# Portland, Oregon: Its History and Builders/Volume 1/Chapter 20

CHAPTER XX.
1833—1910.
The first school of any kind opened on the great northwest coast of America called "Old Oregon," was taught at the Hudson's Bay Company's fort at Vancouver by an American named John Ball. The school was the outcome of the misfortunes of Ball in connection with the trading party of Nathaniel Wyeth on its way to Oregon in 1832. Wyeth had started from the Missouri river with a party of nineteen men pretty well supplied and provisioned; but on account of ignorance and inexperience on the plains, had been attacked by the Blackfeet, and only escaped destruction by the protecting arm of Milton Sublette, the trapper and trader. From one trouble to another they finally reached a deep valley in the Rocky mountains called Pierre Hole, where they got into another battle with the Indians along with some trappers, in which scrimmage twenty-six Indians, six white men, and thirty-two horses were killed. After this trouble, Sublette and Wyeth pulled out of Pierre Hole and pushed on west in company until they reached the head waters of Humbolt river near the south boundary line of Idaho. Here the two parties separated, Wyeth and what was left of his party coming on to Oregon, and Sublette going to California. Wyeth and his few weakened men—our first school teacher, John Ball among them—struggled through the mountains, sufifering every trial, danger and hardship known to reckless men, and finally reached Vancouver on the 29th day of October, 1832. Wyeth and his whole party were absolutely destitute. Not a dollar in money had they. Their clothing was worn out, and in rags and tatters, they knocked at Fort Vancouver gate for shelter, food and clothing. They had started from Boston to come to Oregon and put the Hudson's Bay Company out of business, and now found themselves suppliants at the door of the man they intended to drive out of the country. It was not a light and trifling matter, either, to the Hudson's Bay people. For if Wyeth could get across the mountains despite the attack of Indians, this party might be but the forerunner of a great host of Americans who would take the country. But it was all the same to the big heart of John McLoughlin. Here were starving white men; and blood was thicker than water. The Americans put on a bold front. They wanted work, and they would pay for all they got. What could they do? Anything that men can do—clear land, run boats, chop wood, preach the gospel, or teach school. John Ball, the Yankee school master from Boston, got the first job, and commenced teaching at ​Vancouver the first school ever opened west of the Rocky mountains, on January 1, 1833, and had for his pupils about two dozen half-breed Indian children of all ages, from six to sixteen. And thus was lit the lamp of learning in the far western wilds of America. In a letter to Elwood Evans, author of the History of the Northwest, Mr. Ball gives the following account of that first school:
"The scholars come in talking their respective languages—Cree, Nez Perce, Chinook, Klickitat, etc. I could not understand them, and when I called them to order, there was but one who understood me. As I had come from a land where discipline was expected in school management, I could not persuade myself that I could accomplish anything without order. I therefore issued my orders, and to my surprise, he who understood, joined issue with me upon my government in the school. While endeavoring to impress upon him the necessity of discipline and order in the school, and through him making such necessity appreciated by his associates, Dr. McLoughlin, chief factor, entered. To the doctor I explained my difficulty. He investigated my complaint, found my statements correct, and at once made such an example of the refractory boy that I never afterward experienced any trouble in governing. I continued in the school over eighteen months, during which the scholars learned to speak English.
Several could repeat some of Murray's grammar verbatim. Some had gone through arithmetic, and upon review copied it entire. These copies were afterward used as school books, there having been only one printed copy at Fort Vancouver. The school numbered twenty-five pupils."
In his journal Ball gives a somewhat different account of this first school, as follows: "Not liking to live gratis, I asked the doctor for some employment. He repeatedly answered me that I was a guest, and not expected to work. But after much urging, he said if I was willing, he would like me to teach his own son and the others boys in the fort, of whom there were a dozen. Of course I gladly accepted the offer. So the boys were sent to my room to be instructed. All were half-breeds, as there was not a white woman in Oregon. The doctor's wife was a "Chippewa" from Lake Superior, and the lightest woman was Mrs. Douglas, a half-breed from Hudson's bay. I found the boys docile and attentive, and they made good progress. The doctor often came into the school, and was well satisfied and pleased. One day he said: "Ball, anyway, you will have the reputation of teaching the first school in Oregon." So I passed the winter of 1832 and 1833."
