USA > Missouri > St Louis County > St Louis City > Education in Indiana. An outline of the growth of the common school system, together with statements relating to the condition of secondary and higher education in the state and a brief history of the educational exhibit. Prepared for the Louisiana purchase exposition, held at Saint Louis, May 1 to November 30, 1904 > Part 33
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The academy is affiliated with the university of Chicago. The life of cadets is regulated by the trumpet, and, while strict, has many features of great interest to the boys. The cadet black horse troop is possibly the most attractive feature to the boys.
A unique feature of Culver is the summer session. The academy is located on lake Maxinkuckee, and the government has issued four man-of-war cutters, so that the summer session becomes a naval school. The cadets take one or two studies in the morn-
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ing, and have great sport learning the sailor's art on the water in the afternoon. The school is under the command of Major L. R. Gignilliat, who has been for a number of years the commandant of the Culver military academy.
b. HOWE MILITARY ACADEMY, LIMA.
Howe School was founded in 1884 at Lima, Indiana, in the northeastern part of the state, in the name of Hon. John B. Howe, who had deceased the year before. A property including thirteen acres of land and a beautiful residence were left by him at his death to the church to be used preferably for educational purposes. It was an humble beginning but the gift had behind it a clear view of what was lacking in American education. Along with this gift of property went a gift of $10,000 which was to serve as an endow- ment fund for the education of boys to the church ministry. This whole gift seems to have been made without any clear view as to how the provisions of the will were to be carried out. Fortunately Bishop Knickerbacker, who had been consecrated in 1883, was anxious at this time to establish some organized educational work in his diocese. This legacy left by Mr. Howe, the great healthful- ness of Lima and the beauty of the surrounding country, influ- enced the bishop into choosing this spot for his school. The condi- tions of the gift and the ideals of the donor were so peculiarly in sympathy with the bishop's own ideas that the coincidence was a very happy one and the school, though humble, was started under very propitious circumstances. The endowment and property, however, were not large enough, and the bishop out of his own re- sources added materially to the gift. Without the minificence of Mr. Howe's widow and brother, however, the plan of the bishop could never have been brought to fruition. In fact, from the very first, the school became the life-long object of the munificence and love of Mrs. Frances M. Howe. The school opened in 1884 with two boys. The Reverend C. N. Spaulding, formerly rector of St. John's Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was the first rector of Howe School.
But it was not long before the school began to enlarge and more room was necessary. The fundamental idea at the beginning had been that the school life should be as nearly as possible a real home
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life. This idea has always exercised a definite influence in the administration of the school, but as the school increased in num- bers a modification of the idea was necessary. The school during the next ten years multiplied in every respect, and as a result of gifts from various sources, but principally from Mrs. Howe, a broad foundation was laid.
But the school remained in comparative insignificance until Dr. Spaulding was superseded in 1895 by the present rector, Dr. J. H. MeKinzie. The first ten years had hardly fulfilled expectations and hardly carried out the ideals of its founder and benefactors. A more energetic and intelligent policy was necessary for the put- ting of the school among the preparatory schools of the west. A stronger hand was needed at the helm, and from the time of the change in management, the school began to grow and enlarge in an encouraging way. The material equipment was soon largely in- creased. The horizon of the future began soon to brighten. The first few years, to be sure, of the new regime were passed under very discouraging circumstances, but by grimly hokling on and by the encouragements which came from the various members of the Howe family, and especially from Mrs. Howe, the dark days were successfully weathered and brighter skies came with cheer and help. The accommodations were enlarged by the building of the James B. Howe Hall and Blake Hall. New quarters were pro- vided for the dining room ; the plumbing and lighting equipment was largely added to; a separate building was soon found for the separate organization of the lower school, and finally, and within the last year, the school was blessed with an addition in the form of a school chapel. The school life growing more and more intricate has thus not been hampered by want of increasing accommodations and facilities. The founders have seen to it that the school lacked nothing in the way of equipment. The increasing usefulness and influence of the school have filled all with confidence and many have not hesitated to invest their money, knowing that it would be permanently useful and aid in an enterprise that is bound to as- sume larger and larger proportions as the years pass by.
