USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > Woodbridge > An Educational History Of The School District of Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey 1666 - 1933 > Part 7
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The Woodbridge Graded School had indeed suffered a great loss in her resignation. Many times in his connec- tion with the Woodbridge schools has the writer heard the highest encontums on the personality and the work of Miles Thomas.
The finest monument that may be erected to the memory of any teacher is that which she herself erects in the hearts of her pupils.
Mr. Alfred H. Wilson of Closter, New Jersey, was ap= pointed as principal to succeed Miss Thomas on January 21, 1888. At the Annual Meeting of the legal voters of the District, May 20, the following resolution was offered by Mr. P. K. Edgar and unanimously adopted:
"Thereas our esteemed fellow citizen, lir. William H. Berry has just completed a long and faithful term of service as trus- tee of our public school, having served the people in that capacity most accept- ably since the organization of the pre- sent district, therefore Resolved -- that this meeting place on record its high ap- preciation of the faithfulness and zeal of our worthy townsman. Resolved -- that the Secretary be instructed to transmit a copy of this resolution to Mr. Berry." 1
1 Minute Book - District 24
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Mr. W. H. Berry hed retired from a public office that carries with it no monetary compensation, but one which calls for unselfish and unrenitting service of the highest type in behalf of one's fellow oltizens. The highest re- ward that may be expected for such service is the approba- tion, confidence and appreciation of the general public.
In the case of Mr. Derry, this was freely given and placed on record, in the above resolution.
Principal Alfred Wilson appeared before the Board on this date in regard to the closing exercises. Mr. Martin stated that:
"the closing exercises had always been held in the school house and did not think that the trustees were authorized to say that ex- ercises should be held elsewhere at the ex- pense of the district."
He also stated that:
"last year the graduating class made a re- quest to the Board to hold the graduating exercises elsewhere and that the privi- Lege was granted them, they making all er rangements, etc. If the present graduating class were to make a similar request to the Board they would consider it."
On June 4, 1888, Mr. Charles Drummond, District Clerk, reported that he had received $876.16 from Roverend P. L. Connolly, payment in full of the mortgage and interest on the Jefferson school lot.
Hr. Wilson, the principal, appeared at this meeting and requested permission to hold the exercises for the graduating
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Class
V
Trin. A.H. Wilson. Tngt. Miller Arthur Valentine Lillian N. Browning, Adeline S. Annes Class of 1888
Paul PLewis Gorham Boynton Willard P. Melich.
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class in the Presbyterian Church, provided the consent of the Church authorities could be secured.
Permission must have been given by the Board and the Church because the exercises were held in the "White Church" on Friday evening, June 29, the following pupils receiving diplomas:
Adeline S. Anness Lillian N. Browning
Maggie H. Miller Gorhem L. Boynton
Paul R. Lewis Willard P. Melick
Arthur Valentine
James M. Green, Principal of Long Branch High School, Long Branch, New Jersey, was the speaker.
On September 4, 1888, the janitor's salary was raised to $27.50 per month.
On November 10, the principal (Wilson) reported that he had dismissed a number of children who had been living outside the school district. He also stated that there were two other "outside" pupils who were doing well in their classes and whose parents were willing "to pay something for their tuition. " The Trustees "thought that $5.00 per child would be reason- able." He drew the attention of the Board to the fact that a number of children were unable to purchase the necessary textbooks. Instructions were given to allow the pupils more time.
In 1889, electric bells were installed by Mr. F. J. Clarkson. Galvanized iron pails filled with water were or- dered placed on each floor in case of fire, and $60 was ap= propriated "for putting in the arrangements for washing in the basement. "
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Previous to this the children had performed their ab- Jutions at the pump.
The following plan of "punishments" was introduced by Miss M. J. Thomas during the latter part of her principal- ship. A similar plan was in vogue not only in Woodbridge but all over the country. Probably in some out-of-the-way places where there are country schools it may still be in 480.
Deportment Pupils who are talking, or other wise disorderly in their rooms, or about the building will receive one demerit for each of- fonse.
Terdiness For each case of tardiness one do- perit will be given, unless en excuse from the parent is presented by the teacher. The pupil may remove one demerit, for whatever cause, by one weel of perfect deportment.
