Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 27

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Number of Pages: 1036

USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Altoona > Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens > Part 27

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In 1900 a number of influential citizens of Martinsburg, headed by J. C. Sanders, a druggist and later a banker of that place, and Dr. E. J. Gwynne, conceived the idea of establishing a college. A considerable amount of money was raised by popular subscription and a tract of land embracing about twenty acres was purchased. Upon this ground a large brownstone building was partially erected. Dissensions then jarose among the promoters, subscriptions ceased and those who had already sub- scribed refused to pay the amounts pledged. Litigation followed and to this day the own- ership of the ground and partially com- pleted building is not determined by the courts. The institution was to have been known as Keystone college.

Hollidaysburg Female Seminary .- The building known as the Hollidaysburg fe- male seminary is one of the finest in this part of the state, and was completed in 1869. Erected by a joint stock company, it cost as it now stands about $75,000. It is built of stone, is four stories in height, and has a

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frontage of 150 feet, and a depth of 160 feet. It contains, in addition to a large and com- modious school-hall, a laboratory, recita- tion-, reading-, music- and art-rooms, be- sides apartments for the principal and fam- ily and dormitories for boarding pupils. The location of the seminary building, on an elevated campus, the grounds embracing four or five acres, is a beautiful one, com- mands fine views in every direction, and in point of healthfulness is unexcelled. Rev. Joseph Waugh served as principal from the opening of the school until 1877, when he was succeeded by Professor W. P. Hussey, and the latter was followed by Rev. A. F. Walker. At the present time Mrs. Char- lotte Gray Comstock is the lessor of the building and the principal, the property be- ing owned by a company, at the head of which is J. King McLanahan. The school was formerly in a flourishing condition, but in recent years the number of pupils has fallen off, the multiplicity of similar institu- tions affecting the school unfavorably. Spe- cial attention is now given to vocal and in- strumental music, voice culture and elocu- tion, although provision is still made for the regular seminary course.

Altoona has three flourishing business colleges, the Zeth school, founded and con- ducted by Professor George G. Zeth, the Anderson business college, conducted by Professor W. G. Anderson, and the Moun- tain city business college, conducted by Professor W. F. Isenberg. Courses in book- keeping, stenography and typewriting, com- mercial arithmetic and penmanship are open to students and each turns out many gradu- ates every year.

EDUCATION IN ALTOONA.

As early as 1815, the first schoolhouse was erected within the boundaries of the territory now occupied by Altoona. The southeast corner of Fourth avenue and Twenty-fourth street is the site where it stood. It was a log building, chinked and daubed, not plastered, and furnished with

slab benches. This house, surrounded by primitive forest, was used both for school purposes and for church services. Children, as far distant as two or three miles, attended school here, and often in winter, when the ground was covered with snow, there being but few roads, a track was made to the schoolhouse by dragging a log through the snow. This building served for school pur- poses until 1838. During this period only reading, spelling, writing and arithmetic were taught. Corporal punishment was in full force. The pupils' course of study be- gan with the alphabet, and it was custom- ary to introduce the whole number of let- ters to the abecedarian at the first lesson. Spelling was pursued for some time before the pupil was advanced sufficiently to take up the Bible, which was the text-book used in teaching reading. In penmanship, the teacher wrote the copies for each pupil that was ready for this branch, and manufac- tured the pens out of goose quills. Arith- metic was the last study in the course, and one who could solve "single rule of three" was considered quite an arithmetician. This school was at first known as the Beales' school, but later on as the Black Oak ridge school. Henry Adams and John Gwin were among the first teachers.

In 1838, the trustees of the Presbyterian, Lutheran and Methodist churches pur- chased a lot of ground from Eli Hastings, on which to erect a union church. Shortly afterwards the school directors having de- termined to erect a schoolhouse, purchased a lot adjoining for $10, and agreed with the church committee that the church and schoolhouse should be erected as one build- ing, the school part being on one lot and the church part on the other. The schoolroom and the chuch were separated by a swing partition, which, when it was necessary to enlarge the church-room, was swung up to the ceiling and made secure by means of hooks. After the house was completed, which was late in 1838, a committee was ap- pointed by the school directors to secure a

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teacher. Barton Hastings was elected first teacher and received $20 per month for his services. At that time Blair county formed a part of Huntingdon, the division not be- ing made until 1846.

