USA > Missouri > History of southeast Missouri : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 58
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The board advertised for plans for the erce- tion of a school building and at a meeting in St. Louis on January 14th, it opened these plans and selected the one submitted by C. B. Clarke, of St. Louis. At subsequent meet- ings the board received from Architect Clarke the plans and specifications for the building and advertised for bids for its construction. The sum of $39,000 was fixed as the maximum amount which would be spent on the build- ing. The bids were opened at Jefferson City on March 25th, 1874, but all of them were re- jected, for all were above the sum of $39,000. The board then determined to make such changes in the plans for the building as would bring the cost within the fixed sum, exclusive of the heating, seating and architect's fees. After this was done arrangements were made for the ercetion of the building and Jacob Burrough, Principal. Cheney, and Otto Buehr- mann were appointed as a building commit- tee to supervise the erection of the building. Work on the building was finished in the spring of 1875 and was occupied by the school that year.
This building, which at the time of its erection was the finest single building of its kind in the state, was of the modified Gothic style of architecture. It was 163 feet long and 72 feet wide and three stories in height. It contained ten recitation rooms with other necessary rooms and an auditorium on the first floor, capable of seating about five hun- dred. It was rather ornate in appearance, having a number of towers and spires upon it
and was only fairly well adapted to the pur- pose for which it was intended. This build- ing was the home of the school until it was destroyed by fire in 1902.
Before the completion of the building, ar- rangements had been made for opening the school in the fall of 1873 in a portion of the public school building. Mr. L. II. Cheney, an experienced and able teacher, had been employed a principal of the Normal and in- structor in professional training. Associated with him was his wife, Mrs. Frances A. Cheney, a woman of great ability and force of character and an experienced and successful teacher. Under Principal Cheney's guidance the first year of school was successful. There were enrolled 57 students, 28 of them being women and 29 men.
The equipment of the school was very lim- ited, in fact for the first year it was prac- tically nothing at all. It was the intention, however, of Mr. Cheney and the board to equip the school as rapidly as possible with the necessary things for successful teaching.
The faculty for the next year was com- posed of Principal Cheney, R. P. Rider, who taught language and mathematics; Mrs. Cheney, instructor in history and geography ; G. T. Lemmon, instructor in natural history and drawing; and L. C. Schleich, instructor in German. The session this year was held in the public school building until near its close when the school was transferred to the newly completed Normal building. This year the attendance reached 164, showing a consider- able and gratifying growth and bearing testi- mony to the fact that such a school was needed and filled a vacant place in the educational system.
Near the close of this school year of 1874-75, the school was transferred to the new build- ing. There was great rejoicing on the part of
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all connected with the school at the change. The board of regents had provided for some equipment for instruction in science and had begun the work of accumulating a library. It must not be supposed, however, that the surroundings were, even in the new building, such as are to be seen today. Fort B, the site of the building, was a bare hill, cut off in nearly every direction by deep gullies so that there was little of the beauty of situation that it to be seen today. The gullies were so deep and the ground so rough that it was found necessary to build a bridge as an ap- proach to the building. The mud was deep in many places and there was an absence of shade and grass that was very trying for some years. In spite of these handicaps and unfavorable conditions the school prospered under the guidance of Principal Cheney.
Great sacrifices were made at times by those connected with the institution in order to ad- vance it and to carry on its work. Not infre- quently the members of the faculty in the early days were called upon to travel over the district attending meetings . of the teachers and soliciting students. Travel in Southeast Missouri in those days was not altogether pleasurable. There were very few railroads and the bulk of the travel was by wagon and over roads that were far from good.
The school, at its organization, did not possess a practice or model school, though it was the intention of the regents that such a school should be organized as soon as found possible. It was not within their power to provide such a school until the beginning of the session in 1876. At that time arrange- ments were perfected for the organization of a school in which students might teach under competent supervisors. This feature of the Normal school was stressed in its advertise- ments as offering an opportunity for students
to do actual work in teaching and thus to be- come. prepared for its duties. It was not found practicable, however, to continue a practice school longer than the close of the session of 1878-79. From that time on for a number of years the school had no oppor- tunity for giving actual training in teaching to its students. An attempt was made from time to time to supply this deficiency by call- ing on the members of the senior class to take charge of certain of the elementary classes under the eye of a member of the faculty. It is useless to say this plan was not found to be of any great value though it was con- tinued for a number of years.
At the close of the year 1873-74, the first year of the school, a public exercise was held in Turner's hall, June 25, 1874. That pro- gram is reproduced here, as it will probably be of interest to the alumni and others in- terested in the institution.
Music.
Chorus-Vacation Song.
Oration-No Man Should Live for Himself Alone, Alex. H. Miller.
Essay-The Power of Trifles, Belle Green. Music.
Duet-In the Starlight, Ida Burrough and Mary Ross.
