History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 94

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534

USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 94

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This parochial or unsectarian church-school system had grown up with these settlements. It had been in vogue for more than a hundred years; it bad served a great and good purpose. Parents and pastors were unwilling to trust the training of children to those who were strangers to their religious creeds, and when it was proposed to supplant this time-honored system by that of the " common schools," as provided for in the law of 1834, the bitterest opposition was engen- dered. A writer3 upon this subject says :

" Ile who regards the Penosylvania Dutch, as they are erronconsly called, as peremptorily opposed to education wrongs them, and shows his want of a just historical appreciation of their relation to the system of education and civilization. Civil and religious tyranny brought them upon western soil, where they were soleionly promised immunity agains a recurrence of the same evil. With such convictions and under snch promises made to them by Peno himself and his coadjutors, they came and organized their little Germanic communities. It was not long, how- ever, before they found themselves subject to English laws, somnioord before English courts, coovicted by English juries and sentenced in a language of which they knew not a syllable ; in short, they were coerced loto English civilization. In the matter of religion only they enjoyed untrammeled freedom, and this was doubly dear to them because it was all that was left to them of what they had brought from the Fatherland. Now when the foundation-stone of their religious institutions was struck at by an attempt to establish a 'common school,' which must necessarily supplant their parochial schools, they had reason to apprehend danger to their church.

"Hence the tenacity with which these German people held on to the old system and the firm opposition which the new met with in many places when it was first introduced."

The following summarized historical sketch of the period and circumstances incident to the acceptance of the act of 1834-35, furnished by Professor Abel Rambo while superintendent of public schools in Montgomery County, will serve to show the temper of the publie mind and the difficulties that confronted the advocates of the new system :

Whitpain .- The school law was put in operation after a meeting of the citizens, held May 26, 1836. Length of term, it is thought, was six months. Salary, twenty dollars per month. On the 20 of May, 1837, a vote was had upon the continuing or rejecting of the system. Result, seventy for and fifty-nine against. May 1, 1838, a vote by the people was had to raise four hundred dollars additional to keep the sehools open a longer time. There were fourteen votes in favor and fifty-nine against. Opposition on the part of some was very bitter. The last election to continue or reject the system was held March 19, 1841. The result was eighty-nine votes in favor and fifty-five against. This, virtually ended the opposition to the free schools. The Central School has been located near the present site for nearly one hundred years. The Ellis School was first built in 1787 by the resi

associate together, agreeably to our present order, and so associate and have established a School to which all the children of those families may have free access for instruction, and such families so associatiog agreeably to our order, shall receive the sum of assistance assigned hy law to any other school, or else that your l'etitioners and those who are similarly situated may be exempted from all the influence of the Law which is proposed to be passed, and your Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c."

3 William Il. Kain, Supt. Public Schools, York Co., P'a.

398

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

dents of Whitpain, Norriton and Plymouth. Sandy Hill School was built in 1796.

The old-fashioned wood-stoves were used to heat the rooms, boys cutting the wood at noon. This can also be said of very many, if not all, of the town- ships. These old wood-stoves have almost entirely dis- appeared. There may be two or three yet in use. Im- proved coal-stoves-"Morning Glory," base-burner, anti-clinker, etc., and regular patent heaters-have taken their place. In this township, schools were kept open eight or ten months, according to the pop- ularity of the teacher. It is said that mensuration and surveying, along with the lower branches, were taught, but at what date does not appear. The first school-master who resided in the district was the Rev. | John Philip Boehm, who came to this country in 1720 from Worms, in Germany. A parochial school was taught in the school-house at Boehm's church, about 1776, by Nicholas Korndoffer.

Frederick .- The first board of directors in this township was organized on the 18th of June, 1853. The length of term was three months ; salary, $18.89. At that time there were four schools; now there are ten

Moreland .- The free-school system in this town- ship went into operation in 1845, two directors opposing. Next year an attempt was made to elect directors opposed to the free schools, but failed. Pre- vious to the free schools instruction was given only in the lower branches.

