USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > History of the city of Lincoln, Nebraska : with brief historical sketches of the state and of Lancaster County > Part 22
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The corps of teachers of the city schools for 1888-89 is as follows :
E. T. Hartley, M. A. Superintendent.
H. S. Bowers.
Assistant Superintendent.
J. C. Miller. Special Instructor in Music.
CENTRAL BUILDING-HIGH SCHOOL.
S. P. Barrett, M. A., Principal, Mathematics.
Lawrence Fossler, B.S., German and Biology.
Geo. B. Frankforter, M. A., Chemistry and Physics.
Marian Kingsley, B. A., Rhetoric and English Literature.
Mary M. Pitcher, M. A., Latin and Greek. Mina F. Metcalf, M. A., General History. Mate Treeman, B. S. History and Civil Government.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
Louise Adams. Mrs. Marie Fielding. Ella Kaufman. Beth Brenizer. Ella Conard.
Flora A. Beecher. Ina Fay Risely. Lulu Sumner. Mrs. S. N. Franklin.
T STREET SCHOOL.
G. W. Mckinnon, Principal.
Dora M. Neihardt.
Mrs. Mary McKinnon. Frances Duncombe. Helen W. Chapin.
Clara Pettigrew. Eva Lamb.
Lillian Upham. Mrs. Lulu Wilson. Susie Hoagland.
Q STREET SCHOOL.
Anna Shuckman, Principal. Alla Lantz.
Lena Smith. Mrs. Hattie Musselman. Lizzie C. Jones.
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN.
Etta Erb. Mrs. Lizzie Gleason.
Dora Brooks. Jennie Cole. Ottie Rathbun. Jennie Marine.
CAPITOL SCHOOL.
Mrs. A. P. Tiffany. Principal.
Mrs. Jeannie Hard.
Mrs. Emma R. Cropsey. Bertha McCorkle.
Kate Folsom, (Mrs. Ralston.) Seba Dewell.
Mrs. L. H. Davis.
Mara L. Byam.
Alice Todd.
Sarah Riley.
Mrs. Emmeline Tucker.
Louise Tucker.
C STREET SCHOOL.
Mrs. Elizabeth Bowen, Principal.
Mary Stevens.
Manie Sawyer.
Mrs. Abbie Chamberlain.
Edna Scott. Emma Smith.
Jessie Love.
Mrs. T. E. Hardenburg. (Died July 24, 1889. ) S. Alice Lease. Gertrude Aitken.
PARK SCHOOL.
Cora Hardy, Principal.
Edith Long. Ada Buck. Mrs. Anna R. King.
Lydia Welch. Minnie Welch.
Emma Bing.
Sallie Cox.
Lottie Eckhardt.
ELLIOTT SCHOOL.
Mrs. Emma W. Edwards, Principal.
Alice Russell.
Lutie Thomas.
Nettie Taylor.
Laura Roberts.
Medora Smith.
Alice Cronley.
Sarah Shea.
Alice Orr.
OUTLYING SCHOOLS.
J. Oliver.
Kate Stoddard.
Margaret Pryse.
J. C. Pentzer. May Taggart.
Genia Stillman.
Orra Reeder.
Mary Dolan.
Lizzie Bond. Olive Roberts. -
The board of education is composed as follows :
J. A. Wallingford, President.
W. W. W. Jones, Vice President A. G. Greenlee, Secretary.
Miss Phoebe Elliott.
Lewis Gregory. W. J. Marshall.
Sam D. Cox.
W. A. Lindley. O. E. Goodell.
The instruction for 1889-90 will be under the direction of the fol- lowing officials :
E. T. Hartley Burr Lewis. Principal of High School.
Superintendent.
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PRINCIPALS OF WARD SCHOOLS.
Mrs. A. P. Tiffany, Capitol.
Miss Anna Shuckman, Q Street.
Mrs. Elizabeth Bowen, C Street. Mrs. Emma W. Edwards, Elliott.
Miss Cora Hardy, Park.
Miss Alice Russell, T Street.
Mrs. Jeanie Hard, Cherry Street.
Miss Jennie Marine,
Special Instructor in Vocal Music.
Miss Lydia Welsh,
Special Instructor in Penmanship and Drawing.
