USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 17
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In 1870. a two-story frame building was erected on the present high school block. In the fall of 1872 it was found necessary to erect a small two-room building on the same block, for the use of the large number of pupils enrolled. In 1881 a beautiful brick building was completed at a cost of $15.000. its location being on the site of a previous building. in the middle of the schoolhouse block facing the public park. In 1895 a brick building was erected on the north side of the high school block, at a cost of $15.000. In 1903, the Ramsey school, in the third ward was erected. at a cost of $16,000. The building is of briek, with eight well equipped school rooms. In 1903, the New Denmark school was also erected. In 1911. a beautiful high school building. the finest in southern Minnesota, is being completed at a cost of $100.000; the high school building erected in 1881 being an integral part of the new building.
The first man to bear the title of principal of Albert Lea schools was C. W. Levens, who served from about 1870 to 1881. when the special act organizing the school district of Albert Lea
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passed the legislature. Under the reorganization, R. H. Battey served as principal from 1881 to 1882, followed by J. C. Alling. from 1882 to 1883. E. Chilcoat became principal in 1883 and served until 1886, when he was succeeded by Edward Brady. . In 1888, W. J. Schmitz became principal, and 1897 was given the title of superintendent of Albert Lea schools. He served until 1904, when he was succeeded by E. M. Phillips. When Mr. Phillips resigned, in 1911, to take up state educational work, he was succeeded by E. E. Baker. In 1897, when Professor Schmitz was made superintendent of Albert Lea schools, Mary C. Higgins became principal. She was followed, in 1906, by Mary O. La- throp, and in 1907, by Lina Gjems, who, in 1911, was succeeded by Mrs. M. P. Fuller.
The records of the Albert Lea school board, still preserved, date back to 1872. From that year until 1881, when the district was organized by the legislature, the members of the board were the following names, the term of service shown in the records being one year, unless otherwise specified: E. B. Jasett, A. E. Johnson, A. M. Lyon, H. D. Brown, W. C. Lincoln (6), D. R. P. Hibbs (7), D. G. Parker (4), Isaac Botsford (3), C. W. Ballard, W. P. Sergeant (3), D. N. Gates (2).
Since the organization of the Albert Lea school district by the legislature in 1881, the school board has consisted of six members. Under normal circumstances, two members are elected .each year, each member serving three years. The members of the Albert Lea school board since 1881 have been as follows: D. N. Gates, 1881-1887; W. P. Sergeant, 1881-1882; H. E. Knatvold, 1881-1883; W. C. McAdam, 1881-1883; Mrs. F. B. Foot, 1881-1882; Mrs. D. R. P. Hibbs, 1881 (resigned) ; Mrs. A. W. Johnson, 1881- 1882; Ira A. Towne, 1882-1884; D. R. P. Hibbs, 1882-1893; J. W. Smith, 1882-1894; W. E. Todd, 1883-1898; James H. Parker, 1883- 1888; Thomas Walsh, 1884-1888 ; H. A. Hanson, 1887-1905; D. W. Dwyer, 1888-1891; W. A. Higgins, 1888-1898; J. Q. Annis, 1891- 1897 ; T. V. Knatvold, 1893-1902; T. W. Wilson, 1894-1903; P. C. Johnson, 1897-1898; Vegger Gulbrandson, 1898-1900; Dr. J. P. Von Berg, 1898-1904; A. McCulloch, 1898-1904; C. W. Ransom, 1900-1903; B. F. Durkee, 1902-1905; C. N. Ruble, 1902-1903; Martin Blacklin, 1903-1906; Victor Gillrup, 1903-1906, 1909-1912; W. S. Jones, 1904-1910 ; J. A. Gustaveson, 1904-1911; Ira J. Stark, 1904-1906; George P. Lattin, 1905-1909; W. A. Morin, 1906-1909; Edward Olson, 1906-1913; H. C. Carlson, 1909-1912; J. E. Fitch, 1906-1910; Robert Anderson, 1910-1913; A. E. Carlson, 1910-1911 ; A. C. Sorenson, 1911-1914; J. W. Gilbert, 1911-1914.
The present school board consists of H. C. Carlson, president ; Robert Anderson, clerk ; Edward Olson, treasurer; J. W. Gilbert, A. C. Sorenson and Victor Gillrup.
