USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Burgettstown > A century of education; or, The history of the schools of Burgettstown, Washington County, Pennsylvania, for one hundred years > Part 7
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95
THEN AND NOW.
rection was left to the pupils an Ananias was occasionally de- veloped. Cobb's Speller was our first. It was succeeded by Salem Town's Speller and Definer. McGuffey's was used in some of the Smith township schools. Osgood's followed in the sixties, but gave way for a few years for Willson's. Os- good's was re-adopted in 1872, and was succeeded in 1882 by Patterson's, which is still in use in the township. The bor- ough adopted Pollard's for the primary rooms in 1893. Mc- Guffey's was introduced in the advanced rooms in 1896.
But to return. The pupil did not make as rapid progress in reading as now, on account of the imperfect classification of the reading lessons. An improved method of teaching reading occurred in the early fifties by the introduction of Osgood's Reading Charts, published by A. H. English & Co., Pittsburg, Pa. It was a combination of the letter and word methods. Appleton's Charts-a combination of the word and phonic methods, were introduced in 1882. The Pollard sys- tem was introduced into the borough schools in 1893. It is meeting with fair success. The teachers in charge have not been fully instructed in regard to its use. We will not under- take to say which is the best method of teaching reading. We had excellent results by using the Osgood charts. Each
teacher can do his work better in the harness best suited to him. McGuffey's Readers gave way for the American Series of Readers by Lucius Osgood. They gave way for a short time for Willson's, (Harper's Series. ) This series had for its object the interesting of pupils in Natural History and Nat- ural Science, "hoping that they would be stimulated to seek a farther acquaintance with them." In 1872 they were suc- ceeded by Osgood's revised, ( American Series. ) They were all they claimed to be-a progressive series. This series, to- gether with the speller, was very poorly bound. That caused them, in 1882, to give way to a series much better bound, but not as progressive-Sheldon and Co.'s Modern Readers and Patterson's Spellers. They are still in use in Smith township. Since their publishers have gone into the combine or syndicate, the books are not as well bound as at first.
96
A CENTURY OF EDUCATION.
PENMANSHIP.
Pupils were not required to begin writing until they were ten years of age or older. The goose quill had not ceased to be that from which the pen was inade. It gradually gave way to the steel pen. When the one ceased entirely, and the other reigned instead, we can not exactly state. We made one or two quill pens in 1855. In 1820 Joseph Gillott made an improvement in the metal pen that began to be made in the beginning of the century.
The ruled fools-cap had been in use for some time. Six sheets, sewed together, made the copy book. Copy books with printed copies, by different authors, have superseded the home-made ones. The Vertical system appears to be the leading system now. Better results followed when the teacher "set" the copies. The printed copy is a time-saver. There was a time when "setting copies," making and mend- ing pens and "doing" sums occupied the principal part of the teacher's time. The purple juice of the poke weed was used by some for ink.
ARITHMETIC.
In arithmetic each one mastered it as best he could. The multiplication table was written on slips and pasted on a pad- dle, or on the back of some book. Now it is written on the blackboard, and the pupil copies it on his little slate. The nearest attempt toward classification of pupils after reading and spelling, was the reciting of the multiplication in class. Adams, Emerson, the Western Calculator and other old authors were used. There was no classification and no recita- tion. Each one seemed desirous to get "through" the book as soon as possible, without any effort to understand the principle underlying the operation. If he failed to get his problem, then was heard "Master, do this sum for me." No explanations were given ; none were required. The practice of writing the problem, together with the solution, in a book prepared by the pupil, was in its last stage. We have before us one of those books. It is unruled fools-cap paper, stitched together. The paper is of a very poor quality, and inferior
97
THEN AND NOW.
to some wrapping paper now used by the grocer and mer- chant. It is well preserved. The first date is January 9, 1816, and the last one, May 9, of the same year. The name of Nathaniel Hunter occurs in one place. It is presumed the book was his. Nothing indicates who was the teacher, or where the school. It was found by workmen a few years ago, when dismantling the Hunter flouring mill, on Harmon's creek, near Dinsmore, this county. We used the Western Calculator, Davies, Ray and Greenleaf, respectively. The last one named was introduced into the school by Matthew W. Galbraith. Smith township did not have entire uniform- ity in text-books until 1877. Ray, Greenleaf, Brooks and Stoddard were used. In that year, (1877, ) Goff was intro- duced against the unanimous opposition of all the teachers who were chosen that year. It is still used in the township. The borough used Goff, Ray (revision of 1877. ) Milne and now Brooks. The text-books on arithmetic are only superior to those used forty years ago, save in the introduction of new problems. The Civil war created the Currency problems. Wall Street has contributed Stock problems. Trade discount and the discounting of interest bearing notes have also been added. Tare and Tret, Barter and Permutation have been omitted. The introduction of Mental arithmetic in 1858 was a step in the right direction. When pupils and teachers were called upon to explain the operations required in the solution of a problem, after a drill in Mental, they expressed them- selves in correct arithmetical languge, and not in the lan- guage of "Ashdod." But little attention was paid to Mental arithmetic after 1877. It was revived in 1893, but it is not studied as it once was. It should be continued with the omis- sion of the Queensware, Father Time and Jonah problems. The blackboard brought about a revolution in the study of arithmetic. Pupils were classified and recited regularly.
