USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Cincinnati, the Queen City, 1788-1912, Volume II > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66
The Young Ladies' Academy of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic institu- tion, a school for Catholic girls. The grounds were bought by the Sisters of Charity in 1851, and the mother house of the order existed there.
The commercial colleges of this city have played a prominent part in the ad- vancement of Cincinnati. Indeed it is asserted that the pioneer in originating the American Business College was a Cincinnatian, Mr. R. M. Bartlett. Born in the east, he tried to found such schools in Philadelphia and in Pittsburgh. Not meeting with encouragement in those cities, Mr. Bartlett came to Cincinnati and here opened Bartlett's Commercial College. While he did not at first gain the sympathy of prominent merchants, he attracted the attention and interest of beginners who had little money or education, many of whom came to him of evenings to seek further training. Ambitious clerks, desirous of rising made themselves his students. Likewise men who had failed but wished to try again took day as well as evening studies. Most of these men desired especially train- ing in double-entry bookkeeping. The teacher used small but complete sets of books, so that his pupil must as he used each set, go through opening, journal- izing, posting and balancing books. Soon young farmers and mechanics joined the classes. Penmanship and business arithmetic was added to the course. The school succeeded remarkably well.
There soon arose rival institutions, among them Gundry's Mercantile College and Bacon's Mercantile College. Certain of these made haste too carelessly, and incapable bookkeepers sent out by them caused a decline in the standing of these colleges.
414
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
Improved conditions began in 1856, under Mr. Richard Nelson, whose plan was to organize the school as a business community, so that every student was individually put through all the business processes. Nelson's Business College of Cincinnati established the actual business method of teaching, which has been adopted by all important business colleges.
There are today the Bartlett Commercial College, Campbell Commercial school, Clark's Commercial College, the Johnston school, the Joyce Business Col- lege, Elizabeth Katzenberger school, the Littleford school, the Mueller School of Business, the Nelson Business College, the Newport Business College, Ernest L. Phifer school, the School of Commerce and Watter's Business College.
Of private schools, the Franklin school, established in 1881, has been and is prominent and successful, having prepared large numbers of students for the greater universities all over the land.
The Bartholomew-Clifton school for girls at Evanswood, Clifton, is important. The H. Thane Miller school for girls has made a great reputation.
The University school, (not connected with Cincinnati University), Avondale, is a fine preparatory school.
The Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, founded in 1851, is the oldest college of pharmacy west of the Alleghany mountains. It is now a department of the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio.
There are large numbers of private schools of business, art, stenography, music, &c.
The Glendale College for women, at Glendale, is one of the old and notable girls' schools of this vicinity. It was founded in 1854 and has had a useful career and is now at the height of its influence. Miss R. Jane De Vore is now its head, with a very capable corps of excellent teachers.
The Cincinnati Kindergarten Association has for its president Miss Annie Laws, for vice presidents and trustees some of the most influential ladies of the city and vicinity.
The training school of the kindergarten is situated in Vernonville, one of Cin- cinnati's most beautiful and accessible suburbs. The building is admirably suited to its use, affording lecture hall, library, class rooms and home accommodations for a family of eight or ten. It has been the privilege of a few students to board at the training school each year.
Arrangements have been made with the University of Cincinnati by which students may take certain courses which will be credited in accordance with university requirements.
The constantly increasing number of public school kindergartens affiliated with the training school afford unusual opportunity for practice work as well as prospective teaching positions at excellent salaries.
Two years' course leading to the regular diploma, and for those having in addition at least two years' college work to the degree of bachelor of arts, awarded by the University of Cincinnati. Special courses of varied length arranged for those desiring general culture or preparation for home-making, settlement work, governess of mission work.
Fifty-seven kindergartens, public school, mission, social settlement and private kindergartens, afford the best opportunity for observation and practice.
415
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
KINDERGARTENS.