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Agricultural Work. The industrial work of the Albert Lea schools had its beginning about 1900, when E. M. Phillips, then city superintendent of the Dawson schools, conceived the idea that something should be done to keep the country boys and girls on the farms. After a careful study of the courses of study he decided to ask his board to put in agricultural work. The board simply considered the idea a new fad and gave it no time.
When Mr. Phillips accepted the superintendency of the Albert Lea schools he brought with him the agricultural idea, determined if possible, after getting acquainted, to interest his board in this work. In the spring of 1905 the idea that had originated in the western Minnesota town began to receive careful thought. That spring the board saw fit to make a start by putting in the manual training work. After this work had been in operation two years, so much interest had been developed along industrial lines that agriculture was added.
A. B. Lathrop came to take charge of the work. The work at this time consisted of one class in the high school and the grade and garden work. This work proved to be not only inter- esting, but so practical that the board decided to continue the work another year. The work during the second year, under Mr. Lathrop, was quite as successful as the first, and was one of the factors that led to the passage of the Putnam bill in April of 1909. This bill gave to a limited number of schools $2,500.00 a year, state aid to be used in agricultural and domestic science work.
In September, 1909, Theo. Sexauer came to take charge of the department. At this time the work was placed in the regular high school course and for credits given. The policy at this time was to reach the country people by taking the work to them. The farmers were reached by institute's Short Courses, Cow Test- ing Associations, and Corn Trains. This department originated the Farmers' Week Short Course, and held the first one in the state. The work of this department in cow testing was the first of its kind in the state. This school can boast of having the only four associations in Minnesota.
In January, 1911, the first corn train was run under the direc- tions of the school, on which 6,500 people were addressed during the four days' trip.
It seems to have been left for this school to organize the Min- nesota State Corn Growers' Association, which was completed January 8, 1910. and now consists of over 200 members.
The week now so prominent among state and college men, known as "Seed Corn Harvest Week," also had its beginning in this department at Albert Lea.
In planning the work of the agricultural department, the director has kept constantly in mind the practical side of the
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work, and the farmers have come to realize that instead of the once mistaken idea of an agricultural fad they have one of the most helpful departments of the school.
The work has grown to such an extent in the two years past. that the board has seen fit to employ C. S. Cathcart for farm machinery work.
As time passes and the funds are increased, the department expects to do more and better things than ever before.
BUSINESS COLLEGES.
The Albert Lea Business College was organized in 1901, by C. T. Helgeson, and has enjoyed a successful career in several different locations. It was moved to its present location in the spring of 1909. The school furnishes an excellent opportunity for a business education, and many of the successful young people of the county have passed through its doors. James W. Hawley is in charge. At various times there have also been other business colleges in the city.
ALBERT LEA COLLEGE.
There are two reasons why Christian churches of all denomina- tions must be dissatisfied with state schools. The first is the fact that colleges and universities maintained by the state are usually over-crowded to a degree that renders individual instruction im- practical and scholarship often superficial. The second reason for dissatisfaction is the fact that state schools make no provision for religious training and the establishment of religious character. All this is professedly left to the home and the church; but the home is often so constituted or so situated that the needed in- struction and training cannot there be given. Hence arises the necessity for the denominational college, with its Bible study, its daily worship and its religious atmosphere. Accordingly most of the prominent churches in Minnesota early established higher institutions of learning for the purpose of building up the king- dom of Christ; but the Presbyterians of Minnesota were not among the pioneers and were almost the last to enter upon the work of founding a college.
The presbytery of Mankato had adopted resolutions looking in that direction. The presbytery of Winona had also passed similar resolutions, and both had overtured the Synod to make a be- ginning upon broad and firm foundations, before the morning promise should fade away. But the leading ministers and clders of the stronger churches in the cities thought the time immature and counseled patronizing the state university, and endeavoring to render it positively Christian in its teaching and influence. A few men in various parts of the Synod thought differently.
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Prof. James Thompson, of Indiana. endeavored to found a college at Mankato; but he died without a spiritual heir. Rev. Sheldon Jackson began a school in Rochester that gave some promise of growing into a college: but he was providentially called to Alaska. Dr. Rineldaffer inaugurated an excellent female sem- inary at St. Paul: but it was not endowed and not permanent. Dr. E. D. Neill. of Philadelphia, had begun the Baldwin school for
girls. at St. Paul. and Macalester College for boys. at Minne- apolis. Rev. R. B. Abbott had opened a select school at Albert Lea and had obtained a charter for a college but proceeded no further. There was no institution in the state that was regarded as a Presbyterian college. There was nothing definitely estab- lished. fixed or permanent. All was not far from chaos, though the time was ripe and circumstances favorable for a forward movement.
