USA > Oregon > Multnomah County > Portland > History of Portland, Oregon : with illustrations and biographical sketches of prominent citizens and pioneers > Part 36
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383
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
and our public schools re-organized, hereby annex our names to a call for a special meeting of the legal voters in this district to con- vene at the school house on First street, on Monday evening, December 18, 1854, at half past six o'clock, then and there to elect, 1-A chairman and secretary of said meeting; 2-A board of three school directors; 3-A district clerk; and to transact such other business, etc. Thomas Frazar, Josiah Failing, H. W. Corbett, W. S. Ladd, P. Raleiglı, L. Limerick, D. Abrams, T. N. Lakin, A. D. Shelby, Anthony L. Davis."
At this meeting Thomas Frazar, W. S. Ladd and Shubrick Norris were elected a board of directors.
In December, 1855, Multnomah county was organized, and in January, following, L. Limerick was appointed county school super- intendent. Horace Lyman and J. M. Keeler, had previously served as county superintendents when this city was included in Washington county.
It is quite probable that L. Limerick taught the first school under this organization. Prior to this time, it appears that the city had been divided into two districts, with Morrison street as the line- north was district No. 1 and south, district No. 2. The board in the south district consisted of Win. Patton, Col. Win. King and E. M. Burton. When this organization was effected it is impossible to ascertain. It had, however, a legal existence during the incumbency of L. Limerick as county superintendent, as a description of its metes and bounds is found in Mr. Limerick's writing. In the fall of 1855, J. M. Keeler just from Forest Grove-Tualatin Acadeiny- tauglit the district school in this district, in the two-story house still standing on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Second streets. He continued here for six months and in April, 1856, the district was again merged into No. 1.
July 7, 1855, Messrs. Frazar, Ladd and Norris advertised for a "competent person to take charge of the Public school in District No. 1. A young lawyer, Mr. Sylvester Pennoyer, had lately arrived in Portland. He had gone from New York to Puget Sound to practice law. Becoming discouraged with the prospect, lie sold his library and started for home. He saw the advertisement and at once [25]
384
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
sought an interview with Mr. Frazar. The result was that he was employed and taught for six months in the "School House." This, we believe, ended Mr. Pennoyer's career as a pedagogue. He subsequently embarked in business; has been a successful merchant; a prominent figure in politics and at present is Governor of Oregon. For over two years after the close of Mr. Pennoyer's school, no record has been found that gives any definite information concerning the public schools of the city. No one seems to have been directly employed by the board to teach until school was opened, May 17, 1858, in the New Central School.
CENTRAL SCHOOL.
After the consolidation of the two districts, in 1856, Col. J. M. Keeler became a zealous advocate of the immediate erection of a suitable school building. At a meeting of the taxpayers, May 12, 1856, to discuss this project, J. Failing, H. W. Davis, Win. Beck, S. Coffin and A. M. Starr were appointed a committee to ascertain the cost of different sites for school grounds. The committee reported in favor of the James Field's block, No. 179, (where the Portland Hotel now stands), which was purchased at a cost of $1,000. On this site a school house known as Central School was erected, at a cost of about $6,000. Here school was first opened May 17, 1858, withi L. L. Terwilliger, principal and Mrs. Mary J. Hensill and Owen Connelly, assistants. Up to July 23d of that year, two hundred and eighty pupils had been enrolled. Of this number but two resided west of Seventh street. Mr. Terwilliger was principal for two and a quarter years; August, 1860, Rev. George C. Chandler, one year; July 22, 1861, G. F. Boynton, nine months; April 30, 1862, O. S. Frambes, one year; March 23, 1863, John McBride, nine months; January 11, 1864, E. P. Bebee, one and a half years; August, 1865, O. S. Frambes, three years; September, 1868, J. W. Johnson, nine months (transferred to High School April 26, 1869); April, 1869, R. K. Warren, two and a quarter years; September, 1871, J. M. Williamson, three years; September, 1874, A. J. Anderson, two years; September, 1876, T. H. Crawford one year; September, 1877, S. W. King, three years; Septein-
385
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
ber, 1880, C. W. Roby, five years. In 1883 the board of directors sold the block upon which the Central School stood to the Northern Pacific Terminal Company for $75,000 on the guarantee that a hotel should be built upon the block within a reasonable time. According to the terms of the sale the school building was to remain the property of the district, but was to be removed from the grounds. This was done a short time thereafter, the building being mnoved to a block immediately north of the old site, owned by Hon. P. A. Marquam, and was here occupied for school purposes until the close of the school year in 1885, when the Park school building was sufficiently enlarged to accommodate all the scholars in the district.
