USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920, Volume I > Part 24
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ACADEMIES AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Little is known of the early private schools of New Brunswick pre- vious to the beginning of the nineteenth century. From 1800 to 1850, private schools were taught by Charles Poole, Samuel Seymour, Charles Burnham, John G. Tarbell, Charles Spaulding, Luke Egerton, Aaron Slack, Thomas Hobart, Benjamin Mortimer, Miss Mclaughlin, Miss Sally Vickers, Mrs. and Miss Bell, Miss Johnson, Abram Ackerman, Samuel Walker and Professor David Cole. Boys were mostly the pupils, but some of the schools taught boys and girls. As teacher of girls exclusively during this period, mention is made of Miss Hays, Madam McKay, Miss Nancy Drake, Miss Whiting and Miss Hannah Hoyt.
One of the earliest private schools in the city was known as the "Lancasterian." By the will and testament of William Hall in 1803, after various bequests, the remainder of his property was left in trust to be expended in educating poor children in the city of New Brunswick.
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This trust amounted to about $4,000, and by an act of the Legislature a board of trustees was created. This board had its first meeting June 8, 1809, but it was not until April 16, 1814, that the first teacher, Shep- hard Johnson, was appointed. A building known as the Queen's College was removed to Schureman street, and on June 1, 1814, the school was opened with thirty-five free and six pay pupils. The school was con- ducted for many years on the "Lancasterian or Monitorial plan." Mr. Johnson resigned November 20, 1816, and Henry B. Poole was appointed his successor. The latter resigned June 30, 1818, and was succeeded by Zerophon T. Maynard. His successor was Mr. Harrison, who retained the position of principal until the close of 1831, and February 25, 1832, Elihu Cook was appointed to the place. He resigned in 1838 and A. W. Mayo became principal. The school was temporarily sus- pended in 1853, remaining closed until December 1, 1855, when Mr. Mayo again took charge of the school, which flourished for over a quarter of a century, but finally succumbed to the public school system.
The private schools of to-day consist of the Rice Industrial Literary Institute, conducted by Ellen M. Rice, on Comstock street; the Misses Anable's School on Bayard street ; and the Rutgers Preparatory School on College avenue. There are also the parochial schools in charge of Sisters of Charity, connected with the Roman Catholic parishes of St. Peter, Sacred Heart, St. John the Baptist, St. Lanislaus, and St. Agnes Academy.
There were in the other towns of the county in early days, before the introduction of public schools, academies supported by contributions from the inhabitants of the towns. Among these was the Woodbridge Academy, which was built in 1793 and gained a farfamed notoriety. It was built by Jonathan Freeman at a total cost of £ 342 2s. and 4d. Many of the early residents of the county were educated at this institution. The building was finally sold in 1851, the site being utilized for the erection of a district school. Another noted academy located in Wood- bridge was opened as a high school in 1822 by Professor James Schuyler ; this school was attended by scholars from neighboring localities. It was first known as Elm Tree Inn, but its name was afterwards changed to Elm Tree Institute.
OLDEN TIME SCHOOL
EAGLE
THE OLD STAGE COACH Reproductions from old engravings
CHAPTER XX. PUBLIC EDUCATION-THIRTY-THREE YEARS GROWTH OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, N. J.
NOTE-For more than a half a century, the Public Schools of Middlesex County have been under the superintendency of father and son, Rev. Ralph Willis and H. Brewster Willis. By reason of this unusual circumstance, I have been induced to write this brief sketch of the Public Schools of Middlesex County, keeping in mind those who have rendered more than ten years of public school service continuously in supervisory, teaching and administrative positions in the same district. It is quite pos- sible that some names of those worthy, and some important facts have been omitted; if so, I trust the omission will be forgiven, as I have sought the fullest information.
School service is a patriotic service. The preservation and continuation of our present form of government depends very largely upon the public schools of our land. It is high time that more public appreciation should be expressed of the service ren- dered by those working in the Second Line of National Defense.
July I, 1920, New Brunswick, N. J.
H. BREWSTER WILLIS.
Ralph Willis was appointed Superintendent of Schools of the County of Middlesex more than fifty years ago by Governor Joel Parker, about the time the Legislature discontinued local township school superin- tendents. For a period of twenty years he continued in office, improving the County Public School System, a record of which may be found in the Annual State School Reports.
