anaheim-gazette 1930-05-22

HISTORY OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS Development and Growth of Educational System During 69 Years, from 1859 to 1928 By ELENORA ALICE PARKER Ninth Installment, Continued from Our Last Week's Issue. From the Los Angeles County records for 1879-1880 we glean the following concerning the Anaheim School District. The total enrollment was 247. (One of this number was a Mongolian—there were two Mongolians listed in the census for the year.) The average daily attendance 147. The enrollment was divided among the departments thus: Ninth year—or first year high school ... 10 Grammar grades ... 50 Primary grades ... 187 It was a ten month term. One man and three women comprised the teaching staff. The were J. M. Guinn, Mrs. K. M. Hare, Mrs. Julia Breed and Mrs. Mary Moores. Property valuations were as follows: Buildings, lots and furniture $12000.00 Library ... 500.00 Apparatus ... 25.00 Total valuation ... $12525.00 W. M. Bailey was clerk of the Board. J. W. Hinton, County Superintendent of Schools, and Fred M. Campbell, State Superintendent of Schools. We learn, from the Gazette of Nov. 13, 1880, that Prof. Guinn gave a very interesting lecture before the Teachers' Institute on the subject "Pedagogy and Pedagogues in the Olden Times." The same publication under the date of Nov. 20, 1880 printed the following article: "Teachers of this County at the recent meeting in Los Angeles passed resolutions to the effect that the effort made by our representatives in the Legislature to secure a Normal School in this county met with their hearty approval, and a committee of five was appointed to prepare such statements and take Value of Improvements on Town lost assessed to persons than owners of lots ... 2,150 Value of Personal Property ... 124,962 Total valuation ... $404,261 There are in the district 9153 acres of land, exclusive of town lots. The average assessed value of this land is $19.55 per acre. The Board of School Trustees met on Saturday and fixed the tax levy at 35 cents on the 100 value. This will give a revenue of $1,414.91." A new innovation now found its way into the programme of the school. Although it caused a rather radical change, it met with favor and was so satisfactory that it has continued in vogue—a monument to "ye olden time." We do not find the usual announcement of the closing of school this year. An extract taken from the Kleinigkeitten of the local paper of June 4, 1881 explains the matter. It follows— "The closing examinations of the Anaheim Public School began on Tuesday. The pupils in Mr. Guinn's room were examined on Tuesday and Wednesday. The first was the class in English Literature. The examination was written and the questions placed on the blackboard covered a wide range of literary reading. There were examinations in botany, United States history, geography, language lessons, grammar, composition and arithmetic. The examinations were all written. The questions, we understand, were those used in the examination of the pupils in the San Francisco public schools. Pupils to be promoted will be required to obtain a standing of 70 per cent. It is the opinion of the teachers that a written examination is the only correct when his resignation be... It marked the end of the High School for many years. Only a remainder in the existence grade. Gradually other county adopted the ninth addition to their course; it became universal not out Los Angeles County as well—a permanent progressiveness and pro... Prof. Guinn. Sad to relate—it was that the prestige of the school in the State began to never been regained. On July 16, 1881 Mr. was appointed to fill the position by Prof. Guinn's resignation. The Gazette dated A contains an item giving the teachers for the nine draws the attention of paring of the State. Change has been made of making the apportionment money to which the attents is earnestly drawn. Apportionment has been based on the number of districts; hereafter it will average attendance there are 1000 children in the district, and one school, the State will have money to the district of 100. Parents and others keeping the school open term should remember aid in securing to the state money possible by children under their care school. Regularity is not only help to increase fund, but what is infallible important it will benefit them dies pursued with variety are much more easily when interrupted by o... sences." When school opened in was found that the total was 162. On the third of September zette printed a report mentions made by J. W. Hinton Superintendent, in which "The following is the apportionment of the..." Fund. The apportionment of the... 13, 1880, that Prof. Guinn gave a very interesting lecture before the Teachers' Institute on