PARK SCHOOL.
In 1878 the city had grown to such proportions that an additional school became necessary. At the annual meeting of the taxpayers, Charles Hodge, Lloyd Brooke and Frank Dekuin were appointed a committee to select a site. This committee recommended the purchase of block 223, known as the Harker Block, for the sum of $12,000. The report was adopted and the board of directors were authorized to purchase the land and proceed with the erection of a building. It was completed in the fall of 1879, and, including an additional room in the basement for a High School Laboratory, its total cost to date is $31,000. It is a twelve-room, two story wooden building with basement. It was first occupied by the High School and eight classes of the Harrison Street School, which were temporarily accommodated while the new Harrison Street School was being erected.
In September, 1885, the Park School was opened as a regular grammar and primary school, with C. W. Roby as principal. Mr. Roby soon after resigned to accept the position of postmaster of Portland, and was succeeded by Mr. Frank Rigler, who remained until 1889, when T. H. Crawford became principal. Twelve assistant teachers are employed.
HARRISON STREET SCHOOL.
Stephen Coffin, one of the original proprietors of Portland, donated to the city the northi half of block 134, between Second and Third
386
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
streets, to be used for school purposes. In January, 1865, this site was exchanged for the north half of block 160, on Harrison street between Fifth and Sixth streets. On this ground a school house was erected, in 1866, at a cost of $9,941. In this building, known as the Harrison Street School, school was convened January 22, 1866, with R. K. Warren, principal and Miss M. N. Tower, Miss V. P. Stephens and Miss M. Kelly, assistants. For the first quarter of the school year there were enrolled 286 pupils.
In 1871 an extension to the building was erected at a cost of $4,995. Six years later two more extensions were added at a cost of $5,840. The entire structure was destroyed by fire on Thursday morning May 29, 1879, but was rebuilt the same year at a cost of $21,800. September 6, 1887, the new building was partially destroyed by fire. Contracts were soon after let for rebuilding, and in January, 1888, the present structure was completed.
Mr. Warren was succeeded as principal in 1867, by J. P. Garlick, who remained one year and for a short period thereafter Mr. Warren again held the position. In April, 1869, I. W. Pratt became principal, a post he has ever since most ably filled.
ATKINSON SCHOOL.
The crowded condition of the public schools in 1866 made the erection of another building a necessity, and the board of directors decided to establish a school in the north part of the city. A block was purchased in Couch's addition on the west side of North Tenth street, between C and D streets. Here, in the summer of 1867, a seven room building was erected, costing over $12,000. School was opened in February, 1868 with, G. S. Pershin as principal, and Misses E. J. Way, A. S. Northrup and Carrie L. Polk, as assistants. During the first quarters there were enrolled 216 pupils. In 1877 two wings were added to the building at a cost of $4,121 and in 1888, on the same block, a two-story, four-room building was erected, costing $8,419.
G. S. Pershin was principal two and a half years; T. H. Craw- ford, two years; S. W. King, one year; W. W. Freeman, three years;
387
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
R. K. Warren, one year; E. E. Chapman, one year; Miss Ella C. Sabin, eleven years. Miss Ruth E. Rounds, the present principal, began work here in 1888. She is assisted by fifteen teachers.
"Atkinson" school was named in honor of the late Rev. George H. Atkinson. It was for several years known as the North school.
HIGH SCHOOL.