Results For fifteen demerits received by the pupil a Private Admonition will be given by the Principal. For twenty demerits notice will be sent to the parents. For twenty-five, there will be a suspension of at least one week, after which a pupil may be re-instatod only by action of the Trustees. If & re-instated pupil reaches twenty-five demerits, he or she will be ex- pelled for the remainder of the term. "
All such systems, being unnatural and unpedogogical ac- cording to modern psychology, fall of their own weight, es- pecially the weight of the demerits. Pupils and teachers have gradually learned the futility of such devices.
lir. Joseph H. T. Martin resigned as Trustee at the An- nual election held in March and the local paper referred to 1 Minute Book District. 24
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the matter as follows:
""r. Martin, the retiring Trustee, has filled that position for the past nine years and has always proved a most ef- ficient and acceptable officer. He has ever evidenced a deep and active inter- est in all school matters, and been very liberal toward the institution in many ways, especially in the donation of prizes. He will always be gratefully re- membered by all interested in the school, and merits, and has, the sincere appreci- ation of the entire community."
In 1889, graduation exercices were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Reverend N. Chapin of New York be- ing the speaker of the occasion. Permission was given to the Graduation Class to use the school one evening on the understanding that there be no dancing.
The District Clerk was directed to write to Professor James M. Green, recently appointed Superintendent of the State Normal School at Trenton, in regard to teachers. There seemed to be considerable trouble this year in securing satisfactory applications for vacancies so the Clerk was directed to place the following advertisement in the liew York World for Sunday and Monday:
"Teacher wanted in a Graded School in a village in New Jersey, Sslary $350 per year, Must be a Normal Graduate. Add- ress with recommendation, Teacher -- Box 342 World Office, New York."
Quite a number of answers to the advertisement were re- ceived, all except one being from men. The Trustees, pre-
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ferring women teachers, ordered another advertisement to be inserted in the New York Tribune for Sundry and Satur- day, which read:
"Ledy teacher wanted in a Graded School in New Jersey, salary $375 per year. A Normal Graduate preferred. Address with references Instruction, box 40. Tribune Office, New York. "
One application was received but the lady was not ap- pointed. Mr. Wilson then secured a teacher through one of the Teachers' Agencies.
An additional teacher was added to the Primary Depart- ment, Miss Farron having 102 enrolled in her room, the Trustees were of the opinion "thet it was impossible to teach them properly." Miss Farron, no doubt, agreed with that opinion.
on February 5, 1890, the principal reported that $107.96 had been raised toward the flag and pole and thet Mr. William Edgar and Mr. W. H. Cutter had each offered to give a white oak tree toward the erection of the flag pole. Mr. Smith Bloomfield was suggested as the proper person to get the tree in shape.
On June 3, the principal was authorized to have printed programs prepared for the graduation exercises that were to be held in the Presbyterian Church on June 27, and also to ex- press the thanks of the Board to Professor dool for consent- ing to be the speaker for the occasion. The Trustees also
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resolved to secure the use of the liasonic Holl for the re- union of graduates.
On June 30, the Board passed a resolution that an invi- tation be given to the five clergymen of Woodbridge to par- ticipate in the exercises at the flag raising on July 4. and that Mr. Wilson have charge of the program and that he also read the Declaration of Independence.
The different societies of the town were also invited to attend the exercises, viz!
"The G. A. R., Jr. O. U. A. M., F. and A. M. C. B. B., and if those societies desire to parade, that Captain Isaac In- slee be the Marshall, with power to ap- point ca many aides as he may wish. "
"Jotham Coddington's estate donated a white onk for the flag pole. "
On July 15:
"Hr. Wilson was authorized to go to New York and see what he could find in re- ference to securing a teacher who could teach music in connection with her other teaching in our school. # 1
Mr. Wilson seemed to have been successful in his search, for Miss Virginia Oliver was engaged for the work.
On August 29, the Board raised the price of tuition for "outside" pupils as follows:
To be Paid Quarterly In Advance
Primary. $ 8.00
Intermediate 12.00
Grammar. 16.00
Higher Grade 20.00
1 Minute Book District. 24
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On September 11, the regular teaching of music was introduced into the school and the Board ordered the pur- chase of music readers, charts and easels:
"these being necessary to introduce the teaching of music in the school-The System being the National System.
On Cotober 21, the Board ordered the school closed un- til Monday, November 3 because of an epidemic of measles. Mr. Wilson reported that there were one hundred and fifty- two scholars present and one hundred and thirteen absent.