A notable feature of the high school is a series of lectures on sub- . jects directly or indirectly connected with the course of study, given by persons prominent in educational circles, and occurring once or twice per week throughout the year. Among the lecturers have been the Governor of Nebraska, and other State officers, the Chancellor and other members of the faculty of the State University, lawyers, ministers and physicians of Lincoln, and the instructors of the high school.
THE STATE UNIVERSITY.
The high standard of general intelligence which has made Ne- braska able to boast of having a less percentage of illiteracy among her citizens than any other State in the Union, is as old as the settlement of the Territory. The founding of the present State University came through a process of evolution. To found a university seems to have been the highest ambition of many of Nebraska's earliest politicians, and to become the home of a great educational institution, the goal for which nearly all of her earliest towns strove earnestly and well.
In the first session of the Legislature charters were granted to Ne- braska University, located at Fontanelle; Simpson University, located at Omaha city, and the Nebraska City Collegiate and Preparatory Institute, located at Nebraska City. In the next session Simpson University asked for a renewal of its charter, and charters were granted to the Nemaha University, at Archer ; Washington College, at Cuming City ; the Plattsmouth Preparatory and Collegiate Insti- tute, and the Western University, at Cassville. In the third session the Legislature added to the list the Brownville College and Lyceum, the Salem Collegiate Institute, the Rock Bluff Academy, the Dakota Collegiate Institute, the Nebraska University at Wyoming, the Omaha Collegiate Institute, St. Mary's Female Academy, the University of St. John, the Omaha Medical University, and amended the charter of the Western University. In the fall session of the same year char- ters were granted to the University of Nebraska, Wyoming College,
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN.
De Witt Collegiate Institute, Falls City College, the Literary Associa- tion of the Elkhorn, the Dodge County Lyceum and Literary Asso- ciation, and the State Historical Society. In 1858 Dempster Biblical Institute and the Lewis and Clark College were chartered.
There was a general impression that the chartering of universities was a good thing, and the Legislatures of those early days had a blank form of charter which became a bill for the creation of a university, ready for introduction as soon as the name of the prospective institu- tion was inserted.
THE STATE UNIVERSITY.
In a very complete paper on the university, read by Professor H. W. Caldwell before the State Historical Society at its 1889 meeting, and from which the foregoing facts have been taken, it is recorded that the bill organizing the University of Nebraska was introduced into the Senate February 11, 1869, by Mr. Cunningham, of Richardson county. It was referred to the Committee on Education, of which Hon. C. H. Gere was chairman, and was reported back the next day, with amendments, and passed. It was passed by the House and signed on the 15th, having become a law within four days from its
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introduction. A bill was passed about the same time in the session, providing for the sale of unsold lots and blocks in the town site of Lincoln, and for the erection and location of a State Lunatic Asylum and a State University and Agricultural College ; and as an illustration of the jealous care with which the State's educational interests have always been guarded, it may be mentioned that on February 12th the bill was amended, on motion of Mr. Tullis, of Lancaster, by striking out the words, "lunatic asylum" before the words, "university " etc., and inserting them after those words. The original charter of the university provided for a board of twelve regents. Nine of these were to be chosen by the Legislature in joint session, three from each judicial district, and the Chancellor, Superintendent of Public In- struction, and Governor, were made ex-officio members of the board. In 1875 an amendment was passed providing that the Chancellor should not thereafter be a member of the Board of Regents, and at the same time provision was made against an increase of the number of regents by an increase in the number of judicial districts. The con- stitution of 1875 creates a board of six regents, to be elected by a direct vote of the people.
The charter of the university provides for five colleges, viz: A college of literature, the sciences and arts; a college of law ; a college of medicine; a college of agriculture and the practical sciences ; and a college of fine arts. The contract for the erection of the building was let August 18, 1869, the corner-stone was laid September 23d, the building was accepted January 6, 1871, and the university was opened with an enrollment of about ninety students January 6, 1871. The corner-stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies. "Major D. H. Wheeler," says Mr. Caldwell's paper, was master of ceremonies. A. brass band from Omaha headed the procession. In the evening a grand banquet was given, Governor Butler made a few remarks, Mr. Wheeler a short speech, then Attorney General Seth Robinson gave an address on "Popular Education." There was a banquet attended by a thousand people, and dancing was indulged in from ten till four o'clock.
The record of the doubts and fears of the Board of Regents and citizens of Lincoln as to the safety of the university building, forms an interesting chapter in the history of the institution. Before the doors were even opened to students the rumor gained currency that
RESIDENCE OF HON. A. J. SAWYER.
