History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 20

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1592

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Prof. Eisele completed the greater part of his studies at a German university and Polytechnic academy, and has won distinction as a teacher both in Europe and America.

The Berlitz School of Languages. - The Berlitz Schools, named after the founder,. Prof. M. D. Berlitz, are now to be found in a number of the larger American cities, and also in Germany and France. The first one was established in May, 1878. The branch at Cincinnati is now located at No. 93 East Fourth street, and is under the directorship of Prof. William Jaeger. In 1893 the school held a summer course, in connection with Belmont College, College Hill.

The Cincinnati Berlitz School was opened November 1, 1891. The attendance during the second year was two hundred and fifty-six pupils. Instruction is given in French, German, Italian, Spanish, and also Latin and Greek. In their pros- pectus the directors of the school publish as follows: "In the Berlitz Method we teach, from the start the various inflections, forms of words and modes of construct- ing sentences, not only systematically, but, as we believe, also in a novel and attractive way. The pupil, without ever conjugating, declining or memorizing grammatical rules, is thoroughly drilled in each inflection and form, before he passes to new ones, and these exercises are continued until all the more important elements of the language have been practiced."

The Bartholomew English and Classical School was established September 21, 1875, for the purpose of offering to girls a course of instruction in the ancient and modern languages, mathematics, natural science, and English, as thorough and broad as is given to boys in schools of the highest grade.

In response to the announcement of the plan proposed, seventy-five applicants presented themselves for classification on the opening day. The average number of pupils for the period of eighteen years has been one hundred and twenty-eight; the highest number enrolled during any one year being one hundred and sixty-nine.

The school is distinctively Christian in its influence and instruction. The form of morning worship is liturgical, as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer of the- Protestant Episcopal Church, including responsive readings from the Scriptures with chants and hymns.

In 1883 the present site of the school at Lawrence and Third streets was secured

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by lease, with privilege of purchase, and a commodious, light and thoroughly ven- tilated building was erected. Every department is now well-equipped for its work, and the best facilities are given to students who desire to complete a liberal course of study, as well as to those who are preparing for the colleges and universities now open to young women. Of the graduates of the school, now numbering one hundred and twenty-six, thirty have entered Vassar, Wellesley, Smith, Bryn Mawr, Girton (England) or the University of Cincinnati. Many others have been stimulated to carry forward their work in particular lines of study, especially in literature, music, and art.

Among those who have been associated with Dr. and Mrs. Bartholomew as in- structors, and who have left the impress of their faithful and efficient work upon the school, may be named Miss Ella M. Liggett, A. M. (Vassar), now principal of a .prosperous school in Detroit; Miss S. R. Steer, whose life has been devoted to edu- cational work in Cincinnati; Miss Annie S. Peck, A. M. (University of Michigan); Miss Elizabeth K. Eaton (Harvard Certificate): Miss Lottie Caldwell (now Mrs. Fred. W. Wood, of Chicago); Albert H. Hoyt, A. M., of Boston, distinguished for his historical research and literary labors and scholarship; Charles M. Hepburn, A. M. (University of Virginia), successor to Mr. Hoyt in the chair of literature and rhetoric; Madame Emilie des Islets, who has been fourteen years at the head of the French department; Madame Helena Klingner, well known as a teacher of the Ger- man language; Miss Mary C. Hoyt, B. S. (Asbury), now Mrs. J. Livington Brown; Miss Carrie M. Wheeler, successor to Miss Steer, and now for ten years principal of the Preparatory department; Miss Ellen C. Hoyt, B. S. (Asbury), now Mrs. John Davis Morgan; Miss Christian S. Bredin, whose art work has already given her first rank among the graduates of the Cincinnati Art School; Miss Anna Poyntz Ander- son (Harvard Certificate); Miss Margaret E. Johnston (Boston School of Oratory).