There are fifty-seven kindergartens in affiliation with the Cincinnati Kinder- garten Association. These are supported by the association, the Orphan Asylum, the Children's Home, the Elizabeth Gamble Deaconess Home, the Glenn Home, Carthage Board of Education, Lockland Board of Education, Madisonville Board of Education, Norwood Board of Education, Pleasant Ridge Board of Education, St. Bernard Board of Education, Cincinnati Board of Education, and there are three private kindergartens.
The kindergarten work has been carried on in this city for more than thirty years.
The Cincinnati kindergarten training school was organized in 1880, by the Cincinnati kindergarten association, and was incorporated under the laws of Ohio, October 20, 1894.
In the beginning of the fall term of 1905 two important steps were taken in the educational work of the city. The University of Cincinnati, which is a mu- nicipal university, organized a college for teachers, under the joint management of the board of directors of the university and the board of education of the city of Cincinnati. This is a professional school for the training of teachers under university auspices, and in close touch with a large system of public schools.
At the same time an arrangement was made whereby courses in the Cincinnati kindergarten training school were opened to students of the college, who had completed their sophomore year and wished to elect a kindergarten course. Such a course leads to the degree of bachelor of arts in education.
The Cincinnati kindergarten training school had under its supervision at that time twenty-six kindergartens, located in public schools, settlements, missions, institutions, deaconess' homes and private schools.
With the opening of the fall term two kindergartens, one from the Cincinnati kindergarten association and one from the German kindergarten association, were placed, with the directors already in charge, in the Cincinnati public schools as an integral part of the school work.
These were soon followed by the opening of five other kindergartens with kindergarten directors, who, after a preliminary examination, were appointed strictly according to standing.
The merit system prevails in all appointments in the Cincinnati public schools.
The kindergartens established by the board of education now number thirty- nine with a prospect of others being added in the near future, making the kinder- gartens now affiliated with the training number in all fifty-nine.
The effort of the training school is to maintain the freedom, ideals and social advantages of the private training school, while at the same time securing the educational opportunities and benefits of a large university.
Miss Lillian H. Stone, a graduate of Miss Wheelock's training school, and formerly principal of the kindergarten department of the Cortland, New York, state normal and training school, was appointed in 1907, to the position of principal of the training school.
416
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
Miss Grace Anna Fry, who for several years has been instructor of kinder- garten games and rhythms will continue instruction in the training school, and the supervision of kindergartens.
Miss Julia S. Bothwell was appointed as supervisor of public school kinder- gartens in February, 1909, and continues the class in program construction at the training school.
The department of household economics has completed two years' work and will be continued next year under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
For information regarding this course send for circular to registrar.
The affiliation of the kindergarten training school with the university, pub- lic schools and many philanthropic institutions throughout Cincinnati, combine to give exceptional advantages to students, who are thus imbued with the inspira- tion which comes from contact with a large and growing center.
OHIO MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.
The Ohio Mechanics' Institute has long been one of the most famous and useful educational institutions of this city and holds a special place in the interests and hearts of Cincinnatians. The institute is just now, 1911, moving into its new home, at Walnut, Canal and Clay streets, and leaving behind the old familiar structure at Sixth and Vine streets. The new building was erected as a memorial to Mr. Thomas J. Emery by Mrs. Mary M. Emery of this city, and constitutes a noble tribute to the memory of a worthy man.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE.
At a meeting of the citizens of Cincinnati, convened on the evening of October 25, 1828, by a public notice signed by W. Disney, Luman Watson, John P. Foote, and John Locke, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of establishing a mechanics' institute, Luman Watson was called to the chair. Mr. Foote then proceeded to explain the object of the meeting, after which the sub- ject was discussed, and the following resolutions offered and adopted, viz :
That it is expedient for a mechanics' institute to be formed in the city.
That John P. Foote, Luman Watson, John Locke, J. Bonsall, and W. Disney constitute a committee to report a plan for the proposed institute.
That this meeting request Mr. Craig to deliver a discourse on the subject of mechanics' institutes at the next meeting.
That the committee already appointed be authorized to publish the proceedings of this meeting, and convene another by public notice.
On motion, adjourned.
JOHN LOCKE, Secretary.
