USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 63
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D. A. J. Baker taught the school during the winter of 1850 and '51, and among his pupils was a Miss Elizabeth IIall, now Mrs. R. C. Knox, who taught the school during the following summer, at twenty dollars per month. In a recent conver- sation, referring to the matter, she said; " I then thought it was a big thing."
Grotesque as it may seem, and as it is, in 1851, D. A. J. Baker got a bill through the legislature authorizing the trustees of school district num- ber two to confer college degrees. To this Mr. Neill protested in his report as superintendent of schools, in the following year, declaring the law a burlesque, and an infringement on the pre- rogatives of the regents of the state university. We have not been able to learn that the trustees ever conferred any degrees, or that the law has been repealed.
In 1852, a high school was established by à con- current vote of the school districts, and G. II. Spencer elected principal. The room hired for the purpose was the third floor of Stees and Hunt's furniture store, corner of Third and Minnesota streets. There were also four primary schools, taught by Misses Bishop, Sorin, Merrill and Esson. In 1853 the public schools were taught by Miss Bishop, Mrs. Parker and Miss Esson.
During the winter of 1853-4 Horace Bigelow, now a prominent lawyer of this city, taught the school on Jackson street, and when his salary be- came due the treasury hung empty. The trus- tees borrowed the money to pay him at two and a half per cent. per month.
In 1856 an act was passed making St. Panl one school district and creating "The Board of Edu-
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cation of the city of St. Paul," to consist of nine members, three from each ward. The mayor and president of the council, by provision of this act, were "declared ex-officio school inspectors." The board organized in June of that year and consisted of the following members: Mayor George L. Becker, ex-officio; president of the council, Wm. L. Ames; H. E. Baker, Theodore French, P. P. Furber, Wm. R. Marshall, Rev. E. D. Neill, Rev. A. M. Torbit, Parker Paine and E. C. Palmer: When the board organized they found neither funds nor buildings in their possession.
The Washington school-house was erected in 1857, under the direction of Messrs. Paine, Tor- bit and Furber, at a cost of $8,433, and was dedi- cated August 31st of that year. In order to have the house as large and commodious as seemed de- sirable, Mr. Parker Paine advanced the board $2,000. Many complained that the building was too large and even "larger than the necessities of the town would ever require." But so rapid was the growth of the school population that two more buildings were required the following year.
The Adams school-house was erected in 1858 at a cost of about $8,000, and dedicated Novem- ber 13th of that year. The Jefferson school building was erected the same year at a cost of about $8,000. It fronted on Pleasant avenue, had about the same seating capacity as the Adams and Washington, but was the most elegant struc- ture. The building has since burned down, and a new site selected. The cost of the original site was $300 in city orders. These two new school buildings were no sooner ready for occupancy than they were filled to overflowing.
The first report of attendance in all the schools bears date January 31st, 1859, and shows an ag- gregate attendance of 682.
By resolution passed August 16th, 1858, the board instituted the office of principal; whose duty it was to visit all the schools daily, make monthly reports to the board of the number of scholars enrolled in each school, and the general condition of the schools; also, to hold a teacher's institute every month of the scholastic year; and if required, to teach an evening school, for male youth, who by reason of employment during the day, might not be able to attend the day schools. This office was filled for one year by Benjamin Drew, of Boston, and through the 1
winter of 1859-'60 an evening school was taught with an average attendance of about forty pupils. The salary of the principal was about $1,000.
By resolution of February 6th, 1860, with a view of retrenching, as far as possible, the ex- penses of the public school, the office of princi- pal was abolished, and the secretary of the board became ex-officio superintendent.
On the organization of the board of education in 1856, Rev. E. D. Neill was chosen secretary and treasurer, which office he held by annual re- election, until his resignation in March, 1860, when he was succeded by Rev. John Mattocks, who continued to act as secretary and superin- tendent until September, 1872,-a period of over eleven years. Ile was a genial gentleman and was well liked as is attested by his long period of service. His salary from the board was origi- nally·$500 per annum, which was subsequently increased to $600, but his time was chiefly de- voted to his pastoral duties.
