SCHOOL HISTORY: 1877 Common School Report, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives 11/15/2004 by Judy Banja Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ COMMON SCHOOLS OF PENNSYLVANIA REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1877 Harrisburg: Lane S. Hart, State Printer, 1878 Ex. Doc.] BLAIR COUNTY. 75 BLAIR COUNTY - John H. Stephens. Our county is young, comparatively speaking, having been erected from portions of Bedford and Huntingdon counties, in 1846. Her educational history, however, dates from the earliest settlements, and may be properly divided into three periods. The first period begins with the elementary schools, and extends to 1809, when the first law was enacted tending toward a general system of public free schools, for the education of the poor gratis. The second period may be said to begin with the act of 1809, and extend to 1834, at which time the present law was passed, which, however, has been since modified by legislation at various times. From 1834 to the present time may be regarded as the third period. Of the schools of the first period, our knowledge must necessarily be limited, since no public records of the schools were kept, and those persons who figured on the stage of action then, have long since passed to their reward. Sufficient data are left us, however, to warrant the assertion that, when mere garden spots, as it were, had been cleared in the mighty primeval forests, provision of some kind was made for having imparted to the young the rudiments of an education. The instruction was, indeed, rudimentary, the full course of study being spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. A scholar who could do "single rule of three" was considered a fit subject for graduation papers. Dillworth's spelling-books, published by a firm in England, were the first in use. Webster's and Byerly's were the first spellers in use published by Americans. The testament or Bible supplied the place of a reader, and an old gentleman tried to impress my mind with the fact (?) that for the beautiful farms owned by him and his neighbors, who, at one time, were schoolmates of his, they were largely indebted to the use of the Bible as a text-book in their schools. Copy-books were then unknown, and the paper of that time would compare with that of our day like matting with Brussels carpet. For pens, pointed goose quills were used, and the chief delight of the school boy was to occupy as much of the teacher's time as possible in mending pens and doing "sums." The chances for fun were then unlimited. It mattered little what arithmetic was used, so it contained a good supply of pounds, shillings, and pence, and a little "single rule." "Vulgar" fractions were horrible. I should like very much to draw a true pen picture of a school- house of this period, but my imaginative faculties are altogether too poorly developed, to attempt to give anything like a complete picture. In the construction of one of these houses there was no need of a mason, for the corners rested on four stones. Carpenters were not wanted, for it was built of round logs, and covered with clapboards. Plasterers made no bids for the job, for the crevices were chinked and daubed. And as for "painters," they roamed wild in the forest. On about two sides of the house was a row of 8x10 glass, and these were called 76 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, windows. In the absence of glass, greased paper was considered a good substitute. The desks consisted of boards, pegged up against the sides of the house, and the benches were made of slabs, (the smooth side was't always up either,) with round sticks for feet, and always raised high enough to keep a boy's feet dangling in the air about six inches from the floor. The heating apparatus consisted of either a chimney or a stove, into which uncut cord-wood could be pitched. When boys were sent out to gather wood, they were sure to get dry chestnut, if it was to be had, as it cracked louder and threw the sparks further than any other wood. Of the teachers I shall say nothing, although some of them would afford good subjects to write about. I presume their teaching was according to their pay. That they were poorly paid, then, as now, is evident from the fact that an act was passed April 11, 1799, exonerating all teachers and preachers from taxation. Two schools were established within the present limits of the county as early as 1790. The one at Williamsburg, and the other near "Red Ore Bank," on Clover creek. An account of the school at Williamsburg is here given, as furnished by a friend. "The earliest elementary school in the annals of this district was established about 1790, by Jacob Ake. who was the owner of the land on which the village of Aketown (now Williamsburg) was laid out. Seeing the necessity of educational training among the young, Mr. Ake secured teachers, and defrayed all expenses from his private purse. His word was regarded as law with the youth, and when he issued a command, the parentage acquiesced and the children rendered obedience. Thus it was when the pioneer resident established his first school. He visited village households, brandished his staff, and the children hied away to school. About fifteen years this system of instruction existed, through the same channel, when subscription schools began. Mr. James Martin taught until 1825, after which followed Messrs. Camel, Irvin, Opdyke, Spencer, and Miss Nancy Anderson, some of whom were very rigid disciplinarians. Mr. Opdyke was