At a meeting of the citizens, convened agreeably to a resolution of the 25th of October, and held November 20, 1828, the Rev. E. Slack in the chair.
Mr. Craig delivered a discourse on the subject of mechanics' institutes, after which Mr. Foote read the report of the committee appointed at the last meeting, and. on motion, the report was accepted.
CENTRAL FAIRMOUNT PUBLIC SCHOOL
SBLATT.
WLEALY SUNDAY
-
PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1900 Vine near Seventh Street
OLD OHIO MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Sixth and Vine Streets
AVONDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL
417
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
The constitution was read, and, after some amendments, adopted.
The next step was to petition for a charter, which was granted February 9, 1829.
EXTRACT FROM THE CHARTER OF INCORPORATION.
"Section I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That John D. Craig, John P. Foote, Thos. Riley, Luman Watson, Wm. C. An- derson, David T. Disney, George Graham, Jr., Calvin Fletcher, Clement Dare, William Disney, William Greene, Tunis Brewer, Jeffrey Seymour, Israel Schooley, and Elisha Brigham, with their associates, who have associated together in es- tablishing an institution in the city of Cincinnati, for advancing the best interests of the mechanics, manufacturers, and artisans, by the more general diffusion of useful knowledge in those important classes of the community, together with such persons as may hereafter become members and contributors to the same, be and they hereby are, created a body corporate and politic, with perpetual succession, by the name and style of the OHIO MECHANICS' INSTITUTE."
The charter was amended by the legislature of Ohio during the session of 1846-47.
The great work of the Ohio Mechanics' Institute for technical education was inaugurated during the winter of 1828-29. The departments of instruction and the first instructors were as follows :
Chemistry (lectures and experiments)-Dr. Cleveland.
Geometry-Dr. John Locke.
Arithmetic-Mr. John L. Talbott.
In 1831, Mr. Jeptha D. Garrard purchased from Dr. Craig a very valuable collection of mathematical and philosophical apparatus and presented the same to the institute. This gift enabled the instructors to do more effective teaching and attracted a more earnest body of students. The lectures of the new medical college, which had just been established, were also delivered in the hall of the institute.
Among the earliest additions to the corps of instructors was Prof. Stowe of Lane Seminary, who lectured on "The History of Letters" and the Hon. James Hall, who began to labor for the establishment of a library. Dr. Craig became the first librarian and actuary.
In 1838 Mr. J. C. Vaughn was one of the special lecturers and Mr. E. D. Mans- field enlightened the students and the public with an address on the "Mechanic Arts as an essential element in the continued happiness and progressive elevation of the human mind."
Another factor that made the work of the Ohio Mechanics' Institute effective in the industrial development of this city is that of the expositions, which were founded in 1838. Thirty-two of these great enterprises were successfully man- aged. The first eighteen were conducted by the institute alone and the last four- teen with the cooperation of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade. The Centennial Exposition of 1888, marking the close of the first century of set- tlement in the Ohio Valley, terminated the great work.
The Ohio Valley Exposition of 1910, though not under the management of the institute, was nevertheless, to some extent at least, the result of the earlier Vol. II-27
418
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
efforts in that line. Both Philadelphia in 1876 and Chicago in 1893 drew upon Cincinnati for men experienced in exposition affairs.
The building at Sixth and Vine streets was the home of the institute for more than sixty years, the corner stone having been laid on the 4th of July, 1848, and should be remembered that the citizens of Cincinnati under the leadership of Mr. Miles Greenwood provided this house which is now a historic landmark of this city.
In 1856-7 the school of design was established. This department in turn be- came the foundation for the McMicken Art school and led to the development of our present superior art academy and the museum in Eden Park. Instruction in applied art has been continued by the institute to this day and will, with new quarters and better facilities, develop along many lines.
After 1888 the institute pursued its work of instruction in evening classes. Mechanical, architectural and freehand drawing were made a specialty. Math- ematics, elementary physics, applied electricity and at times, languages were taught. For many years the institute provided a course of popular lectures on technical subjects, thus contributing much to he general dissemination of useful knowledge.