This department of the school system of Portland was instituted in 1869. On April 26, of that year, the plan took definite shape and a High school was organized with quarters on the second floor of the North school building, with J. W. Johnson as principal and Miss M. N. Tower (Mrs. F. K. Arnold), as assistant. In December, 1873, this department was transferred to the second story, north wing, of the Central building and in October, 1874, it was removed to the second floor of the new addition. In September, 1879, it was moved to the second floor of the Park school. Here it was conducted until the completion of the present High School building.
This building was begun in 1883 and finished in 1885. It is a brick structure and located on a block bounded by Twelfth, Morrison, Lownsdale and Alder streets. The style is what is known as the Transition or Semi-Norman, which prevailed during the reign of Henry II and Richard I. Architecturally it presents a most pleasing appearance, while for the purposes intended it is one of the best arranged buildings on the Pacific coast.
It is 140x200, in dimensions, and the main building is three stories, besides a basement and attic in height, while two towers adorn the front of the building, one 168 and the other 140 feet in heiglit. On the first floor are six class rooms, one recitation room and a library; on the second floor six class rooms, a recitation room, museum, High school library, superintendent's and principal's offices; on the third floor two class rooms, art room, model room, laboratory, dressing room and assembly hall. The basement story is divided into four play roomns. The principle, upon which light, ventilation and heating are secured, is such as is approved by the best authorities on such matters, and it is believed the building, in these regards, is as nearly perfect as any school structure in the country.
388
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
The building was projected under the directorship of John Wilson, Charles Hodge and William Wadhams, in March, 1883. Mr. Hodge dying March 30, 1883, James Steel was elected to fill the unexpired terin of one year. William Stokes was employed as architect, under whose direction the entire work was designed and completed. The cost of the block was $30,000 and the building over $130,000.
At the close of the first terin of the High school in 1869, Miss Tower resigned and Miss M. M. Morrison filled her place until November, 1869, when Miss M. A. Hodgdon was elected first assistant. Mr. Johnson's acknowledged ability and earnestness, supplemented by Miss Hodgdon's efficiency and long experience in teaching, laid the foundation for a higher education which had long been demanded by the intelligent people of Portland. In 1872, Alexander Meacham was elected the first teacher of French, and in 1874, Rev. John Rosenberg was elected as special teacher of German.
The first regular examination by a board of examiners for pro- inotion to the High school, was held on the 20th day of September, 1873. Thirteen pupils were examined, eleven of whom were inembers of the North school -- the other two being members of a private school.
In 1876, 137 pupils were enrolled at the High school, and Rev. T. L. Eliot, then county school superintendent, says in his report for the year: "The High school is constantly increasing in members and influence for good in the community. The country is beginning to look at its scholars as prospective teachers-a thorough education and culture are imparted, and full opportunity is here given to young men and women to fit themselves for the business of life."
Mr. Johnson was succeeded as principal, in 1886, by A. J. Anderson, who retained the position for one year, when R. K. Warren was chosen. Mr. Warren remained until 1888, when Miss Ella C. Sabin was elected to the dual position of city superintendent and principal of the High school. Miss Sabin has since most ably filled botlı positions. She has been intimately identified with the cause of popular education in this city and State for over fifteen years and in great measure the present gratifying success of the public schools of Portland, is due to her excellent management.
Rufus Mallory
389
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
Miss Sabin is assisted in the management of the High School by the following corps of teachers: Mr. L. F. Henderson, principal's assistant; Miss H. F. Spalding, Miss Christina MacConnell, Mrs. Alice C. Gove, Mrs. Margaret Allen, Mr. Calvin U. Gantenbein and Miss Lillian E. Pool.
COUCH AND FAILING SCHOOLS.
At the annual meeting of the taxpayers, held March 6, 1882, the board of directors were authorized to purchase two blocks for school purposes-one in the northern and the other in the southern part of the city and to erect on each a school building. The board bought block 159, Couch's addition, and block 55, Caruther's addition. On the last named block a two-story, wooden building, of twelve rooms, was completed in October, 1883, at a cost of $38,800, upon which was bestowed the name of the Failing school, in honor of Josiah Failing. The building in the Couch addition, an exact counterpart of the Failing school, was completed in 1884. The latter was named in honor of Capt. John H. Couch, who, with Josiah Failing, was a member of the first board of directors after the re-organization of the district in 1856.