a minister, and one of his novel modes of punishing pupils, was to stand them in some conspicuous position, cover their eyes with leather spectacles, and allow the school to laugh at them a length of time, according to the gravity of the offence committed." The school on Clover creek was taught by John Bridenthal, in a house which stood on what is now the Hyle farm. The building had been erected for a dwelling-house, but was abandoned by its owner, who moved west. The citizens of the neighborhood fitted it up for a school-house, for which purpose it was used a number of years. John Diltz taught a school in a private house in the vicinity of Leather Cracker, (now Henrietta) about 1795. Among other teachers who taught in this vicinity during this period, may be named William Loose, George Glass, and ----- Ketring. Another school was established near Etna furnace, at an early period. The year in which it was established I was unable to learn, but it was still Ex. Doc.] BLAIR COUNTY. 77 in operation in 1797. About 1800 the house was destroyed by fire, and another, to take its place, was located near Keller's church. The only teacher connected with this school, whose name has been handed down to posterity, is James Martin, and no doubt his name would long since have passed into oblivion, had it not been for the liberal use he made of the "cato'nine-tails." About 1800 John Fisher taught a school in a private house near the village of Sharpsburg; and in 1802 a school-house was built in the same vicinity, known as the Houser school. Most of the teaching at that time, in this vicinity, as well as most parts of the county, was German, and probably the first English school taught in the "Cove" was in 1800, by a Mr. Roach, in a house which stood near Roaring Spring. Thomas Kinney taught a school near Elizabeth furnace, as early as 1800. Another school was taught in a private house, near Bell's Mills, about 1809. Alexander Kerr and Dudley Burnham were among the most prominent teachers in this community. These are the only schools coming within this period, of which anything like reliable information could be obtained. There were doubtless others, but all trace of their history is lost. The act of April 4, 1809, made it the duty of assessors "to receive the names of all children, between the ages of five and twelve, whose parents were unable to pay for their schooling." Such children were to be educated, and stationery furnished by the county. Schools under this system do not seem to have prospered. The law met with general disapprobation. Poor children did not like to hear it said, "your parents are too poor to send you to school;" neither were parents willing that the names of their children should stand recorded as public beneficiaries of the county. Notwithstanding this law was so unpopular, it seems to have remained in force for twenty-five years. Governor Wolf, in 1833, found that of the four hundred thousand children of proper school age in Pennsylvania, but twenty thousand attended school, and three hundred and eighty thousand were uninstructed. In his annual message to the Legislature, he strongly urged the passage of a law to remedy this terrible state of affairs. As a consequence, the school law of 1834 was passed. Sixty-five years ago, John Steele taught the young ideas how to shoot, in a house which stood on the present site of the Maitland house, in Gaysport. At that time Frankstown included the present territory of Allegheny and Blair townships, and, although the village of Frankstown was settled at a much earlier date, I was unable to learn of any school having been established in the district previous to this. Thomas Stearns, John Knox, Joshua Williamson, William Anderson, John Wertz, Robert McNamara, Joseph Cadwalder, S. F. Henry, and Ephraim Galbraith are among the teachers who taught in this locality during this period. About 1812, a school was taught by James Langham, in a school-house that stood near Black's Mills, in Greenfield township. John Dodson also taught for a number of years in this neighborhood. One of the most public spirited 78 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, men in the community at that time seems to have been John Swoveland, who built a house at his own expense, and donated it to the public for school purposes. In 1815, there was a house erected near Allegheny furnace, Logan township, called the Beales school, which served for school purposes and preaching for a number of years. John Gwin and . . . Summerville were among the teachers in this locality. The first schoolhouse with a shingle roof, erected within the present limits of Allegheny township, was built in Duncansville, in 1815. From a deed in possession of the secretary of Juniata township, we learn that in 1823 Peter Wilt, senior, for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar, to him in hand paid, sold to Peter Wilt and Christian Lingenfelter, trustees of an English and German school, all his right, title, and interest in a certain piece of ground situated," &c. The Dry Run school-house is located on this lot. The general school law of 1834 was, in many respects, similar to the present law. That part of it making provision for the appointment of inspectors by the court was repealed in 1835, and the non-accepting districts were given two years in which to accept before forfeiting their share of the State appropriation. In 1837 another act was passed, in the main, the same as the present. The non- accepting districts, under the law of 1834, were Frankstown, which