Another meeting of the Board was held the next even- ing and on motion it was decided to ventilate the school- house :
"by putting two registers in the chimneys, one in top and bottom, making twenty regist- ers in all. "
on October 27, the Trustees decided to call a special district school meeting to be held on Friday evening, Hove ember 7, 1890 in the schoolhouse at eicht o'clock:
"for the purpose of voting upon the follow- ing proposition: First, shell the Trustees bo authorized to accept a lease at One Dol- lar a year of a School House proposed to be crected at Sewaren by J. Herbert Johnston. "
This meeting was held and considerable discussion en- sued, opinions regarding the advisability of the proposed step varied. It was stated that Sewaren raised about 12% of the District Taxes. Figures were also given showing the
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amount :
"that would be lost on State Tax and State Fund if Sewaren was made a separate Di6- trict."
The voting resulted in 20 ballots being cest in favor of and sixteen against the proposition.
On March 17, 1891, 6700 was ordered raised to este- bligh and maintain a free Primery Public Solpol at Sewaren as follows:
For teachers $400
Furniture 150
Incidentale 150
Total $700
On June 8, 1891, the clerk was ordered by the Board:
"to confer with the Principal and endeavor to secure a teacher to fill vacancy who is qualified to teach Drawing."
lilss Ada Wicker was secured for the position through a Teachers' Agency, the Board agreeing to pay one-half of the Agency commission.
On August 28, Miss Lucy J. Smith was engaged as teacher for the Sewaren school. Later it was decided to organize three grades at this school "and no higher."
The opening of the Parochial School caused a large de- crease in tho attendance, the total enrollment being 359 and the average daily attendance 215. There was also consider- able sickness in the school, many cases being scarlet fever. On May 23, 1892, Miss Sadie Brewster end Kiss Hallech tendered their resignations which were rocoived and the Clerk
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was directed to convey to these ladies:
"the regret of the Board for the loss of their services and also the high appre- olation of the ability and faithfulness with which they had discharged their duties as teachers and the entire satis -. faction of the Trustees with their work and to wish them equal success in their new positions. "
Such a letter from their Board must have been deep- ly appreciated and greatly treasured by the retiring teach- er8.
On June 15, Principal Wilson:
"was requested to visit the state Nor- mal School at Trenton, New Jersey in reference to securing a teacher for Room E, at a salary not to exceed 8400 per year. "
A motion was passed to hold a school picnic at Boyn- ton Beach on June 24.
Mr. Wilson informed the Board that he had applied for & position at Newton, New Jersey, where the salary was $1500 per year, and would like the Trustees to give him such a recommendation as they thought him entitled to: "On motion the Board instructed the Dis- trict Clerk to give Mr. Wilson a recom mendation covering the following points -- Ambition, Progressiveness, Conscientious- ness, Character, Ability, Tact, Judgment, and that he can teach and manage a school of 400 scholars."
It seems evident, not only that this Board of Trus- tees appreciated the services of its good teschers, but
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that they would not stand in the way of the teachers' ad- Vencement in the profession and were willing and glad to Go on record in the matter.
On July 6, the Trustees received a letter from J. Her- bert Johnson declining to renow the lease on the Sewaren Schoolhouse. The Clerk reported that all property belong- ing to the District had been removed from the school Sewaren and stored in the Woodbridge school building.
Mir. Wilson's resignation was received and the Clerk was ordered to write hin expressing the appreciation of the Board for his work and regret at the loss of his ser- Vices. Mr. Wilson later obtained a principalship at East Orange, New Jersey.
on July 28:
"The Clerk reported that to date there had been twenty-sevon applicants for the posi- tion of principal. "
After much discussion the Board concluded:
"That in many respects G. W. Gamble would be the best man for the plece and on motion he was unanimously elected principal for the school year commencing in September 1392 at a salary of $100 per month. "
On August 4, 1893, a letter was received from lr. Ver- non L. Davey, Superintendent of East Orange, requesting the Board to furnish hin with a photograph of the school to be displayed with the New Jersey State School Exhibit at
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tho Columbia Fair, Chicago. Kr. C. A. Boynton was in- structed to have a photograph of the building taken and forward one to Ir. Davey.
Hanonch and Levi offered to paint the flagpole two conts for $20.00 provided. the Board Love the topmast lowered. The offer was accepted. This polo, together with the topmast, was about one hundred twenty-one feet high and was surmounted with a gilded, metal sprend- eagle which turned with the wind. Many years afterwards, when the pole was taken down, being too rotted to remain up, it was found that the eagle had been pierced in & number of places by local expert merksmen.