The ideals and inner life of the school have kept pace with the material development. The religious influence of the church has always been carefully looked after. The military discipline and drill which came in with the advent of the new reetor has always
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been an important but not predominant feature of the school. The academie requirements have been pushed until the school prepares for the most difficult examinations of American colleges. In fine, the grade and character of the school has become such that it has been admitted as a member in the north central association of col- leges and secondary schools. Its diploma now admits without examination to any college or university in the west. The history of the last nine years are prophetic of a period of great usefulness.
3. GIRLS' ACADEMIES.
«. GIRLS' CLASSICAL SCHOOL, INDIANAPOLIS.
The girls' classical school was founded by Theodore Lovett Sewall, A. B., in 1882. Mr. Sewall, who had in 1876 opened a classical school for boys, felt that a local school was even less ade- quate for girls than for the education of boys. His wife, May Wright Sewall, being deeply interested in education and wishing an opportunity to apply some theories of her own in the education of girls, suggested to Mr. Sewall that he extend his own in- fluence in the field of education by organizing a school which would secure to girls the same opportunities for classical culture which were provided for boys by the school he was already conduct- ing, and at the same time make provision for such special tuition and discipline as both Mr. and Mrs. Sewall believed to be required for girls. The school was opened in September of 1882. Since the school was organized courses of study have been introduced form time to time until now there are four distinct courses leading to graduation besides special courses which may be pursued by students not expecting to graduate, and, in addition to these, departments in art, music and household science. While entirely non-sectarian the inculcation of religious principle and belief are steadily maintained.
Up to date 195 young ladies have graduated from the school; of this number sixty-four entered the best colleges for women in the country.
The school is now perfectly equipped for all kinds of work cus- tomary in girls' schools and besides has a department of household science. It now occupies two buildings. The enrollment for the
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current year is 130 pupils. The faculty includes twenty members. While it has a board of advisors, it remains what it was at the be- ginning, an individual enterprise, supported solely by the tuition of its pupils and conducted under the direction of a single mind.
b. KNICKERBOCKER SCHOOL, INDIANAPOLIS.
No detailed information can be given of this school as no report was submitted.
r. TUDOR HALL, INDIANAPOLIS.
Founded by Rev. J. Cumming Smith., D. D., and Miss Fre- donia Allen, Ph. B., in the year 1902.
Aim .- The aim of the school is to provide for its pupils a thor- ough, systematie training, with a view to an all-around efficiency, emphasis furthermore being placed on surrounding the school with a homelike atmosphere. Though the school is absolutely unde- nominational, vet the literature of the Bible is used as a basis of religious study.
The college preparatory course receives particular attention, and an exceptionally high standard is characteristic of the school.
Location .- Indianapolis is a healthful and beautiful city, far- famed for its homes and churches, and offering unusual opportuni- ties in art, music, lectures and the drama. The site of the school is in the most attractive residential portion. The house, contain- ing large, cheerful apartments, is heated with hot water and lighted by electricity.
Music .- The music department is under the personal direction of Prof. Bellinger and his faculty, in piano, theory, and singing, both individual and choral.
Physical Culture .- Daily work in gymnasium under Miss Swan is given to each pupil.
The Standard .- A school diploma requires four years of English, two years of Latin, one year of mathematics, three years of French, German or Greek, four years of Bible study, four years of choral work, one year of history, one year of mathematics.
The Primary Department .- The aim in this department is to give the children a wholesome development, laying the foundations for future work slowly, wisely and thoroughly. The teachers in
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charge have made a careful study of the application of kindergar- ten methods to primary work so that the pupils are led by easy steps and a plain path.
In addition to the usual studies of this grade, reading, writing, spelling, number and nature study, the children are given lessons in physical training, drawing, chorus singing, Bible stories, Ger- man, local geography, weather observations and maps.
Boys are admitted for the first three years of this work.
The Preparatory Department .- In this department the students are taught to investigate for themselves, to consult dictionaries and reference books freely.
They are impressed with the necessity of careful preparation and are trained in accuracy of observation and expression by teachers who are specialists.
Since so much of the snecess in higher grades depends upon the work done in this, it is placed on an equal footing and taught by the same instructors.