at that time included Allegheny and Blair; Greenfield, embracing the present territory of Freedom and Juniata, and North Woodbury, which was comprised of Taylor and South Woodbury, (now in Bedford county,) and a portion of Huston. It is said, however, that the "returning board " of Greenfield so manipulated the returns as to count them in. The law met with much opposition in all parts of the county. Men of wealth and influence opposed it with all their might and main. For many years the enemies of the system tried to cripple it by electing anti-school men as directors, and not unfrequently men went home from elections with bloody noses, resulting from a hotly contested battle. The right prevailed, however, and many of us, who are not so highly favored with the riches of this world as others, can thank Heaven that it did. This was the first step taken to place the poor man's child on an equality with that of the rich man. The race is now a fair one, and that the poor boy does not always come out behind, one need but look around him, and see who lead in the public affairs of life. In justice to those who opposed the system, it may be said that many of its bitterest opponents became its most ardent supporters. The trouble did not end with the adoption of the system. To comply with the law, houses had to be built and teachers were to be paid. In Frankstown the funds, for several years, were expended in building houses, so that they did not have schools under this system for several years after its adoption. In course of time these difficulties were partially overcome, and things moved along as smoothly as could be expected. Scarcely twenty years had rolled around, however, when the opposition again manifested itself. Ex. Doc.] BLAIR COUNTY. 79 In 1854, a school law was passed introducing some important changes. Among the most important was that of the creation of the office of county superintendent. This change was particularly offensive to the teachers. Additional branches were to be taught, and instead of being examined by some "country storekeeper" or "portly squire," they were subjected to a more thorough examination by an officer who was sworn to do his duty to the best of his ability. From Superintendent Caldwell's first annual report we learn that the teachers feared these examinations so much that "no district had sufficient applicants to open the schools at the proper time." Hugh A. Caldwell was the first superintendent of Blair county, and received a salary of $400. He was followed by L. H. Williams, in 1856, and George W. English, in 1857. In 1857, John Dean was elected, and the salary raised to $600. His successor was John Mitchell, who was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Dean. In 1860, Mr. Mitchell was elected for the ensuing term. J. Ginter Counsman was elected in 1863, and was followed by Elexis Elder, in 1864. In 1865, the salary was raised to $1,000; Mr. Elder served until 1869. John B. Holland was elected in 1869, and was followed by the present incumbent, in 1875. For several years previous to the time the office of county superintendent was established, persons were appointed in various parts of the county to examine teachers. This escaped my notice, until within a few days of the time of sending in this report, so that I was unable to obtain the names of more than two of these examiners - Reverend Henry Baker and Christian Stoner. The first county convention held by the teachers of the county convened in a brick church, (now the Collinsville school-house,) in 1847. The meeting was attended by four teachers, and Reverend Henry Baker, of Altoona, presided. Among directors who have served long and faithfully may be named Martin Bell, Thomas Buchanan, Honorable Seth R. McCune, Adam Black, Jacob Barnhart, Honorable Samuel Calvin, Jacob Nofsker, James Stevons, John Hyle, Maxwell Kinkead, Reverend Daniel Bloom, and Alexander Knox. Mr. Bell served as president of the school board of Antis township for about thirty years, and, besides having given more of his time to the visitation of schools than any other director in the county, he deeded to the township the school-house at Elizabeth Furnace, one of the best in the county. Of the directors now serving, I shall only say that, as a class, for intelligence and true devotion to the cause of popular education, I doubt whether they can be surpassed by any county in the State. If I were to name all the teachers in the county who are worthy of mention, it would, perhaps, occupy too much space in this brief sketch. I shall, therefore, name but a few of those who have taught for a long time. D. M. White, Professor John Miller, John Z. Smith, Captain F. Cassidy, 80 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, Christian Stoner, Jacob Zeth, and Captain John H. Black. Most of these have taught above thirty years. Academies and Seminaries. The Williamsburg Academy, located at Williamsburg, is the oldest school of the kind in the county. The house was erected in 1847, and the charter granted in 1851. It was built by a joint stock company. The original number of shares was twenty-eight, and the cost per share fifty dollars. The first teacher was Reverend John White. Professor John Miller, who figures largely in the educational history of the county, also taught here for some time. The Juniata Collegiate Institute, (formerly the Franklin high school,) located at Martinsburg, was completed in 1860. It was built by joint stock subscriptions, at a cost of $8,000. Like most institutions of the