the subject "Pedagogy and Pedagogues in the Olden Times." The same publication under the date of Nov. 20, 1880 printed the following article— "Teachers of this County at the recent meeting in Los Angeles passed resolutions to the effect that the effort made by our representatives in the Legislature to secure a Normal School in this county met with their hearty approval, and a committee of five was appointed to prepare such statements and take such steps as will tend to influence the next Legislature to establish such a school in Los Angeles." As is usual in such weighty matters, a long quiet pause followed this announcement. In the interim we will glance at the school appropriations and note the rank of Anaheim. We find that the Council School Funds were apportioned Jan. 22, 1881 among 70 districts. Los Angeles received the most or $17,400.00; Anaheim ranked second with $925.00; Palamares and San Gabriel third with $740.00 allotted them. On March 12, 1881 the State School Fund was apportioned upon the basis of $6.97 per child. Los Angeles stood first upon the list with $20,625.20 to her credit. Anaheim received $2369.10 and Palamares $1916. The Gazette of the same date printed a copy of a bill received from Sacramento called the "Normal School Bill"—for the establishment of the school at Los Angeles. On March 26, 1881 the Gazette announced the fact that a State Board, consisting of Governor Perkins, Fred M. Campbell, State Superintendent of Schools, James Denman of San Francisco, Benjamin Cory, M. D., C. T. Ryland, T. Ellard Beans and A. S. Evans of San Jose, had been organized to investigate the various sites proposed for the New Normal School and to make any recommendations tending to the establishment of said school on a firm foundation. The same publication printed a copy of the decision of the above board on April 2, 1881. It follows in part—Resolved That in our opinion the best interests of the school, and therefore of the State, demand that the Branch Normal School shall be located within the city limits of Los Angeles. After viewing the various sites offered we have selected the ten acres known as the Bellevue Terrace Tract, (the site where the Los Angeles City Library now stands) part of which is covered with an orange grove and all of it covered with a mortgage of $8000.00. Mr. Beaudry, who has expended $10,000 on the tract makes a gift of his interests. On the 23rd of the same month this publication printed another article under the heading "The Branch Normal School." One of the interesting statements in this article was that $6500 would have to be raised by private subscription since there was a stipulation made by the State Board that "the site lish Literature. The examination was written and the questions placed on the blackboard covered a wide range of literary reading. There were examinations in botany, United States history, geography, language lessons, grammar, composition and arithmetic. The examinations were all written. The questions, we understand, were those used in the examination of the pupils in the San Francisco public schools. Pupils to be promoted will be required to obtain a standing of 70 per cent. It is the opinion of the teachers that a written examination is the only correct test of a pupil's knowledge." Finally, by the adoption of this plan throughout the county, educators were enabled to establish a uniform standard among the schools of the county, both as to grading the pupils and preparation of teachers. About this time the election of a new school trustee claimed the attention of the district. Mr. E. A. Saxton, who had been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Athearn, who had been compelled to resign because of ill health about two years previously, was a candidate for re-election, but was opposed by W. M. Bailey, who proved to be the successful aspirant. The new board was then composed of Theo. Rimpau, Pres. W. M. Bailey, Clerk, and A. Langenberger. All of these changes were likewise followed by another change. In the Gazette of June 11, 1881, we find an article many columns in length concerning the graduation exercises. In it were published all the graduation essays of the class. The graduates this year were the Misses Portia Cowan, Fannie Higgins, Mary Cowan and Sallie Hilmer. A new music teacher having come to town, and having organized both vocal and instrumental classes, was invited to participate in the exercises. We find that Prof. Finck and his singers responded with several numbers. Thus were the educational forces of the town united in one great event of the year. An unusual feature of the programme was an intermission about midway in the exercises during which time the guests were served with refreshments. The magnitude of this event may be seen