anaheim-gazette 1906-11-29

WHITTIER STATE SCHOOL A School That Has Done Much Good—But Might Have Done Much More. By Arthur J. Pillsbury, Every boy that ever was was a problem to somebody. Some of these youthful problems have early proved too much for their mother’s solution, some too much for their father’s, some too much for the schools and the reformatories, but society in the large finally comes up with the most perplexing of them, after enduring many things at their hands, and either bottles them up in prison or snuffs them out at the hands of the hangman. It was to lessen the number bottled up and snuffed out that California established Whittier state school. The enterprise was started off with a donation of forty acres of land, but it was early determined, and rightly so, that forty acres was inadequate for the purpose and 120 acres more was purchased at a cost of $24,000. For purposes of irrigation five inches of water was purchased in the East Whittier Land and Water Co. at a cost of $4500, and pipes were laid for conveying it through the grounds at a cost of $4972. A cemented reservoir was built at a cost of $2000, but the water problem is by no means solved. Either addi- has been about 334. This is the average percapita state about $300 per child in addition to what is probably consumed on the place. Fiscal year ending June 30 per capita cost of maintain- at Whittier was $311.79. There has been a prevail- that California’s reform sch- been only kindergartens for itentiaries. I found pleas- ploding that idea a year ago. I ascertained that o- cent of the boys who had from Whittier since the s-established, no matter how gotten out, had brought to Quintin or Folsom, and o- cent of those who had gone Preston school at Ione h- rived. Of course, we do not many of the Whittier lad- called back from criminal reason of their terms of this school. I am not d- give the school credit for ing” 94½ per cent of the hu-blems committed to its ch- school has helped to “for than to “reform” its ch- most cases in this school, ers of the kind, it has bee- of the law on the should boy that has brought his senses, and it is probab- week at the school and a of it into good private he enough of a stay to let the what it means to be the hare accomplished every For purposes of irrigation five inches of water was purchased in the East Whittier Land and Water Co. at a cost of $4500, and pipes were laid for conveying it through the grounds at a cost of $4972. A cemented reservoir was built at a cost of $2000, but the water problem is by no means solved. Either additional water rights will have to be purchased or wells will have to be sunk and a new pumping plant installed. The school also has an interest in a mutual water company which does very well for the lower part of the ranch, but I have no figures as to the cost of this water right. An expenditure of $4000 or $5000 additional should afford a sufficient water supply for domestic use and for irrigation. Southern California has given the commonwealth a squarer deal on lands sold to it than has been the custom in the central and northern part of the state. The soil at Whittier is adobe, to be sure, and has to be worked in the right way at the right time, but it produces well and, if the state cared to do so, it could sell its Whittier holdings, improved as they have been, for several times the original cost. A good deal of it would bring $500 an acre, and some of it as much as $1000. It may be remarked just here that the institution needs 40 acres of good alfalfa land. This is wanted for the dairy herd, and the dairy herd is wanted as much for a dairy school as for a home supply of milk and butter. The buildings are sightly. What public buildings in California are not! The main building has five floors, including basement, and is adorned with one of those menacing tall towers with water tank on the highest floor. This building, with power house and trades building cost $138,380. The refactory building cost $22,000; “B” cottage for small boys; $5200; the blacksmith than to “reform” its most cases in this school, ers of the kind, it has been of the law on the shoulder boy that has brought his senses, and it is probable week at the school and a of it into good private h enough of a stay to let the what it means to be the have accomplished every tory purpose that has been lished and have prevent deal of juvenile contamination. I think that Whittier st if compared with condition would have existed had no such school at all, has do think that a good pa boarding-out system would a good deal less and pay deal better. Upon examining the records I find that of the ren who have been in Whittier school or out on parole d fiscal year ending June 30, came from the seven county monly held to constitute California, and 240 came Angeles county alone. It though Los Angeles co making a state institution purposes of local truance If there were enough truancy and attendance officers, Fresno maintains, there w able use in California for two form schools, and the one maintained would be much than either of the state so is. Delinquency