kind, it has had its dark days. In 1867, a debt had accumulated against it, and, to save it from passing under the sheriff's hammer, it was sold to the Lutheran Synod for $3,000. It next passed into the hands of J. G. Herbst, who owned it for a short time, when it was purchased by Professor Lucian Cort, for $5,000. While owned by Mr. Cort, there was an addition built to the main building, which cost about $8,000. In 1875, it was purchased by Henry Bridenbaugh for $10,700. It is now in successful operation, under the principalship of Professor S. R. Bridenbaugh. Professors Dickerson and Osborne were the first teachers. Their successors were Messrs. Willard, Hughes, Hassler, Schwartz, Cort, and S. R. Bridenbaugh. The Hollidaysburg Female Seminary was chartered in 1866, and the building, which is one of the finest in this part of the State, was completed in 1869. It was built by a joint stock company, and cost, as it now stands, about $75,000. This school, under the principalship of Reverend Joseph Waugh, has been in successful operation from the time of its opening, 1869, to the present time. Professor W. P. Hussey will take charge of it the coming year, commencing September 12, 1877. Tipton Seminary, located at Bell's Mills, was built by General B. F. Bell, in 1866. Professor Orr Lossing first took charge of the school, and was followed by Robert Fulton and J. A. Stewart. The building has not been used for school purposes for several years. A select school has been in successful operation in Hollidaysburg for several years, under the principalship of Professor J. A. Stewart. In submitting this sketch of the history of the schools of the county, it is felt that justice has not been done the subject. To have made it a success, it should have been undertaken at least ten years ago. Many of the oldest settlers have passed away within the last few years, and few remain to tell the tale of the past. Without any public records of the county to refer to, it has been exceedingly difficult to collect even what is herein given. To those who have aided me, in any way, I return my sincere thanks. Ex. Doc.] ALTOONA. 651 ALTOONA. - D. S. Keith. Altoona is in Blair county, situated at the base of the Allegheny mountains, and at the foot of the steep grade by which the Pennsylvania railroad reaches the tunnel at Gallitzin. The workshops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company here are the most extensive of the kind in the United States. In 1849, the officers of the company selected the site of the city for the location of their principal workshops. The land now covered with buildings was at that time owned by three farmers - William Loudon, David Robison, and Andrew Green. The plot laid out on the central portion was known as Altoona, the eastern portion as Greensburg, and the western portion as Loudensville. In 1868, a city charter was obtained, the boundaries were extended, and the whole territory was known as Altoona. In 1870, the population was ten thousand six hundred and forty; at the present time it is about seventeen thousand. Twenty-five years ago there was one school-house, worth not over $300; now there are fifteen buildings, containing forty rooms, and the public school property is valued at $60,000 or $70,000. As early as 1815, the first school-house was erected within the boundaries of the territory now occupied by Altoona. The south-east 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 652 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, was covered with snow, there being but few roads, a track was made to the school-house by dragging a log through the snow. This building served for school purposes until 1838. During this period, spelling, reading, writing, and "ciphering" were the branches taught. Corporal punishment was in full force. The methods of instruction differed widely from those of the present. The pupils' course of study began with the alphabet, and it was customary to introduce the whole number of letters 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 manufactured the pens out of goose quills. Arithmetic 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 as the Black Oak Ridge school. Henry Adams and John Guin were among the first teachers. The law, called "An act to provide for the education of the poor gratis," was in force until 1834, when the common school law was passed. The passage of this law aroused the people somewhat in regard to education. It had bitter opponents, but having been agitated and discussed, some of its opponents became its strong supporters, and an effort was made to have better school accommodations and better schools. In 1838, the trustees of the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist churches, purchased a lot of ground from Eli Hastings, on which to erect a union church. Shortly afterwards the school directors having determined to erect a school- house, purchased a lot adjoining for ten dollars, and agreed with the church committee that the church and school-house should be erected as one building, the school part being on one lot and the church part on the other. The school- room and the church were separated by a swinging 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 appointed by the school directors to secure a teacher. Barton Hastings was elected first teacher, and the following is the agreement between him and the committee: "Articles of agreement made this 5th day of January, 1839, between Barton Hastings, school-master, of the one part, and we the undersigned committee for school No. 9, in Allegheny township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, of the other part. Witnesseth, that the said Barton Hastings does bargain and agree with said committee to teach in their primary school for a term not exceeding three months, from the 1st of the present month, during which time, strict subordination according to law and former custom, shall be observed. Spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic will be taught with fidelity. In consideration whereof, the said committee doth bind themselves, their heirs and executors, to pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said Barton Hastings, the sum of twenty dollars Ex. Doc.] ALTOONA. 