The Union building served for school pur- poses until 1854, and the building stood un- til comparatively recent times, being used as a place of worship by the African Meth- odist Episcopal church. It was torn down in 1902 and a substantial brick church edi- fice, erected by the African Methodist con- gregation, occupies the site.

During this period, some geography and grammar were taught, and a degree of ad- vancement, somewhat higher than that dur- ing the former period, was attained. How- ever, but little improvement was made in methods of instruction. Recitations were conducted in spelling and reading, but it can hardly be said that any were conducted in arithmetic. As long as pupils were able to obtain answers to questions, no assist- ance, in the way of explanation nor recita- tion, was thought necessary. When a pu- pil could not do a sum, he went to the teacher, who, if conducting a recitation, al- lowed the class to proceed, or permitted the pupil, who came to him, to hear the class, while he solved the question; but, more generally, the assistance was given between recitations, and often some pupils went up and stood near the teacher, or took a seat near him, before the recitation was finished, so that being foremost, they might have their questions solved first.

James Hutchinson, who was elected school director shortly after the passage of the common school law, of which he was an ardent supporter, served twelve or fifteen years, and took an active part in education. In 1854 the county superintendency was es- tablished. This change did not affect some of the teachers very agreeably. Additional branches were to be taught, and a more thorough examination was to passed. The first examination under this law, to be held in the Union schoolhouse, was advertised

for several weeks, but, on examination day, only one applicant, John Rutherford, was present. To be examined before the public, by the superintendent, was an ordeal through which many had no desire to pass ; and private examinations being allowed, they preferred it to the public examination.

Altoona was incorporated as a borough in 1854; and school directors were elected, of whom Thomas K. Burchinell was president. The erection of a one-story frame building, containing two rooms, in the fourth ward, was commenced late in the year, and was completed February, 1855, at which time two schools were opened. The house was fitted with improved furniture. The desks, with seats, were made each to accommodate two pupils, but owing to the crowded con- dition of the schools, three or more pupils were put to one desk. This kind of furni- ture was considered a great improvement at that time. The sexes were taught sep- arately. John Rutherford was elected teacher of the boys' school, and Miss Cor- delia White of the girls' school. Some time after the schools were open, a large number of pupils having been enrolled, an assistant was employed, who taught the primary pu- pils, both boys and girls, occupying part of the room in which Miss White taught. A term of four months was taught, with an enrollment of 158 pupils. The salary of the male teacher was $35 per month. The com- mon school branches were taught. During the summer of 1855 a one-story frame building, with two rooms, was erected in the third ward, and was supplied with furniture similar to that in the fourth ward. Much the same kind of furniture was used in most of the rooms until 1870. The railroad di- vided the town into two districts, East and West Altoona. Mr. Rutherford, who was "put on his muscle," taught the boys' school in West Altoona, and served as teacher for a number of years. In 1856, another build- ing, with one room, was erected in the fourth ward, to which were assigned the more advanced pupils, both boys and girls.

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The elements of one or two of the higher branches were taught. This was the begin- ning of the Altoona high school. The num- ber of teachers was six, and the length of school term was increased to six months. As there were only five rooms, one of them was occupied by two teachers. Some schools were composed of both boys and girls, others of boys and girls only. This arrangement, which, for most of the time, was not restricted to any particular grade, was continued until 1875, except from 1860 to 1869, when the sexes were taught to- gether. In 1857, a building, similar to the one last mentioned, was erected in the third ward. The borough was enlarged the same year, and made to include part of what was known as Greensburg. About 1855, some of the citizens of Greensburg found it incon- venient to send their children so far out in the township to school, and therefore de- termined to build a schoolhouse for them- selves, where it would be convenient. The house was built on Howard avenue, be- tween Tenth and Eleventh streets, and since its abandonment, many years ago for school purposes, has served as a dwelling. Robert McCormick gave the ground, and, with his subscription and that of other citizens, a sufficient amount was secured to erect a building. It was used for private school until it came within the limits of the bor- ough, when the school directors got control of it, and used it about one year for public school. Professor John Miller taught a select school here about 1862, shortly after which the house was sold. In 1857, there were seven school rooms; nine teachers employed, and 550 pupils were enrolled. The schools were divided into three grades, primary, intermediate and grammar. J. Ginter Counsman, who was some time after- wards elected superintendent of Blair county, was teacher of one of the two gram- mar schools. Only eight teachers were em- ployed the next year. No more buildings were erected until 1864, and no increase in