During the summer of 1900' the trustees remodeled the old building. Two stories were added and better facilities for laboratory work provided. With this enlarged capacity a day school was made possible. The entire plan of instruction was revised and adapted to modern requirements for technical education. The rapid increase in attendance soon overcrowded the building and the trustees found themselves confronted by the necessity of providing larger accommodations.
In October, 1905, a new building site was acquired. Fortunately this lot at Walnut street and Canal was the location where Mr. Greenwood had carried on his extensive business for so many years.
The problem of securing funds for general expansion was taken hold of by the institute authorities in 1903 and after five years of earnest effort was solved, in a measure, by the generous gift of Mrs. Mary M. Emery, who agreed to pro- vide, as a memorial to her husband, Mr. Thomas J. Emery, the new building, which will be occupied by the institute with the beginning of the school year of 19II-12.
The prospect of canal abandonment and the carrying out of the long-cherished dream of a great central boulevard, by the city of Cincinnati, will place the new institute in a most advantageous location. The proposed subway scheme will provide excellent transportation facilities to students outside of the city and the new Emery auditorium, a part of the institute so closely joined to the industrial activities of the school will assist in creating a center for music and applied art interest second to none in the United States.
CHAPTER XVIII.
LIBRARIES. 1
FIRST LIBRARY IN NORTHWEST TERRITORY FOUNDED IN CINCINNATI IN 1802-LEWIS KERR THE FIRST LIBRARIAN-MILLIONS OF BOOKS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION-THE PUBLIC, LAW, MEDICAL AND OTHER LIBRARIES-SIX CARNEGIE BRANCH LIBRARIES IN THE CITY AND MORE TO COME.
Cincinnati has a respectable share of notable libraries, and these have from early days played a considerable part in its literary and educational advancement. Certain of these are of special value, and the public library of this city has a national standing.
There was founded in Cincinnati in 1802, the first public library in the North- west Territory. On February 13th of that year, a meeting was held at Yeat- man's Tavern to consider this matter, and it was decided by the citizens present that an effort should be made to establish a library. A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions of ten dollars each. The committee consisted of Jacob Burnet, Lewis Kerr and Martin Baum. The form of subscription was as fol- lows: "We, the subscribers, being desirous of establishing a public library in the town of Cincinnati, agree to take as many shares in the stock of such an institution as are annexed to our names respectively, and pay for the same at the rate of ten dollars for each share."
This document is still in existence. Among other signatures found on it are those of General Arthur St. Clair, Peyton Short, Judge Burnet, General James Findlay, Jonathan S. Findlay, Griffin Yeatman, William Ruffin, Joel Wil- liams, Isaac Van Nuys, David E. Wade, Joseph Prince, John R. Mills, John Reily, C. Avery, Jacob White, Patrick Dickey, W. Stanley, Stuart C. Killgore, Martin Baum, Jeremiah Hunt, Lewis Kerr, James Wallace, Samuel C. Vance and Cornelius R. Sedam.
Nine subscriptions were for two shares each. The whole subscription of thirty-four shares amounted to three hundred and forty dollars.
Some books were at once bought. Others were received as gifts. March 6, 1802, the library was opened, with Lewis Kerr as librarian.
It is probable that the existence of this library was brief. In 1809 another movement was made to establish a library. Certain citizens at that time presented a petition to the legislature for an act of incorporation. For some unknown reason this request was refused.
In 1811 Judge Turner led a subscription movement and obtained shares amounting to several hundreds of dollars for the purpose of founding a library. A constitution was adopted and an appeal was made to the legislature for a
419
420
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
charter. In 1812 an act of incorporation was granted for the Circulating Library of Cincinnati. After considerable delay the library was opened in April, 1814. In 1815 this library was prospering and contained about eight hundred volumes. It included Rees' Encyclopedia and Wilson's Ornithology.
In 1815 the library was open one day in each week. The management con- sisted of a president and seven directors. In 1826 this library contained thirteen hundred volumes. At that time it was located in the old College building. It was accessible to the public on Saturday afternoons. The board of directors was compelled to ask the public frequently for money to sustain the institution.