At the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Synod of Minne- sota in October, 1878. the following resolutions were introduced by Rev. D. R. Breed, and unanimously adopted. "Resolved : First. that a committee of five be appointed to consult and cooperate with the trustees of Macalester College with a view to the immediate establishment of an educational institution in connection with this Synod. Second. that this committee be em- powered to solicit funds, if need be, and if they find the first resolution impracticable. to act as trustees for another institution, to be hereafter incorporated. to be under the supervision of this Synod. Third. that this committee may employ, when found necessary. an agent. at a salary which they shall fix and for which they may provide." The following persons were appointed to constitute this committee, with instructions to report at the next annual meeting of Synod: Chairman, Rev. R. B. Abbott, Rev. D. R. Breed, Rev. Daniel Rice, D.D .. Hon. C. E. Vanderburgh and D. W. Ingersoll. During the subsequent year, until the next annual session of the Synod, which was held at Albert Lea in 1879, this committee held seven sessions, four of them in con- junction with the trustees of Macalester College. In their report to the Synod. they recommended that this committee should be enlarged. and instructed to proceed with the preliminary work of establishing a college. This recommendation was unanimously adopted. and a permanent committee appointed to carry out its provisions, as follows: R. B. Abbott. chairman: Daniel Rice. D.D .. D. R. Breed. D. W. Ingersoll. S. G. R. McMillan. R. F. Sam- ple. D.D., S. A. Harris. C. E. Vanderburgh. William Mitchell, Rev. R. F. MeLaren. J. N. Treadwell. Rev. H. A. Newell. Rev. D. L. Kiehle.
One year later. in October. 1880. the Synod met in St. Peter. The above named committee presented two reports. the majority
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ALBERT LEA COLLEGE
CARGILL SCIENCE HALL
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report recommending Macalester College as the institution to be adopted and fostered by the Synod; the minority report recom- mending the acceptance of the offer of a delegation from Albert Lea to contribute $20,000 toward the founding of a college in that place. The majority was adopted by a vote of 47 to 15. The next day, on motion of R. B. Abbott, this was made unanimous by a rising vote. This action settled the question, and made Macalester the Presbyterian college under the fostering care of the Synod. But the donor of the foundation of the college, Charles Macalester, of Philadelphia, through Dr. E. D. Neill, his agent, had already stipulated that his donation would be made only on condition that the college should be open exclusively to
young men, and not as a co-educational institution.
This fact
is mentioned to account for the further action of the Synod in the provision for another college. For their sons they had adopted a college to whose classes their daughters were not to be admitted. The only just and feasible method to adopt was to undertake the establishment of a college for young women. One half of the Presbyterian . field. of education in the northwest was left un- occupied. A region several hundred miles in extent in every way, remarkable for fertility of soil, healthfulness of climate, excellence of institutions, natural resources and rapidity of development, bound to have in two or three generations a population of six or eight millions, possessed every needed enterprise apparently ex- cept one-that one, namely, a real college of high order and appointment for young women equal to the best in America for young men. A few of the prophets saw the vision. The influence of the Spirit came upon the whole assembly. The following reso- lutions were formulated, presented and prayerfully considered : "Resolved (1), That this Synod deems it wise and expedient to found a female college under its patronage and fostering care. Resolved (2), That whereas the citizens of Albert Lea have offered a large sum conditioned upon the erecting of a Synodical college at that plac; therefore this Synod proposes to them that if they will turn over to this Synod the subscription they have made to the amount of at least $15,000, on condition that the Synod secures an amount equal to what they offer, for the purpose of founding a female college at Albert Lea, this Synod will undertake to raise this equal sum, and will if successful in this effort. locate a female college at that place, under its care and direction, the Albert Lea subscription to be placed in the hands of the Synod. as soon as the amount to be furnished by the Synod is secured. Resolved (3), That a committee be appointed, of which Rev. R. B. Abbott shall be chairman, to meet the Albert Lea subscribers and learn their will; and if they shall agree to the proposition above made, this committee shall undertake to raise the amount required from