in an extract copied from the above mentioned article. "The graduation exercises on Friday night of last week attracted an attendance which completely filled Kroger's Hall. The pupils had decorated the hall during the day with flowers and evergreens, and the effect of the decorations and the presence of such a large number of people was inspired and pleasing." (It may be interesting to note that "Kroeger's Hall," which was looked upon as very large was a new building, and this was the first time the hall was used. After many years it was remodeled and is now known as the "Beaver and Wilson Building." It is located on the south side of Center Street, midway between Los Angeles and Lemon important it will benefit with variety are much easily met when interrupted by other sences." When school opened in was found that the total was 162. On the third of September zette printed a report made by J. W. Hinton Superintendent, in which "The following is the first apportionment of the Fund. The apportionment cording to Sec. 1858 of this One teacher is assigned trifect for every 70 censuses fraction thereof—not less than apportionment is $125.00. In the list of districts still ranked first and Annaless A rather peculiar item is the Kleinigkelten of November 12, 1881. The deepest respect and sympathy pioneers who made it possible enjoy the comforts and our city, but will quote that it gives a vivid picture of customs of the "early owls—" "The janitor of the schools gestets that visitors should quild from their mouth by building, and thus refrain from expectoration juice." Although the writer each school year from tha Los Angeles County only years 1882 and 1888 will for the purpose of showing of the Anaheim District rollment for 1882 was 248 age daily attendance 149 year was ten months. Tures $3807, 51 Salaries—Principal $84:67 per month M. Alward, Miss F. King a Crenshaw $74.12 per month The Board—D. W. C. County Superintendent receives $1000.00 at this time. In 1888 there were 541 between five and seventeen district Of this number negroes, four Indians and Total school enrollment average daily attendance 3 figure being divided—35 in department and 236 in room This began to show tha room The term was not half months. Total expense 911.14. Total receipts from county and State Value lotts buildings,future Value of library—885 volu Value of apparatus ... Total value ... There were now six employed—C. L. Ennis P Missles Edith L Clothier Baker,Helen E.Mead K Jennie Burton.Clerk of ... where the Los Angeles City Library now stands) part of which is covered with an orange grove and all of it covered with a mortgage of $8000.00. Mr. Beaudry, who has expended $10,000 on the tract makes a gift of his interests." On the 23rd of the same month this publication printed another article under the heading "The Branch Normal School." One of the interesting statements in this article was that $6500 would have to be raised by private subscription since there was a stipulation made by the State Board that "the site must be deeded free of incumbrances. The other was that "Anaheim made no attempt to secure the Branch Normal School but should there be further hesitation she will act." The result of this is seen in an item in the Kleinskiteen of the Gazette under date of April 30, 1881, which follows— "Becoming alarmed at the determination of the Gazette to secure the Branch Normal School at Anaheim, the Finance Committee 'rustled' around lively and succeeded after a mighty effort in getting together the $8000.00 with which to pay the mortgage which covered the site selected." Work upon the building was soon begun and ere long an imposing structure was completed. This was destined to do service for many years and to become the "alma mater" of the great numbers of men and women who later devoted the best years of their lives to the youth of the State. As for Anaheim—during the years that followed the successful establishment of this school, when it grew and flourished beyond all expectation—all she could do was to sit by and repeat the words of the writer who said— "Of all sad words of tongue or pen The saddest are these—it might have been." Again our attention is directed to local matters by an article in the Gazette of May 7, 1881, having the heading "The Anaheim School District." extracts of which follow— "The following statistics in regard to property in the Anaheim School District are compiled from the District Assessor's books, Richard Melrose. Value of Real Estate other than town lots ... $120,299 Value of Improvements thereon 39,095 Value of Improvements thereon 74,955 Value of Town Lots 42,800" Upon the 18th of the month the Board met and appointed the teachers for the following year. The corps consisted of J. M. Guinn, Oscar