USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > Woodbridge > An Educational History Of The School District of Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey 1666 - 1933 > Part 6
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#r. E. L. Anderson for Principal, Mattie J. Thomas of Raritan, New Jersey, and Mary T. Reed of Rahway for Vice-principal, Nel- lio A. Ensign, Mary A. Moore, Sarah A. licEwen, Edith Scott, Carrie I. Dally, and Annia V. Miller for minor positions. " -- 1
It was the custom for many years to have the teachers apply for their reappointment at the close of the year. It will be noticed that the higher the grade, or class, the higher the cert." cate. There were three grades of County Certificates and three of Stato Certificates, the lowest be- ing the third grade in cach class. Second and Third Grade only County certificates vore gond in the County of issue. First Grade County and all State Certificates were good any- where in the Stato oxconting the cities which had the right to give examinations and issuo certificates good only in the city issuing then.
Ifr. Joseph H. T. Martin stated:
"that he had thought somewhat giving prises to the cost scholars in each room. And that he now would make the tender of $200, to the Board of Trustees to be divided up for prizes in each room as they thought proper. " -- 2
On July 14, 188). the following teachers were appoint- ed for the ensuing year "in the capacity set opposite their names:"
1 Minute Book. District No. 24.
2 Ibid.
+
94
"E. L. Anderson as Principal, Salary $1000 , Vice-Principal.
Holen A. Ensign-teacher C classroom 350
Hary A. Moore D 11 300
Sarah A. loEwen
250
Edith Scott H
240
Carrio I. Dally = G = 230 " -- 1
Resolutions were also adopted on the derth of I'r.
Charles A. Campbell, late Trustee. Miss Mettle J. Thomas had been secured for the Vice-principalship since the last meeting at a salary of $600 and the committee appointuent was confirmed.
The matter of prizes came up for discussion in Septem- ber and the plan suggested by Principal E. L. Anderson was adopted:
"For the scholar heving best general aver- age, best deportment, etc., in the differ- ent divisions as follows:
One Grand Prize -- For scholar making
greatest Improvement in whole school, End of term.
Ist Division-Room A At end of tom July 1 10.
25.
3
H
10.
#
10.
D
H
#
H
10.
2nd Division-Room
=
=
=
H 10. 10.
n
=
M 10.
H
N
10. 20.
.
10.
n
10.
N
10.
n
Minute Book. Distrlot No. 34.
95
"Christmas Prizes
For scholars passing best examination
Ist Division-Room A
. 3 10.
3 10.
0 10.
and Division-Room A 5.
13
5.
C
..
5.
For best bohivier till Christmas-Roon C 5.
#
end of term H # 5.
Total of all prizes $200."
The evident practical interest of Trustee Martin was displayed in this splendid contribution for prizes and no doubt created quite a furore in the district. Such pub- lic spirited citizens were rore and, for thet matter, are so today.
In October a bill for $379 was paid for "trimming for the school house in honor of President Garfield, " whose death had occurred. September 19 after being shot by the as- sassin Cuiteau the previous July.
Donald MicVicar received the contract "for finishing off the Clock and the N. E. Room upstairs at School House. " His figure was $475.
The meeting of December 30, 1881 was held at the rest- dence of Mr. Joseph Martin:
"It was stated that the Christmas prizes were carded to the following scholars:
1 Minute Book. District No. 24.
Miss Sadie Brewster-Ist Division-Room A-310. Miss Luella Kelly .. 2nd N
5. Miss Mamie Clarkson 2nd M # 5.
N N 10. Miss Lulu Boynton 1st
Miss Mamie Levi 1st
= 10.
Miss Anna Hiledorf 2nd * N
Miss Emma Rohrback for Good Behavior
5. 5. " -- 2
A motion marking an important epoch in the local school polioy was also passed as follows:
"Resolved: that we give to tho scholars completing the course of study in the school a Certificate of Graduation. " .- 2
In 1882, in accordance with the new school law, the Annual Election of Trustees was held March 21, notice hav- ing previously been posted by the District Clerk.