In his last report to the State Board of Education the following appears: "I retire from the office with a grateful sense of the honor conferred upon me by so many reappointments; with a consciousness of honest efforts in the performance of my duties; and with pleasant memories of the respect and kindness of all with whom I have been officially connected." His official mantle fell upon the shoulders of his son, H. Brewster Willis, in 1887.
He died March 17, 1895, highly esteemed by all who knew him, as a faithful and successful school official.
In 1897, County Superintendent H. Brewster Willis attempted to have the United States Flag float from every school house in Middlesex county. He discovered that the school law would not permit the Boards of Education to expend public school money for United States Flags. Upon this discovery, a campaign was conducted among the Boards of Education, teachers and pupils, and, through entertainments and dona- tions, the school districts raised the sum of $3,000, which amount pro- vided United States flags of varied dimensions and quality, to every public school property in the county.
In 1898, the County Superintendent drew an amendment to the school law, which included the purchase of United States Flags among the items which the Board of Education might purchase out of the fund for current expenses. This amendment became a law, and the purchase
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of United States Flags was made permissible by Boards of Education out of school funds. In 1900, by a further Act of the Legislature, the Boards of Education were compelled to purchase United States Flags and display the same upon or near each public school property, each school day and at such other times, as said Board of Education deemed proper.
Correspondence with the Secretary of State of the respective States of the Union in 1898, revealed the fact that Middlesex county was the first county to uniformly display the United States Flag over all its school houses, and that the State of New Jersey was the first State to require by law the United States Flag to float upon or near every public school building in the State.
City of New Brunswick-In the very early days there was established a free-school, conducted under the Lancasterian Plan. This famous school was located in the old four-room wooden building on Schureman street. Part of the building was occupied as the living quarters of the teachers.
Under the township act, the New Brunswick schools were known as School District No. 1. In 1890, and since that date, modern ward schools have been erected.
At the present time this city has six large graded elementary schools, well equipped ; Junior High, and a most modern Senior High School, comparing favorably with any high school in the State in a city of the same population. The graduates of eight elementary schools in dis- tricts immediately surrounding the city, attend this high school. The graduates of the Senior High School are admitted on certificate to the leading colleges and universities. At this date the teaching force num- bers 175, exclusive of a number of evening school teachers and those who are teachers in classes for foreign born residents. The total enroll- ment is about 5,400 pupils. Population 32,779. A large number of the school population attend the excellent Parochial Schools.
Among the City Superintendents who have rendered valuable serv- ice in the development of the city school system, might be mentioned Henry B. Pierce, Charles Jacobus, Ellis A. Apgar, George G. Ryan, William Clinton Armstrong, George H. Eckels and the present City Superintendent, Ira T. Chapman.
Among the teachers who have served continuously in the city system for many years are Misses Eleanor S. Lott, Anne Castner, Cecelia Bou- dinot, Mary Castner, Cornelia Schroeder, Amanda Voorhees, Annie Rastall, Grace E. March, Carolyn Plechner, Emma A. McCoy, Saidee Felter, Josephine Masso, Angie Wray, Blanche Johnston, Mr. Henry Miller, Miss Sarah O. Whitlock, Mr. George W. Wilmot, Misses Susie Crabiel, Saidee A. Smith, Chrissie Bartle, Jessie M. Gray, Selma Erick- son, Margaret Wall, Bertha Dewald. Permelia Wray, May U. Bogan,
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Maude Hart, Suzanne J. Price, Martha Dewald, Mr. George H. Brooks, Misses Faye Van DeVenter, Helen Morrison, Jessie Morrison, Myra Selover, Katherine Boudinot, Mrs. Kate C. Marsh (formerly Miss Kate C. Garland) ; Misses Marjorie Deshler, Sadie Leary, Elsie Dunham, Mrs. Josephine de Percin (formerly Miss Josephine Paulus); Misses Edith Richardson and Laura Hughes.
Many of the most distinguished professional and business men have served long and well upon the Board of Education, among those who have served for a period of ten years or more, mention might be made of Garret Conover, John Cheeseman, Thomas N. Doughty, John S. Stew- art, Abram R. Provost, Robert L. Hoagland, John Helm, Joseph Eldridge, E. Leon Loblein, Charles E. Tindell, James A. Morrison, Henry G. Parker, Anthony Viehman, A. L. Smith, Otto O. Stillman, George C. Ludlow, Theodore G. Nelson, Henry R. Baldwin, Robert J. Smith and A. W. Winckler. It is worthy of note that H. B. Zimmerman, Nelson Dunham and Henry L. Janeway each served for a period of twenty-two years, and that Morris Bauer has been connected with the Board of Education of the city for a period of twenty-four years.