E. Mack, Mrs. Kate M. Hare and Mrs. A. Alward. However, matters were not destined to move along smoothly as the community, but more particularly the educational system, was soon to suffer a great loss as developments quickly showed. An article in the Gazette of July 9, 1881 explains the situation. Mr. J. M. Guinn who for twelve years has been Principal of the Anaheim Public Schools, leaves here in two or three weeks to enter upon his duties as Superintendent of the Public Schools of Los Angeles City, he having been elected to that position on last Saturday by the City Board of Education. The office is an honorable and responsible one, and carries with it a salary largely in excess of what Mr. Guinn has been receiving here. While sorry to lose a useful and valuable member of the community like Mr. Guinn, his friends congratulate him upon his promotion to such a responsible position." While the community and school suffered a great loss in his departure, the children suffered a greater, for Prof. Guinn was a man of strong Christian character and principals. He believed firmly in Prov. 22-6 which says "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." He left an impression of his own noble character upon the impressionable lives of the many youths of the colony, causing them to develop into noble law-abiding citizens. He bent every effort toward the betterment of the educational system; as we have seen, and under his direction the schools made the greatest strides in advancement, both locally and in State affairs. Truly, it was a sad day for the schools Total value ... There were now six employed—C. L. Ennis, P.Misses Edith L. Clothier Baker, Helen E. Meade, K.Jennie Burton: Clerk of H Goldthwaite. The county round about steadily during the years rooms became over crowded leave this condition at a school house at West 1889-(at about the same range County was formed moderate children from the district, since that grown more rapidly than After a few years some or became dissatisfied and with withdraw from the district sary preliminaries having out the new district of Loed in 1891. However ere lore became part of the Ana District. Matters were not deserved smoothly so on April 4, 1883-seceded—this time permit effort was made to have R included in this withdrawal Supervisors did not seem to grant this request. (The had been erected in 1891 modiate the patrons of the ern portion of the district teacher was assigned to th The erection of W School (Loarn) relieved Central considerably, but period only. The dear building had housed me heads for a long period radical changes were to The classes grew steadily teachers were added until be removed from clock room cut from the halls upsala provide several extra class halls were then used for cler well. At this time the total possession of its first assis pal in the person of Miss Roberts. She served in for nearly two years when when his resignation became effective. It marked the end of the development of the High School for a period of many years. Only a remnant of it remained in the existence of the ninth grade. Gradually other schools of the county adopted the ninth grade as an addition to their course of study, until it became universal not only throughout Los Angeles County but in others as well—a permanent monument to the progressiveness and perseverance of Prof. Guinn. Sad to relate—it was at this time that the prestige of the Anaheim school in the State began to recede and has never been regained. On July 16, 1881 Mr. C. W. Moore was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Prof. Guinn's resignation. The Gazette dated August 13, 1881 contains an item giving the names of the teachers for the new year and draws the attention of patrons to a new ruling of the State. It says, "A change has been made in the manner of making the apportionment of school money to which the attention of parents is earnestly drawn. Heretofore the apportionment has been made on the basis of the number of children in the district; hereafter it will be made on the average attendance of scholars. If there are 1000 children of school age in the district, and only 100 attend school, the State will only apportion money to the district on the basis of 100. Parents and others interested in keeping the school open during the full term should remember this fact, and aid in securing to the district all the state money possible by sending the children under their care regularly to school. Regularity in attendance will not only help to increase the school fund, but what is infinitely more important it will benefit the pupils. Studies pursued with varying regularity are much more easily mastered than when interrupted by occasional absences." When school opened in September it was found that the