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the building was unsafe, and in June, 1871, three professional archi- teets were secured to examine it. They reported that it was safe for the time being, and that a few inexpensive repairs would render it safe beyond a doubt for years to come. The repairs were made and the university opened. In March, 1883, at a special meeting of the re- gents, a report was received from another set of architects, and a new foundation was ordered put under the chapel, and this was done. June 26, 1877, the Chancellor in his report called the attention of the board to the condition of the building. This time four architects were employed-one from Omaha, one from Nebraska City, and two from Lincoln, and on the strength of their report the regents resolved, July 6, 1877, to tear down the building and erect a new one at a cost of $60,000, $40,000 to be raised by the citizens of Lincoln, and work was to commence immediately on securing the above amount. The citizens of Lincoln were not satisfied, and sent to Chicago and Dubuque for architects, who examined the building and pronounced it easily repaired. August 15th a committee of Lincoln citizens met the re- gents, and upon the new light presented by them, the resolution to tear down was reconsidered, and a new foundation and other repairs were ordered, to be paid for by the citizens of Lincoln. The repairs were made at a cost of $6,012. Various attempts have been made to secure an appropriation to reimburse the citizens of Lincoln for this expense, but all have failed.
Mr. Caldwell's paper states that on June 3, 1869, a committee con- sisting of Regents C. S. Chase, Supt. Beals, and Rev. D. R. Dungan, was appointed to secure names of suitable persons for Chancellor. Jan- uary 6, 1870, the salary of the Chancellor was fixed at $5,000, and A. R. Benton was selected on the second ballot. H. S. Tappin, J. D. But- ler, E. B. Fairfield, and A. Barns, each received one vote on the first ballot. The next year the Chancellor's salary was reduced to $4,000 and the salaries of professors fixed at $2,000. The first faculty was elected April 4, 1871, as follows: Ancient Languages, A. H. Manley ; Mathematics, H. E. Hitchcock; English Literature, O. C. Dake; Sciences, H. W. Kuhn, who declined and recommended Rev. Samuel Aughey, who was unanimously elected at the June meeting. June 13, 1871, a tutor was authorized, and G. E. Church was chosen as the first tutor at a salary of $1,000. Finally the first faculty was com- pleted, by the election, September 6, 1871, of S. K. Thompson to the
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN.
chair of agriculture, with the condition that he was not to enter upon the discharge of his duties for at least one year. From this modest beginning of four professors and one tutor the faculty has developed into a body of twelve professors, two associates, two adjunet profes- sors, two instructors, two tutors, two lecturers, and the principal of the Latin school, besides assistants in the laboratories and the teach- ers in art and music.
The character of the development of the university course of in- struction can not be better summarized than by quoting the words of Prof. Caldwell : "Two sharply-marked principles have governed in the formation of the courses of study. The first period was charac- terized by an almost inflexible course of study ; there were practically no electives. The classics and mathematics formed the backbone of the work. A term or two of history and of English literature, a couple of years of some modern language, and a text-book study of two or three sciences, were switched in, with no expectation of securing more than a mere outline knowledge of these subjects. They were not supposed to be able to give mental culture; the scientific course even was not made to secure a mental development; its object was to give practical knowledge. In short, whether for better or worse, the ordinary college course of the renaissance type, only slightly impreg- nated with the modern scientific and historie spirit, was the only one recognized.
" The second period begins in 1880 and marks an entire revolution in ideas. An elective course was introduced and the principle recognized that all studies may be made about equally valuable for purposes of mental culture, and therefore the courses were planned with reference to continuity of work in each line. The pamphlet announcing the change says : 'The elective system is the one that insures the great- est interest and profit in every study, and it is the only system that allows a student to become a special scholar in any one department, while still leaving to him the option of a general education.""
The progress of the university, under the system introduced in 1880, has been steady and rapid, and the institution has become widely known for its original work in several departments of investigation. The department of history is especially strong, and with the possible ex- ception of the Michigan and California universities, no institution west of the Alleghanies has developed its equal. The work which has just
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
been published by Prof. George E. Howard, the head of this depart- ment on " Local Constitutional Government in the United States" has been most favorably received by the great historians of the world, and gives him high rank among specialists in historical investigation.
