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 40
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
In 1899, for the first time, the university made a proposition for a full and final settlement by offering a bill appropriating $120,000 in twenty-year four per cent. bonds. This bill passed by an overwhelming majority. The governor in a message said he had not sufficient time to investigate the merits of the claim, and in refusing his approval suggested a commission to inves- tigate and report. This was accordingly done, and after a careful inquiry the three senators composing the commission reported two years later to the session of 1901, finding all the facts exactly as presented by the university, recommending no special amount, reporting that no adequate settlement had ever been made, and leaving the matter of the state's moral obligation to pay this just debt, to the senate. Accepting this report, the senate by a vote of more than two to one passed a bill to pay the full amount. The bill failed to pass the house on the plea that the appropri- ations of the session were large.
In the succeeding legislature (1903) a commission of state officers, the governor, secretary, auditor and treasurer, was ap- pointed to report upon the claim in 1905, at which time it is confidently believed the state will meet the expectations of all the friends of the university throughout the state by settling adequately and finally this just claim, which will enable the institution to care for at least five hundred students.
The library is to the literary student what the laboratory is to the student of science, and increasingly are the departments of philosophy, English and history emphasizing the importance of work done in the library under the direction of instructors.
The university library is designed to be rather a reference library than a library of fiction, though this leading purpose by no means precludes fiction and current literature. New books are added from time to time, and such books are selected by the heads of the different departments in conjunction with the president.
Among the reference books and charts is included an extensive list of dictionaries, of encyclopedias, of histories, of compends of science, and of charts and atlases. Aside from these, however, there are many books of fiction and current periodicals, the latter including gazetteers, magazines, bulletins and newspapers.
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
The reading-room, in connection with the library, is a large, well-lighted, attractive apartment, located on the ground floor and supplied with tables and comfortable chairs, so that it may be used as a study-room as well.
Besides the general library whose privileges are free to all students, each department mains a select set of reference books for the use of students in the respective departments.
The museum contains an interesting collection of mineralogi- cal, paleological, zoological and botanical specimens. Aside from the rich collection of minerals and fossils, without interest per- haps except to the scientist, there are Indian and other aboriginal relics, as well as rare specimens of reptiles and other animals which are interesting and instructive to everyone. The museum is freely made use of by classes in geology, chemistry, biology, and physical geography.
The chemical laboratory, located on the second floor of the main building, is fitted with desks, reagent racks, gas, water, and a "hood." Each student has his own apparatus, his own chemicals, his own gas and water supply, and does his own work. Balances for quantitative work are used in common by the stu- dents ; these are sensitive to 1-10 milligram. The oxy-hydrogen blow-pipe, stills and endiometers are also mostly used in com- mon. Nothing is lacking for thorough and complete work in the courses in chemistry offered.
The physical laboratory and lecture-room is also on the second floor of the main building. It is provided with a lecture table, cases for apparatus, gas fixtures, and an accessory "dark room" for experiments in light requiring the "porte lumiere."
The apparatus and equipment are complete for not only qual- itative but quantitative experiments in the courses offered in physics. In physics, as in chemistry, the student does his own work, and is accorded free use of apparatus in so far as is con- sistent with his care in the handling of it. Thus, the student not only gets the experimental use of, but by handling becomes thoroughly familiar with micrometers, calipers, balances, Att- wood's machine, jolly balance, rotatory machine, hydrometers, air and water pumps, mercurial and aneroid barometers, ther- mometers, prisms, lenses, mirrors, stereopticon, spectroscope,
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
manometric flame apparatus, Chladni's plates, sonometer, Tæfler- Holtz machine, Leyden jars, electroscope, electrophones, batteries, electro-magnets, telegraphic instruments, induction coils, dyna- mos, galvanoscopes, galvanometers, rheostats, and the Wheatstone bridge. Moreover, flasks and glass and rubber tubing and other materials are furnished and the student is required to set up experiments for himself, thus developing practicality and self- reliance to a greater degree than the mere handling of ready- made apparatus could do.