In 1862, there were sixteen teachers in the em- ploy of the board, three of whom were males and thriteen were females. The schools were graded into boys' secondary schools; girls' secondary schools; upper primary and lower primary; sala- ries were as follows; teacher of boys' secondary school, $500; teacher in girls' secondary school, $270; teacher in upper primary school, $225; teacher in lower primary school, $225.
The secretary and superintendent in his annual report for 1862, gave the whole number enrolled in the school as one thousand four hundred and seventy-five, the average attendance through the year as seven hundred and sixty-seven. The system of reports was defective, and pupils were liable to be enrolled twice.
From 1862, to 1867, not a teacher in the pub- lic schools was required to be examined, as a con- dition of appointment, though the regulations of the board as published, provided that all candi- dates for the position of teacher should be ex- amined by the superintendent "under the direc- tion and with the assistance of the committee on schools, and all applicants who pass a successful examination and are deemed worthy by the com- mittee of employment by the board shall receive a certificate of competency under the seal of the board, each certificate specifying the branches and grade of school in which its possessor is
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deemed competent to instruct." The fact that during the period of five years, not a candidate was examined or a certificate awarded shows the looseness with which the affairs of the schools were conducted. Up to 1863, the teacher of a boys' secondary school taught his own depart- ment and was expected to do a sort of police duty about the premises, but each teacher was regarded as independent of every other, save that the teacher of the boys' secondary department was so far subject to the other teachers as to be ex- pected to chastise troublesome pupils of the dif- ferent departments when requested to do so by the respective teachers.
In 1863 a resolution of the board of education gave the teacher of the boys' secondary depart- ment a "general supervision" of the entire school where he was employed, a resolution very distasteful to the subordinate teachers, and which they did not submit to without a struggle.
In 1865 the Franklin school was erected at a cost, including the lot, furniture, fence and out- buildings, of $16,969.63.
In 1853 petitions from St. Anthony, Little Canada and St. Paul, were presented to the terri- torial legislature asking for a division of the common school fund. A report favorable to the prayer of the petitioners was made by the legisla- tive committee who introduced a bill providing that denominational schools having an average attendance of "at least twenty-five children, and are kept in operation at least four hours every day, during five days of every week, shall be con- sidered well organized schools, and entitled to a share in the school fund." This bill was lost by a vote of five for, to twelve against it.
The Catholics continued to maintain a parisli school, but a majority of their children attended the public schools up to 1866, when efforts were made to improve the parish school, new schools were established and the authority of the church was exercised to prevent the Catholic children from attending the public schools.
In June, 1869, Rev. John Ireland, then pastor of the Catholic parish, sent a communication to the board of education, in which he stated that "fully one-half of the children of St. Paul could derive no benefit from the present system of public edu- cation." He thought a system could be devised to "remedy the injustice," and asked what was
required that their schools be recognized by the board. The letter was referred to a committee consisting of H. H. Sibley, Rev. John Mattocks and M. B. Farrell. In August, following, the committee made a favorable report, as follows:
"Ist. That the Cathedral and Assumption schools (generally designated and known as such) shall be forthwith transferred to the supervision and control of the board of education, the build- ings free of rent during school hours, and without any risk or responsibility on the part of the board in case of accident to the buildings, from fire or otherwise."
"2nd. The said schools to be subject in all things to the rules and regulations of the board of education."
"Your committee can find no legal or educa- tional objections to the proposed transfer of the aforesaid schools to the board, by those having the charge and direction thereof, nor would there be a departure from the previous practice of the board, in accepting the propositions."
The above report was understood to accord with the views of those in authority over the Catholic schools, and was signed by Messrs. Sibley, Mattocks and Farrell: But Mr. Mattocks accom- panied the report with a letter signed by himself, in which he regarded the acceptance of the schools by the board, on the terms proposed, as establish- ing a dangerous precedent. The subject attracted considerable attention, was warmly discussed in the papers of the day, and finally failed. Children of Catholic parents continued to attend the public schools, but in limited numbers.