total enrollment was 162. On the third of September the Gazette printed a report of apportments made by J. W. Hinton, the County Superintendent, in which he says—"The following is the first quarterly apportionment of the State School Fund. The apportionment is made ac- J. R. Grogan, died and she was asked to fill his place. This was in 1893. She served in this capacity for a period of ten years. (These ten years were not served consecutively since the Board transferred her to the High School for one year and at the end of that time returned her to the grades). The town schools continued to grow and space became inadequate. The storerooms of the lower floor of the old "opera house"—(called Reiser's Opera House because built and owned by Theodore Reiser, a pioneer)—located at the northwest corner of Olive and Center Streets, were pressed into service. This was not satisfactory so in 1895 bonds were voted to enlarge the old Central building to twice its original capacity. About two years after this some of the newer residents of the city began talking "high school." Prof. C. P. Evans, then principal of the Loara school, became interested, solicited enrollments, procured signers to the petition, and finally succeeded in establishing a high school in 1898. Imagine our dismay when a little past one o'clock in the morning, on 9 July night, in 1898 the fire bell awoke us, to inform us that the building was in flames. There was no fire company here then, but loyal citizens rushed to the rescue. The beltry was a mass of flames and the second floor was being attacked. When the workers forced their way in they found the library had been forced open and the books scattered through the building. Many of them were oil-soaked, as were some old rags also found. This was proof that it was work of some kind. There had been opposition from two sources. One faction objected to having any high school whatsoever; the other objected to having it at Central. It remains a mystery to this day, who soiled fire to the building; also what the object may have been. Again imagine our joy when the reconstruction of the building was completed in time for school in the fall. It also worked out to our advantage, for we were assigned to the south end of the building. This was the old, or original structure, and by far the best built. (Money Expended For Charity) Constantly Increasing Sums Appropriated for Support of Unfortunates "Unto the least of these ..." California, probably more than any other state in the union, is translating the words of the Nazarene into statutory law. Through its old age pension act, its financial aid for the malmed, the halt and the blind, this state's humanitarian measures are having a widespread influence and are rapidly being copied by other states of the union. Counties too, are carrying an increased share of this great social welfare burden, through their care of unfortunate who become county charges. During last year alone, Orange county spent a total of $283,062 for charities and corrections, it was revealed this week in a tabulation by State Controller Ray L. Riley. "This money was spent for varied purposes," explained Riley. "Some of it went for the care of inmates-in state homes for the feeble-minded. Some was used for keeping children in state schools, such as Preston or Ione, where they are taught useful trades, become useful citizens and overcome criminal traits that sent them to reformatories. "Care and examination of insane accounted for $139,485 of the 53 counties' charity expense. This involves the commitment of persons mentally afflicted. After they enter the hospital, the charge is against—the relatives of the person admitted, or against the state. Burial of indigents, such as aged residents of county homes or hospitals', completes the list under the head of charities and corrections." We have always thought that the man who operates the steam shovel could double his income by providing reserve seats at twenty-five cents apiece for the interested spectators. When school opened in September it was found that the total enrollment was 162. On the third of September the Gazette printed a report of apportionments made by J. W. Hinton, the County Superintendent, in which he says—"The following is the first quarterly apportionment of the State School Fund. The apportionment is made according to Sec. 1858 of the School Law. One teacher is assigned to each district for every 70 census children, or fraction thereof—not less than 20. The apportionment is $125.00 per teacher." In the list of districts Los Angeles still ranked first and Anaheim second. A rather peculiar item appeared in the Klenngkelten of the Gazette of November 12, 1881. The writer has the deepest respect and sympathy for the pioneers who made