653 per month for each and every month of said services. Witness our hands," etc. It will be seen from the above, that this district was embraced in Huntingdon county at the time referred to. In 1846, Blair county was formed from parts of Bedford and Huntingdon counties. The Union school-house, the name by which it was known, stands on the corner of Union avenue and Sixteenth street, and the school-room is now occupied as a dwelling by a colored family, and the church-room as a place of worship by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It served for school purposes until 1854. During this period, some geography and grammar were taught, and a degree of advancement, somewhat higher than that during the former period, was attained. However, 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 the answers to questions, no assistance, in the way of explanation nor recitation, was thought necessary. When a pupil could not "do a sum," he went to the teacher, who, if conducting a recitation, allowed the class to proceed, or permitted the pupil, who could not "do his sum," 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. It sometimes happened, when the teacher had his attention drawn from his pupils, and his mind concentrated upon some question, not being very apt in figures, that pupils, waiting for their turns, had an opportunity to take a little recreation. 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 established. This change did not affect some teachers very agreeably. Additional branches were to be taught, and a more thorough examination was to be passed. The first examination under this law, to be held in the Union school-house, 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 examination 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 condition of the schools, three or more pupils were put to one desk. This kind of furniture, which is now rapidly 654 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, disappearing from the school-rooms, patent furniture taking the place of it, was considered a great improvement at that time. The sexes were taught separately. John Rutherford was elected teacher of the boys' school, and Miss Cordelia 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 pupils, both boys and girls, occupying part of the room in which Miss White taught. A term of four months was taught, with an enrolment of one hundred and fifty-eight pupils. The salary of the male teacher was thirty-five dollars per month. The common 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 divided 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 building, with one room, was erected in the Fourth ward, to which were assigned the more advanced pupils, both boys and girls. The elements of one or two of the higher branches were taught. The number 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 "unsystematic" arrangement, which, for the most of the time, was not restricted to any particular grade, was continued until 1875, except from 1860 to about 1869, when the sexes were taught together. 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 residing in Greensburg found it inconvenient to send their children so far out in the township to school, and therefore determined to build a school-house for themselves, where it would be convenient. The house was built on Howard avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh streets, and now serves as a dwelling. Robert McCormick gave the ground, and, with his subscription and that of other citizens, a sufficient amount was secured to erect the building. It was used for private school until it came within the limits of the borough, when the school directors of the borough got control of it, and used it about one year for public school; being distant from the other school-houses, it was afterwards left vacant, except when used for select 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 were employed, and five hundred and fifty pupils were enrolled. The schools were divided into three grades, primary, intermediate, and grammar. J. Ginter Counsman, who was some time afterwards elected superintendent of Blair county, was teacher of one of the two grammar schools. Only eight teachers were employed the next Ex. Doc.] ALTOONA. 655 year. No more buildings were erected until 1864, and no increase in the number of teachers was made. The school population increased, and in some rooms from one hundred and fifty to two hundred pupils, under the care of two teachers, were enrolled. About 1861, a district institute was organized by the teachers for their improvement in methods of instruction and school management, 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. No other than frame-buildings were erected until 1870. The population increasing so rapidly, the erection of buildings required considerable attention. In 1864, 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 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 school rooms being occupied by the other grades. Professor Miller held this position until he was elected city superintendent. 