Marlborough .- This township accepted the act in 1838, built school-houses and put the system in operation, and so continued up to 1842. The opposi- tion then became so bitter that the free schools were discontinued during 1842, and the subscription schools substituted. At this great dissatisfaction was manifested, as teachers had not a sufficient number of scholars to enable them to continue the schools during the term. Before the elose of 1842 most of the oppo- sition ceased, and the district was almost unanimous in its reacceptance. Previous to the acceptance schools were kept open five months. Reading, writing, or- thography and arithmetic were taught, but that very imperfectly.

Upper Providence .- This township accepted the act about 1844. Prior to 1834, in most of the schools, the only branches taught were orthography, reading and arithmetic. At a late date, in a few schools, atten- tion was given to grammar and geography; at one mensuration, algebra, and surveying. Salary at that time, previous to the acceptance, was from sixty to seventy dollars for a term of thirteen weeks.

Limerick .- This township accepted the act a few years later than Upper Providence. The primary branches only were taught. Term and pay about the same as township above-named. About 1820 one school afforded its scholars the opportunity to study geography, grammar, mensuration and surveying.

New Hanover .- Common schools here went into

operation in 1852. Some of the schools previously afforded their scholars the opportunity to study gram- mar and geography. In 1755 an English school was founded at Swamp, and scholars from surrounding country flocked to it to secure an English education.

Pottsgrove .- In early times the best schools were in Pottstown, Grosstown and at Crooked Hill.

Worcester .- In 1851 the first public school was opened, and that under protest, by a board of direc- tors appointed by the court, the elected directors refusing to act. About this time a certain individual interested himself in behalf of the good people of this and other townships, including Perkiomen and Towamensing, promising, if they would make up three hundred dollars he would go to Harrisburg, and use his influence to have a special law passed exempting these townships from the operations of the common- school act. The money was raised and the agent started on his mission. The three hundred dollars failed to pass the desired exempting act. More money was demanded by the agent, but it was confi- dently surmised that the money already furnished was spent in a manner in nowise calculated to pass exempting acts. No more money was sent. About the same time, there was another individual of quite a different character : one of the heaviest tax-payers, having no children to send to school, worked zeal- ously in persuading the people to accept the act in good faith. Opposition now began to grow fainter, as the advantages of the law became more manifest, until opposition entirely ceased and now there are no districts more in love with the free schools than these same townships. It might be mentioned yet that a short time after the passage of the free-school act a legis- lator happening at a public school meeting in one of the above townships, was so set upon by the people, with such abusive language and violent threats, that he beat a hasty retreat ; and all this because he voted for the passage of the act. Business men, too, were threatened with the loss of patronage it they would not oppose the free schools. But all this has changed, and scarcely a spark of opposition remains, excepting here and there, as self-interest or other like motives may urge. Salary first few years was twenty dollars per month of twenty-six days. Previous to this each scholar paid two dollars for seventy-two days.

Montgomery .- The common schools in this town- ship went into operation about 1840; whether with or without opposition does not appear.

Cheltenham .- This township accepted the act March 16, 1838, by a vote of fifty-six to forty. In the be- ginning four hundred and fifty dollars were raised by tax to keep the schools open a part of the year only to introduce the system. A part was paid by subscription. Up to 1842 there was but one school- house in the township. At this time six hundred and ninety dollars were appropriated to build two new houses and repair the old one. Here again resort was had to subscription. Many children of this township

399

EDUCATIONAL.

were sent across the lines to Springfield and Phila- delphia schools there being four schools, quite conve- nient. They also sent a goodly number to a Friends' School in Abington, which at that time was considered quite a good school. The branches then taught in the common schools were only the ordinary or lower . Testament," and at a later period, it is said, perhaps in ones. There were then two schools kept in private families part of the time.

Franconia .- Here the act went into operation in 1851. Previous to the free schools the schools were kept open seventy-two days each year. The better qualified teachers kept them open five months.