The following June osme the momentous awarding of the Joseph Martin prizes. This was done by the full Board af- ter examining the records of the pupils presented by the teachers, the decision being that:
"the Prize Money donated by Mr. Joseph T. Martin should be distributed as follows:
"The Grand prize of $25 to Miss Jennie Berry, Room B. Who had made the highest average and the other prizes to:
Mr. Sidney Pearson-1st Division-Room A -- $10.
Helen Clarkson ----- 2nd
A -- 10 .
Mabel Freeman ------ 1st
H B -- 10.
Miamie Clarkson -- -2nd
B -- 5. May Fink -- -2nd
H Bo- 5.
liamie Levi- -Ist
= 0 -- 10.
Annie Hilsdort -- ·2nđ
#
# 0- 10.
Annie Kimmer ------ 1st
" D -- 10.
1 "inute Book. District No. 24. 2. Ibid
1
١
97
May Kelly-some -2nd Division-Room D -- $10.
Irene Clarkson ----- 1st
M H Eu- 19.
Willle Berry ------- 2nd
E -- 10.
Georgia Boynton ---- lst
# F -- 10.
Kate Mahoney -······ 2nd
# F -- 10.
Belle Ferron
Gm- 5.
Henry Romend
H
H -- 5. " 1
Certificates were signed for those completing tho
course, viz!
Sidney Pearson Sadie Brewster Clara Melick Lulu Bloodgood
This is the first graduating class from the graded school."
on December 29, 1882, Mr. W. H. Berry stated that he had received an offer from Ir. B. Dunigan to purchase the Jefferson School lot on terms as follows:
"$200 cash to close bargain. Eight hun- dred cash in thirty days and the balance $300 in a mortgage upon the property." 2
Mr. Berry was empowered to accept the cash and close the bargain.
On January 2, 1883, a progressive move in relation to teaching training was made at a meeting of the Board hold on this date:
"Moved and Seconded that the Trustees will expect the teachers they employ to have some Normal Training in the methods of teaching. This resolution to take effect cn ina fter September 1, 1884. Carried. " 3
1. Minute Book -District. 24 2. Ilid 3. Ibid
98
The Trustees were thus beginning to recognize the fact that the simple possession of a teacher's certificate was not necessarily an indication that a person could teach.
At the Annual School Meeting of the district, March 20, the District Clerk had in his report to the voters a stato- ment that there were eight teachers employed for eleven months, 794 children between the ages of five and eighteen years in the district end 523 children attending school.
On March 4, 1883, Mr. W. H. Berry was given charge of the money received from the sale of the Jefferson School lot and it was understood that with this money he should contract for flagging the walk in front of the school house and to the front steps on each side and also "to contract for build- ing a ploket fence on the east side of the lot. " One thou- sand dollars had been paid in cash for the lot and a mortgage for $800, given for the balance, by the St. James Church.
On June 25, 1883, Mr. Donald MeVioar was given the con- tract "to finish off the center rooms upstairs" for $648.
Mr. J. C. Ashley was appointed as Janitor to succeed Mr. George Kelly at a salary of $21.00 per month.
On Juno 27, 1883 the following prizos were awarded from the money given by Mr. J. H. Martin for that purpose for the past year:
1
1
9
"The Grand Prize was divided between Miss Helen Clarkson and IMiss Lulu Boynton, $12.50 each -- Total ---
$25.
Miss Grace Allan
Ist Division-Room
A
10.
lilas Belle Middleton -- 2nd.
#
10.
=
Nellie Boynton
Ist
1st
=
M
5.
Mante Levi
2nd
M
10.
Dadie Levi
Ist
H
R
C
10.
Annie Kimmer
2nd
n
10.
Irene Clarkson
1st
D
10.
Elsie Lawson
2nd
10.
Kete Mahoney
Ist
10.
Georgie Boynton
2nd
H
.
10.
n
Theresa Dunn
1st
#
10.
Emma Rahrbaok
2nd
10.
n
1
No amounts are placed opposite the names of files Beatrice Fink and Miss Lizzie Guide, pupils of Miss Acker, and Henry Seigelkoff and Joseph Nolan in Miss Sadie Brewster's class, these pupils being recorded as first and second in their ro- spective classes.