John Ball, the teacher of this first school in Oregon, was the youngest of ten children born on Tenny's hill, Hebron, Grafton county, New Hampshire, November 12, 1794. His childhood was spent on this farm. Of schooling he had but little before he was twenty years old. In 1814 he was sent to a clergyman in Groton, the next town, to be taught. From there he went to Salisbury academy and entered Dartmouth College in 1816, spending his summer vacations on the farm, and teaching country schools in the winters. After graduating, he studied law, teaching school to meet his expenses. He was admitted to the bar to practice law, at Utica, New York, in 1824. One of his father's neighbors being John Ordway, who had been out here in the Lewis and Clark party in 1805, and returned safely to his old home, had so filled the boy up with the great reports about this Oregon country, that when Wyeth called for men to go to Oregon in 1832, Ball quickly joined the Wyeth party—and the school teaching experience was the best luck he had in Oregon.
THE FIRST MISSION SCHOOL.
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This first teacher in Oregon, Philip L. Edwards, was a Kentuckian by birth, and came from Richmond, Missouri, to Oregon when he was twenty-three years of age. Of more than ordinary attainments, he loved order and refinement. A frontier man, he knew how to accommodate himself to the rough and tumble of frontier life. While possessed of high moral sense, he was not a missionary or a professor of religion. After teaching this school, he returned to Missouri, studied law and married, and during the troubles with the Mormons in 1841, enlisted in the militia forces against the Mormons, and was appointed a colonel. In 1850 he emigrated to California, settling in Nevada county, taking an active part in politics and dying in May, 1869.
THE FIRST SCHOOL IN PORTLAND.
From Prof. T. H. Crawford's sketch of the public schools of Portland is taken the following: "Up to the organization of district No. i, in April, 1856, no official records have been found. From files of the Oregonian, from personal interviews with our older citizens, from many interesting letters from the pioneer teachers of Portland, from historical sketches already published by J. Quinn Thornton, W. H. Gray, S. F. Chadwick, T. L. Eliot, S. W. King and others, have I collected what follows.
"The first day school of any kind in Portland was opened in the fall of 1847 by Dr. Ralph Wilcox. It was conducted in a house erected by Mr. McNamee, at the foot of Taylor street. It was properly a private school. It continued probably one quarter. The names of some of the pupils are given: Frances McNamee (Mrs. E. J. Northrup), her brothers, Moses, Adam and William; Charlotte Terwilliger (Mrs. Walter Moffett Cartwright); Milton Doan's children, Sarah, May, Peter and John; Henry Hill, Helen Hill (Mrs. William S. Powell), J. Miller Murphy, Lucy and Charlotte Barnes, Emma and Sarah Ross, Alonzo Terwilliger. There were, no doubt others, but their names I have not ascertained.
"Dr. Wilcox was born in East Bloomfield, Ontario county, N. Y., July 9, 18 18. Graduated at Geneva Medical College, August 7, 1839. Come to Oregon in 1845. Died in Portland April 18, 1877.
"In February, 1848, Thomas Carter and family reached Portland. In April or May of that year Miss Julia Carter (Mrs. Joseph S. Smith) opened a school in a log cabin on the corner of Second and Stark streets. She taught one quarter. She had perhaps thirty-five pupils in all. Most of them attending Dr. Wilcox' school were her pupils. These additional names are recalled: John Cullen, Carrie Polk, the Warren girls (one now Mrs. Richard White, the other Mrs. ​D. C. Coleman, deceased), several of the Appersons, and two of the Pettigrew children.
"In the winter of 1848 and '49, Aaron J. Hyde taught a school in what was, for years, known as the 'Cooper Shop.' This 'cooper shop' was the only 'public hair in the town for some time. It was located on the west side of First street, between Morrison and Yamhill streets (lot 2, block 14), where the drug store of L. Blumauer & Co. (1879) now stands. This lot was sold May 12, 1856, to Davis & Monastes for $250. It was commonly reported in those days that a former owner, one, Samuel Hancock, of W. T., bought it for the consideration of 'two pups.' It shows, strangely enough, that from its occupation in '47, '48, '49, as a Christian sanctuary, a Sunday and a day school, it had, in 1857, become a Chinese wash house.
"Aaron J. Hyde served in the Mexican war; was discharged at Santa Fe, came to California, thence to Oregon. He taught the school referred to, married a Miss Whitley of Polk county, settled on a donation land claim about four miles southwest of Lebanon, Linn county, near western angle of Washington butte, died on this farm in the year 1859 and was buried at Sand Ridge. Sunday.