Lower Merion .- This township was early and earn- estly engaged in the effort to establish common schools, in accordance with the requirements of the common- school act. On the 10th of August, 1835, it was recommended by the proper authorities that two thousand six hundred and seventy-five dollars be raised by tax for the support of the schools. This was approved by a vote of the citizens; the school- " A few thoughts and references in a general way may fund then was $3136.72. All necessary arrangements were then made by the directors to open the schools, which was done November 16, 1835. From the be- ginning Lower Merion has supplied her schools with books, paper and all else necessary for the advance- ment of the scholars in their varied studies. Under the old system the schools were kept open the greater part of the year, and with the usual branches of a good English education.

Upper Hanover .- Here, as probably in nearly all the townships or territory now included within the , favor of the law, says, " It gives me great pleasure to limits of Montgomery County, the parochial system was the prevailing order. Lutherans, German Re- formed, Mennonites and Schwenckfeklians had their several schools. The Catholics had a school aeross the line, in Berks, and, like the Protestants, sent their children to their own school.

The school-house in the southwestern part of the township was built on land presented by a Mr. Smith, the deeds reading after this manner: " for the use of such Lutherans and Calvinists as live in the vicinity and townships of Upper Hanover, Mar}- horough and Frederick." The first English school was established in the spring of 1835 in an old carpenter-shop. The following year it was taken into a new house, erected for that purpose. In this township, as in others, the teacher served in the capacity also of organist. Mention of one school may be here made, which may serve as a picture of others in other townships. The house is located at what is known as the Six-Cornered Church. Then, as now, teachers sometimes left their profession for other and more remunerative callings. One of the earliest who " kept school" at this place was a cer- tain Dominie Lange, a German, who, it is said, left teaching and sought to clear the brain of his fel- low-citizens by vending the famous "Schneeberger Schnupftubach." His snecessor, a Mr. Beysher, held the position of teacher and organist forty-two years, | ter, will be read with interest :

scholars to the number of eighty coming, some of them, a distance of five miles. It is reported that scholars would arrive in the morning before dawn. Five recitations were given each pupil. Text-books were " Das _1, B, C Buch," " Der Psalter," " Das Neue sport, but more likely in truth, "Der Bauern Freund," a German newspaper of much influence. This faith- ful laborer closed his earthly career in his seventy- ninth year, "coming to his grave in full age, like a shock of corn cometh in his season."

To name separately every township in the county and particularize according to the foregoing would make the report too lengthy. Some of the matter in hand is conflicting as to fact and date. A good deal, too, that transpired in the far past had better be left to rest in quiet as not subserving any good purpose. Whatever was urged in opposition then, doubtless, was so done with pure convictions of duty and right, be allowed. That the opposition at first to the acceptance of the aet was strong is evident from the fact that in joint convention with the county com- missioners, at Norristown, all but one were opposed to the system, twenty-seven of the thirty-two districts being represented. But as men began to discuss the matter and look more closely into the advantages of a free-school system, the objections, one by one, yielded to a better sentiment. And now that one delegate, among the twenty-seven, who stood alone in have witnessed the change in sentiment that has been effected, and to see the attention that is now given to education in all the districts of the county."

In reviewing the history of the introduction of the common-school system, we are impressed not less with the wisdom of the law than with the adminis- trative sagacity of the men and measures relied upon to secure its adoption by those districts whose repre- sentative people were hostile to its provisions. The importance of the measure rose above party consid- erations, and was championed alike by Governors Wolf and Ritner from 1829 to 1838, as it has been since by every executive, no matter by what political party elected. Subsequent to 1836 the State appro- priations were made to the school districts, and while the non-accepting districts could not avail themselves of the fund without levying a school tax to increase the amount under the provisions of the law, the amount as it increased year after year was still placed to the credit of such districts until it became a power- ful aid in the hands of those friendly to the project to force the issue at elections held for the purpose of determining the question of " school " or "no school." The following table, taken from the report of Francis R. Shunk, then Secretary of State and superinten- dent of public schools under Governor David R. Por-

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Douglas.

$1,521 20

Perkiomen $2,288 20

Frauconia.

1,751 60

Providence, Upper.