The sum of $408,340 has been raised for the next school year, which is an indication of progress. The school system is up-to-date, and with the completion of the school buildings now being erected, the citizens of New Brunswick may justly be proud of its educational privileges.
City of Perth Amboy-While private schools were maintained for the children of the well-to-do, education in the public schools was some- what delayed. A private school was established in the early days in what was known as the "State House," then the home of the Governor of East Jersey, and later known as The Westminster.
The earliest record of an attempt to found a system of public schools is contained in a minute of a public meeting, bearing date January 9, 1788. The work of the public schools was carried on for many years in the City Hall, or in rented rooms, until 1780, when the first public school building was erected, and in a greatly enlarged capacity still serves, and is known as School No. I.
In 1895, the city took on a new life, and its growth developed a fine system of schools consisting of thirteen large, well equipped elementary schools and an up-to-date, capacious High School. Pupils from sur- rounding districts enjoy the privileges of the High School. Graduates of the High School are admitted on certificate to twenty-two colleges and universities. The teaching corps numbers over two hundred, and the total enrollment is thought to be 8,500. Population 41,707.
Charles C. Hommann, James S. White, Adrian Lyon and Samuel E. Shull have rendered valuable service as City Superintendents. Mr. Shull has been City Superintendent continuously for a period of twenty- five years, and his leadership is very generally recognized.
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It is worthy of note that the following named have taught for many vears: Miss M. Emma MacWilliam, Mr. Edgar H. Kleinhans, Mr. Charles Dietz, Misses Jennie Pemberton, Anna Joslin, Mary P. Meade, Grace Hawk, Edith L. Sofield, Mr. Joseph F. Walker, Misses Harriet Fraser, Katharine McCormick, Mary Morris, Lillian E. Fretz, Mary E. Hansen, Grace Carman, Anna Major, Agnes Hardiman, Nellie Shean, Ida B. Miller, Mamie B. Miller, Alice Hegstrom, Sue Franke, Rose McCormick, Rose M. Blume, Genevieve Frank, Bertha Oxenford, Blanche Van Syckle, Margaret Connor, Caroline Kimball, Mr. Henry S. Hulse, Mr. Will W. Ramsay, Misses Augusta D. Martin, Wealthy D. Heinzleman, Pauline Philo, Margaret J. Slugg, Ellen M. Ostrye, Lillian M. Canse, Margaret E. Boughton, Ingeborg Oksen, Margaret Martin, Harriet H. Meade, Alice M. Clack, Philomena Martin, Emma Clausen, Bertha Brown, Helena M. Wright, Ruth W. Hancock, Lucy Woglom, Leisa F. Henry, Mabel Lanning, Elsie J. Snyder, Besse R. Hunter, Jetta Stacey, Florence Leathers, Florence Garretson, Virginia Miller, Leila Arnold, Katharine A. Martin, Harriet Webster, Esther Laurey, Mr. Mark R. Lefler, Mr. Glenworth Sturgis, and Miss Mabel E. Treen.
Mr. John K. Sheehy has served as a member of the Board of Educa- tion for ten or more years and as president of the Board for a number of years. The sum of $200,000 for maintenance has been raised for the next school year. The public school system of the city of Perth Amboy has kept pace with its remarkable growth.
City of South Amboy-For many years the town of South Amboy comprised two school districts, each containing one school building, in the township of Sayreville, viz., Park School and Raritan School. One of the original school buildings is still in use, however, very much enlarged and modified.
In 1880 the town of South Amboy became a borough, and in 1908 the borough was incorporated into the city of South Amboy, and recently School No. I has been remodeled into a fine high school build- ing, with all modern facilities and containing a junior and a senior high school department. At this date the teaching force includes thirty or more teachers, exclusive of the vocational evening school teachers. The school enrollment has reached about nine hundred. This is exclusive of pupils attending large Parochial Schools. Population 7,897.