August 3, 1848, the act organizing our territorial government was passed after a prolonged debate.
"The Nathan Dane bill passed congress July 13, 1787, prohibited slavery and declared that 'schools and means of education shall be forever encouraged.By a previous act of congress and in pursuance of a contract made by the officers of the treasury with Rev. Manasseh Cutler and Winthrop Sargent in October, 1787, the sixteenth section of each township was secured for educational purposes.
"In framing the act for the organization of our territory, the thirty-sixth section was added. This provoked much opposition. To Hon. J. Quinn Thornton is due the honor of this munificent addition to our educational resources. He spent the summer of 1848 in Washington city, and by his persistent and indefatigable labors not only Oregon, but every state and every territory since organized, has been thus grandly endowed.
"March 3, 1849, Hon. Jos. Lane issued his first proclamation as governor of the territory. Soon after, a public meeting was called in Oregon City at the instance of Rev. Geo. H. Atkinson to discuss some matters of importance. One question was, 'Shall we organize a system of free schools?' After a lengthy discussion, a vote was taken which resulted as follows: 37 for and 6 against free schools. At the request of Governor Lane, Rev. Geo. H. Atkinson prepared the educational part of the forthcoming message to the first territorial legislature, July 17, 1849. This was the first impulse toward the organization of our public school system. The first school bill was passed September 5, 1849.
"Geo. H. Atkinson, D. D., to whom, more than any other one person, our city and county schools are indebted, arrived in Portland in June, 1848. He recalls Miss Carter's school as being then in session. Dr. Atkinson brought with him $200 worth of school books of the latest and best authors. He came to Oregon, charged especially with the educational interests of the territory. He afterward imported about $1,700 worth more of school books, and sold out to S. J. McCormick, Esq.
"About August 1st, DeLos Jefferson, now a farmer of Marion county, began a school and taught three months. Mr. Jefferson had a school of about forty pupils. He received $10 per pupil, paid by rate bills. About the same names appeared on his roll as on that of Colonel Reed. "Following Mr. Jefferson, came Rev. N. Doane, then and now (1879) a minister of the M. E. church. He taught nine months, beginning about December I, 1850. He had between fifty and sixty pupils. To the names of pupils last mentioned he adds: Davises, Crosbys, Lownsdales and Butlers. Mr. Doane received some pecuniary assistance from M. E. church missionary funds, so that the rate bills were low—from $2.50 to $6.00 per quarter. His classes ranged from A B C to a fine class in Burrett's geography of the heavens. He also occupied the 'school house.'"
FIRST ORGANIZATION.
In the Oregonian December 6, 1851, a "free school" is advertised. The board consisted of Anthony L. Davis, Alonzo Leland and Reuben P. Boise. When this board was elected, I have been unable to learn. But from the fact that the law of September, 1849, provided for an annual election on the first Friday in November, I presume these directors were chosen at that time. From Dr. Lyman's letter, also, it may be inferred that this board was the result of the efforts he mentioned. At least, this is the first tangible evidence I have found of the first organization perfected under the law.
This board announces that John T. Outhouse will begin a school in the school house next door to the "City Hotel" on Monday, December 15, 185 1. "Books to be used: Saunder's readers, Goodrich's geographies, Thompson's arithmetics and Bullion's grammar."
The City Hotel referred to was on the northwest corner of First and Oak, kept by Mr. De Witt.
Mr. Outhouse, then a young man about twenty-two years of age, a native of New Brunswick, taught continuously, with the usual vacations, until March, 1853. His descriptions of his school, the society of Portland, etc.. are quite graphic. He was paid most of the time at the rate of $100 per month from the county school fund. He had about twenty pupils at first. He taught school, laid cross-walks, unloaded vessels, and wrestled with the fever and ague half the time. His district extended to Astoria—at least he reported pupils from ​there. In the spring of 1852 but three districts in Washington county reported. Portland received an $800 school fund. So large was the school in the fall, that an assistant was deemed necessary.
Among the arrivals in September, 1853, was a young lady from Massachusetts—Miss Abigail M. Clarke (Mrs. Byron P. Cardwell). Miss Clarke taught a few weeks in the Portland Academy and Female Seminary, then in its second year and under the management of a Mr. Buchanan. This engagement was evidently not the most congenial—at least for Miss Clarke. Under her skilful management, the "incorrigibles" who were placed in her hands by Mr. B., were speedily and happily changed into model boys and girls. So eminently successful was she, that the principal did not hesitate to transfer these pleasant_ classes to his own department, and in turn impose another lot of his troublesome pupils on Miss Clarke. This unprofessional policy became so prominent that we are prepared to learn that Miss Clarke soon after accepted an offer to enter the public schools.