3,121 0M

Frederick

1,936 00

Salford, Lower

1,745 00

Hatfield

1,4, 20

Salford, Upper 2,130 0

Horsham

1,014 00

Upper Dublin 2.532 40

Limerick

2,465 20

Upper Hanover 2,323 60

Moreland

3.491 60

Worcester

1,999 40

Here was the sum of $33,087.60 waiting to be handed over to fifteen school districts in Montgomery County. Surrounding and adjoining districts had accepted the law and the appropriations under it. The children of the rich aud poor were enjoying new advantages, and the question why all districts shoukl not permit the State to share the burden of edu- cating their children became difficult to answer, especially since all had to contribute their share of State tax, from which the school appropriations were made to the district. In the year 1842 the county by districts was equally divided upon the question of accepting the provisions of the school law, as will be seen by the foregoing and following tables :

DISTRICTS ACCEPTING, WITH NUMBER OF MONTHS TAUGIIT.

Abington. .

not reported.

Nourriton.

. not reported. 8 months.

Gurnedd .

Pottstowo .

Marlborough .not reported.

Providence, Lower.

Merion, Lower

12 months.

Springfield

Merion, Upper1

11 .

Whitpain.

31/2

Montgomery

Slowly but surely prejudice yielded to the light of intelligence and by 1853 the last district accepted the inevitable, and Montgomery County placed her- self before the country in an attitude that was long and ardently desired by her public-spirited citizens.

A period of twenty years had elapsed since the passage of the law creating a common-school system ; it was by 1854 an acknowledged institution. and measures were promptly inaugurated to promote its further efficiency. By an act of Assembly, approved May 8, 1854, the school directors of the several counties of the State werc required to select county superintendents, whose duties were carefully defined, among which were the examination of all teachers, periodical visitations to all the schools, and the making of annual reports to the State superin- tendent. Three years later, by a further act of Assembly approved April 18, 1857, the common- school system was made a separate department, and the office of State superintendent was created, the incumbent to be appointed by the Governor for the period of three years. The creation of the office of county superintendent was upon the recommendation of Governor William Bigler, and the establishment of common school> as a department in the public affairs of the commonwealth, with a State superintendent in charge, was largely the work of Governor James Pollock, who vied with his immediate predecessor in well-concerted efforts to promote the educational interest of all classes.

County Institutes .- The earliest reference we find

to the organization of teachers in the county is in 1845, in the first annual report of Hon. E. L. Acker, then superintendent of our public schools. As early as 1837 the importance of this subject was urged upon the teachers by the State superintendent ? in his annual report, as also the establishment of State institutions for training teachers. Mr. Acker says : "The teachers of the county during the past year, it is believed, attended, as a general thing, very faith- fully to their duties. There is a good feeling existing among them and all seem to feel a greater interest in their vocation. During the year a county associa- tion has been organized and is now in successful operation. Several local associations have also been formed throughout the county. During the present year an effort will be made to establish them more generally. All these are indications that the schools are gradually assuming a very fair and healthful position in the county, and are making substantial progress. During the present year, up to June 1, 1885, permanent certificates have been granted to one hundred and two, provisional certificates to one hundred and ninety. There have also been granted, from the 1st of June up to the present time August 10th, permanent certificates to seven and provisional to forty-eight.

The pioneers in this work of self-culture were persistent in their efforts, and the public opinion, which subsequently crystalized in a law 3 for the sup-

2 Report of Thomas H. Burrowes, secretary of the commonwealth, 1837.

3 "CLX. That the county superintendent of each county in this Com- monwealth is hereby required and authorized, once in each year, at such time and place as he or a properly authorized committee of teachers act- ing with him. may deem most convenient, to call upon and invite the teachers of the commoo schools and other institutions of learning in his county toassemble together aod organize themselves into a teachers' in- stitute, to be devoted to the improvement of teachers io the scienceand art of education, to continue in session at least five days, including a half-day for going to and a half-day for returning from the place of meeting of the said institute, and to be presided over by the county superintendent or by some one designated by him, and be subject in its general manage- ment to his control.