The biological laboratory is in connection with the physical laboratory. It is a commodious, well-lighted room, fitted with working desks, microscopes and microscopical appurtenances, dis- secting instruments, a microtome, stains and other reagents, dry and steam sterilizers, and materials for the preparation of culture media for bacteria. There are also various illustrative materials such as skeletons, taxidermic specimens, and animals and tissues in alcohol, formaldehyde and other preservatives.
The rooms occupied by the business department are equipped with typewriters and modern fixtures for banks and other offices, and so furnished that the night sessions are no more handicapped than the day sessions.
The music rooms are located on the third floor of the main building, and are attractively furnished, and thoroughly equipped for practice and recitative work. There are also two pianos in the chapel, one a Steinway Grand and the other of the Colonial type, which are used in the public performances given period- ically by the musical department.
The university issues an annual catalogue of information con- cerning its various departments of work each May, and also in February, an announcement to teachers concerning the work offered in the spring term. Besides these, bulletins in the interest of one or more of its departments are issued from time to time. as the occasion may require.
The Blue and Gold is issued seven times per annum by the senior class of the School of Literature and Science.
Each representative in the state legislature may annually ap- point from his legislative district one cadet, who must be a male at least sixteen years of age, five feet four inches tall and in good health. All appointments must be made upon blanks fur-
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
nished by the university, which may be obtained from the presi- dent. The holder of this scholarship shall be exempt from all fees connected with the university, except laboratory fees and music and business tuition.
The Tan Phi Delta Greek letter society was organized and is maintained for the laudable purpose of encouraging scholastic and literary attainments among its members, and for the general purpose of promulgating the spirit of fraternity.
A flourishing literary society having for its purpose the usual high aims of societies of this nature is enthusiastically supported by faculty and students. Every student in every department of the university is eligible for membership.
In May, 1884, Major W. P. Gould, U. S. A., made a generous offer of a gold medal of the value of $25, to be given annually for excellence in oratory, which offer was gratefully accepted by the board of trustees. Under the rules adopted by the faculty, the contest for the above medal consists of original orations to be judged upon three points, viz. : Thought, style of composition, and delivery. The contest takes place during commencement week.
In 1902 the medal was awarded to Miss Maud Arthur, of Washington, Indiana.
Athletics are under the control of the students, who are encour- aged in all healthful sports by the faculty. Provision is made for foot ball, base ball, basket ball, and field and track events.
Enrollment, 226.
b. OAKLAND CITY COLLEGE AND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, OAKLAND CITY.
Oakland City College, Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana, was organized June 1, 1885, the following signatures appearing under the articles of incorporation : J. B. Cox, Evansville, Ind ; D. B. Montgomery, Owensville, Ind; Willis Charles, Evansville, Ind ; W. P. Hale, Owensville, Ind; J. McF. Montgomery, Owens- ville, Ind; W. M. Cockrum, Oakland City, Ind; L. Houchin, Pike county, Ind; G. B. Young, Poseyville, Ind; J. O. M. Selby, Petersburg, Ind; Geo. A. Rutter, Oakland City, Ind.
The purpose of the institution is set forth in article 1 of the articles of association : "The purpose of this association is the
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founding, endowing and maintaining within the bounds hereto- fore mentioned a college for the use and benefit of the General Baptist denomination in the United States which shall embrace a preparatory, scientific, classical, and theological course of study."
The trustees of this institution are elected by the general asso- ciation of General Baptists in the United States at its annual meeting. .
After the organization in 1885 immediate steps were taken looking to the erection of a building and the raising of an endow- ment fund. The first building was completed in 1891, and the school opened its first session in the spring term of that year under the direction of Dr. A. D. Williams as president.
In response to the call for endowment, four chairs have now been endowed and many unclassified gifts to the general work have been received. This endowment consists of 520 acres of productive land, 75 town lots in Oakland City, other real estate, and several thousand dollars in interest bearing notes.