Essay-Cape Girardeau in 1900, Mollie Holmes.
Oration-Paddle Your Own Canoe, Charles K. Hayden.
Music.
Instrumental Duet, Emma and Ida Bur- rough.
Essay-Ancient America, Julia Moon.
Essay-Celebrated Rivers, Elizabeth Hines.
Essay-School Days, Geo. Kenrick.
Music.
Chorus-Gladsome Song.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Essay-Mary, Queen of Scots, Ida Bur- rough.
Oration-Education and the Educator, Ashley S. Coker.
Music.
Duet-Beautiful Venice, Ellen Wray and Mollie Holmes.
Address, by Prof. Oren Root, Jr., of Glas- gow.
Music.
Chorus-What Shall the Harvest Be ?
A catalogue issued in 1874, which was the first, sets out the courses of study which were to be pursued. The division into elementary course and advanced course, which still ob- tains in the school, was begun at this time. The elementary course was divided into five classes known as sub-junior class, junior class, middle class, sub-senior class, and senior class. The studies pursued by the sub-junior class were arithmetic, geography, botany, reading, composition, penmanship, chemistry, drawing and vocal music. In the junior class most of these subjects were continued with the addi- tion of United States history, natural phi- losophy, and grammar. In the middle class, algebra, physiology, zoology and the constitu- tion of the United States were taken up. These subjects were continued during the sub-senior year and in addition physical geog- raphy, analysis of words, school law of Missouri, and geometry were studied. The senior class of the elementary course studied geometry, natural philosophy, school economy, methods in teaching, composition and draw- ing, or bookkeeping, and vocal music.
The advanced course was also organized in four classes known as class D, class C, class B, and class A. In class D the students were occupied with algebra, Latin or German, gen-
eral history, natural philosophy, composition, drawing, and music. In class C these studies were continued except that geometry was sub- stituted for algebra, one term of English lit- crature for general history, and chemistry for natural philosophy. In class B, the . mathematical subject studied was trigonom- etry, in science it was geology, while work in Latin or German and English literature to- gether with minor subjects was continued. In class A, students studied analytical geom- ctry, logic, and astronomy and continued their work in Latin or German and in minor subjects.
Arrangements were made also for a sub- Normal class and the courses were so arranged that students were admitted to the advanced course after completing the studies of the sub- senior class of the elementary course.
A study of this curriculum shows that very little attention was given to the study of pedagogy and there was little opportunity provided for election. It was held by those in authority in the Normal school of that day, that students should be required to take cer- tain specified subjects. It was before the day of election in school studies.
In the spring of 1875 the first students completed the elementary course. They were : Ida Burrough, Ada Jaquith, Martha R. Moon, John T. Harris, Jefferson W. Limbaugh, Will- iam Ragland, and William A. Ranney.
The first graduate from the advanced course was Miss Emma E. Cowdon. She was granted a diploma in 1877. In 1878 the ad- vanced class had three members: Eugene T. MeNeely, Theodore H. Polack, and Miss Ellen Wilson.
The school grew steadily under the admin- istration of Principal Cheney and he con- tinued in charge until his untimely death in
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
1877. He was killed by an explosion and and putting it on a firm basis in the thought was buried in the old Lorimier cemetery in Cape Girardeau.
For the year 1877-78 the board chose as principal Mr. C. H. Dutcher, an experienced teacher and former member of the faculty of the Warrensburg State Normal school. Mrs. Cheney remained in the faculty as instructor of geography. and history. Associated with these were De Witt Roberts, instructor of mathematics; Lillie E. Skaats, instructor in rhetoric, German and drawing, and Martha R. Moon, instructor in arithmetic and pen- manship. It was announced that members of the senior class would act as assistants. Principal Dutcher was an active and ener- getic man and associated with himself several men who had great influence in moulding the character of the school. The attendance con- tinued to increase and the courses of study were enlarged so that the school experienced a healthy growth. Among the men who were later associated with Mr. Dutcher and who had great influence, were Nelson B. Henry, teacher of English language and literature, and A. E. Douglas, a teacher of Latin and assistant in the English department.
In 1881 Principal Dutcher resigned his po- sition to accept a position in the Warrens- burg State Normal and was succeeded by Richard C. Norton. The title of the head of the school was changed at this time from principal to president, a title which is still in use.
Mr. Norton came to the Cape Girardeau Normal from Warrensburg and had had ex- perience as a teacher in many different po- sitions. He remained with the school until the fall of 1893, serving as its president for twelve years. It is not too much to say that President Norton exerted a remarkable in- fluence in shaping the character of the school
and affection of the people of Southeast Mis- souri. During his administration the attend- ance increased from 225 in 1881-82, to 392 in 1891-92. This attendance of 392 was the high water mark in what we call the old Normal school, meaning by the term that part of the school's history before the destruction of the old building by fire.