nearly a gins with truancy and thnip that bud is when it f Superintendent J. P. G gotten the Whittier farm shape than I ever saw it He has a native knack things up and, if he were it, I should unhesitatingly him as a suitable person charge of a fine agricultur y with the view of kee ship-shape. The buildings are sightly. What public buildings in California are not! The main building has five floors, including basement, and is adorned with one of those menacing tall towers with water tank on the highest floor. This building, with power house and trades building cost $138,380. The refactory building cost $22,000; "B" cottage for small boys, $5200; the blacksmith, carpenter and plumbing building, $2456.53; stables, etc., $3500; other small structures, $1000. Total for boys' department, $172,336.53. The cost of construction at the girls' department has been, for "A" cottage, $31,345; "B" cottage, $15,-000; cold storage building, $800; other small structures, $800. Total, $47,945. In round numbers, including everything that has been purchased, the state has invested $272,000 in land and buildings, and $74,500 in equipment and furnishing, making the total direct investment $346,500, besides the original gift of land worth $8000 more. The state has not only invested a lot of money in the plant itself, but it has invested and is investing a lot more money in people and things to keep the reformatory machinery running. During the 14 years beginning with July 1, 1892, and ending June 30, 1906, the state has appropriated for the support of Whittier state school $1,400,058.26, or almost exactly $100,000 each year. The average daily attendance, subject to considerable fluctuations, Superintendent J. P. Goffen gotten the Whittier farm shape than I ever saw it. He has a native knack things up and, if he were it, I should unhesitatingly him as a suitable person charge of a fine agriculture with the view of keeping ship-shape. The dairy herd is being the dairy barn has been trained into a model of its kind, a capacity of 250 tons has been filled; and the orange and walnut crop this year $4202.12. With a few more forty acres of alfalfa the farm should supply the school with all the dairy wants, as it now does with gets. I can not better illustrate dustrial life of Whittier than by giving one day's the cadets. To the baker penter 13, butcher 1, black dining room 34, engineer 8 garden 59, hospital 1, house 16, house pantry 2, kitchen dry 8, office 2, painter 8, shoemaker 7, tailor shop duty 3. Total 232. The lads work half of these avocations and spend half day in school. If while, work is pressing in try, the school work is much to the joy of the This has made average percapita cost to the about $300 per child per year, notion to what is produced and used on the place. For the year ending June 30, 1906, the total cost of maintaining pupils' titer was $311.79. It has been a prevalent notion California's reform schools have by kindergartens for the penes. I found pleasure in ex-that idea a year and a half ascertained that only 5½ per the boys who had gone out Whittier since the school was used, no matter how they had out, had brought up in San Folsom, and only 6 per those who had gone out from school at Ione had so ar-ourse, we do not know how the Whittier lads have been back from criminal careers by their terms of service at school. I am not disposed to school credit for "reform" per cent of the human pro-mitted to its charge. The has helped to "form" rather "reform" its charges. In cases in this school, as in other kind, it has been the grip on the shoulder of the it has brought him to his hand it is probable that a the school and a parole out so good private hands—just of a stay to let the boy know means to be there—would complished every reforma-as a rule, would rather pull weeds than study books. The common school work done at Whittier is of good quality. The pupils are all backward and not a few take to book learning with an avidity only equalled by that of a chicken for a swimming hole. Still, the school is in good hands and a good deal of creditable work is accomplished; but with the belated or indolent mind educatation is like the lifting of a dead weight. The lifter may struggle and strain as she will, but she will get comparatively little help from the lifted, unless his intellectuality is reached simultaneously along other and parallel lines. And right here, it seems to me is a fatal limitation at Whittier state school. The direction of least resistance in a reform school is to utilize the boy for the farm, the garden, the dairy and the shop for the boy, and it is in the direction of the least resistance that the reform schools of California have mainly been working. Here are a lot of belated, numbed and often debauched intellects that have got to be aroused into activity and understanding in order to be saved to usefulness and be kept from criminality. As the mother arouses the dormant intellectual possibilities in her baby by incessantly appealing to it by word and gesture, so these buds of larger growth, but almost equally dormant have got to be supplanted