The institution is supported from the income on its endowment and a low tuition rate of $30 a year in the normal, preparatory and collegiate departments.
Since its organization the college has been strictly co-educa- tional, and such a relation between the sexes has been maintained that the system has been highly satisfactory.
The original scope of the courses has been gradually enlarged to meet the demands, and is now as follows: A review course in the common branches, teachers' reading circle books, method of teaching, etc., for those who wish to take the county teachers' examination ; a three-year normal course, which is a thorough professional teacher's course fitting teachers for principalships and higher positions in the teaching line; a four-year preparatory course conforming to the general entrance requirements in all standard colleges ; three four-year collegiate courses-classical, literary, and scientific, the first two leading to the degree of Bach- elor of Arts, the last to the degree of Bachelor of Science; two theological courses, one of three years, the other of two, the former leading to the degree of Bachelor of Divinity; a four- year course in piano, a four-year course in voice, and a three- year course in violin.
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
In 1901 a large addition was built, doubling the size of the original structure. Important changes were made in the equip- ment of the college at that time. A commodious and well- equipped gymnasium was added, the library accommodations were also materially increased. One of the prettiest assembly rooms in the State filled a long-felt want. The two Christian associ- ations were given permanent quarters in the college building, thus strengthening the spiritual forces of the school.
The college grounds are situated on one of the highest eleva- tions overlooking the town from the west, giving it an ideal location from a sanitary standpoint. This is also clearly demon- strated in a fact that few institutions can boast of-during the thirteen years of its history not a single student has ever died while enrolled in Oakland City College.
The present attendance is 187-86 males and 101 females.
The present faculty consists of eight members, with William Prentice Dearing as president.
The characteristic ideals of Oakland City College may be summed up as follows: Strong courses and a high standard of instruction, low expenses for students, a vigorous mental, moral and physical life, a definite recognition of God, a radical demo- cratic spirit (no fraternities), the gospel of hard work.
c. VALPARAISO COLLEGE, VALPARAISO.
Organized first as the Northern Indiana Normal School, was founded by its present president, Henry B. Brown, in the city of Valparaiso, Indiana, September 16, 1873, with 35 students in attendance. For two years it was conducted under the charter granted the Valparaiso Male and Female College, an institution which had been established many years prior to this time, but was abandoned some three years before the Northern Indiana Normal School was established.
The building (there was but one) and the grounds, through neglect, had become almost worthless. To these very uninviting surroundings students were asked to come. The charter of Val- paraiso Male and Female College was somewhat restricted in its scope, and it was extended by the following articles of asso- ciation to include the Northern Indiana Normal School:
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN INDIANA NORMAL SCHOOL AND BUSINESS INSTITUTE.
Be it known that we, the undersigned, Henry B. Brown, John N. Skinner, Joseph Gardner, Azariah Freeman, DeForest L. Skinner, Marquis L. MeClelland, Artillus V. Bartholomew, John C. Flint and Gottleib Bloch, all of the city of Valparaiso, in the county of Porter and state of Indiana, have associated, and by these presents do associate ourselves together as a corporation under the corporate name of the board of trustees of The Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a high school or institution of learning to be known as the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Insti- tute, the same to be located at the city of Valparaiso, in the county of Porter and state of Indiana. Any person may become a member of this corporation by the unanimous vote of all these members thereof, and not otherwise.
It is further provided by these articles of association that the said Henry B. Brown shall be president of the faculty of said institution of learning and treasurer of the corporation. As such president of faculty the said Henry B. Brown shall have the exclusive authority to employ and discharge all teachers, to prescribe the course of study, the terms of ad- mission and rates of tuition, and to admit and discharge from said insti- tution all pupils.