In considering the names of those who were in school supervisory positions in this municipality, should be mentioned the names of James Corkery, Miss Kate McCoy, Miss Mary Thomas, R. M. Fitch, and City Superintendent O. O. Barr, who has been in charge of the city schools for the past six years.
Among the teaching corps who have served continuously for many years are Misses Laura Rutan, Kate C. Bogart, Katharine O'Connor, Mary J. Watson, Mary E. Buchanan, Mrs. Florence Matteson (formerly
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Miss Florence Coker), Misses Helen Brown, Martha Buchanan, Ruth Campbell, Edna M. Agan, Margaret Gallagher, Cecilia McGonigle, Helen Applegate and Mary Mack.
The two names that stand out conspicuously as school board men who have rendered long and valuable service are Frank E. DeGraw, who served eighteen years; and Alonzo L. Grace, who gave his services for eleven years. The last appropriation for school purposes called for $42,250. Under the recent administration the school system of this municipality has greatly improved, and the quality of the high school work is recognized in college entrance examinations.
Borough of Dunellen-In the beginning of the last half century, the school district of Dunellen possessed a one-room school on the site of the present Whittier School. In 1880 this building was added to and remodeled into a modern four-room school building, with greatly increased school facilities.
In 1885 the village of Dunellen was formed into a borough from the township of Piscataway.
Quite recently the Lincoln School building was erected, providing eight very desirable school rooms, and at the present time the Whittier School building is being again enlarged at a cost of nearly $100,000. Upon the completion of this building the borough of Dunellen will have two very excellent elementary school buildings. The school enrollment of the borough is about 700 pupils, and those who complete the eighth year are permitted to attend the Plainfield High School. Population 3,394.
Among the school supervisors of recent years in this borough, we recall E. W. Oley, Lester Meseroll, Guy H. Rentschler and M. Burr Mann, who has been supervising principal for the past two years. The teachers who have served long and well in this district are Misses Imo- gene Smith, Fannie Smith, Ritie G. Brokaw, E. May Higgins, Ethel C. Rogers and Mary H. Lindsley.
Among the school board men who have given their services for more than ten years are August F. Todd; Arthur J. Hanley and Theodore W. Day. who has just completed his twentieth year of service on the Board of Education.
The appropriation made for the current expenses for the coming school year of this district is $28,400. The school facilities of this munici- pality are quite up-to-date, especially with the privilege of sending eighth year pupils to so excellent a high school as Plainfield maintains.
Borough of Helmetta-The growth of the Helmetta school shows a progressive transition from a one-room frame building, erected in 1885, to a new brick building of modern construction containing five rooms, erected in 1912.
The school of Helmetta was one of the first propositions considered
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by Mr. George W. Helme when he built the early snuff mills in the vil- lage of Helmetta, said to be named after Mr. Helme and one of his daughters. The founder of the village of Helmetta was very greatly interested in public education, and the George W. Helme Company has always befriended the public school interests of the borough and county generally.
Originally, this district was a portion of East Brunswick township, and was known as School No. 74. In 1888 it became a borough. The school facilities are considered among the best in the county. It has approximately 200 school population, and transports its eighth year pupils to the Jamesburg High School, upon the completion of the ele- mentary school course. Population 687.
The school supervision has been in charge of Miss Lizzie F. Straub for the past thirty years, and her faithfulness and usefulness have been recognized and appreciated by the citizens of the borough. The teach- ers who have served faithfully for a number of years are Mrs. Jessie R. Colburn (formerly Miss Jessie R. Henkel), Misses Alida E. Franklin and F. Lillian Franklin.
Among the School Board men who have given their services for over ten years are Clinton M. Clemmons, Robert J. Franklin, Sr., Walter B. Helme, James Deming, and Chester A. Burt, who served for a period of twenty-one years The names of Welcome G. Clemmons and William H. Clemmons will always be associated with Helmetta schools.
Appropriation has been made for current expenses for the coming school year of $6,000. For a borough of its size, its school facilities compare very favorably with others, and is likely to do so as long as the George W. Helme Company officials reside in the borough.
Borough of Highland Park-The first public school in Highland Park was organized in 1885 in a private house, with Miss Chrissie Bartle as the first teacher. In 1886 a one-room school building was erected on the site of the present Lafayette School. From time to time, by reason of the increased school population of the borough, additional rooms and wings were added until at the present time the Lafayette School is a large, well-equipped elementary building with spacious grounds. Quite recently two new buildings of modern type, of four rooms each, known as the Hamilton and Irving Schools, have been erected, and yet the school accommodations are wholly inadequate.