it possible for us to enjoy the comforts and advantages of our city, but will quote this item, since it gives a vivid picture of some of the customs of the "early days." It follows—"The janitor of the school-house suggests that visitors should remove their guilds from their mouth before entering the building, and thus be enabled to refrain from expectorating tobacco juice." Although the writer gathered for each school year from the records of Los Angeles County only those for the years 1882 and 1888 will be given here, for the purpose of showing the growth of the Anaheim District. The total enrollment for 1882 was 248 and the average daily attendance 149. The school year was ten months. Total expenditures $3807. 51 Salaries—C. W. Moores, Principal $34:67 per month; Mrs. Hattie M. Alward, Miss F. King and Miss Susie Crenshaw $74.12 per month; Clerk of the Board—D. W. C. Cowan. The County Superintendent received a salary of $1000.00 at this time. In 1888 there were 541 census children between five and seventeen years in the district. Of this number two were negroes, four Indians and one Chinese. Total school enrollment 371 and the average daily attendance 271—the latter figure being divided—35 in the grammar department and 236 in the Primary. This began to show the need of more room. The term was now nine and a half months. Total expenditures $11,911.14. Total receipts from county and State ... $ 6,959.60 Value of lots, buildings, furniture ... 21,000.00 Value of library—885 volumes 550.00 Value of apparatus ... 200.00 Total value ... $21,750.00 There were now six teachers employed—C. L. Ennis, Principal, the Misses Edith L. Clothier, Mary M. Baker, Helen E. Meade, Kate Power and Jennie Burton. Clerk of Board—Alfred NOW...through Grand Canyon from the North Rim Typical Bargain Fares ROUND TRIP CHICAGO ... $ 90.30 OMAHA ... 75.60 NEW YORK ... 151.70 ST. PAUL ... 91.90 SALT LAKE CITY ... 40.00 CINCINNATI ... 119.40 Summer Excursion Strip fares to east country's great summits... vacation playlands. United States and Canada For business or pleasure... Total value $21,750.00 There were now six teachers employed—C. L. Ennis, Principal, the Misses Edith L. Clothier, Mary M. Baker, Helen E. Meade, Kate Power and Jennie Burton. Clerk of Board—Alfred Goldthwaite. The county round about had grown steadily during the years and the school rooms became over crowded. To relieve this condition the district erected a school house at West Anaheim in 1889—(at about the same time that Orange County was formed) to accommodate the children from that side of the district, since that section had grown more rapidly than any other. After a few years some of the patrons became dissatisfied and determined to withdraw from the district. All necessary preliminaries having been carried out the new district of Loaru was formed in 1891. However ere long she again became part of the Anaheim School District. Matters were not destined to run smoothly so on April 4, 1904 she again decided—this time permanently. An effort was made to have Katella School included in this withdrawal but the Supervisors did not deem it advisable to grant this request. (The latter building had been erected in 1900 to accommodate the patrons of the south western portion of the district, and one teacher was assigned to the school.) The erection of the West Anaheim School (Loara) relieved conditions at Central considerably, but for a short period only. The dear old Central building had housed many puzzled heads for a long period of time—now radical changes were to come to her. The classes grew steadily and more teachers were added until walls had to be removed from clock rooms and ends out from the halls upstairs in order to provide several extra class rooms. The walls were then used for cloak rooms as well. At this time the town came into possession of its first assistant principal in the person of Miss Carrie E. Roberts. She served in this capacity for nearly two years when the principal, Grand Canyon from the North Rim Typical Bargain Fares ROUND TRIP CHICAGO $90.30 OMAHA 75.60 NEW YORK 151.70 ST. PAUL 91.90 SALT LAKE CITY 40.00 CINCINNATI 110.40 ATLANTA 113.60 BALTIMORE 145.86 BUFFALO 124.98 BUTTE 55.85 CHATTANOOGA 107.48 COLORADO SPRINGS 67.20 DENVER 67.20 DES MOINES 81.55 DULUTH 90.00 PHILADELPHIA 149.28 KANSAS CITY 75.60 INDIANAPOLIS 103.26 MILWAUKEE 93.90 MINNEAPOLIS 91.90 NEW ORLEANS 89.40 PITTSBURGH 184.06 Final return limit October 31. Choice of return routes if desired. Summer Fares to National Parks effective June 1. Ask about Personally Escorted Tours. UNION PARK R. A. PARKER, Agent Union Pacific Station, Anaheim Telephone 629 SUMMER Excursion Strip fares to east country's great summer vacation playlands. 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