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the Synod, subscriptions to which shall be valid on condition that the amount of at least $15,000 shall be secured." When the vote was called all arose as one man. The following persons were appointed a committee to carry out the above provisions : R. B. Abbott, HI. A. Newell. R. F. MeLaren. S. F. Drew, J. R. Miller, Presbury West. This committee nominated and the Synod appointed the first board of trustees, as follows: R. B. Abbott, H. D. Brown, D. G. Parker, W. P. Sargent, Francis Hall, Richard Chute. William Mitchell. W. B. Dean. J. B. Little, G. F. McAfec, H. A. Newell, William Conkey, J. F. Damon; and adding the names of J. C. Easton, H. P. VanCleve, D. Breed. D.D., and M. G. Willard, gives the list of the organized incorporators of Albert Lea College under the general statutes of the state of Minnesota. Others, their successors, who served as trustees one or more terms each prior to 1903. are: Rev. W. E. Bates, Rev. W. C. Covert. D.D., Rev. Robert Christie, D.D .. Rev. S. S. Cryor, D.D., George D. Dayton, Rev. M. D. Edwards. D.D., Robert P. Lewis, Rev. Stanley B. Roberts. D.D., Mrs. C. E. Vanderburgh, W. A. Funk, John G. Godley, C. O. Goss, Rev. J. B. Helvig, D.D., Rev. W. H. Hormel. D.D .. Prof. J. R. Hall, G. H. Haven, E. D. Prentice, H. M. Pal, Rev. J. G. Rhieldoffer. D.D., Rev. A. W. Ringland. D.D., Rev. John Sinclair. D.D., T. H. Titus, B. H. Seriber. Mrs. Ell Torrence, C. E. Vanderburgh, M. G. Willard, A. C. Wedge. M. D .. Clarence Wedge. W. A. Morin, Mrs. John A. Willard, Mrs. J. W. Ray.
The committee appointed by the Synod proceeded to elect Rev. Daniel Rice, D.D., of Minneapolis, to act as financial agent for both projected colleges-Macalester and Albert Lea-to can- vas the churches of the Synod in a vigorous effort to secure sub- scriptions amounting to $45.000, two-thirds of this sum for the former, and one-third for the latter, and sufficient in addition to meet expenses of the canvass. A little more than two years were taken to complete this canvass, when in June, 1883. Dr. Rice informed the trustees of the two colleges that the work was done and the money and subscriptions ready to be turned over to them. The Albert Lea trustees adopted a plan drawn by W. B. Dunnell, architect, and made a contract with Mr. Craig, of Mankato, for the erection of the first building. The foundation was laid in the autumn of the same year, and the corner stone laid with due ceremonies in October. 1883. The building was erected during the spring and summer of the next year, 1884, which is regarded as the date of the founding of the college; but because its com- pletion was too late in the season to furnish the rooms and provide all needed equipment, the opening of the college for academic work was delayed until September 8. 1885. At that date the organization of preparatory classes was effected, with
CHARLES BAKER AUGUR
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an enrollment of fifty-one, and the actual work of instruction commenced. The faculty was composed of Rev. R. B. Abbott, president; Laura A. Watson, principal; Katherine Hutchison, Georgiana Hodgkins, and Helen E. Briggs. One more was soon added to the teaching force-Katherine E. Oliver. The following was the succession of principals of the college up to its suspension in 1903: Laura S. Watson, 1885, two years; Martha Harger, 1887, two years; Ella Young, 1889, three years ; Margaret L. Hill, 1892, four years; Ella Young, 1896, two years; Virginia Southgate, 1898, two years; Ella Young, 1900, two years; Katherine I. Hutchi- . son, 1902, one year.
The second year of the operation of the college was such as to warrant the conclusion that before two years more there would be imperative need of new buildings as the first building was designed for recitation rooms as well as for household and dormi- tory purposes. Application was made to Cyrus H. McCormick, Jr., for assistance, and he consented to furnish plans for the buildings. A plan was projected for the additional building during the year of 1887, and forwarded to A. Page Brown, of New York City, with orders to draw designs mainly for dormitory uses. He accordingly prepared them, not expensively elaborate, but of excellent architectural style and much beauty of appearance, with all needed sub-drawings and specifications, entirely at the expense of Mr. McCormick. The plans were so arranged that the building could be erected in three sections, making, when completed, one uniform, handsome and suitable edifice. The trustees, although with very little means at command, resolved to undertake the erection of one section of this building. The entire building, when completed was designed to be the main hall of the college although because of its location and appearance it has usually been known as the wing. The completion of this section, fitting it with furnace, laundry and other appliances incurred a con- siderable debt, which, added to the small debt already existing, obliged the board to adopt some means for securing funds. After due consideration it was decided to effect a loan of $15,000 by mortgaging the property and selling bonds, if this could be done. The bonds were accordingly prepared, secured and put on the market. They were disposed of at par, bearing interest at seven per cent. This did away with nearly all the floating debts. col- lected them all in one sum and furnished financial relief for the time.