As treasurer of said corporation the said Henry B. Brown shall pro- vide suitable buildings for the use of said institution, receive all moneys due the corporation for tuition or otherwise, disburse the same in the in- terest of the corporation and render an account of such receipts and dis- bursements to the board of trustees at their meeting to be held annually on the first Monday in June. The corporate seal of said corporation shall be a device representing an open book surrounded with the words "North- ern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute, Valparaiso, Ind." These articles of association and incorporation may be amended or changed at any regular meeting of the board of trustees by the unanimous vote of all the members of the corporation. The officers of said corpora- tion shall be a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, who shall respectively discharge all the duties usually required of such officers in similar institutions. The president, vice-president and secretary shall be elected by the board of trustees at the first regular meeting thereof and annually thereafter. A majority of the board of trustees shall con- stitute a quorum for the transaction of all business, except the admis- sion of new members, the changing or amending of these articles of as- sociation, or the contracting of any indebtedness, which shall only be done by the unanimous vote of all the members of the corporation.
H. B. BROWN,
J. N. SKINNER, JOSEPH GARDNER,
A. FREEMAN,
D. L. SKINNER,
M. L. M'CLELLAND,
A. V. BARTHOLOMEW,
J. C. FLINT, G. BLOCH.
Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute. Valparaiso, Ind.
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
Under this charter the school was operated until July 16, 1902, when its demands outgrew the provisions of the old charter and a new one was granted to Valparaiso College and Northern Indi- ana Normal School, which reads as follows :
Department of State .- Certificatc.
State of Indiana, Office of the Secretary of State, ss:
To all whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, A statement verified by oath, having been filed in the office of the secretary of state of the state of Indiana, on the 16th day of July, 1902, for the organization of the Valparaiso College, without capital stock, under and in accordance with the provisions of an act entitled "An act to amend an act entitled 'An act for the incorporation of high schools, acad- emies, colleges, universities, theological and missionary boards,' approved February 28, 1885, approved March 9, 1867, and the various acts amend- atory thereof and supplementary thereto."
Now, Therefore, I, Union B. Hunt, secretary of state of the state of Indiana, by virtue of the powers and duties vested in me by law, do hereby certify that the said college is a body politic and corporate, au- thorized and empowered by the laws of the state of Indiana to transact business under the provisions of said acts.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the scal of the state of Indiana, at the city of Indianapolis, this 16th day of July, A. D. 1902.
(Seal.)
(Signed) UNION B. HUNT, Secretary of State.
In 1873 the faculty consisted of four members. Now there are seventy professors, besides a number of tutors. At the be- ginning of the school there was but a part of what is known as the old college building. This building has since been enlarged to more than twice its former size, and seven other buildings have been erected :
The auditorium, 60 by 120 feet, three stories high, besides containing a number of recitation rooms, has the large assembly hall, which has a seating capacity of 2,041.
Science hall, of the same dimensions as the auditorium.
Commercial hall, 100 by 100 feet, three stories high.
Law building, 60 by 90 feet, two stories high.
Medical college (in Chicago but owned by the school), 90 by 150 feet, four stories high.
New hospital, 90 by 150 feet, 5 stories high.
In addition to the foregoing the school has erected a number of large dormitory buildings and several smaller buildings for
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the same purpose. The institution has also erected a building known as the supply building. This contains the printing presses, bindery, book-renting department and general supply store. When the school was established there were four depart- ments-preparatory, teachers', commercial, scientific. At the present time there are the following departments: Preparatory, teachers, psychology and pedagogy, kindergarten, scientific, clas- sie, biology, geology and mineralogy, engineering, manual train- ing, Spanish, elocution and oratory, pharmacy, medicine, music, fine arts, law, commercial, penmanship, phonography and type- writing, review.
The school is now quite well equipped. It has a library occupying a space of 60 by 90 feet. This contains more than 11,000 volumes of the very best reference books, besides all of the most popular magazines and a number of the best daily papers. This is free to all students. The new science hall is well equipped with the latest and most approved apparatus. It has a capacity in its laboratories for 400 students working at one time, and as these usually work not more than four hours each day, three times the number, or 1,200, can be accommo- dated daily. Very few schools in the west are better equipped for seience work.
