Jackson County IL Archives News.....Splendid Local School System Finds Start In Little Building Where Square Deal Stands October 16, 1923 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Mary Riseling riseling@insightbb.com July 13, 2006, 5:08 pm Murphysboro Daily Independent October 16, 1923 The first public school remembered by any of our citizens was conducted by Uncle Hugh CRAWFORD when he first came to Murphysboro in a building located where the Square Deal Clothing House has stood for the past thirty-eight years. Then a school was conducted back of the late George W. ANDREWS home on South Eleventh street that is remembered by many. Still later a school house was built about where the Julius WIDES business is located on South Tenth Street, which brings back memories to many old time Murphysboro citizens. When the mines were started in Mt. Carbon a school was built there, where many of our citizens were given the three "R's". In the late sixties or early seventy the first imposing two story brick structure, later named the Ozburn school was built and it was here in 1873, the birth year of the Independent, that many of our present citizens secured their first schooling. Every one of the old students of that day stresses the fact that it was a splendid school and was the beginning of our present fine school system. The next school to be built was the Logan school which stands on North Fourteenth street. The first building was an eight room structure; about 1890 four more rooms were added, making it the twelve room building as it stands today. The Washington school on East Lucier street, a modern eight room building was completed in 1908. The Longfellow school was built in 1908 with eight rooms and the four additional rooms of this school were added in 1912. The Lincoln school on Clay and Twenty-first streets was built in 1917, with eight modern rooms. All of these schools are modern in every particular, the oldest school, the Logan, having been remodeled to bring it up to date. The school for colored children, The Douglas on South Eighth street, was first built in 1897 with two rooms but has been remodeled and made in to an modern eight room school building. The Township High School which is a splendid structure, was built in 1900 and remodeled and doubled in capacity in 1921. The school board of 1883, through its principal, created the Murphysboro High School starting with a two year course. According to a historical account published in the Annual of last year the first class consisted of: Anna KENNEDY Mabel HALL William S. PELLETT Albert F. KUEHLE Geo. W. CLIPNER Chas L. RITTER The sessions first started in a room in the city hall. The second sessions were held in the Bierer Building corner of Walnut and Eleventh streets in what are at present the offices of Judge W. E. ROBERTS. In 1885 the West Side school, now the Logan School was completed which gave the High school a permanent home, where it remained until 1901, when the first building of the Murphysboro Township High School was completed. The election which established the Murphysboro Township High School was held Saturday, April 14, 1900. On Friday, June 22, of the same year, a proposition to issue bonds to the amount of $22,000 for the erection and equipment of a suitable building was voted on and carried. A tract of three and one third acres of land, located in the Clark and Logan addition to the city of Murphysboro and adjoining Logan Park, was chosen as the site of the building by a vote of the people, July 23, 1900. Two acres of this tract were donated by Messrs. Clark and Logan. The building, completed in August 1901, is constructed of buff brick with Bedford Stone trimmings. Its dimensions are 117 x 72 feet. There are two stores above ground and a nine foot basement. The building was formally dedicated Nov. 29, 1901. Many improvements have been made in the original building from time to time and many additions to its equipment. In the early days of the school an art exhibit furnished the means for securing pictures for the walls of the various rooms. Other pictures and statuary of artistic merit have been secured, until the school possess a very creditable art collection. In the summer of 1918, the building underwent a decided remodeling at the cost of thirty thousand dollars. The Home Economics department was greatly benefited, during the summer of 1919 by the building of the "annex." This annex, built on the bungalow cottage plan, is connected by a corridor to the main hall of the original building. Its dimensions are 50 x 32 feet. The basement which is finished under the entire building is primarily for the use of the sewing department, but can be easily transformed into an entertainment hall with a stage. In 1919, by being placed on the Smith-Hughes list, the school secured aid from the federal government for the Departments of Agriculture, Home Economics and Applied Art. This aid amounts to one half of the salaries of the teachers in these departments. The curriculum was enlarged in 1918 by the addition of a Music and Art department, in which two teachers are employed. The M. T. H. S. property has been increased by additional land as well as buildings. In 1920 a tract of land, three and