The income of the university is derived from the interest on the proceeds of the sale of the Agricultural College and University lands, donated to the State by Congress, from the rental of unsold lands and from a university tax, levied by the State. The total grant of lands amounted to 135,576.31 acres. The income from this source in 1888 was about $38,923.64. It is estimated that under the present policy of disposing of these lands, the total permanent investment will be about $1,000,000.
The unity of the educational system of the State is recognized both by the university authorities and those who have the direction of the common schools. The high schools of the State are gradually and systematically being brought into close relations with the university by being accredited as preparatory schools whose graduates are ad- mitted to the university without examination.
The university has passed the dangers of the formative period. It has a well-defined policy and course of study established upon the broadest and most modern basis. It has passed safely through the period of sectarian intermeddling, and the dangerous reaction which followed, and the spirit which controls its management now is one which, while recognizing the Christian element which pervades all our institutions, is broad and tolerant. There is no reason why, with the development of the State, the institution shall not become the equal of any in the United States.
THE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY.
This institution, which, from its prosperous beginning, promises to be one of the leading schools of higher education in the West, had its origin in the following manner :
In July, 1887, a proposition was made to the Nebraska Christian Missionary Board to donate certain lands, in or near the city of Lincoln, on condition that a university of the Christian church be established thereon. After investigation and consultation, a commit- tee especially appointed, decided to locate the proposed university on what was known as the Hawley farm, adjoining the city on the north-
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN.
cast. The donations of land received consisted of three hundred and twenty-one acres of land and city lots valued at four thousand dollars. At a meeting of the committee, held February 14th, articles of incor- poration were adopted and a subcommittee appointed, of which J. Z. Briscoe was chairman, to consider plans and specifications of a main building to be begun on or before May 1, 1888.
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THE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY.
The corner-stone of the first building was laid with appropriate ceremonies, April 30, 1888. The building consists of Milwaukee brick, trimmed with Michigan red sandstone. It is four stories high, exclusive of basement; one hundred and eight feet front by seventy-eight in depth.
The action of the committee in inaugurating the enterprise was con-
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
firmed by the State Convention held at Lincoln, August 28th to 30th' 1888. A board of trustees was elected, to be known as the Nebraska Christian Educational Board. It consisted of J. Z. Briscoe, President ; Ex-Governor Alvin Saunders, Vice President; C. R. Van Duyn, Treasurer; Porter Hedge, Secretary; and W. P. Aylsworth, W. T. Newcomb, Ira Titus, C. J. Hale, Thos. Wiles, J. T. Smith, C. C. Munson, E. T. Gadd. Subsequently the contracts were let for the first building, aggregating a cost of $65,000, to be completed about the first of January, 1890. The work thus far has progressed very satisfactorily, and is nearing completion. All expenses have been promptly met by the sale of lots.
At a meeting of the Board in April, 1889, it was decided to open the school October 1, 1889. The following-named persons will con- stitute the first faculty :
W. P. Aylsworth, A. M., Acting President, Dean of the Biblical Department, and Professor of Hebrew and Biblical Literature.
A. M. Chamberlain, A. M., Professor of Ancient Language and Literature.
J. A. Beattie, A. M., Professor of Pure und Applied Mathematics.
E. D. Harris, A. B., Instructor in Preparatory School.
A. T. Noe., M. D., Instructor in Physiology, Anatomy, and Hygiene.
Mrs. W. P. Stearns, Instructor in Focal and Instrumental Music.
The present prospects of the enterprise are very bright. Already several buildings have been erected and others are under way. A boarding hall for the accommodation of the students has been ordered built to be ready for the spring of the school year October 1st. A street- car line has been projected and material ordered, connecting the city di- rectly with the university campus, known as "the Bethany Heights street-car line." The prospective endowment is thought to be not less than one hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars. Twenty-five thou- sand of this amount is a donation by J. J. Briscoe, which is designed to be used as a basis of support for the Chair of Biblical Literature.
THE NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.
By an agreement entered into by the three Nebraska Annual Con- ferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church a commission, was ap- pointed, consisting of members of each Conference and representatives of the Boards of Trustees of the then existing colleges, for the pur- pose of considering the matter of locating a central university, under
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN.
the control and patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska.
The commission met in Lincoln, in December, 1886, and selected Lincoln as the location of the future university. Trustees were chosen, and they entered upon the work of preparation at once.