From the editorial in the Oregonian November 20, 1852, it appears that "at a recent meeting (first Friday of November), the citizens voted $1,600 to support a free school."
A notice appeared in the Oregonian November 27, 1852, signed by Anthony L, Davis, Benjamin Stark and A. Leland, directors, with A. Leland, clerk, announcing the opening of a school on Monday, December 6, 1852. Mr. Outhouse is named as teacher in the "school house." and Miss A. M. Clarke as teacher of the primary class, on First street between Taylor and Salmon. The exact location was on the west side of First, second door above Taylor, adjoining the store of Butler & Keiser, which was on the comer of Taylor and First. Mr. Outhouse's wages were $100, and Miss Clarke's $75 per month. It is presumed that Mr. Outhouse was employed to teach the advanced classes, but owing to the laxness of regulation, and largely no doubt to her popularity, Miss Clarke's school was patronized by all grades of pupils. She had for some time an average daily attendance of over ninety.
Mr. Eliot, in describing this school, denominates it as a "graded school." The reason will appear, when it is known that the building was two stories in height and in order to seat the pupils, the stairway was utilized. Children were seated with a "graded" on the stairs, as far up as possible.
The front windows, opening directly on the street, were the source of much annoyance in several ways. On one occasion, some mischievous boy (hoodlums were unknown then) commenced a series of "rapping" on the window panes, and when he suspected danger scampered for the hazel brush hard by. This became excessively provoking, and Miss Clarke laid a trap for this naughty fellow. Frank Hill, one of the pupils, was detailed to catch the young rascal. This was rare sport for young Hill no doubt. So when the unsuspecting urchin essayed to go into tBe "rapping" business again, Frank darted after him and soon triumphantly delivered him to Miss Clarke who proceeded to thrash the "small boy in brown" most vigorously.
The next "rapping" at that door was from another source. A mad father appeared and demanded an explanation. He got none. He went in hot haste to Mr. Leland, the clerk, who informed him that "if he did not go slow. Miss Clarke would thrash him, too."
So the winter of '52 and '53 passed in conducting "graded" primary classes. What trials Mr. Outhouse had down town with the "big boys and girls" may be inferred from some of his reminiscences:
"The boys would play truant (they were related no doubt to some of the present generation), and you could often find them playing cards during school hours. No one visited the school; the teacher had to work out his own salvation."
From another instance related, Mr. Outhouse was evidently a great admirer of Solomon. He remarks, also, that he saved his last year's wages "by keeping ​'bach' with a 'lawyer and a land agent.' "I took occasion to mention this bit of history to quite a number of the members of the legal profession as well as some land agents. All agreed that it was unexplainable. Many of them ran over the present membership of the bar and gravely concluded that no one answered to that historical conundrum. So to satisfy all parties, I wrote to Mr. Outhouse for the name of his illustrious companions. He replied that "they kept 'bachelor's hall' on the northwest corner of Stark and Front, and that his companions were Hon. Alex Campbell, partner (then) of R. P. Boise, at present of San Francisco, ex-judge of the twelfth judicial district of California, and George Sherman, of revolutionary stock and agent for Hon. Benj. Stark." This news seemed to satisfy most of the parties, but a closing remark of Mr. O.'s may throw some light on the singular conduct of these worthy gentlemen. He says the immigration of 1852 brought to Portland many excellent people, and among these were many young ladies—"then the bachelors blacked their boots and went to meeting."
After Mr. Outhouse closed his work. Miss Clarke continued, opening her school in the same house, near Taylor street, March 12, 1853.
May 21 St, the directors gave notice that Miss Clarke will hold a public examination on Friday, the 27th, to which parents and friends were invited.
Miss Clarke taught until mid-summer, 1853, ^"d then accepted a position in an academy at Oregon City, under the care of Prof. E. D. Shattuck. With the labors of Miss Clarke, the regular work of the free schools seems to have been for a time discontinued. Private schools were opening and closing every few weeks. The "academy" was then flourishing under the Rev. C. S. Kingsley. General apathy in reference to public schools prevailed. From the best information I have been able to gather, over a year elapsed after the closing of Miss Clarke's term before any movement was made toward reviving the free schools. The newspapers make no mention of the regular annual meeting in November, 1853. August 11, 1854, J. M. Keeler, the county superintendent, announces that he is ready to organize school districts.
