History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota, Part 61

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. 1n; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. cn
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 626

USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 61

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The products of the farm and garden contribute something toward the table supplies, but at best they yield but a very small part of what is con- sumed during each year.

The shops are hardly self-supporting. As a whole, when once provided with shops and a com- plete outfit of tools, they have, as a rule, just about met current expenses. Hence they cannot be regarded as a source of pecuniary profit or in- come, even under the best management. As fast as the boys become skillful workmen they leave, and more boys take their places to repeat the same thing in a few years. But the knowledge and skill are valuable to the graduates in after years.

THE PRESENT STATUS. The condition of affairs in this Institution at this time may be indicated by stating that the Board of Directors consists of Gov. I. F. Hubbard, Hon. D. L. Kiehle, ex officio; Hon. T. B. Clement, President ; Rev. Geo. B. Whipple, Vice-President ; Hon. R. A. Mott, Sec- retary ; Hudson Wilson, Esq., Treasurer ; Hon. Geo. E. Skinner.

OFFICERS AND TEACHERS: J. L. Noyes, super- intendent ; George Wing, Pender W. Downing, Mary E. King, Ellen M. Franklin, Fannie Wood, Anna Wicktom, Teachers ; Dr. P. G. Denninger, physician ; Mrs. A. R. Hale, matron ; Horace E. Barron, steward ; D. F. Munro, foreman of tailor shop ; J. R. Sendner, foreman of shoe shop;

George Wing, editor of the Companion; Philip Slaven, foreman of cooper shop ; Mrs. S. M. Perry, mistress of sewing room ; A. B. Irvine, engineer ; N. P. Rood, night watch.

One hundred and sixteen pupils were in attend- ance the last term, twelve of whom completed the prescribed time, or course, in the school, and graduated at the close of the term in June last. The deaf-mute pupils have deported themselves in such a manner that not a single expulsion has occurred in the last sixteen years.

The finances of the institution are in a good condition, the Legislature never having declined to make the necessary provision for buildings, or support, provided there was money in the State treasury.

The citizens of Faribault and the State gener- ally foster the school with special interest and personal pride, and look upon it as one of the most beneficial institutions the State has estab- lished. It is not local or sectarian in its work, nearly all classes, nationalities, and almost all the counties in the State being represented in it.

THE MUTE'S COMPANION .- This little paper, issued every two weeks of the school year, is edited by one of the teachers, and the work of setting the type and printing, besides considerable job work, is done by the pupils themselves. It pleads the cause of the deaf and the blind in many a household, and by way of exchange in many of the papers throughout the State, and brings to the reading room a copy of nearly all the newspapers published in Minnesota. Many copies of papers and periodicals from other States are obtained in exchange for "The Companion," and thus the reading matter for the pupils is greatly enlarged, and they are thereby provoked to habits of reading and thought which, without "The Companion," would be wholly lost. Parents and patrons by it are called into a deeper sympathy and interest in this school and its benevolent work.

A slight change in the management of the In- stitute has been made that deserves a passing notice. From the commencement of this State enterprise there has been only one board of trust, one superintendent, and one steward until May 19th, 1881, when, with entire unanimity on the part of the board, and the hearty approval of the Su- perintendent, the latter was relieved of all care and responsibility in regard to the blind department

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CITY OF FARIBAULT.

* and the school for idiots and imbeciles, and Prof. J. J. Dow and Dr. George H. Knight were ap- pointed superintendents of their respective depart- ments, so that at this writing Minnesota has in Faribault a trinity of humane and benevolent institutions under one board, one steward, and three superintendents, all working together not only harmoniously and zealously, but efficiently and economically, and are illustrating by practice, . what no other State has done, that these three in- stitutions can be successfully and satisfactorily managed in one place and by one board. The State has heartily endorsed the plan, and successive Legislatures have appropriated the funds necessary for their establishment and support with great unanimity, and with reason, for the improvements have all been made, the buildings erected, and the current expenses met by the appropriations, and, as a rule, a balance left in the treasury. It is but giving utterance to public opinion to say the buildings are first class in construction, well lo- cated, well adapted to the work, and no stealing and very small profits to contractors.