The home department has been, from the first, a prominent and pleasant feature of the institution. As the number of resident pupils is limited, each one enjoys the personal care, protection and comforts that constitute a delightful home. Constant supervision is given to forming correct habits of study, to courteous manners, to ease of conversation in both English and French, and to the healthy development and moulding of high personal character. At the same time, these students have the advantage of association with day pupils in classes sufficiently large to stimulate them to their best efforts. Careful attention is paid to the laws of health and the physical training of each pupil as her special needs require. The school now enters upon its nineteenth year, strong in the support of its friends and in the loyal devo- tion of its alumnæ.

Thane Miller's Young Ladies' Institute, Mount Auburn .- The Mount Auburn In- stitute, founded in 1856, is in successful operation under the direction of H. Thane Miller and Mrs. Miller, with a Faculty of able, experienced and enthusiastic teach- ers. £ The school is situated on an eminence overlooking the Ohio river, a location unsurpassed for beauty, healthifulness, and of easy access from all parts of the city. The courses of study are broad, systematic and complete, special attention being given to literature, history and the languages. Diplomas are given to graduates, and a post-graduate course is provided for those who desire to pursue their studies further.

The Institute is supplied with an excellent library, and reading rooms, where the best magazines and newspapers are kept on file. The Polymnian Society is an organization conducted by the students for literary and musical culture. Lectures on art, music and belles-lettres are a prominent feature of the Institute, and musi- cal recitals furnish to the students that opportunity for gaining confidence and self- possession so necessary to the proper development and use of musical talent.

The home life of the Institute is desirable in every way, and as the family is limited to twenty-five, each one of the resident students receives individual care and personal attention. The Mount Auburn Institute numbers among its Alumna many

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ladies distinguished both in Cincinnati and in other cities for commanding social posi- tion, and not a few of its members have become well-known as musicians, artists or writers.

Miss Armstrong's School .- In the year 1875, Miss Sarah J. Armstrong, at that time a teacher in the Normal School of Oswego, N. Y., was induced by friends in Cincinnati-who were acquainted with her character and work, and who realized the need in our city of an earnest influence in female education-to come here and establish a school for girls.

A remarkable feature of the school has been its permanent Faculty. No changes have been made in the English department from the beginning, but new members have been added from time to time as growing numbers demanded. Thus, one teacher has been associated with Miss Armstrong from the beginning of the school -eighteen years; a second, sixteen; a third, fifteen; a fourth, thirteen; three others twelve, eleven and seven years, respectively. The location of the school has been twice changed. It opened in the city at No. 180 Elm street. The evident advan- tages of a suburban situation led Miss Armstrong thence to Mount Auburn where, in 1877, she leased the beautiful Reakirt homestead, now torn down and replaced by a row of residences.

The rapidly increasing compactness of Mount Auburn and the growing need for still more room necessitated a second removal in 1888. The school now occupies a charming location in Avondale, on the corner of Main and Linden avenues, formerly the residence of H. T. West. This location combines the advantages of easy access from all directions, pure air, extensive views, large and beautiful grounds, and con- venient proximity to the city. The commodious and elegant mansion of Mr. West is used as the home, and a new building for the school has been added under Miss Armstrong's supervision. This is admirably adapted to its purpose, being spacious, light, airy, well heated, and without fatiguing ascents, as the classrooms are all on the first two floors.

The course of study is comprehensive and systematic, exacting in its require- ments, yet capable of adaptation to individual needs and powers. Recognizing no limit to the capacity and energy of the mind, the teachers discouraged the idea of a "finished" course of study, so flattering to the vanity of a young girl, and so dangerous to her progress. Above, and beyond, the impartment of facts, they strive to give that power and love of mental activity which is a higher educational acquisi- tion and a better preparation for a happy and useful life. Claiming no name but that of school, and conferring no title but that of student, this institution sets no limit to the work which an earnest, bright and persistent girl may accomplish under its guidance.

Miss Nourse's English and French Family and Day School, Walnut Hills. -- Miss Nourse, whose services to the cause of education in Cincinnati deserve the highest commendation, is at the head of a girls' home school, located in an attractive build- ing, erected for school purposes, at No. 804 Gilbert avenue. The school affords preparation for the best colleges, and awards diplomas. It possesses a gymnasium, an excellent private library, and fine facilities for social and literary culture. The instruction in French is regarded as of the highest order. The school is patronized and recommended by many of the most distinguished families of the city. It is at present represented by pupils in the University of Cincinnati, Vassar, Smith and Wellesley.