one half acres in extent, lying just across the street from the school campus, was purchased by the school board for athletic purposes mainly, although a small portion was given over to agricultural projects and the State Egg Laying Contest. A good athletics field has been prepared here by laying out of a fifth of a mile race course, a ball ground, jumping pits, and bleachers, the latter furnishing seats for some one thousand spectators. In the early days of the M.T.H.S. efforts were made to beautify the campus, and in a short time the school was justly proud of a campus unsurpassed in the state. About 1912 the help of landscape gardeners from the University of Illinois was secured, and new shrubs and trees were planted. The first principal of M.T.H.S. was Ellis H. ROGERS, his successors in order of their service are, E. E. McLAUGHLIN, E. E. VAN CLEVE, G. J. KOONS, A. N. THURSTON, and the present Principal, M. N. TODD. The faculty consisted of the Principal and four assistant teachers. The bonds for the two new additions of the M.T.H.S. were voted upon in February 1921 and carried by a majority of three to one. The first ground was broken in the summer of 1921. The buildings have been designed according to the most modern ideas in school architecture by N. S. Spencer and Son of 1635 Old Colony Building Chicago, Illinois. The style of architecture is modeled after that of the Italian Renaissance. Both additions are constructed of the same share of buff brick as the present building. All exterior stone work and trimmings are executed of buff Bedford, Indiana, limestone of the best quality. The inside walls are made up of either white enameled or buff brick. All of the inside walls in the shower and dressing rooms and the entire wainscoting up to a point three and a half feet high in the lunch room are made up of number one white enameled brick laid in close buttered white mortar joint. All of the interior walls of the corridors on the ground floor, including locker space, the connections to the present building and the interior walls of the gymnasium are executed in buff brick. All stair steps, all corridor floors, toilet floors, all floors in showers and dressing rooms, are built of marble terrazzo. The terrazzo work is of the highest quality and was installed by Italian workman of the Art Mosaic and Tile Company of Toledo, Ohio. The surface of the terrazzo has been thoroughly ground to give a smooth finish. The base and a portion of the border is composed of imported green marble, having cement colored chips with green pigment. The entire field work in the corridors is made up of black, white and yellow marble and white cement. All marble which shows on the surface is of the imported hard marble chips, mixed so that at least 85 percent of the finished surface will show the marble. Terrazzo floors are the latest in flooring on account of the sound proof quality. Both the new wings are 119' 4" long and 101' deep. Each wing is connected with the present building by means of corridors thirty-seven and one half feet long on all floors. The stairways of each addition are fire proof and form an extension to the main corridors. The west wing comprises the Gymnasium, which is built to the south of the main corridor. The playing floor measures 88' x 40', and the ceiling is especially high at twenty-six feet. The wooden floor is built directly upon solid concrete. The bleachers extend along the east and west sides and will easily accommodate 1000 spectators. Under the west side bleachers is to be found the Boys Athletic Director, three boys' locker rooms, and six hot and cold shower stalls; all of which have walls faced with white enameled bricks. On the east side and under the bleachers are located the girls' Athletic Director's office, five girls shower rooms, and dressing rooms, all of which are finished of the same material as those of the boys' side. Opposite the Gymnasium and on the ground floor of the west wing is located the new Manual Training room with outside dimensions of 100' 8" x 25' 6". The Machine Room has sufficient day light from the north and is equipped with modern machinery, cabinets, and a sink. The Bench room is adjacent to the Machine room and is of the same size. It contains modern bench equipment and tools and two separate supply and tool rooms serves the pupils in both courses. The first floor of the west wing comprises the General Science room and an up to date Mechanical Drawing room. Each has the dimensions of 37' 8" x 25' 2" and is provided with necessary cabinets and sinks. The second floor of this addition comprises the Applied Vocational Business Departments with a floor space of 100' x 25'. The department is divided into 40' 5" x 25' 2" Stenographic Room a 34' 4" x 25' 2" bookkeeping room, and a 25'3" x 25' 2" Business recitation room. Each room is divided from the other by a heavy glass partition. The principal addition of the west wing is the spacious Auditorium located south of the main corridors. The outside dimensions of the Auditorium are 86' 6" x 66' 10". The main floor slopes gradually toward the stage and is equipped with enough theatre seats that will comfortably accommodate 700 people. The stage is exceptionally large and is well