GEOGRAPHY.
Geography was not studied by all as now. Smith's Geo- graphy and Atlas, and Mitchel's system with Atlas were here over fifty years ago. They were followed by the Monteith
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A CENTURY OF EDUCATION.
and McNally system. Colton was introduced in 1872, by George Ralston, into the Plum Run school. The next year it found its way into No. 9. In 1874 it was adopted by the school board of Smith township. It was continued until 1893, when it gave way to Barnes-a work no better and one more cheaply bound. Two cases, each containing a complete set of mathematical blocks, a globe and a tellurian were intro- duced into the Burgettstown school previous to or about the year 1845. The cases were considered too sacred for a while to be opened. Finally the boys ventured to open them, and take the planets out and let them revolve on the school-room floor. This was before croquet was played here. The mathe- matical blocks became scattered ; a part of one set was taken care of by the writer. Globes, including the magnetic globe, outline maps, sand boards, molding boards and books of ref- erence are valuable aids in teaching geography. The
Mitchell system has not been much improved upon. The Rand-MeNally system is forcing its way to the front. Acquisi- tion of territory, organization of new governments and the changing of "line fences" between nations have made a remark- able change in the map of the political divisions of the earth. The Great American Desert, the Mandan District and the "fif- ty-four-forty-or-fight" line have disappeared from the map of our country, Ethiopia from Africa and Patagonia from South America. The carving knife has been at work in Denmark, France, Turkey, Bolivia, India and other nations. It is now at work in China. What changes that may be made in Asia and America by the Hispano-American conflict are vet to be seen.
ENGLISH GRAMMAR.
But few studied English Grammar, and they were the older pupils. It gradually grew in favor until at last every pupil is enrolled in a language class. The books used were Kirkham, Pinneo, Harvey, Burtt, and Reed and Kellog. There was a successive improvement by the different authors, and the teachers became better prepared to present the subject in a more intelligent and interesting manner. Reed and Kellogg
99
THEN AND NOW.
was thrown out of the borough school and Conklin adopted. But the board in 1897 re-adopted the Reed and Kellogg sys- tem except the "Higher Lessons in English," Conklin being re- tained for the advanced classes. The most improvement in text-books is in English grammar, and the most improvement in methods of teaching, is in teaching English grammar.
HISTORY.
The exact date when U. S. History was introduced cannot now be stated. Goodrich was about the first work used. Lossing was adopted about the year 1876, and was used in Smith township until 1890 or 1891, when Anderson was intro- duced and is still the class book in history in that township. The borough board adopted Anderson in 1888. Barnes is now used. Each work used has its strong points, as well as its weak ones.
PHYSIOLOGY
Was introduced in 1885. The object of its introduction has not yet been fully attained. Wait.
THE NEWSPAPER.
The family newspaper, the great disseminator of knowl- edge, is an important help in school work. It aids in teach- ing orthography, grammar, geography, history and science. Since the commencement of the Hispano-American conflict, pupils from ten years old and upward are reading the news- paper with as much interest as the older people. In many cases children are the first to meet the news-boy to get the first reading of the daily.
100
A CENTURY OF EDUCATION.
CHAPTER XVI.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
Before bringing this work to a close we must state that the first Burgettstown school, a cut of which appears as the frontispiece, was first used in 1807. The board roof part is the original building. The shingle roof addition was built in 1862. The house was used for school purposes until some time in 1834. It is owned by John Divitt. The second build- ing, now owned by Joseph Robinson, was used from 1834 un- til the summer of 1867. Former residents who have not been here since 1884 will have some difficulty in recognizing it. The Woolen factory, built in 1829, which stood close to the left of the school house, was removed in 1884. The third building, called the "Union School," was used from about April 1, 1868, until November 22, 1895. The present brick building, of six rooms, was first used December 2, 1895.
101
LIST OF TEACHERS.
List of Teachers.
PAGE.
PAGE.
Allison, S. R. . 57
Flemming, Miss Mattie ... 67
Anderson, Miss Leila J .. 75
Andrews, Miss Dora.
. .
S4
Frazer, J. T. 81
Andrews, Miss Ina ....
84
Fredericks, Miss S. E. 76
Fredericks, Dr. J. W. 90
Armstrong, Miss S. M ... 48 Armstrong, Miss Annie. . 76
Fulton, James
44
Axtell, L. M. 71
Fulton, W. S. 57
Baker, V. B. . 58
Fulton, A. W .. 85
Baker, Mrs. V. B. 58
Galbraith, Rev. John.
43
Baker, S. S.
83
Galbraith, J. A. 48
Beal, Dr. L. C.
69
Galbraith, M. W 49
Bilderback. G. 51
Galbraith, Miss Lizzie. 71
Bingham, Miss Mary A. .. 67
Ghrist, Miss Kate W. 60
Black, W. C. 81
Hammond, W. H.