The Kindergarten .- The kindergarten makes the child at ease with himself and his little companions; it teaches the alphabet of things, arouses a keen, happy spirit of investigation, translates the Golden Rule into daily living, and trains the head, the heart and the hand.
The best results can not be had unless a child is entered during his fourth year. The general development of kindergarten pupils makes their progress more rapid and thorough in after years.
4. CATHOLIC ACADEMIES.
a. ST. MARY'S OF THE WOODS, TERRE HAUTE.
St. Mary's of the Woods was founded in 1840 by sisters of Providence from Ruille-sur-Loir, France. The institution was chartered in January, 1846, by the state legislature of Indiana, and empowered with rights to confer academie honors and collegi. ate degrees. The instruction is entirely under the direction of the sisters, and the education given is practical, solid and refined, en- bracing the development of the student in physical, mental and moral powers.
The present enrollment is 240. The buildings are eight in number, the three principal ones being the church, college and con-
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vent. The curricula of collegiate, academic and preparatory de- partments are arranged after the most approved methods.
The courses in art and music are most excellent, every advan- tage of equipment being offered.
b. ST. AUGUSTINE'S ACADEMY, FORT WAYNE.
St. Augustine's academy of Ft. Wayne, was founded in 1843 and chartered in 1848, and is under the supervision of the sisters of Providence, whose mother house is at St. Mary's, Terre Haute.
There are preparatory and academic departments, also special work in music and art.
There is one main building, well equipped in all departments.
The present enrollment is four hundred thirty-seven, and twenty teachers are employed.
The Institution is self-supporting.
c. CONVENT AND ACADEMY OF THE SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER REGULAR OF ST. FRANCIS, WHOSE MOTHER- HOUSE IS AT OLDENBURG.
The founder of the community of the sisters of St. Francis at Oldenburg, Indiana, is the Rev. Francis Joseph Rudolph, a native of Battenheim, Alsace, who was ordained priest in 1839, at Strass- burg, Alsace. While yet a student of theology, he resolved to de- vote himself to the American missions. In 1842 he came to the United States and commenced work at Fort Wayne. In 1844 he went to Oldenburg and opened a school with the best educated man he could find as teacher. He became convinced that the only way he could give the youth competent instruction was to open a con- vent, and others soon joined him in the work. The community now numbers about five hundred.
The sisters conduct twenty-six parochial schools, one exclusively for colored children, and ten are at the same time public schools. Furthermore, ten academies are doing successful work in higher education. The property consists of a mother-house with 400 acres of land and twelve mission houses. The community is gov- erned by a superior general, each mission by a local superior. In 1885 the community was incorporated in the states of Indiana and
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Missouri, under the legal title of "Sisters of St. Francis, of Olden- burg, Ind.," for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a school and institution in Oldenburg, Ind., for training of teachers (females) for the education of males and females.
There is a board of five trustees, elected for a term of three years, by the ballot of the community, every third year. The trustees, of whom mother superior is president, make all other ap- pointments of faculty, etc.
The enrollment at present is 120 at the academy, and it is self- supporting.
There is also in the community a normal school for those who aspire to be teachers. The attendance ranges from twenty-five to thirty for the winter term and from forty-five to fifty for the sum- mer term.
d. ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY, EVANSVILLE.
The sisters of Providence first came to Evansville from St. Mary's of the Woods in 1853. From that date until 1878 they taught the parochial schools of the assumption parish and those of Holy Trinity parish.
Music and art are taught with the regular academic work. There are twelve teachers in all in the two parishes.
The charter provisions of 1846 cover all the branch houses.
The institution is supported by a salary for the parochial schools and the income of the high school, the music and art.
There are 450 pupils in the two parishes and sixty in music and art.
e. ST. ROSE'S ACADEMY, LAPORTE.
St. Rose's academy was founded in 1854. It furnishes thor- ough courses in the common school branches, also a high school (academic) course. The school is a branch institution of St. Mary's academy (college), Notre Dame, which is under the direc- tion of the religious order of the sisters of the Holy Cross ( Roman Catholic).
The faculty numbers five members of that order, and has an en- rollment of seventy-one at present.
The school is supported entirely by private tuition fees.
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f. ST. MEINRAD COLLEGE AND SEMINARY, ST. MEINRAD.