equipped with modern stage curtains and screens. It is 66' 10" long and 18' 9" deep. A spacious dressing room is connected with each end of the stage. The orchestra pit, measuring 36' x 7' 5" is of sufficient size to accommodate 20 musicians. The balcony extends across the rear of the Auditorium and will seat 300 people. A modern, fire proof 10' x 10', projector room provides for the projecting machinery which is to be used for class work and educational films. Just opposite the Auditorium and situated on the ground floor is to be found the location for the modern cafeteria. The suite of rooms are 101' long and (unreadable) wide and are composed of a lunch room (14' 8" x 23' 10"). Every effort is made to offer the pupils and the teachers the same accommodations as they would receive in a large restaurant. The lunch room has been made especially attractive with a terrazzo floor, and walls faced with white enameled brick wainscoting. The kitchen and the supply rooms have cement floors and have the latest labor saving and most sanitary devices. One hunded persons can be served at a time. The cafeteria is supervised by the director of the Home Economics Department. On the first floor next to the main entrance is located the Executive Offices, comprising of the Principal's office, the office of the Board of Education and the Clerk's office. The public waiting room joins the offices. East of the main entrance is the Art and Music room with a 37' 8" x 23' 8" floor space. On the extreme end of the second floor corridor and opposite the Auditorium is the girls emergency room (13' 8" x 25' 2") which is equipped with the necessary furniture. Next to the emergency room and on the north side of the corridor are three extra class rooms. On the first and second floor corridors is an Art Gallery which is filled with pictures and other decorations. A double row of metal picture moulds is placed into the walls to hold the decorations. On the first floor on the main corridor in the west wing are located several built in trophy cases. The men faculty toilets are located on the second floor of the west wing while the lady teachers' rest room is found on the second floor of the east wing. Each floor of the west wing has a boys toilet while the girls toilets are on the three floors of the east wing. The boys locker rooms extend to the south of the west wing corridors, and the girls locker rooms extend to the south of the east wing corridors. The High School has been the recipient of praise from both school people and others not specially engaged in school work. Its appointments and equipment bespeak a university atmosphere. Many instances are on record wherein pupils are enrolled from other high school territories but where the facilities do not equal those that are offered here. The curriculum is so arranged as to meet with the university requirements nationally that graduates many continue their education in higher schools without condition. This is accomplished largely by adherence on the part of the Faculty and Board of Education to rulings as laid down by the North Central high school association. Every encouragement is given the students to further pursue their studies after graduation and the officials are ever alert for additions and actions that will enhance their future opportunities. Contrary to general opinion the high school is not entirely non-supportive. In the year just past the income has been close to ten thousand dollars by reason of a fund on teachers salaries as given by the state and non-residence pupils. This has in the past been no mean item and promises to enlarge during the ensuing years. It is now so arranged in this school that subjects are offered that could be obtained only in Universities some ten or twelve years ago. The enrollment is showing a steady increase each year. The additional building of the past year will accommodate all, it is estimated, until Murphysboro doubles in population. Murphysboro can without hesitation pronounce this one of the finest if not the finest high school in Southern Illinois. The scholastics of the school are such that graduates have no trouble in obtaining very lucrative positions after graduation. Many of the former students can be found occupying important and responsible positions within a year after their graduation. It should be and is very encouraging for the parents of this township to know that with home schooling their children may equip themselves for positions of responsibility. Likewise the physical side of the school is given every attention. Athletics are self supporting in this institution. Athletes developed here have a state wide reputation. It must be borne in mind that all athletic activity on the part of a students are secondary to his scholastic duties. A certain grade must be made and maintained before he is eligible to enter into any of the athletics. Physical development is notable among first year students as they progress throughout the four year course. Some two years ago the board of education purchased a tract of 3 1-2 acres that is separated from the school only by a street for an athletic field thereby assuring the student body for all time a place for their athletics. With this added athletic