Teachers are appointed in the schools without regard to their religious proclivities.
In 1866, a separate school was established for the colored youth of the city, which, in 1869, was abandoned, by virtue of a law of the state, which made it a penal offense to maintain such a school.
Gradually the organization of the schools was perfected, and in 1867 there was a general ex- amination of candidates for teachers. Since that date, with rare exceptions, no teachers have been allowed to enter on the work of instruction in our schools without having passed a satisfac- tory examination.
In September, 1872, George M. Gage became superintendent of schools, and for the first time in the history of St. Paul schools, the superin-
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tendent was required to give his whole time to the work. In September, 1874, Mr. Gage was succeeded as superintendent by Rev. L. M. Bur- rington, who, in 1878, gave place to B. F. Wright, a graduate of Union College, who brought to his work a umon of riper scholarship and profes- sional experience than any of his predecessors. He is the only superintendent, since the estab- lishment of the High School, whose scholarship has been adequate to its intelligent supervision.
The board now has a corps of one hundred and thirteen faithful, intelligent teachers, doing har- monious and effective work.
The veteran teacher is Mrs. H. W. Haynes, who has taught twenty-one years in the St. Paul public schools, where she is still doing efficient work. In some countries teachers of long service are ultimately retired on a pension. May we not hope that such will yet be the case here?
This sketch would not be complete without mention of the St. Paul High School, which had been in an incipient state some years, when, in 1868, B. F. Wright was made principal, and found about a dozen pupils. This year the first public examination for the admission of pupils was held, and two classes 'were formed in the third story of the Franklin school building, and Mrs. H. M. Haynes was made assistant. Up to this time no regular course of study had been adopted. The school grew rapidly in numbers and in public favor, and now has about two hun- dred pupils, with nine teachers.
In 1872, the school was moved to its present quarters, corner of Seventh and Jackson streets.
In 1879, a proposition to issue bonds for the erection of a suitable high school building was submitted to the people, and lost by about five hundred votes. But the proposition was again submitted to the people, in the spring of 1881, and carried by about three thousand majority, and a new building is about to be erected, at a cost of fifty thousand dollars.
The school affords ample facilities for a com- mercial education, and its graduates are readily admitted to a respectable standing in the best colleges of the country, where some of them have graduated with distinction.
Thus we have traced the St. Paul schools from their humble beginning, until they have school property to the value of $326,500, as follows :
Cost of Franklin school, when completed, $57,- 000; Van Buren school, $22,000; Humboldt school, $9,000; Adams school, with four lots, $22,000 ; Jefferson school, $45,000 ; Lincoln school, $23,000 ; Madison school, $50,000 ; McLean school, four lots, $3,000 ; Harrison school, $5,000 ; Neill school, $10,000; Webster school, $20,000 ; Rice school, $5,000; River school, $3,500; Monroe school, $15,000; Washington school, $22,000 ; Jackson school, $15,000. Total, $326,500.
These schools have a seating capacity of 4,768. The number of pupils enrolled in the public schools during the past year, was 4,892, and the average attendance was 3,425.