St. Meinrad college, which was first opened for the education of young men in January 1, 1857, has developed since its establish- ment into an institution with three distinct departments and fac- ulties : St. Meinrad seminary, St. Meinrad college, and Jasper college. The three departments of this institution are conducted by the fathers of the Benedictine order, which for the past fourteen centuries has done so much for civilization, education, and the spread of Christian piety-and are connected with the abbey of St. Meinrad. The first two (for ecclesiastical students) at St. Meinrad, Ind., the last named ( for secular students) at Jasper, Ind. All three departments were incorporated in the year 1890 under the title of "St. Meinrad Abbey," subject to the laws of incorporation of the state of Indiana, and empowered to confer the usual degrees. There are seven members of the board of trustees chosen annually by the president of the institution from among the members of St. Meinrad abbey.
The faculty of the ecclesiastical departments and the majority of the faculty board of the commercial department are likewise members of the same abbey, seventeen of them composing the former, and four others aided by two lay professors, the latter.
The current enrollment of the three departments is as follows : in the department of theology and philosophy, forty-five; in the department of classics, sixty-six ; in the commercial department, ninety.
The institution is supported by fees from the students. The library contains 16,000 vohunes.
g. ST. JOHN'S ACADEMY, INDIANAPOLIS.
In June of the present year (1904) St. John's academy hopes to celebrate its forty-fifth annual commencement. Shortly after the erection of St. John's church, the first Catholic church in the city, Rev. Aug. Bessonies began to be solicitons about estab- lishing a school, and invited the sisters of Providence of St. Mary's of the Woods to undertake this work. In response to his call, a number of sisters opened an academy on the corner of Georgia and Tennessee streets. Two years later, an addition
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had to be made to accommodate all the applicants. In 1873 the sisters removed to their present large and commodious struc- ture facing Maryland street.
There are at present three hundred pupils enrolled in this acad- omy under the direction of seventeen teachers. The institution is self-supporting. A board of examiners, consisting of five mem- bers chosen by the reverend mother superior general and the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Indianapolis, annually assembles at St. Mary's of the Woods for the purpose of holding the institute and the ex- aminations. This institute is a yearly reunion of all the teachers of the schools in charge of the sisters of Providence.
The method of instruction followed embraces all that goes to form the character of an amiable, useful and accomplished woman.
To preserve the integrity of the system established by the sis- ters of Providence, pupils that aim at graduation must conform strictly to the required academie course. There are eight grades preparatory to this course. The academie department embraces four grades. The musie department is one of the most attractive of the institution. In this department instruction is given to the pupils collectively and individually, in order to preserve and cultivate each one's characteristic style.
To contribute to the development of artistie taste, recitals are given semiannually, in which all the pupils who have acquired a certain proficiency participate, playing from memory. Aside from these there are monthly examinations. The piano music course is divided into eight grades. The time required to com- plete the course is determined by the pupil's talent and appli- cation. The class of music studied embraces selections from the best composers, both ancient and modern, and the students are expected to conform to the established curriculum.
h. ST. MARY'S ACADEMY, INDIANAPOLIS.
St. Mary's academy was established in 1863, the present building having been occupied since 1876. The institution is under the charge of the sisters of St. Francis, the moral and re- ligous training being of paramount importance.
There are several departments such as music, art, business, and liberal arts. The school is supported by tuition.
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i. ST. CHARLES' SCHOOL, CRAWFORDSVILLE.
This school was founded in 1865 by Mother Angela, superior of the sisters of the Holy Cross. It is not chartered, being a small parochial school. At present there are eighty pupils enrolled, who are taught by three sisters of the Holy Cross sent from St. Mary's convent, Notre Dame, Ind. The school is supported by the tuition paid by the pupils.
j. SACRED HEART ACADEMY. FORT WAYNE.
This institution, a private boarding school for a small number of pupils, was founded in 1866 under the direction of the sisters of the Holy Cross from St. Mary's academy, Notre Dame, Ind., it being the third school founded by the order. Its work embraces all the branches necessary to a refined and practical education, ten years being required to complete the course. The faculty now numbers seven, and the present enrollment of pupils is fifty. The institution is run on such a plan as to make the terms easy for poor students, yet it is self-supporting.