SOME RESULTS REALIZED .- Two hundred and eighty-five deaf and dumb children have been re- ceived into the Institution since it was organized. A large majority of the graduates learned a trade while at school and have become quiet, useful, and industrious citizens, possessing the respect and confidence of those who know them, and earning a comfortable living. A few have been very success- ful. One is the editor and proprietor of a leading country newspaper. Another is a highly esteemed bookkeeper in a large banking house. Six have entered college at Washington. One is the fore- man of a cooper shop. Three have been success- ful teachers of the deaf and dumb. A few have excelled as type-setters. Fourteen have married and have fourteen children, and as parents and citizens they are acting well their part in life. There are others who as farmers, coopers, shoe- makers, tailors, and laborers, are earning an honest comfortable living and no longer eating the bread of dependence. Not one, so far as heard from, has become a vagrant, or an idler, trying to make capital out of his misfortune.

The graduates are realizing more deeply every year how much the Institution has done for them. Isolated from society, shut out from public lec- tures and Sabbath instruction, which they enjoyed at school, they fail to grow in intelligence and

knowledge of wordly matters like persons with all their senses. Reading and writing comprise their medium of communication with others and in this sometimes they are deficient.

The nature and object of the Institution are be- coming better known and parents realize more than formerly the importance of an education and a trade for the deaf and dumb, and moreover that this cannot be obtained at home, or in the space of four or five years even under very favorable cir- cumstances. In order to realize more effectually what the Institution has been doing the reader should go to some of the homes of these children and contrast the sadness, gloom, and despondency that had settled over the hearts and minds of once happy loving parents, and mark the contrast as the cloud disappears before the joy, intelligence and usefulness of the graduate as he takes his place in society and the world. In instances not a few parents have found language inadequate to express their gratitude for what has been ac- complished. As the educated deaf-mute proves the comfort in sickness, the stay and staff in age to many parents throughout the commonwealth the beneficial results of this State Institute will widen and deepen in ratios beyond computation, and in values that money cannot equal.

It is unquestionable that the State of Minnesota has been most remarkably fortunate in the public institutions located in Faribault. In the first place the commissioners who were authorized to make a beginning and to take the whole subject into consideration, to ascertain the number of the unfortunate who were by rights wards of the State, and to report, did their work faithfully and well, and while the officers of the State have had literally to feel their way, as the labor magnified on their hands, they have never made a mistake; and what is most wonderful, in all the expendi- tures for buildings and support, they have never exceeded the appropriation, except in a single unimportant instance. The institution in all re- spects has been in its administration conducted in an honest and economical way, and the gentle- men who are in charge of the various depart- ments are remarkably well adapted to the work, and have kindly furnished this sketch, excepting these concluding remarks.

There is considerable that might be said in this connection, in relation to the personal fitness and the remarkable adaptability of the officers to the

* See Errata, page 603.

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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.

performance of their duties ; the kindness and consideration that has characterized their contact with the various inmates ; the rare judgment that has uniformly been displayed in the every day affairs and in numerous trying emergencies ; but the usual anxiety is for results, and as here they have been entirely satisfactory, this statement must close our final, pointing with pride at these institutions.

SHATTUCK SCHOOL.

The Shattuck School is under the patronage of the Episcopal authorities, and is a most impor- tant part of the denominational system of educa- tion. It was organized in 1866, and placed in charge of Rev. J. L. Breck, D. D,, who became Rector of the school, and on his removal to Cali- fornia, in 1867, the Rey. James Dobbin succeeded him. The object of the school is to train up boys for the active business of life, which also embraces a preparation for college, and to make it for Min- nesota what Eton is for England. Of course there were at first many trials, but constant ad- vances have been made, and it is now thoroughly established on a lasting foundation, and in the confidence and esteem of the community. The buildings consist of two large halls built of stone, a school-room, drill-room and gymnasium, and one of the most beautiful college or school chap- els in America, the whole costing over $80,000. There are fifty acres of land on a plateau back of the bluff, opposite the lower part of the city, and north of the State Institution for the Deaf aud Dumb.

The school is a military one, and the boys as they arrive are assigned to one of the organized companies which are officered by the students in accordance with the United States tactics, the promotions being in the direction of competency and seniority. The cadets are dressed in a neat gray uniform, and the proficiency of the "Shat- tuck Battalion" in the manual of arms and com- pany and battalion movements, is very striking. A Captain in the Regular Army is detailed as in- structor, commandant, and professor of Natural Sciences.