Miss Anna M. Burnham has been principal of the Failing school ever since its organization and is assisted by fourteen assistant teachers. Miss Georgia L. Parker was principal of the Couch school for one year, since which Justus Burnham has held the position. Thirteen assistant teachers are employed.
The Lownsdale Primary is a separate department of the Portland school system, but at present occupies quarters in the High School building. Miss Carrie Packard is principal. Six subordinate teachers are employed.
Since September, 1886, a school has been maintained on Portland Heights, known as the Ainsworth School, named in honor of Capt. J. C. Ainsworth, a former director. Miss Marian S. Clarke is principal.
The school buildings possessed by the district are not only well adapted to the purposes for which they were built, but those constructed within the past few years add greatly to the architect-
390
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
ural appearance of the city. They number, including the High School, six, five of which have twelve rooms each, while the seating capacity of all the public schools is 4,500. Upon these buildings the district has expended over $250,000. The property of the district comprises five and one-half blocks of ground, while the buildings thereon and their contents are valued at $375,000.
There are three departments in the scheme of the public schools -Primary, Grammar and High. Tlie Primary is divided into four grades, each requiring one year to complete. The Grammar department has the same number of grades, requiring four years to complete. The High school course requires three and four years work, according to the course pursued. The English or general course can be completed in three years, while the classical requires four years.
The studies pursued in the Primary and Grammar department are similar to those commonly taught in such schools. The High school has a liberal course of study, consisting of higher mnathe- matics, the Natural Sciences, Latin, German, Mental Philosophy, Political Economy, Rhetoric, English Literature, General History, Elocution and Constitutional Government.
Ninety-five teachers are employed in the public schools, exclusive of the superintendent. The present annual cost of maintaining this corps of employes is about $80,000.
Following is a complete list of teachers in service at the close of the school year in June, 1889.
Miss Ella C. Sabin, city Superintendent aud Principal of the High School; Miss Ellen C. Turuer, teacher of Drawing; Miss Ella E. Mitchell, teacher of Vocal Music; Mrs. Margaret Allen, Miss Tillie C. Amos, Mrs. A. B. Anderson, Miss Jessie Ander- son, Mrs. M. L. Aramı, Miss A. L. Atwood, Mrs. Isabel Baker, Miss M. S. Barlow, Mrs. E. F. Berger, Miss Belle Bitely, Miss E. L. Bridgeford, Mrs. Sarah M. Buck, Miss A. M. Buruham, Mrs. Jeunie Buruham, Mr. Justus Buruham, Miss Emma Butler, Miss L. Buckenmeyer, Miss Lulu Campion, Miss Jennie Caples, Miss M. S. Clarke, Miss Kate M. Colburn, Miss Myra J. Cooper, Mr. T. H. Crawford, Miss E. E. Crookham, Miss A. J. Davey, Miss Cora David, Miss Josie Davis, Miss H. A. Davidson, Miss E. F. Davison, Miss A. G. DeLin, Miss A. L. Dimick. Miss Ione Dunlap, Mr. C. U. Gantenbein, Mrs. May Garman, Mrs. A. C. Gove, Miss Alice A. Gove, Miss Miunie Gray, Miss Nettie Gray, Mrs. C. E. Greene, Mrs. V. F. Good- win, Miss Sarah D. Harker, Mrs. Sarah E. Harker, Mr. L. F. Henderson, Miss Mary C. Hill, Miss Elsie Hoyt, Miss A. C. Jennings, Miss Jennie E. Jones, Miss Blanche R.