Rev. Daniel Rice, D.D., at his decease in April, 1889, left Albert Lea College a bequest of $25,000 for the endowment of a professorship of Biblical history and literature. This bequest was in the form of real estate within the limits of the city of St. Paul. Nearly four years were spent in perfecting title and
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effecting sale of this property to render it productive. In the meantime Dr. Abbott was elected to the chair thus endowed, to enter at once upon its duties, and to receive a salary when this bequest should become available. The property was sold to the trustees of Macalester College about January 1. 1893, and a note of $25,000 received from them bearing interest at 6 per cent per annum. This was to be the salary of the chair in question. It was expected to be a permanent endowment, but was paid for only two years and three months, when, owing to financial embar- rassment, the interest on the note was no longer forthcoming and the endowment was practically annulled. .
Like many another institution in its beginning, Albert Lea College has undergone many vicissitudes and has suffered some financial loss and moral support in consequence ; but through all the early trials the name and earnest work of one man stands out in bold relief-a man whose clear vision, strong hope and firm faith carried the college through many a dark day-Dr. R. B. Abbott. His untiring purpose and devotion will ever be held in loving memory by all who recall the sacrifice and struggle of those early years.
In 1901 C. B. Augur was appointed financial secretary to undertake to secure funds and settle the entire debt of the college. After three years of active work, during which he also assisted in the general management of the college and in putting in some much needed repairs, Mr. Augur informed the trustees that he had secured subscriptions, discounts and money suffi- cient to cancel all debts. The difficulty for some time had been this : that the endowment was not sufficient to insure the college against indebtedness for current expenses. In order to afford an opportunity to recover from the financial embarrassment so in- curred, and to provide against it so far as possible for the future, active operations were suspended for one year, pending a special effort to secure adequate endowment. The executive committee of the board of trustees was authorized to adopt and carry out such measures as seemed to them wise in attaining this end. Un- fortunately the time was necessarily prolonged for four years, and during this time the college doors were closed. Things were not long to remain in this condition. The college was to be reor- ganized on a broader and more effective scale, and was designed within a few years to become an institution in which Albert Lea should take its greatest pride. The first step towards the reorgan- ization was the meeting of a citizens' committee, which discussed ways and means, and appointed Rev. H. J. Petran special agent to solicit funds. In 1905 John F. D. Meighen took the place of Rev. R. B. Abbott, C. B. Augur the place of Dr. A. C. Wedge and Rev. George H. Mueller the place of W. A. Morin, as trustees. Plans
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were at once set on foot for the reopening, and Rev. T. N. Weaver was employed as special agent. As a first move toward a new beginning the music department was opened by Charlotte Ellickson.
Early in 1906 the prospects took on a brighter aspect. On March 12 a letter was received from Andrew Carnegie, offering to donate the last $25,000 of a permanent $50,000 endowment fund. April 13 Mary L. Marquis was engaged as principal ; later her title was changed to dean and president of the faculty. Dean Marquis remained three years, until 1909, when she mar- ried Rev. C. H. Hubbard and retired from college work. Her executive influence, her scholarship and her personality have stamped themselves upon the history of the reorganized college. In June an excellent faculty was chosen and in the fall the college was opened under favorable circumstances. This was in 1906.
In 1907 Rev. T. N. Weaver was instructed to take up active work in canvassing for students, and C. B. Augur was requested to solicit endowments. Mr. Augur, with great personal sacrifice, and with but nominal expense to the college, conducted an active campaign for funds during the next two years, and succeeded in collecting nearly $50,000, in addition to a gift from W. W. Cargill of nearly $9,000, which was the result of joint effort, and for which Mr. Augur modestly disclaimed the credit. In 1907, largely through the kindness of T. B. Janney, of Minneapolis, whose advice and wise counsel are as valuable to the college as the material aid so generously and continuously proffered, the most easterly wing of the main building was erected; and on January 22, 1909, Cargill Science Hall, a splendid structure, and a finely equipped heating plant, were dedicated, the principal donation for the former being made by W. W. Cargill, and for the latter by James J. Hill. At this notable occasion the dedi- catory address was delivered by Gov. John A. Johnson.
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