We might infer from the foregoing list that girls as a olass are better scholars then boys, and in comparison with the previous list of prize winners, that it's a foregone con- clusion who will win most of the prizes offered; or that boys don't care to compete for prizes anyway.
On July 2, 1883, another progressive action on the part of the School Trustees appears on the Minutes of the Board under this date as follows:
"Moved and Seconded that Miss H. A. Moore be allowed to be the first of the teach- ers to attend the Normal School. Carried.
"Moved and Seconded that the other teachers attend in the order that Mise Thomas (the 2 princin il) may approve. "
1. Minute Book District. 24 2. Ibid
#
5.
Manle Clarkson
100
A substitute was employed by the Board to take Miss Moore's class. A letter from Miss Edith Scott was also re- ceived, requesting that she be released for the term in or- der that she might attend the Normal School. The release was granted.
Progressive action on the part of a Board is usually followed by similar setion on the part of its teachers. The professional leaven implanted by the Trustees Induced pro- fessional spirit in its teachers, resulting in improved in- struction for the children.
At a later meeting, Miss Carrie I. Dally informed the Board that she would attend the Normal School in place of Miss Moore who could not go until the next February. Other teachers took advantage of the Board's action in this matter as time olapsed.
On February 23, 1834, the District Clerk was roquested to confer with the school architects, C. Grahan and Sons, and with Manning & Randolph, the builders, regarding the report that had been made by Mir. Ingraham and Mr. Sutton that the school floors were settling.
At the Annual Meeting held March 18, there were report- ed 786 children in the district according to the school cen- sus of the previous May.
"March 14 the number enrolled on the school registers in the various rooms are as follows:
101
Registers:
Room of Miss M. J. Thomas
35 -- now present 30
t
M. A. Honnell
38 -- M
32
M M. A. Moore
55 -- H
4
50
A = H. T. Reed
55 --
52
# C. I. Dally
69 --
54
78 --
55
N
H
G. Harned
69 --
65
$
N H. A. Clarkson 180- =
$
70
Total on roll
579 and now
in school 408
In 1882 enrollment for year was 384
average attendance
181
1883
enrollment for year WaB 548
* average attendance *
372 0 1
Miss Clarkson had the lowest grade and was also paid the lowest salary. The prevailing notion at that period, and for many years, was that little or no skill was necessary to teach the First Grade children and that, therefore, the lowest sal- ary should be attached to that position. Fortunately, Miss Clarkson happened to be of the stuff of which good teachers are male, her advancement and success in later years proving this.
The enrollment, of course, covered every name that had appeared on the register, if for only a day, but an average of 70 in a class room, 25x 30, was certainly too many for one teacher. What did she do with them and how did she do 1$7 1
At this meeting the proposition of increasing the Board menbershin Trom three to six came up but was defeated.
1 Minute Book. District. 24
# R. A. Miller
102
The Board meeting of June 25, 1884, was held at the residence of Mr. W. H. Berry, and the Joseph Martin prizes, totaling $156, were awarded as follows:
Roon A -- Teacher, Miss Thomas (Principal) The Grand Prize had to be divided among three students, viz: $25.00
Mies Mabel Freeman. 8.35
Belle Middleton. 8.35
Master Frank Harned. 8.35
$10.00
Ist Division -- Lulu Kelly. 5.00
= Jennie Berry. 5.00
10.00
2nd Division -- Manie Clarkeson 5.00
# Nell10 Boynton. 5.00 Roon B-Teacher, Ilas li. A. Honnell (Vice-princ. )
Ist Division -- Mamie Levi. 10.00
2nd Maccio Miller. 10.00
Room C -- Teacher, Miss M. A. Moore
Ist Division -- May Kelly. 10.00
$10.00
2nd #
Georgia Boynton. 5.00
Anna Siegelkoff 5.00
Roon D -Teacher, Miss M. T. Reed
Ist Division -- Ellen Kenna
10.00
2nđ # Wallace Loe 10.00
Roon F -- Teacher, Miss Clara Actor
Ist Division -- Henry Romond. 5.00
2nd H Lena Jordan 5.00
Roon G -- Teacher, Miss Grace F. Harned
Ist Division -- Thompson Dally 5.00
2nd = Henry siegelkoff. . . 5.00
1.03
Roon H -- Toscher, Miss H. A. Clarkeson
let Division -- Nettle Phillip 5.00 2nd H Willie Feith. 5.00
Diplomas of Graduation were also awarded to the follow ing students:
Miss Mabel Freeman
Miss Nellie Ahearn
H Louisa M. Boynton
# Rose Murray
Libbie Potter
Florence Flood
Belle Middleton
= Carrie A. Brown
A Lillie Brown
H Fannie Farron
Amy Brewster
* Lulu Kelly
# Jennie Berry
Master Frank Harned
1
No doubt the Grand Prize winners were sadly disappoint- ed at each receiving $8.35 instead of the greatly desired $25.00. They didn't even get a ten-dollar bill. Mamie Levi and Maggie Miller must have been much better satisfied than they, for they each received ten dollars.