The building which contains the school of commerce is pro- vided with a more extensive line of offices than has ever been attempted by any other school. The course covers not only book- keeping, actual business, commercial law, etc., but history of commerce, commercial geography, mathematics, etc. The pur- pose of this department is not only to prepare young people for bookkeepers, but also for teaching these various branches in our publie schools.
The phonographic department is supplied with 50 new Rem- ington typewriters of the latest pattern, together with a number of Smith-Premier and Oliver machines.
The art department is quite well equipped with models of various kinds, for painting, erayon work, etc. It is also supplied with apparatus for china painting, pyrography, etc. The facil- ities for drawing are also very complete.
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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
The music department is supplied with 45 pianos (two of which are grand pianos) and 5 organs.
The law department has quite a complete law library of its own in the law building.
The department of psychology and pedagogy is equipped with all of the apparatus necessary for thoroughly elucidating the subjects.
The manual training department is well equipped for doing all of the work required by our public schools, commencing with the primary department and continuing through the high school.
The boarding department, which is very extensive, receives the personal attention of the management of the school. It is equipped with all of the latest and most approved appliances for the economical and scientific preparation of foods. It has its own ovens, cold storage, ice-houses, etc. By giving constant care it has solved the problem of "How to provide an abundance of well-prepared food at the very lowest expense."
The enrollment thirty years ago was 35 students. The enroll- ment of different students for the past year was 3,742, and this year the number of different students enrolled will exceed 4,000.
The school is self-supporting. While the management has, from time to time, in the erection of buildings and the supplying of equipments, drawn upon its own private resources, yet the school has been managed in such a careful, business-like way, and the funds have been so judiciously invested as to create a fund which not only defrays the current expenses, but the expense of the improvements as well.
d. THE CENTRAL NORMAL COLLEGE, DANVILLE.
This college was established at Ladoga, Indiana, September, 1876, by W. F. Harper and J. W. Darst. It was removed to Danville in 1878. The same year Frank P. Adams succeeded to the presidency. He had come into the faculty the preceding year under most favorable circumstances, and at once became the most popular teacher with a great majority of the students. His character is difficult to analyze. His mysterious power in binding both old and young to him was certainly not due to
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.
his experience or education. It was a thing of nature, apparent to all who met him. He had a strong mind, unusual energy and an unyielding ambition to carry to success whatever he undertook. He entered on his new work determined to succeed, and it was soon evident that he had infused new life into the institution.
HIe selected the best teachers he could secure, and the attend- ance rapidly increased. He worked day and night, and it was soon evident that his health was failing. He could not be per- suaded to rest. So interested was he in his great work that he continued as long as he could. His death occurred in 1882. At his request his wife assumed the duties of the presidency, and Prof. John A. Steele was made vice-president and business manager.
In 1884 Prof. Steele was compelled to leave his work and seck health in Florida. He was disappointed in that. He returned in the spring of 1885 but died in May of that year. During his illness Prof. C. A. Hargrave had been intrusted with the business management. This work he continued to do imder the title of secretary and treasurer of the college until 1889, when he was made president. Miss A. Kate Huron, now Mrs. D. B. Gilbert, was vice-president. These changes were due to the marriage of Mrs. Adams to Mr. James A. Joseph. The college was her private property, and in 1890 she promoted Prof. Joseph to the presidency.
In 1900 the college was sold to a company of Danville citizens, incorporated under the state laws, and entirely reorganized. The new officers were : Jonathan Rigdon, president ; G. L. Spillmann, vice-president ; C. A. Hargrave, secretary and treasurer. In 1902 Prof. Spillmann moved to Florida and in 1903 Prof. Rigdon resigned. The new officers are: A. J. Kinnaman, Ph. D., president ; G. W. Dunlavy, vice-president; C. A. Hargrave, sec- retary and treasurer.
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