the same size that can offer such educational advantages. Besides a German academy, the village has a public school building that might do honor to a town of a much greater population and superior business advantages. The brick edifice is situated on a hillock in the north central part of town, surrounded by a gently sloping lawn inter- spersed with flowers, trees and shrubbery. The village owns a two-acre tract devoted entirely to agricultural purposes. Individual plats are given to students for the growing of crops and garden products, which, when ready to market, are sold and the proceeds placed in the agricultural fund.
260
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
In the way of athletics the high school has always been among the lead- ers, especially in basket ball. Several times they have been champions of their district and on one or two occasions have been the final contenders for the state championship.
RURAL SCHOOL COMMENCEMENTS.
The third annual rural school graduating exercises occurred in the Wonderland theater July 1, 1916. The theater was packed with an inter- esting audience which enjoyed the splendid program prepared by Superin- tendent Iverson.
The rural school graduation has come to be an important event in the county. It means as much to the pupils of rural schools to receive a diploma of work well done as it does to the city pupil. The first event of this kind did not attract much attention. The one held in 1915 was not very well attended, while the one in 1916 was a success in every detail. Future events of this character will doubtless grow in magnitude. State Superintendent Shultz gave the principal address to the forty-five graduates. His address carried with it the idea of preparedness, not for war, but for life.
In the afternoon the school officers held a meeting for the promulgation of ideas pertaining to the betterment of school affairs. Superintendent Shultz spoke, as also did Senator Gillam. Before adjournment an organ- ization was formed known as "Rural School Officers Association," which is intended to be a permanent affair and to take up matters of general benefit in school affairs. The first officers include the following: C. W. Stark, Selina, president ; R. C. Asquith, secretary; John Gustafson, Dale, treasurer.
SALARIES PAID COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.
Many changes in the salary and plan of remunerating the county school superintendents of Cottonwood county have obtained. The following changes are noted in the commissioners records: In 1872 the salary was fixed at $20 per year: in 1879 it was increased to $350 per year; in 1880 it was changed to $450 per year; in 1882 it was increased to $520; in 1887 it was fixed at $600 per year; in 1889 it was changed to $650; in 1892 the plan was changed and the superintendent received eleven dollars per school district in the county. In 1912 it is shown that the salary was $1,500 and the officer paid all of his own expenses. In 1914 the wages were changed to $1,200. The record reads: "On motion, the salary of the county school
261
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
superintendent, A. R. Iverson, is fixed at $1,200 a year, with $500 addi- tional for clerk hire and expenses, the same to be paid monthly. In 1915 another change was made by the commissioners and the salary of the county superintendent was placed at $1,450, he to pay his own expenses; also $250 for clerk hire was allowed him.
LAST SCHOOL LANDS SOLD IN 1891.
Of the vast acreage of school lands sold in this county, the last sales were made in the month of May, 1891, when three thousand acres were dis- posed of-all there was left at that date.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT FOR 1915.
School District
Male Teachers
Female Average Salary, Teachers Female
Average Salary Male
Total Enrollment
Months School
I
I
$55
16
8
2
-
I
55
I5
8
3
--
I
60
43
8
4
--
I
50
IS
7
5
--
I
55
15
8
7 (S. E.)
I
50
1
3
8
7 (N. W.)
I
52
16
S
IO
I
18
18
9
II
( semi-gr.)
-
2
108
47
8
12
I
I
40
21
7
14
I
50
15 pupils transferred to Mountain Lake.
.16 (south)
I
--
16 (south)
--
I
60
20
7
16 (north)
I
--
--
65
22
7
16 (north)
I
60
34
8
16 (central)
I
68
2.4
7
17
I
55
9
8
18
--
I
40
23
8
19
--
I
55
I
I
22
8
20
I
53
I3
9
21
--
I
50
37
S
1
--
$65
20
7
13
22
8
68
23
7
-
--
262
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
School District
Male Teachers
Teachers
Female Average Salary, Female
Average Salary, Male
Total Enrollment
Months School
22
I
60
25
8
23
-
I
50
II
8
24
--
I
50
15
7
25
--
I
60
25
9
26
--
I
50
28
7
27
--
I
50
42
8
28
--
I
55
42
8
29
--
I
55
51
8
30
--
I
56
19
7
31
--
I
60
3I
8
32
I
--
75
17
6
33
I
--
70
20
6
34
I
60
4I
8
35
--
I
55
34
8
36
--
I
50
25'
8
37
I
--
--
75
33
7
38
--
I
55
36
S
39
--
I
55
27
7
40
--
I
50
24
8
4I
--
I
55
23
7
42
--
I
60
28
7
43
-
I
50
29
7
44
--
I
60
42
8
45
--
I
50
3I
7
46 (south)
I
55
15
7
46 (north)
I
55
28
8
47
--
I
50
16
8
48
--
I
60
48
8 .
49
--
I
50
36
8
50 (semi-gr.)
2
120
92
9
51
--
I
50
3I
7
52
--
I
55
29
7
53
--
I
55
19
8
54
--
I
50
12
8
55
--
I
55
24
8
56
--
I
45
24
8
58
-
I
60
30
8
I
F
1
1
1
1
1
-
I
1
1
1
1
I
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
263
School District
Male Teachers
Female Average Salary, Teachers
Female
Average Salary, Male
Total Enrollment
Months School
59
I
55
23
8
60
I
50
27
7
61
-
I
60
35
8
62
-
I
67
35
6
63
-
I
50
23
7
64
I
60
27
8
65
I
67.50
32
6
66
I
48
20
8
67
--
I
52
4
6
68
--
I
55
38
7
69
I
-
--
55
33
6
70
I
70
3I
7
72
I
50
23
8
73
--
I
53
36
8
75
I
50
2I
8
76
--
I
55
23
8
77
I
1
-
55
29
7
78
I
50
26
8
79
I
50
52.50
7
6
80 (central)
I
-
-
65
22
7
80 (west)
I
--
--
67.50
3I
7
Total
12
71
2,152
150
Days
IIIGH SCHOOL AND GRADED SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
School District
Male Teachers
Female Average Salary, Teachers Female
Average Salary, Male
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