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 incorporated as a city, what was known as Loudensville came within the limits. Here were two school-houses, 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 enrolment 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. The office of city superintendent was instituted in 1869, to which Professor John Miller was called. He served until October, 1874, when the present incumbent was elected. 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. Hostetter, D. S. Keith, N., P. Crouse, and L. L. Book, the present teacher. In 1869, the schools below the high school were divided into five grades, and a revised course of study was prepared. The course for the high school included the common school branches, with algebra, geometry, natural philosophy, Latin, Greek, and German. However, but few pupils advanced much beyond the common school studies. The course was not followed closely, every teacher changing it as he thought it best adapted to the wants of his pupils. 656 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, When Altoona became a borough and a separate school district, little idea did the school directors have of the dimensions the place would assume in a few years. Frame buildings 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 interest 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 permanent and larger buildings. In 1870, a brick-building, with eight rooms, was erected in the First ward. Six rooms were supplied with patent furniture; and all the buildings erected afterwards were fitted with such furniture, except a small addition put to one of the buildings in the Third ward, in 1871. There was still not sufficient school-room for all the pupils, and in 1872, a brick-house, with four rooms, was built in the Eighth ward. In 1873, the frame-building in the Fourth ward, which was erected in 1856, was removed, and a brick-house, with four rooms, was built. The same year, two other brick-houses, each with two rooms, were built - one in the Sixth ward and one in the Seventh ward. In 1875, an addition, with two rooms, was built to the Sixth Ward house, making the total number of rooms thirty-eight; and thirty-eight teachers were elected. Owing to the rapid increase in school population, it was difficult to keep pace with the demand for new school-buildings; and when the number of rooms became equal to the number of teachers employed, which had not been the case since 1854, a very desirable end was accomplished. In 1875, a new gradation of the schools was made, a revised course of instruction was prepared, the sexes were taught together in all the schools, and improvements were made in the plans for heating and ventilation. Eight grades below the high school were made - four constituting the primary, two the intermediate, and two the grammar department. The course for these three divisions, includes the common school branches with drawing, simple equations in algebra, and the elements of physiology. Two courses, an elementary and a scientific were prepared for the high school. The elementary course includes English grammar, orthography, etymology, reading, composition, rhetoric, Latin, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, physiology, natural philosophy, history, and constitution of the United States, penmanship, drawing, and botany or book- keeping. The scientific course includes English literature, composition, rhetoric, Latin, higher algebra, chemistry, general history, geology, trigonometry, and surveying, astronomy and mental philosophy. German, French, and Greek, are voluntary studies. An equivalent amount of language may be substituted for some of the mathematical studies. During the present year, six pupils completed the elementary course and received diplomas. Heaters have been used in all the brick-buildings; some proved very unsatisfactory. Joseph Dysart who came into office as school director over two years ago, gave this subject attention, and did good service. A heater, the plan of which to a great extent was invented by Mr. Dysart, Ex. Doc.] ALTOONA. 657 took the place of some of the old ones, and has proved quite satisfactory. A heater on which some late improvements have been made, has been placed in the building erected during the present year, in the Fifth ward. In 1872, a law was passed in regard to annual institutes, "authorizing the city of Altoona to organize a teachers' institute independently of the county of Blair." The following tabular statement will show the growth of the system since 1854: A - No. of male teachers. B - No. of female teachers. C - No. of pupils enrolled. D - No. of months taught. E - Average salary of male teachers per month. F - Average salary of female teachers per month. G - No. of mills levied for school purposes. H - No. of mills levied for building purposes. I - Total amount levied. A B C D E F G H I _________________________________________________________________ 1855, 1 2 158 4 $35 00 $25 00 .. .. $1,400 00 1856, 2 2 250 4 35 00 30 00 2 6 2,400 0 1857, 3 5 437 6 40 00 30 00 4 4 3,857 3 1858, 3 6 550 6 40 00 25 00 4 4 3,969 1 1859, 4 4 603 8 37 50 27 50 4 2 3,454 3 1860, 4 4 692 9 37 50 27 50 6 6 6,358 3 1861, 4 4 770 10 37 50 27 50 5 .. 2,744 0 1862, 4 4 769 9 37 50 27 50 5 .. 