The pupils are encouraged to edit quarterly a journal, which is of great value in their work.
k. ST. MICHAEL'S ACADEMY, PLYMOUTH.
This institution was founded in 1870, and is under the direc- tion of the sisters of the Holy Cross from their mother house, St. Mary's, Notre Dame. There are two brick buildings costing $18,000. The school is carried on as a boarding school for boys under twelve years of age, and a day school for young ladies and children. One hundred and thirty pupils are now in attendance.
1. ST. MARY'S ACADEMY, NOTRE DAME.
St. Mary's academy, under the direction of the sisters of the Holy Cross, was chartered February 28, 1885, under an act of the general assembly of the state of Indiana, whereby the insti- tution was empowered "to confer such degrees upon scholars as are usual in academies of the highest standing."
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The officers, superior general and four assistants form the commeil of administration and make up the board of trustees. The officers are elected by general suffrage, the term of office being six years. The second assistant-general is directress of St. Mary's academy and is head of a faculty of thirty-eight members. . Pupils enrolled for 1903-04, 300.
There are three departments, the senior, junior and minim. Girls under twelve years are placed in the minim department. The collegiate course requires four years and special advantages are offered in music, art, English literature or languages. The entire course is practical and comprehensive, and it is the aim to train the heart as well as the mind, to form women who will grace society with their accomplishments, and honor and edify it with their virtues. Every attention is given to moral and religions culture.
m. ACADEMY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, ST. MEINRAD.
This institution was established in 1886 by the sisters of St. Benedict, for the purpose of educating young ladies. It is located five miles from the well-known college of St. Meinrad. The course of instruction includes every useful and ornamental branch of education, divided into four departments-primary, interme- diate, senior and commercial. Diplomas are awarded to all those who complete all the studies of either senior or commercial de- partments. The number in attendance is twenty-five pupils.
n. JASPER COLLEGE, JASPER.
Jasper college was founded in 1889 and was opened for the occupation of students on September 12 of the same year. It was incorporated in January, 1890, under the laws of the State of Indiana, in conjunction with St. Meinrad's college, and em- powered to confer the usual academic degrees. The institution is supervised and conducted by the Benedictine fathers.
The Rt. Rev. Athanasius Schmitt, O. S. B., abbot of St. Meinrad's monastery, is ex officio president of the institution. Not residing in the college at Jasper, he is represented by the reverend rector of the institution, who is the head of the college and is assisted by a faculty of five professors.
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The course of study comprises three years for the commercial course and two for the scientific course. Applicants who upon an examination prove themselves far enough advanced to take up any other course than the first may obtain their diploma and degree within a shorter period of time.
The object of Jasper college is to afford the facilities for se- curing a solid and complete commercial and scientific education, and hence the college is open to all, irrespective of religious persuasion.
The college is situated on the outskirts of Jasper, the county seat of Dubois county, and is directly accessible by the Lonis- ville-St. Louis division of the Southern railway, Jasper forming the terminus of the Evansville and Jasper branch of the above- mentioned railroad.
The college buildings are substantially built of brick and sand- stone, with Bedford and Lake Superior limestone trimmings. The kitchen, refectory and boiler-room are located in separate buildings especially constructed for that purpose, at a distance of several yards from the main structure. This separation was made in order to obviate divers difficulties and hindrances, which, experience teaches, can not be avoided without such precantion. All the halls, rooms and corridors in each building are well ventilated and lighted by electricty, heated by an excellent system of steam heating, and furnished with water-pipes and appurte- nanees. The lavatory and bathrooms, supplied with hot and cold water, have been fitted with the latest modern improvements. For cleanliness and convenience they are almost perfect. Attention is called to the fact that there is very little or no danger of fire occurring in the building. The absence of stoves, the convenience of fireplugs and hose, the eantion taken to have every wall built of stone, all tend to make the construction safe against conflagra- tions. Fire escapes are erected on the east and west sides of the main building. These were put up strictly according to the specifications of the laws of the state of Indiana. Every appli- ance has been carefully and tastefully selected with a view of giving the college the advantage of a beautiful, commodious and healthfully arranged edifice.
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