President Norton gathered around him a group of men and women who were well suited to the work of the school and who exerted a great influence upon its growth. The head of the department of science was W. D. Vandiver who was afterward president of the school. John S. McGee was professor of mathematics. He was also president at a later time. The English department was in charge of James Underwood Barnard, one of the ablest and strongest of the group. Mr. Barn- ard was afterward a member of the faculty of the University of Mississippi, later head of one of the great public schools of Kansas City, where he died in 1909. Besides these there were others whose names and work became fa- miliar to many hundreds of students. L. G. McConachie was for a time in the history department. He later became a member of the faculty of Wisconsin University and a writer on the science of government. Mrs. S. F. Fuhri was a member of the English de- partment, as was Miss Nellie Gordon. It was during President Norton's administration that Miss Winifred Johnson began that con- nection with the school which was to continue for so many years and to do much to make the school popular. The department of music was in charge of Otto Eckhardt, long a mem- ber of the faculty and known to all the stud- ents for his untiring interest in their various activities.
It must be remembered in considering the
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
work of the school in these early years that while it was established as a state institution and supported by state appropriation, it lacked one of the advantages which the State Normal schools now possess. There was no provision in the act establishing Normal schools within Missouri making the elemen- tary certificate or the Normal diploma a teacher's certificate. The students who com- pleted either of the two courses were required to pass an examination just as was done in the case of other persons before being granted license to teach. Arrangements were made with Dr. R. D. Shannon during his term as state superintendent for the condneting of examinations of students who completed courses of instruction. It was not, however, until 1887 that provision was made in the law by which the Normal certificate and Normal diploma became licenses to teach, one for a term of two years and the other for life. It is plainly evident that such a provision was a distinct inducement to students to attend a Normal school, provided they expected to be- come teachers. Coupled with this provision was another which made as one of the condi- tions of entering, the taking of an obligation to become a teacher in the public schools of Missouri.
President Norton severed his connection with the school by resignation in the spring of 1893. His successor was Willard D. Van- diver who had been for several years the pro- fessor of physics and chemistry. Under Mr. Vandiver's administration the school pro- gressed, but he remained for only four years, being succeeded at the end of his term by Professor J. S. McGhee. Professor McGhee had been connected with the school since 1880, being the head of the department of mathematics. He, too, held the position for two years. In 1899 the board elected as pres-
ident Mr. W. S. Dearmont, at the time of his election superintendent of schools at Kirk- wood. President Dearmont is a graduate of the University of Missouri and had had a most successful experience as a teacher and as sup- erintendent. He entered upon the work of his position with great enthusiasm and soon came to have an understanding of the situation that enabled him to lay plans which have resulted in the growth of the institution.
On the night of April 2nd, 1902, the build- ing was destroyed by fire. The origin of the fire is not known, but the loss was total, there being practically nothing saved from it. There were fears expressed that the destruc- tion of the old building would result in very great injury to the school and there were sug- gestions also that the school should be re- moved from Cape Girardeau. Prior to the de- struction of the building, the board of regents had determined to erect another building to be used as a science and training school build- ing. The general assembly had appropriated $20,000 for this purpose at its meeting in 1901 and the board of regents had let the contract for its erection on September 9th, 1901.
After the destruction of the old building of the school there was no cessation of the work, provision being made for the holding of the school in the court house and in the churches of the town until Science Hall was completed. On its completion the school oe- enpied it as the sole building. The old build- ing had been insured and the funds paid by the insurance company were used by the board to erect a new stone building, which is now known as the Training School building. This was completed September 1st, 1903, and with Science Hall, offered comfortable and commodious quarters for the school.
Perhaps the greatest service which Presi- dent Dearmont has rendered to the school
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
was made possible by his clear insight into the opportunities presented by the destruction of the old building. Under his leadership a determined effort was made to secure from the general assembly an appropriation large enough to build a Normal school plant which would be capable of housing the school for many years. After strenuous efforts had been made the general assembly for 1903 appro- priated the sum of $200,000 for the erection of the new main building. There was added to this in 1905 the sum of $186,000 to complete and furnish the new building and to erect a power house and manual training building. The new building, known as Academic Hall, was completed and occupied by the school in February, 1906. The building was dedicated with appropriate exercises on May 24th of that year.
This dedication was one of the most im- pressive events in the history of the school. Addresses were delivered by former Gov- ernor Dockery, by Hon. Louis Houck, presi- dent of the board of regents, by President Dearmont of the school, and by President E. B. Craighead, of Tulane University. Invita- tions had been sent out to former members of the faculty, many of whom attended. One of the pleasant features of the occasion was the presence of C. H. Dutcher, the second principal of the school. To him, President Dearmont resigned for the day his office, and delivered to him, on the rostrum of the school, the gavel of the presiding officer.