Madame Fredin's Eden Park School. - " Toujours Mieux," the motto of the Eden Park School for Girls, has been well interpreted and closely followed, as a short sketch of the school will show. The school opened in September, 1881, and was located at No. 15 Morris street: The pupils numbered twenty-three, and were from the best families of Cincinnati. Three years later the number had increased so much as to make it necessary to enlarge quarters, and No. 16 was rented. In

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

1887, to give more room to the pupils, who then numbered sixty, Madame Fredin rented No. 17. Finally, in the summer of 1889, a new building was added to the three houses; this, with a handsome hall, meets all the requirements of light, venti- lation, drainage, etc. The hall, recitation rooms and cloak rooms are all on the first floor. The school proper is entirely independent of the residence, though all four houses communicate with each other.

The school is remarkable for its broad and systematic teaching, Mme. Fredin being herself a teacher of thirty years' experience, an earnest and enthusiastic edu- cator. English composition and literature, history, modern languages and sciences, are taught in all grades, for Mme. Fredin is a strong advocate of the doctrine of de- velopment rather than juxtaposition. Latin is optional, as are also advanced math- ematical studies. The school is unsectarian, but strongly Christian-all teaching being based upon the Scriptures. Mme. Fredin has increased the number of her associates whenever the increase of pupils rendered it necessary, choosing her assist- ants among able and experienced teachers and college graduates. Mme. Fredin does not give diplomas, but prepares young ladies for life, and tries-to realize the desideratum of the Latins-"' Mens sana in corpore sano." A few daughters of gentlemen can find in Mme. Fredin's family a refined home life and the advantages of European education.

The Preparatory Day School, formerly The Central Select School .- The Central Select School -primary and intermediate-for girls and boys, was opened by Misses E. B. and L. W. Huntsman in September, 1879, it being the "pioneer " among thie private schools of Cincinnati to continue co-education through a course of study be- yond the primary grades. The school was opened and was continued in the interest of such parents as hold in favor of the system of co-education, and who esteem a thorough "grading " according to individual attainments in the primary and inter- mediate grades as the surest way of laying a good foundation for an academic course of study. The success of the school more than realized the hopes of its originators.

In September, 1893, Miss E. B. Huntsman, principal of the Central Select School, having discontinued regular teaching. Miss L. W. Huntsman opened a preparatory school for upper primary and intermediate classes, regularly "graded" according to the public-school course of study. It is guaranteed that pupils in good standing in any of the classes named will be prepared to enter a corresponding class in any school, public or private, if a change be unavoidable before the full "course" is completed. The school is located at No. 134 Locust avenue, Walnut Hills. Both girls and boys are admitted to its privileges.

The Hillebrand School for Boys and Girls. - For more than twenty years Miss Hillebrand and Miss Gardthausen's English, German and French boarding and day school for boys and girls has been an institution in Cincinnati. Established in 1872, it was kept on Clark street until 1889. It is now located at No. 299 McMillan street. Walnut Hills. The aim of this school is not only to impart intellectual cult- ure to the pupils. but also to develop their moral faculties. Instruction is given in all the English branches of study. German and French resident teachers offer to the pupil every opportunity of acquiring a thorough knowledge and practical use of the German and French languages. The classical and mathematical studies are under the charge of a resident Harvard graduate. Special attention is paid to vocal and instrumental music. The excellent repute of this school may be inferred from the fact that it is vouched for by Hon. Carl Schurz, New York ; Judge Taft, Sr., Cincinnati; Ph. H. Hartmann, Cincinnati consul of the Netherlands; A. E. Wilde, foreign bookseller, Cincinnati; Dr. Wise, rabbi, Cincinnati; Edwin L. Godkin, editor of The Nation, New York, and Messrs. Ax and Gail, Baltimore, Maryland.