The corner-stone of the first university structure was laid in Sep- tember, 1887, and the institution was opened for students in Septem- ber, 1888.
The property of the university consists of an endowment fund of one hundred thousand dollars, and five hundred lots in University Place, and a campus of forty-four acres.
THE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.
The cost of the building was about seventy-five thousand dollars. The building is fully completed, and is being thoroughly furnished for the best class of work.
There are three regular courses of study-classical, scientific, and philosophical - besides complete courses in music, art, and elocution. There are eight regular professors, besides tutors.
The total number of students enrolled since September, 1888, is about 150.
The village of "University Place" was incorporated in 1888, and is rapidly developing as a first class educational center. The ele- ments that cluster about it are such as to insure its future character as a village of exceptional morality and intelligence.
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
The Nebraska Wesleyan University, by the terms of the " Plans of Agreement" adopted by the " commission," became the head of all the colleges, academics, and other schools, existing or to be here- after organized under the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska.
THE LINCOLN BUSINESS COLLEGE.
The Lincoln Business College was founded in 1884 by Prof. F. F. Roose. The following year Prof. D. R. Lillibridge was admitted, and since that date the college has been conducted under the firm name of Lillibridge & Roose. It has been uniformly successful, its patronage growing constantly and the scope and efficiency of its instruction improving all the time. It is now recognized as one of the best schools of its class in the West, possessing a complete and thorough business course, including full short hand, normal, penman- ship, type-writing, and telegraphic departments. That it is a supe- rior school is shown by the fact that its attendance was six hundred students during the past year. The entire third floor of the Academy of Music block, at the southwest corner of Eleventh and O streets, is now required for the accommodation of the various departments. Students attend this excellent school of practical instruction from Ne- braska, Colorado, Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, those States being its regular field of patronage. Occasional students come from all parts of the Union. Seven teachers are employed reg- ularly in the college.
The graduates of its various departments readily find employment in the lines of work for which the school has given them special training. In securing situations the managers of the institution offer constant and cheerful assistance. The Lincoln Business College is one of the most excellent institutions of this city. Messrs. Lillibridge and Roose are among our most popular business men and citizens. Mr. Lillibridge is now Commander of Appomattox Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and holds other prominent social posi- tions. Mr. Roose is Deputy Head Consul of the Head Camp of Modern Woodmen of America, the highest official, save one, in that order. He is also a prominent member in other orders.
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN.
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.
One of the successful schools of the city is the Catholic Seminary, located east of Fourteenth street, between U and V. The building was originally built by a stock company as a dormitory for the State University, but it did not pay, and was sold at sheriff's sale in 1882, and was bid in by Mr. John Fitzgerald. He sold it to the Sisters of
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DESIGN FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL BUILDING OF LINCOLN NES A JHWHAWKINS. PACHECO
the Holy Child Jesus, who opened a general school there, and have conducted it ever since. For some time it did not fully pay expenses, and Mr. Fitzgerald generously supplied the shortage from his own pocket. It now is self-sustaining. Mrs. John Fitzgerald has labored constantly to encourage the school, and establish it ; and owing largely to her kind offices, and the good work done by the sisters, the school
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
has become one of the permanent and growing institutions of Lincoln. It will continue partly a general and partly a select school until Sep- tember, 1890, when the parochial school building, now being erected near the pro-cathedral, at the northeast corner of M and Thirteenth streets, under the direction of Rt. Rev. Bishop Bonacum, will be com- pleted.
This building will cost about $35,000, and a school with prepara- tory and academic courses will open there in the fall of 1890, for young men. It will be conducted by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and will open with a corps of five teachers. The curriculum will include a full commercial course of study and other practical in- struction. When this school is opened the grade of instruction in the young ladies' academy will be raised, the advancement having now been made in part, with a high standard of excellence in every par- ticular. Young ladies from all parts of Nebraska, without regard to religious belief, will be received and taught on equal terms.
OTHER SCHOOLS.
An important educational institution is now being founded by Prof. O. B. Howell, of this city. This is the Nebraska Conservatory of Music. A three-story building of cut stone and brick, 50 x 132 feet, with massive towers, is being erected at the southeast corner of L and Thirteenth streets, in which is to be opened, this fall, a college of mu- sic and fine arts. The conservatory will be incorporated under the laws of the State, with a Board of Trustees, and graduates will receive diplomas. Students who are given special training as teachers will receive certificates.
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