The borough was formed in 1905, since which time a very unusual growth in school population has taken place. The erection of a new up-to-date building with a spacious auditorium and gymnasium is now being contemplated to fill a much needed want. It is quite likely that the school population of the borough of Highland Park has increased in a larger percentage than any other district in the county within the past decade, with the exception of one district. The district furnishes very
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excellent elementary school privileges, and sends those leaving the elementary school to the New Brunswick High School, where they have very excellent instruction. The enrollment is nearly 900 school chil- dren. Population 4,866. The corps of teachers at present number over thirty.
Among those who have had a leading part in the school supervision of the borough are Thomas G. Van Kirk, J. A. Wilson, Justin Warbasse, Frank E. Spring, and F. Willard Furth, the present supervising principal. Misses Mabel W. Stoothoff, Blendina Smock and Bertha Snediker have served for a number of years faithfully in the school system. Among the School Board men who have rendered faithful and efficient service for a number of years, the name of Condit S. Atkinson is most fre- quently mentioned
The sum of $67,800 has recently been appropriated for current school expenses for the coming school year. The borough is growing in leaps and bounds and its citizens are ambitious to keep pace in educational matters. Considerable community school work is being well directed by school organizations.
Borough of Jamesburg-In 1887 the village of Jamesburg was incor- porated into a borough out of a portion of the territory of the township of Monroe.
For more than thirty years pupils attended the one-room school located on the Old Englishtown road. Later a two-room building was erected on a lot adjoining the Presbyterian church. This building was destroyed by fire. A two-room building was erected where the elemen- tary school building now stands. By reason of the growth of the bor- ough and the appreciation of the course of instruction by those living outside of the borough, not only the elementary school facilties have been greatly enlarged, but a modern high school has been erected. The high school diplomas are recognized by the normal schools and col- leges. The school population of the municipality is about 700. Popu- lation 2,671.
Charles Stout, Forman Coosaboom and Curtis A. Deveney have had charge of the school supervision of the borough for a number of years. Mr. Deveney, the present supervising principal, has been at the helm for the past fifteen years, and his good work is generally recognized. Among the teachers who have rendered a considerable term of service are Charles L. Stout, Misses Maggie Pownall, Blendina Smock and Hilda Baremore. John H. Baremore has been a valuable member of the School Board for more than thirteen years, and John Waddy has rendered efficient service as a School Board man for more than twenty years.
The appropriation for the ensuing year for current school expenses is $17,843. By reason of the large elementary school population the
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Board of Education has decided to build another modern school building at a cost of $85,000, adjoining the present high school building. Not less than seven borough and township school districts adjoining and surrounding the Jamesburg High School transport in large numbers the graduates from the eighth year. This school under the present effi- cient management offers very excellent high school facilities.
Borough of Metuchen-Many years ago the present school district of the borough of Metuchen was known as Franklin School District, No. 15, township of Raritan, and the building was known as the Franklin Civic House, a one-story building with one room. This large room was divided into two rooms, one of which was used by the Presbyterian con- gregation for weekly prayer meetings, and the other for public school purposes. In 1872 a two-story frame building was built on the site of the present high school building, and in 1907 the present high school building was erected. More recently, Mr. Charles S. Edgar, now deceased, donated a plot of ground containing seven acres for school purposes, upon which an up-to-date elementary school has been erected and designated as the "Edgar School." These two buildings, together with a movable two-room building, adjoining the high school, furnish very excellent school accommodations, for a school population of about 800 children. Population 3,334.
The names which stand out the most prominently as school super- visors in this district, are A. T. S. Clark, Henry Anderson, and Thomas G. Van Kirk, the present incumbent, who has occupied the position of supervising principal for more than twenty years, serving the township of Raritan for six years and the borough since its formation in 1904. Misses Anna Cheeseman and Martha C. Vogel, and Mrs. Jasper H. Hogan (formerly Miss Emma Siemons), have been faithful and effi- cient teachers in this district for a number of years. Prominent among the School Board men, are the names of Thorfin Tait and that "grand old man," Robert Bruce Crowell, recently deceased, who served on the School Board continuously for nearly half a century.
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