54
Boal, A. G.
91
Hamaker, Dr. W. D. . 72
Boyce, Dr. James
46
Howarth, James 90
Brimner, Miss M. Ethie .. 76
Hays, Hon. Joseph 56
Brockman, Miss C. A. .
.. 60
Hays, Miss Sarah
62
Burgett, Miss E. M.
64
-
Hoffman, Miss Lizzie 67
Campbell, R. S. 47
Hornbake, J. D. 82
Campbell, E. 49
Jardine, George. 51
Cowen, Miss A. M. 87
Jolly, Miss Mattie B. 77
Cunningham, Miss N. J. .. 47
Keys, Miss A. E. 72
Daugherty, Miss Flora B. 74
Leopold, Miss C. A. 59
Dawson, R. W. 68
Logan, J. C. 44
Dennis, A. P. 78
Lyne, W. C .. 62
Dickson, Rev. D. F. 89
Marshall, Miss Sallie. 58
Dowden, Miss Ada L 85
Matthews, Miss Lizzie.
. .
50
Dunbar, J. G. 76
Melvin, William
55
Enoch, D. F. 68
Farabee, W. C. 86
Miller, J. R. 89
Farrar, Jos. 47
Minor, J. C ..
83
Farrar, S. L. 58
Montgomery, W. P.
57
Bridgeman, I. M. and wife 90
Harper, Miss S. W. 83
Hobbs, Miss J. Etta . 84
Campbell, James D.
65
Forrester, Miss Lizzie ... 65
Miller, G. M. 67
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A CENTURY OF EDUCATION.
Montgomery, Miss J. E ... 80
Morris, Miss Sarah 71
Moore, Dr. J. L .. 48
McCabe, Miss L. C. 75
McCain, T. B. . 66 1
McCalmont, Miss S .. 64
McCalmont, Miss E. A ... 65
Smith, P. 48
Smith, J. A. 80
Smith, Rev. D. P. 85
McCord, Dr. G. T. 59
McCord, C. W. Esq. 65
McCracken, D. N. 62
Stevenson, J. 49
Mccullough, Dr. S. L. . 69
McFarland, Miss S. A .. . 62
76
Stevenson, R. P. 79
Stillwagen, V. J. 75
Strain, Rev. J. B. . 46
Sutherland, Rev. J. H. 78
Swaney, Rev. Alex.
43
Taylor, Rev. Z. B.
89
Todd, Rev. John . 89
Tombaugh, B. E. 77
Underwood, O. C
90
Vance, C. J. 72
Vance, J. F. 74
Vance, Miss A. M. 78
Van Eman, W. W. 50
Weaver, Mrs. C. M. 82
White, S. T.
88
White, A. M. 89
White, Miss Lois
90
Wilson, Miss Emma.
66
Richards, A. T.
47
Richardson, Gen. W. P ... 45
Riddile, Miss Anna M ... 68
Rogers, Dr. Joseph . 43
Rogers, Miss Mary 88
Simcox, Miss M. A. 80
Simmons, Miss E. 64
McCarrell, Dr. J. F. 54
McCarrell, Miss Lizzie. 72
Snodgrass, M. R. 76
Stephenson, Miss E. N. 88
Stevenson, J. E. 56
Stevenson, Miss Alice. 72
McNary, Miss Nancy 57
Nichols, Miss L. J. 81
Osborn, Miss N. B. 87
Patterson, J. L. 46
Patterson, Miss Mary 56
Patterson, D. W. 70
Patterson, Dr. J. M. 70
Paxton, M. 58
Pees, W. W. 87
Phillis, J. B. 48
Phillips, Dr. H. S. 61
Porter, Miss E. A. 69
Porter, J. S. 75
Purdy, Miss A. M. 82
Purdy, Miss L. J. 22
Rankin, Miss A. 88
Reed, Miss C. B. 76
Wilson, Miss Rea T.
69
McFarland, G. M .. . .
103
INDEX.
INDEX.
PAGE.
Chapter 1 .- History of Burgettstown 6
Chapter 2 .- First school in Smith township and early teachers. 8
Chapter 3 .- The first teacher in Burgettstown-The first school building-The teachers in that build- ing .. 9
Chapter 4 .- Other buildings and teachers-Letter of Hon. George S. Hart. 11
Chapter 5 .- Second School Building-Accepting the School Law-Smith township Schools in operation-List of those who taught public and private schools in the second building. 14
Chapter 6 .- The third school building 19
Chapter 7 .- The fourth school building and list of teach- ers-List of pupils in attendance December 2, 1895 25
Chapter 8 .- Graduating classes-Alumnae
31
Chapter 9 .- Other schools since 1837-Union Academy - Normal terms . 36
Chapter 10 .- School directors of Burgettstown 40
Chapter 11 .- Free public library
42
Chapter 12 .- Biography 43
Chapter 13 .- Schools taught by William Melvin 91
Chapter 14 .- Teachers' Normal 93
Chapter 15 .- Then and Now. 93
Chapter 16 .- School buildings -- When used 100
JUN 20 1898
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
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