Miss Lupton's School. - A school for girls was established in 1881 by Miss Storer and Miss Lupton. Besides serving the purpose of a broad general culture, it has always given especial opportunity for college preparation. In this work it has been

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very successful. A number of pupils have taken the Harvard examinations, receiv- ing certificates for several subjects; and others have passed without conditions the entire examination which admits to Harvard University, Vassar College, the Cin- cinnati University and the Chicago University.

In 1886, Miss Storer withdrew from the school, and since that time Miss Lupton alone has conducted the school, removing its location from the Cocknover House on Seventh street to Mt. Auburn. It is centrally situated at No. 44 East Auburn avenue, within convenient access from the Sycamore and Vine street cables, and the Mt. Auburn Electric road, and from the Oak street station of the Cincinnati Northern railroad. Prof. George Schneider is in charge of the piano department of the school, and Miss Newton conducts the water-color painting classes. Afternoon classes of ladies and girls out of school are formed for the special study of English or the sciences. The boarding department of the school is at Miss Lupton's resi- dence, No. 31 Bellevue avenue.

The Misses Harbaugh's Family and Day School for Girls and Boys (Misses Joanna V. S., Margaret E., and Mary F. Harbaugh) is located on East Walnut Hills, at the northeast corner of McMillan street and Madison road. It was estab- lished by F. Eugenia Fisher in 1888, and conducted successfully under her man- agement until 1892, when she was succeeded by the Misses Harbaugh. There are three departments: Primary, a three years' course; Preparatory, a. three years' course; Academic, a four years' course, In the academic department there are two courses, the English and the Classical. The Classical affords thorough preparation for any of the colleges which admit women. The English offers to those who are not preparing for college broader courses in history, literature and science, than are afforded by the Classical course. In the English course two languages in addi- tion to English may be elected, one is required to continue through the Academic department. If begun in the last year of the Preparatory department the language elected may become an optional study after the third Academic year. The study and practice of the English language is a special feature of the school. Classical and modern languages receive careful attention. The Art department offers thorough instruction in drawing and painting. Pupils in piano music are instructed by a skilled teacher. Lectures on topics connected with the regular class work are given from time to time. The aim is to furnish thorough instruction after the most approved methods. Children are received at six years of age. Boys may remain in the school until ten years old. Classes are arranged for those wishing to pursue special studies. This school has successfully introduced Swedish Wood Sloid.

Miss Butler's School for Girls was opened in 1892, and reopened September 27, 1893. The proprietor and directress is Miss Sarah Butler, formerly connected with Miss Lupton's school. The aim of the school is to develop the mind and character of the pupils, and to train them to careful and systematic habits of study by a con- stant cultivation of concentration and application. As far as possible, it is desired to reduce home study and to have the instruction given by the teachers; with this aim in view, some time for study is given to each pupil during school hours; this time, if properly used, is sufficient for the preparation of all the work required of the younger pupils. From the beginning of the course, constant practice is given in the correct use of spoken and written English, and, in all departments, written exer- cises are criticised in regard to the manner in which they are expressed. The work in reading is designed to form the foundation of a later study of history and litera- ture. In all departments the constant aim is to have the pupils learn to depend upon themselves, to do their own work and to form careful habits of thought. Every effort is made to have the work thorough and progressive. Pupils are fitted for entrance into the University of Cincinnati, or any institution of similar requirements. Especial attention is given to children who have just passed the Kindergarten age In addition to the English branches, German, French and Latin are taught. The

Richard Nelson

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schoolhouse is centrally situated, on Oak street, the fifth door from the Reading road, and is easily accessible from Mt. Auburn, Walnut Hills and Avondale.

OTHER SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES.