The St. Paul Business College, Professor William A. Faddis, principal. This institution was established in the summer of 1865, and is therefore the oldest as well as the largest institu- tion of the kind in the North-west. It was or- ganized by II. D. Stratton who, in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Bryant, was the founder of the great chain of colleges which bore their names and which has long been a marked feature among the educational institutions of the coun- try. Prof. O. Pirkey was the resident principal until 1868, when he was succeeded by the present principal, Prof. W. A. Faddis, an educator of some thirty years experience in the schools of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa. The college received a large patronage from the start and has gone on increasing from year to year, until it now rests on a firm and enduring basis. It first occupied quarters in the old post-office building on Third street. When the building was leased to the government in 1869, Mr. Fad- dis secured room in the old concert block. In 1870 the college was destroyed by fire, but a num- ber of prominent citizens of St. Paul immediately stepped forward and aided Mr. Faddis in its re-establishment. Since 1870 the college las oc- cupied the entire upper story of the Fire and Marine block, corner of Third and Jackson streets, one of the finest buildings in St. Paul, supplied with all the modern conveniences, gas, water, steam, etc. In 1867 the "Bryant and Stratton chain," of which this college was a member, was superseded by the International Association, consisting of thirty-six colleges in the leading cities in the United States and Cana- das. The same system is employed by all, and
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being so intimately connected under the same general management, the colleges are favorably known in every part of the country. The curri- culum of this college embraces all the branchies pertaining to business, taught in a systematic and practical manner. Book-keeping lies at the bottom of the course of study. In the practical department business is actually transacted in the regular way over the counter. Cash, college cur- rency , is received and paid out; the cash account being kept with as much exactness as in the most systematic business office, No young man can pass through the severe business ordeals in the system of these colleges without coming out refined and systematized in his business habits. In addition to this, the branches of commercial arithmetic, commercial law, penmanship, political economy, telegraphy and such topics as are incidental thereto, are made prominent features, and in their instruction text books prepared expressly for this association, are used. The St. Paul Business college is considered one of the indispensible aux- iliaries among the educational institutions of the city, and is steadily gaining in popular favor. About 200 students are graduated each year, the average age being eighteen to twenty years. During its existence the college has taught more than three thousand pupils and brought to the city over $800,000, and has materially and sub- stantially benefitted the city. During the win- ter monthis lectures on instructive topics are given.
St. Paul branch of the Baldwin school, prepar- atory department of Macalaster College. This institution was established in September, 1877, as the "English Classical School," by F. A. Fogg. It comprised a primary and advanced department, the former sitting in the forenoon, and the latter in the afternoon. The course of study in the primary department was that of an ordinary graded school; that of the advanced department was equivalent to a high school course. Prof. Fogg acted as principal, and employed four assist- ants. The school was a success from the start, financially and otherwise. The number of pupils in attendance has reached seventy-five, and prob- ably averaged sixty-five. During the summer of 1881, Mr. Fogg disposed of the school to the trus- tees of Macalester College, and it will hereafter be conducted by them as the St. Paul branch of
the Baldwin School, the preparatory department of the college. The trustees in charge have or- ganized, by electing Hon. Alexander Ramsey, chairman, and Thomas Cochran, Jr., secretary. Miss E. S. Calligan has been elected principal, and the school opened September 15th, 1881, 011 the same terms and conditions as when under the management of Mr. Fogg.
St. Paul Drawing Academy. While living in New Orleans, during the war, P. Boringer, Sr., first turned his attention to the teaching of draw- ing. The stagnant state of affairs during the years 1864 and '65, caused his moving to St. Louis, where he led quite a prosperous night class, sev- eral of his scholars taking premiums at the State Fair, held under the auspices of the St. Lous Me- clinical and Agricultural Association. The climate not agreeing with 12. Bæringer, Sr., and the growing prosperity of St. Paul giving fair promise of a good field to work in, lie migrated there, and with the help of his son, Geo. Bærin- ger, Jr., established the institution now known as the St. Paul Drawing Academy. It has been successful, having had the patronage of all classes, the "middle class" attending, with a view to bet- ter themselves, by acquiring a knowledge of the art, giving them cliance for advancement or im- provement, either directly, as in teaching, or as a help in connection with their occupation, craft or trade, or indirectly, that is, to understand the drawings of others. The richer, to help them to enjoyment and appreciation of the art itself, or as a stepping-stone to painting and other artistic accomplishments. The aim of the institution is to spread a knowledge of drawing, according to the best known methods. The following differ- ent branches have been successfully taught: In- dustrial or ornamental drawing, as applied to the trades ; sketching from objects, as applied to the trades; linear or geometrical drawing, from copy . and object; copy drawing, from miscellaneous subjects; and lastly, cast drawing. This, it is proposed to develop at a future time, according to the requirements and abilities of patrons of the institution.