activity it is noticeable that year by year there is less tendency on the part of students to drop out. Once they enter and can see the life of the school they remain until graduation. In resume of the city's growth in fifty years the progress of this institution must not be overlooked. Civic interest and pride is growing daily as regards the high school. More and more of its Alumni are entering business within the shadow of the building and are ever ready to advance the claims of the school and lend ever assistance to students wishing a high school education. Murphysboro can justly be proud of the Township High School and without hesitancy compare it favorably with any similar institution in the State of Illinois. Its future good for citizenship is inestimable. Following are the instructors in Murphysboro Township High School, with years of service in the Murphysboro Township High school: M. N. TODD, A.B., University of Illinois; four summers post graduate work, University of Illinois; 6 years Anna TAGGERT, A. B., A. M., Shurtleff Latin, post graduate work. Two terms at University of Illinois, thirty six weeks at University of Chicago, one summer at Colorado University; 15 years Paul ARNDT, B.S., Agriculture, University of Illinois, two summers at University of Illinois as post graduate work; 5 years Oscar FIRTH, A.B., Monmouth, Mathematics and coaching, one summer Illinois Coaching School; 2 years J. J. NEFF, Ph.B., Missouri Normal, A.B., University of Missouri. Mathematics; 6 years L. E. ETHERTON, Ph.B., Southern Illinois Normal University, Science and Assistant Coach; 1 year Martin JACKSON, two years at Oliff College and two years at South Institute, Manual Training and Mechanical Drawing; 1 year Blanche E. REED, A.B., DePaw, two terms at Chicago University, as post graduate work. Latin and English; 1 year Wildie DAVIS, A.B., A.M., Indiana University. One summer California University, as post graduate work; 5 years Una Doris ADAMS, A.B., Indiana University. English. Post graduate work. Two summers Chicago University, one at Columbia University; 6 years Ethel H. BALDWIN, A.B., Iowa State Teachers' College and one summer's post graduate work at Columbia University; 3 years Ruth Marie ATKINS, A.B., Ohio Wesleyan, English and Public Speaking Charlotte METZGER, A.B., Ohio Wesleyan. History; 2 years Margarette HINES, A.B., Smith College. Physics and Chemistry; 2 years Ina Lee FOSTER, A.B., Transylania College; Biology an General Science; 2 years Maryanne PITTS, A.B., Missouri University. Fine Arts; 2 years Esther O. KIRK, A.B., University of Illinois. Foods and Household Management. Cafeteria; 1 year Margaret CHEESEBROUGH, A.B., Iowa University. Two years Art Course from Drake University, one term post graduate work Chicago and one term at Columbia; Sewing and Millinery; 2 years Luise DARST, A.B., Oberlin College, Commercial work; 2 years Belle LONGBONS, B.M., University of Illinois. Post graduate one term Lake Forest in music and one summer term at University of Illinois; 1 year Iva Mae FROST, Physical Training for Girls. Graduate of Battle Creek Physical Training School; 2 years Ilean BUTCHER, M.T.H.S. '22 Clerk; 2 years Mamie McCORMICK, M.T.H.S '22. Librarian; 1 year The following are instructors at the Douglas School (colored) E. W. TURNER, graduate of Lincoln Institute, five summers Minnesota University. Mathematics and Science; 8 years Mary Lorene BARNETT, A.B., University of Illinois. One summer post graduate work, University of Illinois. History and English; 2 years First Instructors at Township High School: Teachers for the 1901-02 term Ellis H. ROGERS, Principal, Mathematics Roscoe C. McCORMICK, Science Mrs. Kate CHAPMAN, Latin Aneta BALDWIN, English and Music St. Andrew's Parochial School. The St. Andrew's Parochial school located just east of St. Andrew's church on Mulberry street has a large enrollment and is ably conducted by the sisters of that denomination. Emanual Lutheran Parochial The Emanual Lutheran Parochial school conducted by Rev. SCHNEIDER at the church of that denomination on Pine street cares for the young people of that faith who secure an elementary training there. Teachers in City Schools Following are the teachers in the city schools under the supervision of City School Superintendent S. J. SHOMAKER Washington R. M. LACEY Opal RAWLINGS Alice COOPER Grace ROBINSON Mabel MILEUR Marion HAMMER Vivian MODGLIN Emily ROBERTS Longfellow J. E. FISHER Neil PARKER Agatha WHITE Elsie CREWS Sarah HARVEY Louis DUERCKHEIMER Ruth LAWDER Maude RUST Logan J. A. CROSS Estelle PATRICK Jennie THOMPSON Christiana AIASSI Jennie D. OZBURN Sadie RAGEL Neil McMAHON Rose PIOSIK Jennie ROBERTS Lincoln Frank PARISH, Jr. Evelyn PORTER Helen BAILEY Margaret PLOEGER Helen BRANDON Beatrice SANGWIN Alice MULLINEAUX Sidna MULLINEAUX Special Teachers Emmett ROBERTS, Manual Training Esther INMAN, Domestic Science Katherine Spence, Music Douglass Ruth CALDWELL Geneva BOWERS Marion ALGEE Vivian CROSS Bella CLAYBROOK Additional Comments: Transcribed by Mary Riseling from grandfather C. E. RISELING's collection of old newspapers. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/jackson/newspapers/splendid77nnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 21.8 Kb