Mrs. Westendorf's School of Elocution .- Mrs. Katharine Westendorf, whose special training in voice culture and the art of expression was obtained of the best teachers in the East, started a school entirely devoted to reading and elocution, in Cincinnati, in 1874. Having subsequently graduated from the Boston School of Oratory, she resumed her chosen work in her native city, and was called to the department of elocution in the College of Music, in its first Faculty. About the year 1882 she withdrew from the college, and organized a school on Ninth street. Of this school the principal of the Chickering Institute wrote in June, 1882: "It is ten years since Mrs. Katharine Westendorf first entered upon the work of elocution in Cincinnati. She started out very quietly and modestly, and has gradually won

her way to her present rank as an authority in her specialty. She is a diligent stu- dent, and has made a close, scientific and philosophical study of her art. The aim of the school just opened on Ninth street is not to make recitationists and declaimers of pupils, but to correct their individual faults and supplant them by a knowledge of the inherent laws of expression, through gesture, voice and speech. Those who are the best acquainted with Mrs. Westendorf's system esteem it highly, because it gives a dignity and vast educational importance to a subject hitherto much abused by a mountebank horde of so-called elocutionists. It is not Mrs. Westendorf's inten- tion to create a sensation. The work she proposes to do is radical, earnest and con- scientious. Her quiet, impressive mode of training is in strong constrast with the stormy and insincere spouting of the old school."

The school grew and prospered, and is now one of the established institutions of the city. From the latest prospectus issued by its enterprising head we take the following:

" Historic outline of the school .- The school of elocution is essentially a Cincin- nati institution. Since its modest beginning in the 'School of Reading,' in 1874, its influence has quietly made itself felt throughout the country. Many of its rep- resentatives are filling responsible positions in public and private schools, colleges and universities, not only in this city and throughout the State, but in the east, west and south as well, while some of the recognized teachers of the oratoric and dra- matic schools of Boston and New York received their training in the School of Elocution of this city. The pulpit, the rostrum, and the stage have received worthy additions from among some of its earnest young men and women students. During the first ten years the founder of the school devoted much time to teaching in schools and colleges in the city and throughout the State. The work growing steadily, however, necessitated concentration, to which end a suitable place was found, and in 1882 the 'School of Elocution' was informally established at No. 138 West Ninth street. The success of the school was assured, and before long it became apparent that what were regarded as very desirable and commodious quar- ters, were entirely unsuitable and outgrown. In the city proper, the noise from increasing traffic, granite streets, and cables did not encourage the permanent estab- lishing of a school, where speech and voice work were conducted almost every hour of the day. The suburbs, therefore, were the only resource, and a building, suit- able in every respect, was accordingly planned and constructed to meet the needs of the school, so that now, in 1892, after nearly twenty years of substantial growth, it has entered upon what may be termed its third period, enlarged, beautified, and with nobler promise for good than ever before."

The Phonographic Institute .- This Institute was established in Cincinnati by Benn Pitman in the year 1853. The Institute was at first, as its name implies, a school for the teaching of phonography, or Pitman's Phonetic Shorthand-instruc-

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tion being given by both Mr. Pitman and his wife-and it retained the character of a school more or less distinguished for a score of years.

In 1854, only one year after the establishment of the Institute, Mr. Pitman found it necessary, because of the insufficiency of the English text books for American use, to publish a "Reporter's Companion," containing the then best development of phonography for verbatim reporting, and this work was the first of the famous series of text-books which has held such a high place in the estimation of American short- hand writers, and which presents in its original purity what the Commissioner of Education at Washington has lately called "The American system of shorthand." The popularity of the text-books soon reached a point which made their publication and sale the chief business of the Institute, and the dissemination of phonography within its walls by personal instruction gradually fell into the background, until with the death of Mrs. Jane Pitman, in 1878, it was suspended altogether. In 1881 Jerome B. Howard was admitted to a partnership with Mr. Pitman, and assumed the business management of the Institute, assisting Mr. Pitman, moreover, in a complete and thorough-going revision of the series of text- books. Since this revision the sale of the books has increased to a phenomenal extent, the annual issue of the " Manual of Phonography " being at the present time over thirty thousand copies. In 1892 the Phonographic Institute Company was incorporated, for the purpose of taking over and carrying on the business theretofore conducted by Messrs. Pitman and Howard, who became the president and general business manager, respectively, of the new company. In organizing the company the following was stated by the incorporators as being among the objects of the corporation : " The dissemination of the knowledge and practice of phonography by means of schools by it organized and conducted." Acomprehensive plan was matured for the re-establishment of the Phonographic Institute as a school of phonography of the most modern and com- plete type.

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History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 20

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1592

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1592