The following article from a St. Paul paper, from the pen of one of the staff of the journal is here reproduced, although it covers some of the points already presented, but it will give a view from a different standpoint. Besides, the school is of such a character that if tautology is to be ex-

cused in any case, it certainly will be in this in- stance.

"THE ETON OF MINNESOTA.

You can tell a town in which institutions for the education of the youth abound almost as soon as you enter it. There is an air of dignity and scholastic quietude which permeates certain portions thereof, and militates not one whit against the mercantile or manufacturing activity likely enough to be found in other localities. Then, too, the surroundings, if not the town itself, are al- most always characterized by especial beauties of scenery. There is always a stream, and it is usually picturesque, while foliage in abundance mingles with plenitude of spires. The residences show greater attention to the religion of the beau- tiful, and the people more outward evidences, at least, of culture than in towns where elevators are the building of most note and the price of pro- duce the principal topics of conversation. The differences noted are more especially marked in a State so new, comparatively, as our own, and no one who has ever visited Faribault will wonder at its serving as a text for the above. It is more like a New England town, wherein decades have merged into generations, and generations into centuries, than a place of most modern foundation and growth, and the claim that it is the prettiest town in the State is hard, successfully to contro- vert. The seat of the Deaf and Dumb Institution, which crowns a commanding height on the east side of the Straight River (what a pity the name of the latter was changed from the euphonious Owatonna ), it is more widely known as the locale of the two schools-Shattuck and St. Mary's- founded by Protestant Episcopal liberality, and supported by scholars of all denominations. It is also the diocesan home of Bishop Whipple, and here also is located Seabury Divinity School.

SHATTUCK SCHOOL.

The choice location of the city, so riclı in sites, has unquestionably been taken by Shattuck school, an institution more thoroughly academic in appearance, scope, and plan than any in the State. Its founders wisely eschewed the preten- tions name of "College," or the often bombastic title of "University," knowing that such appella- tions would, for many years at least, be misnomers, if not shams, and adopted the expressive, if old- fashioned, generic name. The success attendant

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CITY OF FARIBAULT.

upon the earnest efforts of Bishop Whipple and his coadjutors must be surprising even to them. The parish school established as far back as 1858 was really the nucleus of Shattuck as it was of St. Mary's, and when Bishop Whipple assumed charge of the newly created diocese, in 1860, he found the parochial school in anything but a fee- ble condition, the population considered. In that year the Bishop Seabury mission was incorporated by H. B. Whipple, J. L. Breck, S. W. Manney, and E. S. Peake, the charter giving ample educa- tional powers to the board of trustees therein pro- vided for.

In the autumn of 1865, it was determined to separate an academic department from the Sea- bury mission, the latter being more purely theo- logic in its curriculum. Shattuck School took high rank from the start, and not the least happy of the ideas of its originators was that of making the school

CLOSELY RESEMBLE WEST POINT

in many important particulars. While the mili- tary code is subordinate to the educational, it is merged with it as well, and plays a highly im- portant part in the discipline. The pupils are styled cadets and have their own commissioned and non-commissioned officers, the commandant being an officer of the regular army who is next to the rector in academic rank. The government has furnished rifles similar to those used by the West Pointers, and weighing only seven pounds, while other accouterments have also been provided iu plenty.

The uniform is of gray and the cross belts of white exactly similar to the national cadets in cut and trimming, while as far as possible, the organ- ization is modeled after that of the best military school in the world. The flag-staff on a com- manding knoll, the frowning artillery, the uni- formed cadets with their erect and soldier-like beoring, the calls, and the hundreds of addenda of a martial nature, are exceedingly pleasing to the eye or ear, and better still have served a most ad- mirable purpose. No one physically able is excused from drills and concomitant military duty and the esprit du corps is fostered by awards and rewards into vigorous life.

THE CORPS AND BUILDINGS.