school population increased, and in some rooms from 150 to 200 pupils, under the care of two teachers, were enrolled. No other frame buildings were erected until 1870. The population increasing so rapidly, the erection of buildings required consider- able attention. In 1864, a house with one room was built in the Third ward, at a cost of $1,500. In 1866, a two-story building with two rooms, was erected in the Fourth ward, at a cost of $3,000; one of these rooms was assigned to the high school, and was occupied by it until a building was erected in the First ward. When the boundaries of Altoona were extended and it was incorpo- rated as a city, what was known as Lou- densville, now the Fifth ward, came within the limits. Here were two schoolhouses, each with one room. One of them was built about 1859, and served for school purposes until 1876, when it was destroyed by fire. The other was erected in 1866, when two grades were established. Another house with one room, in the Eighth ward, which was erected about 1867, came within the limits of the city also. The enrollment of pupils was greatly increased, and it was necessary to rent several rooms until more buildings could be erected. In a short time three houses were built-one with one room in the Fifth ward, and one with one, and one with two rooms in the Eighth ward.

When Altoona became a borough and a sep- arate school district, little idea did the school directors have of the dimensions the place would assume in a few years. Frame build- ings seemed to answer every purpose; and it was thought, too, that these should be only one-story, for when the first two-story school- house was built, some avowed educational in- terest was getting up too high. But when a city charter was obtained, and the population continued to increase, the directors began to think it was necessary to erect more perma- nent and larger buildings. In 1870, a brick building, with eight rooms, since known as the Webster school was erected in the First the number of teachers was made. The ward. Six rooms were supplied with patent

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furniture; and all the buildings erected after- wards were fitted with such furniture, except a small addition put to one of the buildings in the Third ward in 1871. With the start thus made the work of erecting large and commodi- ous buildings went on during the following years, with the following results: Franklin and Madison buildings, 1873; Penn. 1878; Emerson, 1882; Wright, 1885; Irving and Jefferson, 1887; Miller, 1889; Washington, 1890; Adams, 1891; Millville, 1892; Fair- view, 1896; Lincoln, 1895; Garfield, 1900; High school, 1905. In 1909 a large addition was built to the Adams building, and the ensu- ing summer will undoubtedly see the erection of one, and possibly two new buildings. All' these buildings have every convenience that would contribute to the comfort of the teach- ers and pupils, the directors having at all times given careful attention to the matters of heat, light and ventilation.

The office of city superintendent was insti- tuted in 1869, to which Professor John Miller was called. He was widely known throughout central Pennsylvania, and died in Altoona, September 3, 1875. He was born in the city of Paris about 1800, and was taught to speak and read French by his mother. When he was about three years of age his father moved to Strasburg. He was sent to school at Leipsic, where he remained until he was graduated. Leaving Leipsic, he came to this country about 1825. After being some time in New York and Philadelphia he went to the western part of Pennsylvania, where he commenced teach- ing school. Being a fine scholar his services were soon sought. The chief places where he taught were Martinsburg, Williamsburg, But- ler, Hollidaysburg and Altoona. He filled the office of the city superintendent until 1874, when he resigned, being so feeble that he was unable to discharge the duties of his office. After his resignation he gave instruction in Latin, German and French to pupils who went to his house, until about two months before his death. He spent nearly fifty years in school work.