October 13, 1892, was a red-letter meeting in the annals of the Board, it being devoted almost entirely to preparations on a large scale for the celebration of Columbus Day. The President of the Board, fr. I. A. Brown, was directed to purchase badges for the school children and Principal Camble was authorized to have printed 600 programs of Columbus Day exercises. A Com- mittee was also appointed:
"to see if twenty-five small muskete or rifles could be secured for the larger boys to carry on Columbus Day. "
On motion the line of march on Columbus Day was onde as follows:
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"Schoolhouse to Main Street; Main Street to Perth Amboy Avenue, to Green Street, to Rahway Avenue, to Main Street, to Methodist Episcopal Church."
On motion, the Clerk was authorized to invite all mil- itary and civie organizations in the district to take part in the exercises and parade on Columbus Dey. The list was as follows:
Americus Lodge, No. 83, F. and A. M. W. C. Berry Post, No. 85, Department liew Jersey, O. A. R. Junior Order U. A. Mechanics, No. 40
Woodbridge Council, No. 120, C. B. L.
German Union Benevolent Association
Sewaren Land and Tater Club
Young Mens Christian Association
Captain Isarc Inslee Camp, No. 12, Divi- sion, New Jersey, Bons of Veterans
Bavaria Council, No. 533, C. B. L. Chosen Friends
Loyal Temperance League
Comons' Christian Temperance Association
17. G. Berry Womans Reliof Corps. No. 18 Auxiliary to Post No. 85, 0. A. R.
Township Committee and the School Trustees, Valentine, Drummond and L'artin.
Mr. C. W. Boynton was appointed a committee to engage the Woodbridge band for the parade.
On October 18, 1892, the new course of study as prepared by Principal George W. Gamble, was read and adopted and five hundred copies, including the new rules, were ordered to be printed. To further strengthen the second floor of the school, it was decided to place in each room on the first floor, a 7" x 7" yellow pine port to rast on the girder in the basement and run to girder under the ceiling of the first floor.
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#The clerk was instructed to purchase the siz posts and also two yellow pine tin- bors 0" x 6" and 14' long to be used on the Jacl: Screws. "
On October 20, the Board met at the schoolhouse at 10 s. m. and on notion the clerk was authorized to provide carriages for the lady teachers for use on Columbus Day.
The following extracts are from the "Independent Hour" of October 27, 1892 and refer to the "Columbian Day" cele- bration:
#Friday, October 21, 1892, will always be a memorable day in the history of Wood- bridge, as it witnessed the grandest den- onstration the historic town has ever seen -- the Columbus Day celebration arranged and managed by the officers end teachers of the Public School. At 9:30 a. D. the school yard, street, and adjoining proper- ties were filled with a large assemblage, who listened to the president's proclama- tion, distincily read by Principal Gamble. The large school flag was then raised by members of Berry Post and saluted by the pupils, after which Post Commander Sutton delivered an excellent address. The line of march was then formed as follows:
Citizens on horseback Woodbridge Cornet Band
Township officials Trustoes and Ex-Trustees of the School
Color Guard of pupils
Sons of Veterans Berry Post, G. A. R. Principal Gamble and pupils of Public School American Mechanics
St. James Parochial School St. Mary's Sodality
St. James Temperance Cadets Woodbridge and Bavaria Councils, C. B. L. Union Gorman Benevolent Association Citizens in carriages and on foct."
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"The residences and places of business along the line of march were beauti- fully and artistically decorated with the national colors."
In addition to the exercises given by the pupils, which included singing and recitations, one-minute speeches were made by citizens.
"The one-minute speeches were opened by Principal Gamble, who made some pertin- ent suggestions to parents. He was fol- lowed by Reverend Dr. MoNulty, Reverend E. Meachem, and C. H. McDonald, Captain Inslee, S. B. Hinsdale, William Edgar, C. W. Boynton, J. H. T. Martin, and P. K. Edgar. "
In 1892, during the latter part of November, and the first part of December, a diphtheria epidemio occurred among the school children and the buildings were ordered closed. Dr. Mitchell, State Board of Health Inspector, gave instruc- tions to have the school floors, desks, and all woodwork sprinkled with biohloride of mercury and also:
"to fumigate the school building and water closets with burning sulphur as suggested by Inspector Township Board of Health. "
Schools were to have been opened December 13 by per- mission of State Inspector Mitchell, but another case of diphtheria occurring, they were kept closed until January 3, 1893.