In 1821 there was founded the Apprentices' Library, for the improvement of young mechanics and laborers. In 1826 it had almost as many books as the Circulating Library of Cincinnati. In 1829 this Apprentices' Library had its location in the council chamber. At that period the Cincinnati Library was located on Main street, near Third; the Circulating Library was on Fourth street, be- tween Main and Walnut; and the Sun Library was on Third street, between Main and Walnut streets. In 1841 the Apprentices' Library contained two thousand, two hundred volumes. The circulation of books was about four hundred per week. The librarian received as salary one hundred dollars a year.
In 1818, Elam P. Langdon established the Cincinnati reading room. The Gazeteer of 1819, said in regard to it: "The room is amply furnished with the most respectable news and literary journals in the country; also with maps, European gazettes, etc., etc. It is conducted on a liberal plan, and is a con- venient and pleasing resort for the citizens and strangers who are desirous of noting the 'passing tidings of the times.'" It was located in the rear of the postoffice. Transient strangers in the city had the privilege of its free use. Its existence was brief.
The annual report of the Mercantile Library for 1879 contained a valuable account of its origin and development by John W. Ellis. He wrote: "The Young Men's Mercantile Library Association of New York, which originated in the year 1822, was the pioneer of many similar institutions since formed in the various cities of this country. This association had accomplished so much good as to excite a feeling in favor of establishing similar institutions in other cities. Several prominent young men of Cincinnati had considered this matter, and one or two informal preliminary meetings had been held at which the sub- ject had been discussed, but the formal meeting at which the Young Men's Mer- cantile Library Association was founded, was held on the eighteenth of April, 1835, in the second story of a building then used as a fire engine house, on the north side of Fourth street, two or three doors east of Christ church.
"There were forty-five persons present; nearly all of this number are now dead. So far as I can recollect, the persons now living who were present on that occasion are Messrs. Rowland G. Mitchell, William H. Harrison, Jr., John P. Tweed, James Wiles and myself. I was, probably, the youngest person pres- ent, not much more than a boy. The association was formed and constitution adopted, the members going to work vigorously to get it in shape. As cash in those days was a much scarcer thing than it is now, the salaries of clerks being very small, it worked on very limited means for a long period. It was located
421
CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY
for the first few months in the second story of a building belonging to Mr. Daniel Ames, on the west side of Main street, below Pearl street.
"During the hot summer weather of 1835, not having the means of hiring a librarian, the library was temporarily closed, but opened again in the fall, in the second story of a building belonging to Ross & Geyer, which was located on the north side of Fourth street, just east of Main street.
"For a few months the entire duties of librarian, porter, janitor, etc .. were performed in turn by the officers and directors. They gave out the books, swept the rooms, and cleaned the lamps. There was no gas in those days.
"Donations of money were solicited from merchants, and the sum of eighteen hundred dollars was obtained. By the end of that year, 1835, the library con- tained seven hundred and fifty volumes, and many leading papers were on file in the reading room. In the winter of 1836, Mr. Doolittle was elected librarian, and a special charter for the association was obtained from the legislature.
"For the next three years, viz., 1836-37 and 38, embracing the period of the greatest financial revulsion that ever occurred in this country, not excepting that of 1873, the existence of the institution was constantly imperilled for want of money; and it was only sustained by the constant and untiring exertions of a few gentlemen, who were determined at all hazards to carry it through. They gave their own personal labor and exertions night after night. They advanced money to it; they became security for its debts; and in fact did everything to accomplish a successful result. It might be improper for me to mention the name of any of these young men who thus did so much for the association, as I might do injustice to many who could not be mentioned. There was one per- son, however, who more than all others may be considered the father of the association, and that was Mr. Moses Ranney.
"The hard times growing out of. the panic of 1837 did not cease for several years, and of course affected the means of the members sustaining this associa- tion. The older members will recollect, and others may find out by referring to the minutes, how soliciting committees were appointed every month to save it from sinking.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.