St. Paul Medical College, Medical Department of Hamline University. The preparatory school, which was organized in 1870 and has developed into this college, has been more successful than was anticipated, and has succeeded in controlling
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so large an amount of clinical material that the faculty are justified in promising greater clinical advantages to students than are afforded by the large majority of those schools situated away from the large medical centres.
The college building is centrally located on the principal business street of the city. within easy access by street cars, is comparatively isolated, and commands the finest view on the Mississippi. Its rooms are airy and cool in summer, and are arranged with especial view to the convenience of the students outside of lecture hours. It con- tains a large and comfortable lecture room, a chemical laboratory and clinical room, and a large cool, dissecting room.
The lecture room is used once monthly for meetings of the Ramsey county Medical Society, to whose deliberations the students are invited.
Faculty: Alex J. Stone, M. D., dean, profes- sor of obstetrics, gynaecology and medical juris- prudence; Charles A. Wheaton, M. D., professor of anatomy and clinical surgery; F. Dedolph, M. D., professor of pathology and dermathology; Talbot Jones, M. D., registrar, professor of physi-
ology and diseases of children; F. A. Dunsmoor, M. D., professor of surgery; Francis Atwood, M. D., professor of ophthalmology and otology; Jas. Davenport, M. D., professor of materia medica and therpeutics; Jay Owens, M. D., professor of theory and practice of medicine and diseases of the throat; Ernst F. Horst, M. D., professor of nervous diseases and orthopaedic surgery; Geo. F. Weitbrecht, M. D., professor of chemistry.
St. Paul Kensington Art School, Mrs. Plato, (graduate of the Kensington Art School of New York) principal. This institution was established by the above named lady, February 12th 1881. She has been engaged about four years in teach- ing the art of fine needlework, embroidery and fancy work, for decorative purposes. Her work will compare favorably with any work in this line, in the country. She is constantly receiving new designs, exhibiting the most effective and novel combinations of color and material. Her special- ty is the preparation of novelties in ladies' fancy work, in a commenced form, that is, a portion of the design is worked to show the effect, and as a guide in completing the work, the material neces- sary for finishing it being supplied with it. She has a well organized school of embroidery, and
her workrooms are supplied with a complete assortment of every material required. The fol- lowing is a list of some of their best designs of Kensington and crewel embroidery. Bracket lambrequins, foot rests, chair stripes, sofa cush- ions, mantel lambrequins, eastlake tidies, otto- mans and table covers. She makes special designs to order and furnishes estimates for any work in her line. Her success in St. Paul is assured, hav- ing at this time abont 250 pupils on her roll. The school is located at No. 482 Wabasha street.
CHAPTER XLVII.
CHURCHES.
The Catholic church in St. Paul. For centuries Catholic priests have been known as pioneers and especially in America, where amid dangers and privations, they have ever been found on the extreme verge of civilization and often beyond, penetrating even into the midst of the most sav -. age and barbarous tribes. Of this class the Rev. Lucian Galtier was a worthy example.
In the spring of 1840, Father Galtier landed at Fort Snelling to discharge the duties of his sacred office. The fort "surrounded by a complete wilderness, and without any signs of fields under tillage," gave him "to understand that his mis- sion and life must henceforth be -a career of pri- vations, hard trials and suffering, and required patience and resignation." He had a large ter- ritory under his charge, "and but few souls to watch over." There was no St. Paul at that time, "and there was on the site of the present city, but a single house, occupied by. a man named Phalen, and steamboats never stopped there." Subsequently a few families settled along the left bank of the river, below the cave, and Father Galtier felt it his "duty to occasion- ally visit those families and set to work to choose a suitable place for a church."
"B. Gervais and Vetal Guerin, two good quiet farmers" "consented to give sufficient land for a church, a garden and a small grave yard." The extreme eastern part of Mr. Guerin's claim, and
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the western part of Mr. Gervais' were accepted. In the month of October, Father Galtier causeda rude structure of logs to be erected, about forty- five feet long by eighteen wide. But it was " well adapted for prayer and love to arise therein from pious hearts." The church was dedicated to St. Paul, November 1st, and the priest "ex- pressed a wish that the settlement should be known by no other name."
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