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
Kahn, Miss Kate Kingsley, Miss Anna E. Knox, Miss Anna M. Knapp, Miss Sophia Lawrence, Miss C. F. Lamberson, Mrs. E. II. Leisk, Miss C. M. Lindsay, Miss C. Mac Connell, Miss Luella Maxwell, Miss Lucy S. Merwin, Miss Mary Mccarthy, Miss E. J. McIntyre, Mrs. E. W. Mckenzie, Miss Minnie Michener, Miss Mary N. Millard, Mrs. E. D. Miller, Miss Bertha Moore, Miss Eugenia Morse, Miss Clara Mundt, Miss Alice Parrish, Miss F. Plummer, Miss Lillian E. Pool, Miss M. L. Powell, Mr. 1. W. Pratt, Miss Eva S. Rice, Miss E. G. Robinson, Miss R. E. Rounds, Miss H. A. Salisbury, Miss T. Schermerhorn, Miss Kate L. Shuck, Mrs. C. R. Simp- so11, Miss M. J. Smith, Miss Josie Southard, Miss H. F. Spalding, Miss Mary Spaulding, Miss Ida Springstead, Miss H. C. Stewart, Miss L. C. Stout, Mrs. N. E. Swope, Miss Mina Tregellas, Miss Edith Van Vleet, Miss Kate Wallace, Miss Bessie Wilson, Miss Margaret Wilson, Mrs. Eva D. Wills, Mrs. A. J. White.
Of the above, Mr. I. W. Pratt, has been employed in the public schools for twenty years, while Mr. T. W. Crawford and Miss Ella C. Sabin have been in continnous service for a period of fifteen years, and Miss A. L. Atwood, Miss A. M. Burnham, Miss Jennie Caples, Miss A. L. Dimick, Mrs. A. C. Gove, Mrs. Sarah E. Harker, Mr. L. F. Henderson, Miss C. MacConnell, Miss M. L. Powell, Miss R. E. Rounds, Miss H. F. Spalding, and Miss Ellen C. Turner, have been employed for more than ten years.
The first Superintendent of the city schools was S. W. King, who was appointed in 1873. He was succeeded by T. M. Crawford, in 1878, who served until the appointment of Miss Ella C. Sabin, in 1888.
The growth of Portland during the past few years is perhaps as clearly indexed by the growth of the common schools as by any other means. From the time the public school system had attained sufficient importance to be placed under the control of a city super- intendent, the number of pupils who have received instruction at the public schools, has increased from year to year. The following table will show the number of pupils enrolled each year since that time :
YEAR ENDING, JUNE
NUMBER REGISTERED.
YEAR ENDING, JUNE
NUMBER REGISTERED.
1874
1600
1882
3130
1875
1700
1883
3483
1876
1870
1884
3864
1877
2085
1885
3978
1878
2332
1886
4066
1879
2447
1887
4132
1880
2513
1888
4289
1881
2894
1889
4562
392
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
The gain in the total number of pupils registered since 1874, a period of fifteen years, has been 2,962, which is a total gain of nearly 200 per cent. in considerably less than a score of years. It will also be seen that the number registered in 1889, above that of the previous year, is greater than it has been any year since 1884, showing that the growth of the schools has corresponded to the increase in population, and the material prosperity of the city.
While the material resources of the city have been developed, its commercial interests carefully consulted and its transportation facilities largely increased, the education of its future citizens has not been neglected. During the last ten years more than $1,000,000 have been expended by the taxpayers of the city in the cause of popular education. In 1880 the sum of $43,862.03 was paid out for maintenance of schools; in 1881, $68,589.07; 1882, $118,- 105.56; 1883, $160,097.92; 1884, $150,150.42; 1885, $128,- 551.07; 1886, $129,362.20; 1887, $94,765.07; 1888, $139,- 593.02; 1889, $135,347.51, and for 1890 it is estimated that $154,530.00 will be required. These large sums have been judiciously used and have made possible a system of free schools such as affords pupils an opportunity for a good practical education not surpassed by any city in the land.