to... "reform" its charges. In cases in this school, as in other kind, it has been the grip on the shoulder of the boy has brought him to his hand and it is probable that a school and a parole out to good private hands—just of a stay to let the boy know means to be there—would accomplished every reformpose that has been accompanied have prevented a good juvenile contamination. In examining the statistical find that of the 508 children have been in Whittier state or out on parole during the year ending June 30, 1906; 329 from the seven counties com- feld to constitute Southern California, and 240 came from Los County alone. It looks as if Los Angeles county were a state institution serve the needs of local truancy schools were enough truancy schools pendance officers, such as maintains, there would be lit- tle California for two state re- schools, and the one that was needed would be much smaller number of the state schools now frequency nearly always be- truancy and the time to bud is when it first bursts. Intendent J. P. Greeley has the Whittier farm into better than I ever saw it in before. A native knack at fixing up and, if he were in need ofuld unhesitatingly commend a suitable person to take off a fine agricultural prophethy the view of keeping it in place. numbed and often debauched intellects that have got to be aroused into activity and understanding in order to be saved to usefulness and be kept from criminality. As the mother arouses the dormant intellectual possibilities in her baby by incessantly appealing to it by word and gesture, so these buds of larger growth, but almost equally dormant, have got to be appealed to incessantly and from all points of the mental compass until there has been such an arousing of the intellectual fires as will bring into being that understanding which the wise men of old ranked above learning or riches or power. "What is it? What does it do? Where did it come from? Why?" These are the questions that should confront the reform school boy at every turn from his rising up in the morning until his lying down at night, and every officer and employe, from superintendent down to night-watchman, should be, in spirit if not by profession, a teacher. The state has been generous with Whittier state school. It has given it everything except the few things that are indispensible to successful effort in reforming bad boys and bad girls. It stopped just short of that goal. Manual training lies at the foundation of intellectual development, and Whittier state school has no manual training department. If it had not been dead to the educational spirit it would have had such a school a dozen year ago and would have made it the corner stone of the reformatory. The industries at Whittier, if we except the printing department, are not in any true sense educative. They teach how but they do not teach why. Everything that the boy touches, indoors and out, should put him upon inquiry. "What is it? Where did it come from? How was it made?" These queries should fairly haunt the pupil, and a library and, in the girls' deprir thirteenth principal is Superintendent Niebeckir charge of the state s Mills, Pa., 15 years; Fr- has been superintendent chester school 15 years has been superintendent man school not less th There is not a success school in America that found the right person changes its superintend dies or is worn out. First, secure a superior rises to the requirement vice, and rises with entl give him full power to subordinates, and he wi get a corps of assistance who will be loyal to him to his policy. Without sentially reformatory done. The institution totial in character and worth while. The blight of politi upon Whittier state sch local, in whole or in pa beginning until now; in if not in the sunlight. will never be what it sh—a real reformatory for children—until that blight off, and until the educ permeates the entire p needs the Spirit of Go The industries at Whittier, if we except the printing department, are not in any true sense educative. They teach how but they do not teach why. Everything that the boy touches, indoors and out, should put him upon inquiry. "What is it? Where did it come from? How was it made?" These queries should fairly haunt the pupil, and a library should be at hand, and competent instructors, for answering these queries. Next to manual training I should rank the services of a conscientious parole officer, who should get the boys out faster than the policemen and courts can get them into Whittier state school. I would rather the state had a good parole officer and a support fund and no state school at all than a state school and a half million invested, and no parole officer. Better work can be done at less cost. Every boy in Whittier state school can be boarded out with good families, that will be responsible for them, for a less per capita cost than $311.79 per annum, and with better results than can be obtained in any congregate school. With a pay roll amounting to $4097.75 per month (against $2291.66 at Preston school, which has more than two-thirds as many pupils) it is astonishing