During the fall of 1854, Thomas Frazer, Esq., began the agitation of the school question. He had printed, at his own expense, notice for a school meeting. He posted these notices, and after failing for five times in succession to secure a quorum to do business, he succeeded at the sixth, and as a result, there appeared in the Oregonian of December 7, 1854, the following:
A CALL.
"We, the undersigned, legal voters of the Portland school district, deeming it important that district officers should be appointed and our public schools reorganized, hereby annex our names to call for a special meeting of the legal voters in this district to convene at the school house on First street, on Monday evening, December 18, 1854, at half past 6 o'clock, then and there to elect (1) a chairman and secretary of said meeting; (2) a board of three school directors; (3) a district clerk, and to transact such other business, etc. Thomas Frazer, Josiah Failing, H. W. Corbett, W. S. Ladd, P. Raleigh, L. Limerick, D. Abrams, T. N. Lakin, A. D. Shelby, Anthony L. Davis."
At this meeting Thomas Frazer, W. S. Ladd and Shubrick Norris were elected a board of directors, and I presume A. D. Fitch was elected clerk.
During this month Multnomah county was organized, and in January, 1855. L. Limerick was appointed county school superintendent. Horace Lyman and J. M. Keeler served as county superintendents when this city was included in Washington county.
It was quite probable that L. Limerick taught the first school under the organization. Prior to this time, it appears that the city had been divided in two districts, with Morrison street as the line—north was district No. 1 and south district No. 2. The board in the south district consisted of Wm. Patton, Col. ​Wm. King and E. M. Burton, and D. C. Sturtevant as clerk. When this organization was effected I cannot ascertain. It had a legal existence during the incumbency of L. Limerick, as county superintendent, as a description of its meets and bounds is found in Mr. Limerick's writings. So far as this part of the present district had a history I have this much: In the fall of 1855, Col. J. M. Keeler, just from Forest Grove—Tualitin Academy—taught the district school in the two-story house still standing on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Second streets. He received a hundred and fifty dollars per month, had one hundred pupils per day. Had an assistant, also, whose name he does not now recall. I have been unable, so far, to discover any evidence that any other school was ever taught in the upper district after the six months' term by Col. Keeler. The district had an existence from perhaps 1854, to April, 1856, when it was merged again into No. 1.
Returning to No. 1, during the early part of 1855 two different private schools are advertised.
February 10, 1855, a Mrs. Hill advertises "a seminary for young ladies" to open March 24th. She taught at least two terms on the southeast corner of Washington and Third streets. She was an English lady. Taught dancing as an accomplishment; also music, painting and drawing. She removed to San Francisco.
March 31, 1855, a Miss S. B. Sweet of Syracuse, N. Y., advertises a "select school" in the "lower part of town for small boys and girls." Refers to A. D. Shelby, Esq., for testimonials. She afterward married a Mr. Rinehart at Winchester, whither she removed with Mr. Shelby's family. She and her husband are both dead. Her only child, a daughter, was a member of the family of Dr. J. C. Hawthorne for many years, and has herself been engaged in teaching.
July 7, 1855, Messrs. Frazer, Ladd and Norris advertise for a "competent person to take charge of the public school in district No. 1." A young lawyer, Mr. Sylvester Pennoyer, had lately arrived in Portland. He had gone from New York to Puget Sound to practice law. Becoming discouraged with the prospects, he sold his library and started for home. He saw the advertisement and at once sought an interview with Mr. Frazer. The wages offered, $100 per month, Mr. Pennoyer thought too small and demanded $125. This bit of presumption has ever since been a source of much wonder to Mr. Pennoyer. In New York state he had been satisfied with $20 to $30 per month for his services as a pedagogue. But Mr. Frazer meant business, and evidently fancying the young man (Mr. P. was 24 then), he told him to go ahead. Off to the county school superintendent's office he went. W. F. Boyakin, lately elected to succeed Mr. Limerick, was a Baptist minister, living on the northeast corner of Yamhill and Second, a house formerly occupied as a fish market. Here Mr. Pennoyer found the school superintendent at the washtub. Making known his errand, Mr. Boyakin rolled down his sleeves and proceeded to put Mr. Pennoyer through the "regulation" quiz in the various branches. He gave him a certificate and an "extra indorsement."