Under the laws of Oregon the public schools of Portland are not under municipal control, the city government having nothing whatever to do with the city schools. The school district is a separate corporation, although the territorial limits of the district are identical with those of the city. All matters pertaining to the schools are primarily decided, not by the general voters but by the taxpayers, and women as well as men have a vote here. The schools are under the management of a board of five directors, chosen by the taxpayers, one being elected each year to serve five years. The amount of money to support the schools is raised by such tax on the property of the school district as may be voted at the annual meeting of taxpayers held in March.
The district has been most fortunate in the selection of its school officers. Since the organization of the free school system, the board of directors has been composed of Portland's most progressive and
393
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
public spirited citizens who have generously devoted their time and attention to the cause of popular education. A complete list of those who have served the city in this capacity since the organization of the district, in 1856, is herewith appended, it being eminently fit that the names of these laborers in behalf of the public weal should be preserved:
YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
OLERK.
1856 Wm. Weatherford, J. Failing, Alexander Campbell*
Thomas J. Holmes.
1857 Wm. Weatherford, J. Failing, John H. Couch
Thomas J. Holmes.
1858 J. D. Holman, J. Failing, E. D. Shattuck
J. M. Breck .*
1859 J. D. Holman, J. Failing, E. D. Shattuck
J. M. Breck.
1860 J. D. Holman, J. Failing, E. D. Shattuck
J. F. McCoy .*
1861 J. D. Holman, J. Failing, E. D. Shattuck
William Grooms.
1862 Wmn. Weatherford, T. J. Holmes, A. C. R. Shaw* L. M. Parrishı.
1863 S. J. McCormick, T. J. Holmes, Wm. R. King" O. Risley .*
1864 S. J. McCormick, T. J. Holmes, Josiah Failing
L. M. Parrislı.
1865 W. S. Ladd, T. J. Holmes, Josiah Failing
L. M. Parrish.
1866 W. S. Ladd, E. D. Shattuck, Josiah Failiug L. M. Parrish.
1867 W. S. Ladd, E. D. Shattuck,* Josiah Failing*
L. M. Parrish.
1868 A. L. Lovejoy, R. Glisan,* A. P. Dennison .
J. F. McCoy.
1869 A. L. Lovejoy, E. D. Shattuck, Wm. Wadhams
E. Quackenbush. R. Weeks.
1870 A. L. Lovejoy, E. D. Shattuck,* J. N. Dolph
R. J. Ladd.
1872 J. S. Giltner, J. G. Glenn, J. N. Dolph*
R. J. Ladd.
1873.J. S. Giltner, J. G. Glenn, J. C. Ainsworth
R. J. Ladd.
1874 A. H. Morgan, J. G. Glenn. J. C. Ainsworth J. D. Holman.
1875 A. H. Morgan, W. S. Ladd, J. C. Ainsworth G. W. Murray.
1876 A. H. Morgau, W. S. Ladd, J. C. Ainsworth G. W. Murray.
1877 A. H. Morgau, W. S. Ladd,* J. C. Ainsworth.
G. W. Murray.t
1878,A. H. Morgan, H. H. Northup, J. C. Ainsworth
D. W. Williams.
1879|A. H. Morgan, H. H. Northup, Wm. Wadhams
D. W. Williams.
1880 John Wilson, H. H. Northup, Wm. Wadhams
D. W. Williams.
1881 John Wilson, Charles Hodge, Wm. Wadhams
D. W. Williams.
1882 John Wilson, Charles Hodge,¿ Wm. Wadhams
Wm. Church jr.
1883 John Wilson, James Steel, Wmn. Wadhams, N. Versteeg, P. Wasserman.
Wmn. Church jr.
1884 John Wilson, C. H. Dodd, Win. Wadhams, N. Versteeg, P. Wassermau .
Wm. Church jr.
1885 John Wilson, C. H. Dodd, D. P. Thompson, N. Versteeg, P. Wasserman
T. T. Struble.
1886 John Wilson, C. H. Dodd, D. P. Thompson, G H. Durham, P. Wasserman
T. T. Struble.
1887 John Wilson, C H. Dodd, D. P. Thompson, G. H. Durham, W. M. Ladd
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