Since the completion of the main building there has been erected a power plant and manual training building, both of which have been fully equipped. The manual training is one of the best and most carefully arranged in the country. It is fully equipped for teach- ing all branches of the manual arts.
No account of the Normal school plant
would be complete without mentioning the two dormitories. These are not yet the prop- erty of the state. They were built by the Normal Dormitory Company, a private cor- poration which rents them to the state. It is highly probable that they will become the property of the state before the close of the year 1912.
All the buildings of which we have spoken, six in number, are built of Cape Girardeau limestone. They are the most substantial character, all of them well planned and com- fortably furnished. Academic Hall, the main building, is perhaps the best single school building in the state. It is 260 feet long with a depth of 186 feet. It contains, in addition to the class rooms, gymnasiums, art room, music rooms, library, offices, society halls and ladies' parlor.
The equipment for teaching science is ample. Laboratories for physics, chemistry, botany, physical geography and physiology are to be found in Science Hall. Besides the school has a completely furnishment depart- ment of domestic science and domestic art.
An examination of the present courses of study offered by the school reveals perhaps as great a growth and development as is evi- denced by the growth of the school's material equipment. We have set out previously the course of study as offered in the first catalogue issued by the school in 1874.
In 1890 the school was still organized in six departments, as had been the case for several years previous to that time. These depart- ments were : 1st, the professional department ; 2nd, department of language; 3rd, depart- ment of mathematics; 4th, department of geography and history; 5th, department of natural science, and 6th, department of pen- manship and drawing.
The professional department was organ-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
ized to include work in the following sub- jects: School economy, methods of teaching, natural science, mental and moral philosophy, history and philosophy of education, logic, graded schools, institute work, etc., and prac- tical teaching.
The language and literature department in- cluded work in English, comprising rhetoric and English and American literature, and two years in Latin. In addition to these, elocu- tion was taught in each year of the course.
The mathematical department gave instruc- tion in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trig- onometry, surveying, and astronomy. The work in surveying included some practical work with the compass and the course in astronomy was accompanied by experimental observations through a telescope.
The department of natural science and nat- ural history did work in physical geography, physics, chemistry, geology, mineralogy, bot- any, zoology, physiology, and history of science. The equipment for teaching these sciences at that time was limited, though judged by the standards of the time, it was not wholly inadequate.
The department of geography and history gave instruction in descriptive geography, United States history, general history, and civil government. There was also a brief course in English history.
In the art department penmanship was taught, also drawing, bookkeeping, and vocal music.
A comparison of these with the courses offered at the present time indicates the ex- pansion in this direction. The Normal school of today is a teacher's college and is organ- ized into three great departments; one, the elementary professional department, the com- pletion of which gives to the student the ele- mentary certificate good for a period of two
years; the advanced professional department, which leads to the Normal diploma, and the college department, organized after the usual form of colleges and leading to one of three degrees, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Seience, or Bachelor of Education.
In addition to this the school is divided into departments according to subjects. The department of education, which offers courses in pedagogy, in the teaching of common branches, in psychology, principles of teach- ing, school management, history of education, kindergarten teaching, primary teaching, supervision of country schools, play ground and school hygiene, and theory and practice of physical training.
The department of philosophy offers courses in sociology, especially psychology, logie, history of philosophy, ethics, theory of school organization, control and philosophy of the elementary school curriculum.
The department of languages offers courses in Latin, Greek, German, French, Spanish, and English.
The department of history offers courses in history of Europe and America.
The department of mathematics gives in- struction in mathematics including analytical geometry and calculus.
The department of physics and chemistry is equipped for teaching these sciences after the most approved method, having good laboratories for both.
The department of biology and of geog- raphy are well prepared for instruction in these subjects.
One of the large departments in the school is that of agriculture and industrial train- ing. It is organized to give instruction in agriculture, manual training, in domestic science and domestic art.
There is also a department of physical
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
training, one of art, and one of music. All these departments have thoroughly organized courses and are fully equipped to carry on the work in their various subjects.
The present condition of the Normal school as attested by its buildings and grounds, which are now valued at more than $600,000, by its faculty of forty-four teachers, by its attendance of students, which for the school year 1911-1912 was 1,001, is most encourag- ing to the friends of public education in Southeast Missouri.
During the thirty-nine years of the school's history it has graduated more than 600 stud- ents and has enrolled more than 14,000. Its students are found in the greater number of teaching positions throughout this part of the state and are exerting constantly a wider and deeper influence upon the course of education here.
Within a short time after the organization of the school, literary societies were formed by the students. The first of these, which seemed to have been organized in 1875, were the Union Literary, the Humboldt and the Arion. They were under faculty supervision, but were conducted almost entirely by the students themselves. Membership was open to both boys and girls and the programs were of a general literary character. For a good many years the societies were advertised in the catalogue as one of the means of general culture.
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