The limit of membership is fixed at 103 for the present (it is to be enlarged to 150 as soon as added facilities will admit), and there is but one

vacancy at present. Applications for the reception of a much greater number are yearly received, but are not acceded to, as the limit is rigid. The pre- ceptors do not believe in crowding the cadets, being of the opinion that the harm done would be poorly compensated for by the increase of revenue. Of course, the time is looked forward to when new buildings will allow of an increase to 200, 300 or 400 students, and, if present popularity is any criterion, the pupils will be ready ere the build- ings are. There are now fully 100 acres in the academic grounds, so that the room is ample. The buildings are two large stone halls, cach three stories in height, for recitation rooms, dormitories, and refectories, and in the near future an addi- tional hall 100x65, with a dining room 55x65, is to be erected. The Manney Armory Hall, named in honor Rev. Solon W. Manney, D. D., is of com- paratively recent erection and is a model of its kind. The lower story is fitted up as a gymnasium and reading room, the latter not so well supplied with books as it will be in the coming time, many books having been burned in 1872, when Seabury Hall fell victim to the flames. The gymnasium proper is all that could be desired and is provided with every possible appliance far athletic culture, while the æsthetic sense is pleased by the finish of the entire building in hard woods, innocent of dis- figuring paint, and handsome as are most of na- ture's products. Up stairs is the armory and drill room, a spacious apartment ample for the evolu- tions of the corps, the room heing unobstructed by supports or columns of any kind, and the floor so braced aud held by iron hearted girders as to be absolutely safe. In the southern part of the grounds and facing westward toward the river, as do most of the buildings, is the beautiful Shium- way Memorial Chapel, erected by Mrs. Hunting- ton, of Cincinnati, in remembrance of a beloved child. The Chapel is of suitable size and is most perfect in all its appointments and exquisite in de- sign. The stained windows were made abroad and are very handsome, representing in mosaic of glass, scenes in sacred history of the symbolisms of the Church. The organ and altar within the chancel are suited to the chapel, which necessarily plays an important part in the exercises of the school. The Rector's house is also a fine one, and is finished in the latest style of modern ornamen- tation, without mere display. East of the armory there has recently been erected a handsome cot- tage for the use of the commandant, who formerly

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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.

lived in the city. It is proposed soon to heat all buildings by steam from central buildings, and it would not be surprising if the electric light should be introduced within a short time. The parade ground for the out door evolutions of the cadets is large and smooth, and a dress parade of the corps is an exceedingly pleasant sight. At the present time music is furnished by an excellent drum corps, but as the school grows in size it is not at all improba- ble that a band will be formed among the cadets. * *"

In relation to the scope and character of the study in this school there is one point which is most admirable, and which is so frequently, and we had almost said criminally neglected in so many schools that it should be emphasized in the most striking way, and that is the physical train- ing which goes along paripasee with the intellec- tual. No plan to do this has ever been found equal to the school of the soldier, as it combines pleasure and labor in a way that is most condu- cive to development from youth to manhood, because there is enough of the intellectual with it to give it zest, even with the mentally inclined.

Without publishing the curriculum it will, per- haps, be sufficient that a list of the text-books be printed, although it must be understood that these are mere auxiliaries in the realm of instruction.

The following Text Books are used in the School :

Arithmetic, Mental Stoddard.

Arithmetic, Written Hagar.

Algebra.

.Wentworth.

Astronomy Gillet & Rolfe.

Botany .

. Gray's School and Field.

Book-keeping

Meservey.

Chemistry

Avery.

Civil Government Townsend

Copy Books

Spencerian.

English Literature. Townsend. Geography Colton.

Geography, Physical Geike. Grammar. Harvey, Whitney.

German Grammar Cook's Otto.

Geometry

Davies' Legendre.

Greek Lessons.

White.

Greek Grammar and Reader

Goodwin.

Greek Prose.

Jones

History, U. S. Seavey's Goodrich.

History, England Guest's Lectures.

History, General

Talheimer

Latin, Introductory Lessons. Harkness

Latin Grammar and Reader. . Harkness, Stan. Ed. Latin Prose Arnold.

Military Tactics

. Upton .

Natural Philosophy Gillet & Rolfe. Political Economy Faucett.

Physiology Hutchison.

Readers

Appleton's, Shaw's Selections,

Leffingwell's Classics.

Rhetoric

Hart.

Elocution

Mitchell.

Spellers

Harrington.

Study of Words

Trench.

In this line, a presentation of the corps of in- structors will add still further to an idea of what ground is covered by the teaching of the school.

FACULTY.