It was no use to complain, because it could be shown by the rules of mathematics that it figured out extetly 97 5/73 for each one of them. They had been educated up to a hair's breadth of each other and it was impossible to detect any mon- tal differences. In fact, they were true, mental triplets.
When the Board met in July, Mr. J. F. Clarkeson was em- ployed to raise the floors, the Trustees supplying the mater- iel. This was done by using iron rods attached to trusses in the attic and suspending the floors from them after jacking them up. The lower floors were supported by a number of iron pillars set up on the basement floors. This work may still be 1 Minute Book District 24
1.04
seen and has every appearance of having met all the re- quirements for which it was devised. Naturally, it did not add to the appearance of the class rooms and some pupil floor space was lost.
Joseph H. T. Martin Donation
The Prize Winners
for year ending June 84, 1885
Roon A -- Miss Thomas Teacher -- Sarah Pierson-98 1/10-$10
B
#
Reed
Ist Division-May Kelly
99 6/10- 10
2nd
Gertrude Levi 97 8/10- 10
Miller Teacher
Ist Division-Edith Edger
99 8/10- 25
2nd ₦ Nellie Newton. 99 - 10
D
#
Scott Teacher
Ist Division-Annie Golden
98 4/10- 10
2nđ
Manie Gority
89
- 20
Dally Teacher
Ist Division-Henry Romond 98 6/10- 10
2nd = Lizzie Anderson98 3/10- 5
#
Acker Teacher
Ist Division-John Ohlott 92
10
2nd
Irving Demarest92 1/10-
5
H
N
Harned Teacher
Ist Division-Henry Johnson 95 6/10- 2nd Eddie Anderson 94 -
5
Ayres Teacher Ist Division-Martin Schneider92
5
2nđ M Kate MoDonald 91 1/10-
5
Farron Teacher
Ist Division-Henry Anderson 93 3/10- 5
2nđ n Johnnie Fitz- patrick $9 6/10- 5
$155
1
n
Dimick
-- Mary Ashley. .. 98 5/10- 10
C
H
A study of the foregoing figures shows that a differ- ence of 2/10 of 1 per cent cost May Kelly Just $16.00 cash.
1. Minute Book. District 24
5
I
105
Two-tenths of 1 per cent would have made Edith Edgar that scholastic myth, the absolutely mathematically perfect ever scholar. But what teacher has effor had the temerity to mark a prize winner 100,! The difference between Irvie Demarest and John Ohlott was exactly 1/10 of 1 per cent, or, in hard cash, five dollars. But that is Just how it worked out, so what could be done?
The Annual School meeting of March 16, 1886, was re- ther unusual. At the olose of the regular business, by the request of the chairman, fir. C. ". Boynton, the:
"Reverend Dr. Mollulty was called on for re- marks, he having been a frequent visitor at the school during the past years. Ho complimented Teachers, Scholars, and Trus- tees for the excellent work in their sev- eral departments. In course of the Doo- tor's remarks, he stated that it did his heart good to see so many male faces. fils gentle reproof for the moment caused many to look dejected, but his following remarks made faces brighter and in all our consciousness we said we will attend more regularly other meetings with our wives, daughters, sisters, and other peo- ples sisters, and daughters.