that provision has not been made for a capable parole officer. Whittier state school has been in operation fifteen years, during which time it has had five superintendents Santa Fe Thanksgiving The Santa Fe will on 29th sell round trip tickets good to return Dec. 3d. The attractions at Los Thanksgiving day will be At Ascot park, opening season of the Los Angeles At Fiesta park, foot-tween Sherman Indians Temple Auditorium, "Ian Opera company, in Mason opera-house, Widow." Belasco theatre, "Captain Burbank theatre, "L Orpheum theatre, Vau Unique theatre, Vaud Empire theatre, Vaud Broadway theatre, Vaul Fisher theatre, Burlesville. People's theatre, Mus Hotchkiss theatre, "Grand opera-house, "of Kitty." A special train will leaves for Anaheim at 6:30 p.m. Day. This will give to see the ball game and to return later than For full information en Fe depot, Anaheim. Parade of Product Day by the Fraternal Brother geon hall, Santa Ana, D by Babize orchestra. nov15-3t itkin's Barn Paint Guaranteed for five years. Especially adapted for cutting barns, roofs, bridges, fences, etc. Put up in 5 on and 1 gallon cans, full measure. Nearly forty years experience in the art of making paint and thousands of tests, have proven conclusively that there are no more durable paints made from any maal than those made from oxide of iron. One gallon of our Barn Paint will cover 200 square two coats, on ordinary new wood work; on old or hard wood work, less. AT— L. E. MILLER'S fresh Stock of Full Mason Fruit Jars Economy Fruit Jars, Rubbers, Sealing Wax and Caps. Extra Tops for Economy Jars. Full Mason Jars ts, 65c; Qts, 75; ½ gal., $1 00. Good Jelly Glasses 30c. doz. A. NAGEL A. NAGEL in the girls' department, the tenth principal is now in office. Superintendent Niebecker has been charge of the state school at Glen Pa., 15 years; Franklin Briggs been superintendent of the Roer school 15 years; Mr. Chapin been superintendent of the Ly-school not less than 18 years. He is not a successful reformer in America that, after it has met the right person for the place, goes its superintendent until he is worn out. St, secure a superintendent who to the requirements of the ser- and rises with enthusiasm; then him full power to choose all hisordinates, and he will inevitably corps of assistants about him will be loyal to himself and loyal policy. Without this no es-ally reformatory work can be The institution becomes cus- in character and not very well while. The blight of politics has been Whittier state school—state or in whole or in part, from the timing until now; in the shadow, in the sunlight. The school never be what it should become real reformatory for delinquent children—until that blight is taken and until the educational spirit eates the entire personnel. It is the Spirit of Good to breathe Hot days are here. Now is the time to get ready to build that new house or repair the old one. And Here is the place to get the lumber, Doors, Windows, etc. Give us a trial and we will give you satisfaction. J. M. Griffith & Co. Los Angeles Street, near S. P. depot. HENRY M. ADAMS. - AGENT CENTER Market Carries a choice line of Fresh and Salt Meats KARL KLEMENT, Prop. Phone Main 123 Center Street, ANAHEIM CITY MARKET In New Odd Fellow's block The Best of Fresh Meats Constantly on Hand Hams, Bacon, Sausage F. W. Fleischman LUMBER Sash, Doors, Shingles Shakes, Lath, Cement Santa Fe Thanksgiving Rates The Santa Fe will on Nov. 28th and sell round trip tickets to all points to return Dec. 3d, at low rates. Attractions at Los Angeles on Thanksgiving day will be as follows: Ascot park, opening of the racing team of the Los Angeles Jockey club. Fiesta park, football game between Sherman Indians and U. S. C. Simple Auditorium, "Lombardi Italiano company, in Chopin." Jason opera-house, "The College Row." Lasco theatre, "Captain Courtesy." Orbank theatre, "Lea Kleschna." Oheum theatre, Vaudeville. Unique theatre, Vaudeville. Pire theatre, Vaudeville. Broadway theatre, Vaudeville. Other theatre, Burlesque and Vaudeville. People's theatre, Musical comedy. Watchkiss theatre, "Hello, Bill." And opera-house, "The Marriage Lot." Special train will leave Los Angeles Anaheim at 6:30 on Thanksgiving Day. This will give all who wish to the ball game and races a chance to return later than regular trains. Full information enquire at Santa Depot, Anaheim. nov22t2 Grade of Product Dance to be given the Fraternal Brotherhood at Spur Hall, Santa Ana, Dec 5th. Music librize orchestra. Admission 50c. LUMBER Sash, Doors, Shingles Shakes, Lath, Cement Lime : : : : C. Ganahl Lumber Co CHAS. F. GRIM, Manager EAST CENTER ST., ANAHEIM O. LAGMAN Builder and a Graduated Architect Having 28 years experience in building constructions and thoroughly versed in designing Artistic Homes. Consult me before building and I will submit Plans, etc., of new ideas right up to date and save you money. RESIDENCE NO. 207 HERMINE STREET P. O. BOX 253 Your Dainty Underwear And Starched Pieces don't look as though they had been through a riot when they are returned from the Santa Ana Steam Laundry E. W. McCOLLUM ANAHEIM AGENT OUR WAGON CALLS