Professor Miller was succeeded by Profes-

sor David S. Keith, who filled the office most creditably and with universal satisfaction for a period of thirty-one years, or until 1905, a length of service probably without a precedent in the history of the state. Professor Keith's great services in behalf of Altoona's public schools are more fully told in the biographical sketch of his career in this work. Since his volutary retirement he has devoted himself to private business interests. In 1909 he was tendered the nomination for school director, but declined.

Professor Homer J. Wightman succeeded Professor Keith, serving one term, from 1905 to 1908. He was unknown in Altoona when elected, being a resident of New Jersey, where he was serving as superintendent of schools in a small city. He practically revo- lutionized the schools, introducing new ideas and new methods. He was re-elected in 1908, but resigned very shortly thereafter to accept a principalship in a suburb of Philadelphia. He was succeeded by Professor Henry H. Baish, who was chosen after a prolonged deadlock on the school board. Professor Baish had previously served as principal of the Third ward schools and was a teacher in the high school when elected superintendent. He is a comparatively young man, but has dis- played rare executive ability and is giving universal satisfaction.

The property of the Altoona school district in 1909 is valued at $986,209.10. The bonded indebtedness is $594,500. The receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ending June I, 1909, were $325,918.89, and the disburse- ments $289,318.89. During the term of 1909-10 there are 213 regular and twenty-one supply teachers employed, and the whole num- ber of pupils enrolled during the term ending June, 1909, was 8,030. For the first month of the term of 1909-10 the enrollment was 7,425.

The Altoona high school had its inception in 1864, when a house with one room was built in the Third ward, at a cost of $1,500. A fourth grade, called the high school, was made, and E. H. Brunner was elected teacher. A few of the higher branches were taught in

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addition to the common school branches. The next year Professor John Miller was chosen teacher of the high school, for which a room was rented, all the schoolrooms being occu- pied by the other grades. In 1866, a two- story building with two rooms, was erected in the Fourth ward, at a cost of $3,000; one of these rooms was assigned to the high school, and was occupied by it until a building was erected in the First ward, known as the Web- ster building, and the high school was trans- ferred to it. The course included the common school branches, with algebra, geometry, nat- ural philosophy, Latin, Greek and German. However, but few pupils advanced much be- yond the common school studies. The course was not followed closely, every teacher chang- ing it as he thought it best adapted to the wants of his pupils. When Professor Miller was called to the superintendency in 1869, John S. Alexander was assigned to the high school; however, Professor Miller continued to teach a few branches for one year. Nevin H. Fisher was next elected, and was followed by A. F. Histetter, D. S. Keith, N. P. Crouse, L. L. Book, T. P. Farr, P. J. Carmichael, the latter serving from 1885 to 1888; J. G. Schucker, from 1888 to 1893; William L. Avis, who served one month at the beginning of the term of 1893, and George D. Robb, who has been principal since 1893.

Professor Avis's service affords an interest- ing incident in the history of the schools. He had served but one month, when at the close of a recitation he laid down his book, went to his boarding house, gathered up his belong- ings and left the city and has never been heard of by anyone in the city since, so far as is known.

The high school remained in the Webster building until 1879, when the Penn building in the second ward was completed and it was transferred there, remaining there until 1882, when it was moved to the Emerson building, which was erected for a high school building. In the meantime the school developed rapidly, more teachers being added each year, and in 1895 the Lincoln building in the Fourth ward,

adjoining the Emerson building, was erected. The number of graduates from 1880 to 1895 had ranged from twelve to twenty. The Lin- coln building was used until 1905, when the present magnificent structure, one of the finest of the kind in the entire country, was erected at an approximate cost of $350,000. At the present time twenty-three teachers are em- ployed in the high school, and the enrollment- for the current term is 775 pupils, while the graduating classes for the past six years have exceeded 100.

Manual training was introduced as a part of the school curriculum in 1903. Superintend- ent Keith had recommended its adoption in 1902, saying in his annual report that year: "The time has come when manual training should become a part of our educational sys- tem. A city whose interests are largely indus-6 trial ought to consider favorably the subject of industrial education. It trains the eye and the hand, as well as the mind; it gives the pupil that education which will be helpful to him in almost any pursuit in life, but espe- cially in adapting himself to the struggle for existence ; it is a subject interesting to pupils, is of advantage in the pursuit of other sub- jects, and affords recreation by temporary re- lief from the studies that are more purely edu- cational in their nature."