"CLXI. That each county superintendent, upon the assembling of the teachers' institute of his county, shall cause a roll of members to be pre- pared, which roll shall be called at least twice every day during the ses- sion of the institute, and all absentee- to be carefully marked, and from which, upon adjournment of the institute, he shall ascertain the exact number of teachers who were in attendance, and the length of time each attended ; and upon the presentation of a certificate at the close of the ses- sion of each anqual institute, setting forth these facts and signed by the county superintendent, to the treasurer of the proper county, he is hereby authorized and required to pay immediately, out of any money in the county treasury oot otherwise appropriated, to the county superintend- ent, one dollar for every three days spent by teachers of the county io at- tendance at the institute for that year, or as much of it as may be needed, such money to be expended by the county superintendent in procuring the services of lecturers and instructors for the institute, and in provid- ing the neccessary apparatus books, and stationery for carrying on its work : Prorided, That the amount which may be drawn from the county treasury shall in Do case be more than two hundred dollars, but may io all cases be sixty dollars, if it shall appear from the vouchers pre- seated by the county superintendent to the county auditors, as required by the fourth section of this act, that this sum has been actually ex- pended for the purposes herein specified : Provided further, That all boards of directors may allow the teachers in their employ the privilege

1 Upper Merion reported its schools open twelve months, 1838.

Cheltenham

9 months.

Plymouth

Whitemarsh.

Norristown .

New Haovver. . 2.280 20

401

EDUCATIONAL.

port and encouragement of county institutes was largely due to their foresight and sagacity, Since the passage of the act of 1867, the connty institute is a recognized and essential part of the common- school system. Its annual sessions are of rare profes- sional interest and advantage to the teachers, and deservedly popular among the friends of education. They have been commended by all the past superin- tendents, among whom none have more practically epitomized their utility and popularity than Mr. R. F. Hoffecker in his annual report as county superin- tendent for the year 1882,-

"The county institute was bell at Norristown, beginning October 30, 1881, and continmed five day -. There was a larger atten lance of teachers than at any previous meeting of the kind in the county, and much inter- est was manifested by both teachers aml people in the proceedings. Hon. E. E. Higbee, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was with us part of two days, and delivered an carnest address to an audicure uf nut less than one thousand persons, among whom were many directors. The instructors from abroad-Professor E. V. De Graff, Professor A. N. Kaub, Professor S. D. Hillman, Professor A. R. Byerly, Professor G. M. Phillips and Mrs. Anna Randall Diehl-elicited the closest attention, aml their work is bearing fruit. Many of the teachers have adopted some of the methods pointed out to them, and are teaching more succes fully than ever before. Teachers sem to feel the importance of teachers meeting and listening to and learning from eminent educators. Five local insti- tutes were held during the year. They were largely attended by the people and directors residing in different localities. At these meeting- seventy-four teachers brought classes with them, and gave class-drills. Live educational topics were discussed by teachers, directors and citizens. We have reason to believe these institutes are doing an excellent work. The friction of mind against mind arouses enthusiasm among teachers and pupils. Directors and people have the opportunity to draw compari- sons between good and poor teaching, and the result is a desire for live teachers.

"From our pust of observation the future looks cheerful. The pro- gress of the past bids hope for the future. Directors bave manife-ted a great deal of interest in the schools, and are beginning to realize more forcibly the need of good teachers : hence local prejudice seldom now installs poor teachers, and considerable anxiety is often manifested to se- cure the best teaching talent. Closer supervision by an efficient person is much needed in our ungraded schools, and we trust the directors will soon see the necessity of it, and provide for it to some degree, at least. Free text-books are supplied in fifteen districts, with a fair prospect that more will be added to the number the coming year. Annual examina- tions of pupils, though alinost unknown in rural districts four years ago, now meet with great favor. We hope the day is not far distant when the highest classes of all the schools in a township will be examined to- getber, under the supervision of a competent committee, and such marks of honor conferred upon successful scholarship as will cause just and pleasant competition This will arouse enthusiasm among pupils throughout the entire year, and, with a tangible object before them

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History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 94

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1534

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534