The Right Reverend H. B. Whipple, D. D., Bishop of Minnesota, Chancellor and Visitor.

Rev. James Dobbin, A. M., B. D., Rector.

Rev. George H. Davis, Vice-Rector, and In- structor in English Literature and Political Econ- omy.

Capt. Charles A. Curtis, A. B., U. S. A., Com- mandant, and Instructor in Military and Natural Sciences.

William W. Champlain, A. M., Mathematics.

Harry E. Whitney, A. M., Latin and German. E. Webster Whipple, A. M., LL. B., Greek Lan- guage and Literature.

Charles E. S. Rasey, A. M., History and Elocu- tion.

Mrs. H. E. Whitey, Instrumental and Vocal Music.

Charles W. Clinton, A. M., Preparatoy Depart- ment.

PHYSICAL CULTURE.

G. Weston `Wood, M. D., Physician and Sur- geon.

Mrs. C. N. Parker, Matron.

Mrs. C. F. Sheldon, Nurse.

The officers of the Battalion organization are also given:

FIELD AND STAFF.

Captain C. A. Curtis, U. S. A., Commandant.

G. W. Wood, Surgeon.

Cadet Lieut. E. L. Welch, Adjutant.

Cadet Sergeant Major, F. E. Evans.

Cadet Quartermaster Sergeant, S. S. Tanner.

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CITY OF FARIBAULT.

Touching the government of the school, upon which so much depends, the following extract from the published rules is made :

RULES OF CONDUCT.

"Only such rules are imposed as are known to be necessary to correct, or to prevent improper conduct and neglect of duty. The utmost watch- fulness is maintained over the habits and conduct of the cadets. The discipline, while kind and just, is meant to be very strict. Everything is designed to imbus each one with such a manly, Christian spirit, and such a wholesome respect for law as will secure cheerful as well as exact obedi- ence.

The discipline of the school is semi-military. All rules and regulations, except such as are purely military, are imposed by the Rector. The cadet officers of the battalion are required to aid in their enforcement. The Commissioned officers are detailed in rotation as "Officer of the Day." During his term of duty the Officer of the Day is rosponsible, together with his Sergeant and Cor- poral of the Guard, for the maintenance of good order, and the observance of all the regulations of the school. In case of disorder, or of any known or suspected violation of the rules, it is the duty of the officers to report it. These reports are made regularly each day in writing, through the Commandant, and the penalties are assigned, in all cases, by the Rector or his representative. Every cadet who is reported for any delinquency is given an opportunity to make an explanation before he is punished. In this way all hasty, un- just, and discriminating punishments are avoided, and the discipline of the school is made, in its truest sense, corrective. A record of all delin- quencies and punishments is preserved, and is fur- nished to parents if desired. So far as the various faults and dispositions of cadets will allow, these are uniform, and consist in the performance of ex- tra drill, and study, the loss of holidays and pocket money, confinement to close bounds, de- merits, etc.

HABITS FORBIDDEN.

The following habits are strictly forbidden: The use of ardent spirits.

The use of tobacco in any form.

Visiting saloons or billiard rooms.

The use of profane or obscene language.

Leaving the school grounds without permission. Playing cards.

The contraction of debts.

· Willfully marring and destroying school prop- erty.

Reading books and papers disapproved.

An habitual and wilful indulgence in any of these habits is held to be sufficient ground for re- moval from the school."

The United States Government has supplied the school with one hundred and fifty cadet rifle- muskets, fifty cavalry sabres, eighteen small swords, and two artillery pieces, with all the necessary equipments. It also furnishes annually for prac- tics firing, two thousand rounds of musket cart- ridges, and one hundred rounds for six pounder guns. The cadet rifle, including bayonet, weighs nine pounds. No one able to drill is excused from it. Each cadet is held personally responsible for the arms assigned to him. An excellent drum corps is attached to the battalion.

A paper, "THE SHATTUCK SCHOOL," is printed at the school, and there are various societies, such as "The Reading Room Association," the "C. S. C. Society," the "Athletic Association," the "Base Ball Club," the "Choir," the "Orchestra," the "Band," and others. There are various honors and prizes to be contended for, and of course the latter will increase as the school goes on.

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History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota, Part 61

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. 1n; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. cn Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co. Number of Pages: 626

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. 1n; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. cn
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 626