2,776 8 1863, 4 4 854 9 37 50 27 50 5 .. 2,800 0 1864, 4 4 762 9 39 72 29 72 5 .. 3,112 0 1865, 5 4 823 8 1/2 48 52 35 39 5 2 4,445 5 1866, 5 4 700 9 54 37 38 64 7 .. 4,414 7 1867, 5 6 925 8 1/2 55 00 39 33 7 3 6,340 5 1868, 4 7 813 10 62 50 40 42 10 3 9,107 8 1869, 6 12 1,560 10 57 50 45 00 13 .. 17,260 00 1870, 5 15 1,640 10 60 00 44 33 10 5 18,000 00 1871, 7 22 1,600 10 60 00 45 00 10 10 28,000 00 1872, 7 23 1,795 9 71 43 44 46 11 5 27,228 93 1873, 7 25 1,928 9 78 33 44 80 11 9 37,994 33 1874, 10 26 1,984 9 67 75 44 70 11 9 43,873 00 1875, 11 26 2,085 9 61 82 40 96 10 4 29,032 60 1876, 11 27 2,082 9 57 05 41 98 10 2 25,377 63 1877, 8 30 2,254 9 56 69 40 95 10 2 25,515 53 Professor John Miller who was widely known throughout Blair county, died at 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 this State, where he commenced teaching school. Being a fine scholar his services were soon sought. The most prominent places where he taught are Martinsburg, Williamsburg, Butler, 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 658 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, 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 teaching, and has left many pupils to remember him as an earnest and zealous teacher. Elexis Elder, W. W. Osborne, and J. B. Bowles are among the teachers who have taught longest in Altoona. Mr. Elder was appointed superintendent of Blair county in 1864, and elected in 1866, serving in all five years. Private schools received support from an early date. About 1855, a school was established with twenty-five pupils, by Right Reverend J. Tuigg, and Mary Levi was selected as teacher. The school increased steadily, and in 1870, St. John's convent was erected. Five hundred pupils, in charge of six teachers, were enrolled the first year. During the last year, six hundred and forty-eight were enrolled, and nine teachers gave instruction. Pupils pay tuition, but the school is mainly supported by tuition paid for instruction in music, to which great attention is given. The course of study includes the common school branches, christian doctrine, rhetoric, philosophy, botany, astronomy, algebra, painting, book-keeping, music, drawing, plain sewing, and needle and fancy work. In 1858, a house was built in the Second ward, and a school was organized under the direction of Right Reverend J. Tuigg. Charles Collins was the teacher, with forty pupils. This school increased, until the enrolment of pupils has reached one hundred and forty. In 1864, a house was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and a school was organized, with Miss Helen Hibler as teacher, who, with one assistant, for most of the time, has been continued up to the present year. Saint Mary's German Catholic school, in the Fourth ward, was established in 1862, by Reverend M. Bierl. The school opened with from thirty to forty pupils, under the care of one teacher. There are at present about one hundred and fifty pupils and two teachers. The common school branches and vocal music are taught. Pupils are instructed in both English and German. Eight or ten years ago, a parochial school was established by the German Lutheran Church, in order that their children might receive instruction in their own language. Recently, these children have come into the public schools, but, during the vacation of the public schools, they receive instruction in reading and writing German. By this method, they receive the benefits of a system of graded schools, and yet advance as rapidly in learning their own language. "An effort was made in 1862, by Doctor William R. Findley, and a few others, of Altoona, to establish an academy, for affording a higher grade of education than was attainable, at that time, in the public schools. On application to the Legislature of the State, a charter was obtained; and, although the plan of organization proposed was considered entirely practicable, yet petty sectional jealousy brought the enterprise to a speedy collapse. Doctor Findley had corresponded with Colonel John A. Wright, in relation Ex. Doc.] ALTOONA. 659 to a square of ground, adjoining that now occupied by the new reservoir, and had secured the refusal of the entire square for $1,500, with a subscription of $300. It would have been a most beautiful and desirable location for such an institution." "In the summer of 1858, the Altoona Mechanics' Library and Reading-Room Association was organized. The establishing of this institution was mainly the work of Reverend A. B. Clark, deceased, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. It opened in an upper room of the motive-power office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, (now torn down,) with some three hundred volumes on its shelves. Eliciting the interest and good will of several gentlemen, connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, it received handsome donations of books, and was finally granted a room, fitted up expressly for it, above the present ticket-office and waiting-room. Thus encouraged, its membership increased, and many new books were purchased." It contains now about three thousand volumes, selected from the different departments of learning. Although Altoona is quite young, in comparison with other cities of the State, yet it has been difficult for one, who has been associated with the schools so short a time, to gather the matter herein presented. My thanks are gratefully tendered to those who have, in any way, rendered assistance in the preparation of this historical sketch.