"Reverend L. H. Lighthipe being called, spole at some length, comparing this with other schools, saying his experience led hin to say that our school was second to none. On motion by Reverend L. H. Light- hipe, it was moved a vote of thanks be tendered to the Trustees and Teachers for the able manner of conducting of the school during the past year. It was carried un- animously. Reverend Charles Noble, being Onlled, endorsed the remarks by Brothers Mhallalty and Lighthipe, also made many re- marks of his own in his usual happy and pleasant strain. "
1 Minute Book _ District. 24
1
2,08
Three ministers at a school election, all extolling the efficiency of the public schools! Surely, this won a "lovo feast." A vote of thanks to the Trustees, and teach- ers for their good work! A most unheard of proceeding. How the voters must have hung their heads when the good Doctor chidod them co guilelessly on their forgetfulness of their church duties. But their spirits must have risen again as the dominio proceeded in a lighter vein as evidenced by the clerk's statement in the minutes:
"our consciousness said we will attend more regularly other meetings with our wives, daughters, sisters, and other peoples' sis- tors, and daughters." 1
We may reasonably infer from the undoubted influence of the reverend's remarks that the "other meetings" were church meetings. No mention is made on the record that the Doxology wes sung before the voters dispersed. A communica- tion from County Superintendent Ralph Willis was read st the April meeting of the Board;
"in regard to receiving children outside of the school District, the practice is dig- couraged by him except in very few instances." 2
It seems that a considerable number of outside pupils, attracted by the high standing of the Woodbridge Graded school, had been received by the Board as pay pupils. Sono observant citizen with an eye on expenses incurred in "fin- ishing off" additional class rooms, probably had written to 1. Minute Book - District 24 2. Ilid
107
the County Superintendent commenting on this and suggest- ing the action recommended by lt. Willis to the Board.
At the appointment of teachers, the preceding May, Miss M. C. Ayres had not filed her application for reap- pointment, but in the meantime, a committee of one of the Board hed visited her to ses for what salary she would re- main and now reported that:
"He had Been Miss Ayres and that 425 wes the least she would romain for. "
It was decided by the Trustees that:
"As she is a valuable assistant that we raise her salery to that amount and no- tify her of the arme."
Here we have an cuthentio cose of a teacher knowing her worth to the community, sticking to her expressed de- mand and getting it. In addition ehe was recorded on tho minutes of the Board as "a valuable assistant. "
The first recorded course of study for the school ap- pears on the minutes of the Board under date of February 11, 1887. This was prepared by ifiss Thomas, the principal, who had been directed by the Trustees three years previously to: "raise the grade of the school. "
The course was adopted:
"subject to such modifications as circum- stances may require. "
HAch School
Grado Senior: Geometry, History, Outlines of Chemistry,
109
Photorio, English, Literature and Com- position, Latin (optional), Mathema- tios throughout the Course.
Grade A: Latin (optional), Algebra, Philosophy, Physios, Geography, Con. of Unitad States, Rhetoric, Ancient and Modom History, Reading, Geometry, Drawing.
Grade B;
Arithmotlo (Practical-Complete), Botany History (Ancient), Physiology (completed), Algebra (Elementary), Bookkeeping, Com- position, Declamation, Grammar and Angl- ysis, Perspective Drawing.
Grannar Department
United States History, Con. of United States, Mental and Practical Arithmetio, Geography and Map Drawing, Physiology, Grammar and Analysis, Reading, Spelling, Writing, Drawing, Composition and Deola- mation.
Intermediate Department
Local Geography, First Principles Language Lessons, Mental and Practical Arithmetic, Opolling, Reading, Writing, Drawing, Cal- isthenics.
Primary Department
Alphabet, Spelling and Reading from Charts, Numbers, Object toaching, Reading from First and Second Readers, Elementary Arith- metio, Writing and Drawing on slates, Cal- isthonies.