Continued agitation of the subject finally culminated in its adoption and Prof. C. C. Karlson was elected supervisor of manual training. Until the erection of the new high school building in 1905, the basement of the Emerson building was used for the depart- ment. In the new building special facilities were provided for manual training, and the school board provided liberally for it, while the Pennsylvania Railroad company, through its officials, who took a great interest in the movement, gave much valuable apparatus for' its equipment. Manual training was also in- troduced in the grammar schools and shops fitted up in the Emerson and Wright schools. In 1909 Professor Karlson resigned and was succeeded by Professor C. C. Dunning. Six teachers are now employed in this department.

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Kindergartens were stablished in 1905, but were discontinued in 1907, for reasons of economy. On December 18, 1908, the new high school building caught fire and the flames, getting into the interior walls, for a time threatened the destruction of the build- ing. It was finally extinguished, the loss en- tailed amounting to $10,000.

Altoona has been especially fortunate in having its best citizens serving as members of the school board. Among those who have served are Joseph Dysart, B. F. Custer, G. W. Slayman, H. C. Dern, John P. Levan, J. R. Bingaman, J. C. Hughes, John P. Lafferty, M. H. Mackey, J. I. Kleffman, J. N. Barr, B. M. Bunker, Dr. A. S. Stayer, Dr. S. L. Mc- Carthy, H. H. Pensyl, Fred A. Bell, William E. McKee, D. G. Mccullough, H. C. Tussey, H. J. Cornman, George F. Jackson, William Murray, Rev. A. S. Woodle and W. S. Doug- lass. The members of the board in 1909-10 are as follows : W. F. Eberle, David K. Howe, Michael Poet, John W. Plummer, H. King McFarlane and H. R. Earlenbaugh.

About 1861, a district institute was organ- ized by the teachers for their improvement in methods of instruction and school manage- ment, and in general culture. These institutes were kept up until 1875, when, the school directors refusing to remunerate the teachers for the time spent at these meetings, they were discontinued. Three years later they were re- sumed and have been continued ever since. During Professor Keith's incumbency of the superintendency the institutes were held dur- ing the week immediately preceding the open- ing of the school term. Professor Wightman adopted the custom of holding three two-day sessions at intervals during the term, and this policy has been adhered to by his successor. Since 1895 the secretary to the school board has devoted all his time to the position. J. F. Wallace served in this capacity from 1895 to 1900, and Charles M. Piper has held the posi- tion from 1900 to the present time.

THE PARISH SCHOOLS.

The Roman Catholic church, always so-

licitous to educate the youth of her adher- ents in their own faith, established parochial schools at a very early date. From the foundation of the parish of St. John's church in 1853 there was a parish school. It was established by Right Rev. J. Tuigg, and Mary Levi was selected as teacher, contin- uing in charge of lay teachers for many years. At first there were but twenty-five pupils, but the number rapidly increased. On May 12, 1867, the present imposing con- vent and school building was begun. On August 19, 1870, the school was opened with the Sisters of Charity in charge of the teach- ing under the direction of the rector.

Later on it was found necessary to erect another building to accommodate the rap- idly growing number of pupils of the par- ish. In the year 1882 the present splendid building at the corner of Thirteenth avenue and Thirteenth street was built at a cost of $45,000. The Franciscan Brothers had charge of the boys in this school, whilst the Sisters of Charity trained the girls. At this time the regular enrollment of these schools was over 600 pupils. Since the pres- ent rector has taken charge St. John's schools have made wonderful progress, both in numbers and efficiency. Today they are unexcelled anywhere. They maintain a high standard; their pupils are among the best in the city high school and in the sec- ondary schools where they pursue higher education. The two large school buildings are admirably adapted for educational pur- poses. They are isolated, well-lighted and ventilated and provided with the latest equipment for school work.

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Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 27

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Number of Pages: 1036

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Number of Pages: 1036