On February 7, 1893 the Trustees met at the school house at 2 p. m. and made an inspection of the exhibit of school
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work being prepared for the State Exhibit at Trenton.
"Among those present was Miss E. Dimmick, a former vice-principal, and Mr. Ellis B. Freeman, who was at one time principal of the Academy District School. "
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CHAPTER VIII Summary THE NEW GRADED SCHOOL
Special meeting of the new district No. 24 was held to consider the location and erection of the new graded school, on October 1, 1875.
Committee reported on January 1876 and the re- port was accepted. Contracts were awarded March 1876, and in July, Mr. Henry Anderson was appointed princi- pal.
A clock and a bell had been purchased.
Dedication exercises were held on January 20, 1877. School notes from the newspaper "Independent Hour" given regarding the new school.
Mr. Hampton Cutter protested the sale of the old school property. First staff of teachers was appointed in 1877.
Rates of tuition were adopted for non-resident pupils. Instructions were given regarding the purchase of school books.
Length of the school year was fixed at ten months in 1879, and the financial report was presented.
Rules governing school discipline were passed in 1881. Trustee C. A. Campbell resigned and Howard
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Valentine was appointed as his successor.
Certification of teachers was considered and rules were passed. Mr. J. H. T. Martin offered prizes for scholarship.
The schoolhouse was draped because of the death of President Garfield. School prizes were awarded in December.
A resolution was passed authorizing certificates of graduation. The first graduation class was awarded diplomas in 1882.
A motion was passed requiring some normal school training of teachers which was to go into effect in September 1884.
Winners of school prizes were announced in 1883. Permission was given for teachers to attend normal school.
School enrollment given as of March 14, 1884. The class graduating in 1884 was awarded diplomas.
Prize lists for the school year ending June 24, 1885 are given.
The annual school meeting was held in March 1886.
It was an unusual type, ministerial speakers being present. The first recorded course of study given in February 1887. Graduating class had diplomas signed March 4, 1887.
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Great interest was shown in the school election of March 15, 1887. A testimonial was directed to be drawn regarding the resignation of Miss M. J. Thomas.
Mr. Alfred H. Wilson was appointed to succeed Miss Thomas on January 21, 1888.
A resolution was passed at the annual meeting of voters, 1888, in appreciation of services of Trustee William H. Berry who had resigned.
Improvements were made in the school equipment in 1889. A system of merits and demerits was introduced by Miss Thomas.
Mr. Joseph H. T. Martin resigned as trustee in March 1889. An advertisement was placed in a New York paper for a teacher.
Principal Wilson was sent to New York to engage a teacher of music in 1890.
National System of teaching music was introduced in September 1890.
School opened at Sewaren with Miss Lucy J. Smith as teacher.
Parochial school opened which decreased enrollment. Mr. Gamble was elected principal to succeed Mr. Wilson.
A new course of study was prepared by Principal Gamble and was adopted by Board, October 18. "Columbus Day" was celebrated October 21 on a grand scale.
CHAPTER IX OTHER TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
30 mich has been said in previous chapters regard- ing the school districts situated within the accepted boundaries of Woodbridge Village, that one is prone to forget that there were other districts within the con- fines of the present township lines.
For many years the growth of the township was cen- tered in Woodbridge proper, making the school population larger and of greater interest to the citizens of thet sec- tion than elsewhere. The proper recording of school tren- sactions was a necessity and was demanded by the intelli- gent taxpayers, resulting in written school minutes that would be a credit to any Board of Education today.
An interview with an old Trustee of one of the early types of school districts elicited the statement that he was clerk of his distriet and never kept any book records; never knew any to be kept, and when the present township system was inaugurated, he turned over a few loose papers to old Doc X at ----. About the only thing he did, so far as he could remember, was to see that the teacher got her warrants. Probably this was true of most of the small school districts.
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The reports of the various State Superintendents of Public Instruction as found in the bound volumes of "Leg- islative Documents" for the different years of the second half of the nineteenth century, give much interesting in- formation regarding the early school districts, drawn from the reports of the Town Superintendents of Schools, and la- tor from the reports of the new County Superintendents who replaced them in 1867.
These Town, or Township Superintendents have been men- tioned in a previous chapter with special reference to those serving Woodbridge.
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