Liso Thomas also reported that "the present class for graduation was about ready" ond at the Board meeting of March 2, diplomas were signed "for the Graduation Class of March 4, 1887,8 viz:
Willian F. Ance Mamie Clarkson
Arthur C. Brown Nettle Lawson Sarch M. Pearson Louise C. Brewster
Mattie C. Pearson
109
À plano was also ordered to be purchased, the initial payment on which was an amount of $73 received as interest on the Jefferson School lot. Previous to this, however, an entertainment had been given by the school for the purpose of raising funds for such an instrument. Mr. Joseph Martin was ompowered to make the purchase. This piano replaced the old Esty Organ that had been in use for many years.
On March 15, the annual meeting of the legal voters of the district, No. 84, was held in the school building. For some reason, a larger number of citizens than usual attended. Daniel S. Voorhees was Secretary of the meeting and James E. Berry was Chairman.
After the reading of the District Clerk's report the names of Thomas F. Dunigan and C. W. Drumond ware put in nomination for frustes for a three-years' term to succeed C. W. Drummond. Two hundred and six ballots were cast, lir. Drummond receiving 182, and Mr. Dunigen 33. Itr. D. S. Voorhees received one vote and there was one blank. Mr. Drummond was then declared elected.
Under the order of miscellaneous business, Mr. C. W. Boynton offered the following resolution, seconded by T. H. Morris:
"Resolved: that it is the sense of this meet- ing that the Grammar Department of the Good- bridge Public School be separated from the High School Department and be arranged so that pupils of average intelligence may complete
110
the same by the time they reach the age of fourteen and that they receive a certifi- cate to that effect on completing the pre- scribed course. "
1
After some discussion, it was decided that the reso- lution was not admissable. Here was an advance step in modern school grading turned down just because some one made an appeal to the chair on a point of order.
In later years, the plan suggested in the resolution came into use and the completion of the cichth year of work was merked by a Grammer Grade certificate entitling the holder to enter the high school.
Then the new Board organized, Ir. Martin reported that he had purchased a Chickering piano through Mr. Peter Lam- Son for the sum of $340. A bill of $10 was also paid "for the use of the Hall (prob. bly old Masonie) for the Graduation exorcises." This is the first mention of any public exon. oises for graduation.
At the October meeting, a request was received from some of the students for permission to use the unfinished rooms upstairs "for a sort of Gymnasium. " Permission was given on the understanding that when the rooms were thus used, one of the teachers should be present. This is the first reference to any such exercises on the part of the school.
on January 6, 1888, a severe choch was received by the Trustees at this meeting, for a letter from Mise M. J.
1 Minute Book - District 24-
111
Thomas, the principal was read tendering her resignation on account of the illness of her mother. The resignation was received with great regret, and on notion the District Clerk was directed to draw up a suitable resolution embody- ing the feelings of the Board.
This testimonial to Miss Thomas war "handsomely ox-
ecuted" by Mr. C. D. Clarkson and signed by the Trustees. "
"This testimonial certifies that iles H. J. Thomas was a most successful Principal of the Public and High School of District No. 34, Woodbridge, New Jersey, for more than five years, during which there was an aver- age dalla attendance of over five hundred pupils. we attest as deserving special attention the increased attendance, cheer. ful obedience and progress in the Course of instruction that warranted the introduction of a High School Department which was cor- ried to a successful isrue under her admin- istration. we recall the harmonious work- ing of the teachers under her guidance in their various departments, consisting of ten rooms of instruction conjointly. we hold in grateful remembrances the untiring efforts of the Principal in obtaining the choicest works as well as auxiliary appar atus and illustrative specimens used in the higher branches of education; and under this houd wo especially appreciate the united ef- forts of the Teachere and Pupils in a work that obtained a first class Musical instru nent. We know by our continued incumbency in office at the hands of & Misorluinating constituency that we echo their sentiments of regard, as well as express their regrets, that the illness of a dovoted Parent has called from our school a Principal in whom we have implicit confidence."
simned
William H. Borry Joseph H. T. Martin Trustees 1
C. W. Drummond
1 Minute Book. District. 24
1.12
Miss Thomas must have been unusually well qualified for the responsible position she held. Not only was sho scholastically well prepared, but she possessed those qual itles of amiability, self-possession, tact, and that cs- sential knowledge of human nature, usually inborn, upon which success is so largely dependent.
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