Mr. Pennoyer taught six months in the "school house." The first Sunday Mr. Pennoyer spent in Portland, he repaired to church in his best "bib and tucker." Among other articles of apparel, he was, as he supposed, the fortunate possessor of a "swallow-tailed" coat, which was quite fashionable "at home." He was quite abashed to find that either he was far ahead or far behind the elite of Portland, as not another "swallow-tail" was to be seen. He made no inquiries, but took the first opportunity to present his "coat" to a very excellent farmer "just out from town a ways." This farmer is now one of our substantial men, and by the way, that "swallow-tail" did respectable duty for several years afterward.
This man Pennoyer was afterward twice elected governor of Oregon, and once mayor of the city, but rendered but doubtful service in either office. He was put forward by his admirers as a candidate for vice-president of the United ​States on the democratic ticket in the year 1894. Pennoyer always claimed he had the only dress coat in Portland at the date mentioned above. But that was a mistake. At that time, some other bachelors in the new town, Mr. Frederick Bickel among them, and still living in Portland, were keeping "bachelor's hall" down on Stark at between First and Second, and having to air their clothing on the bushes in that vicinity, after putting them out one nice day, and shortly after looking out of the upper-story windows, Mr. Bickel discovered that a big Indian had just donned his nice dress coat and was pompously marching down Stark street to the river with it—and that was the last of it.
For over two years after the close of Mr. Pennoyer's school, no record has been found that gives any definite information concerning the public schools as to the disposition of the pupils or the funds. From the best information obtainable, it is believed by many that, at some meeting not recorded, it was agreed to discontinue the schools, as a charge on the district, so that the funds miglit accumulate toward the erection of a school building. This seems hardly probable, however, as subsequent transactions show that no funds were on hand when the new building was projected. In any case, no one seems to have been directly employed by any board to teach school until school was opened May 17, 1858, in the new Central school.
Col. J. M. Keeler, seeing the futility of trying to maintain two separate organizations within the city limits, was quite active in creating a sentiment in favor of the consolidation of the two districts. He had taught school in No. 2, and subsequently taught two or more terms in the "school house." At all the preliminary meetings held to settle the terms of consolidation, and after the union V'as effected, he was no less zealous. He planned the old Central building. On the petition of citizens of district No. 2, the superintendent, W. F. Boyakin, issued a proclamation March 31, 1856, consolidating Nos. i and 2—with a proviso that each district should pay its own liabilities contracted to date. A joint meeting of both districts was called for Wednesday evening, April 16, 1856, at the school house. At this meeting Thomas Frazer was chosen chairman, and J. M. Keeler secretary. Wm. Weatherword, Josiah Failing and Alexander Campbell were elected a board of directors, and Thomas J. Holmes, clerk. These persons were sworn into office by Anthony L. Davis.
Mr. Campbell resigned August 4, 1856. and John H. Couch was elected to fill the vacancy. For a complete record of directors and clerks to the present time (1879), reference is made to a table appended to this sketch. The first business of importance before the new district was the erection of a suitable school building.
At an adjourned meeting of the taxpayers May 12, 1856, the board reported a building plan and estimated the cost for enclosing the building at $4,500. A long discussion ensued. Benj. Stark opposed—suggesting that, as the county would soon be called on to erect a jail, this school tax would prove burdensome. Col. J. M. Keeler replied that the erection of a school house should have the first consideration, and suggested that if the school interests were more carefully fostered, a jail would prove indeed a burden, because of its uselessness in the community. Mr. Stark finally voted for the tax. A committee consisting of J. Failing, H. W. Davis, Wm. Beck, S. Coffin and A. M. Starr, was appointed to ascertain the cost of different sites for school grounds. May 26th, this committee reported in favor of the "James Fields' block" No. 174—cost $1,000. _ Voted to purchase 63 to 45. May 29, moved a tax of $4,000 for site and building purposes; vote stood 39 to 13. August 7, board advertised for bids. August 16th. contract awarded E. M. Burton and R. D. Carson for $2,993. They were to enclose the building, lay floors, etc. April 24, 1857, a tax of $4,000 was voted to complete the building. Contracts for painting and plastering were let during the summer of 1857. October i, 1857, proposition to teach the school were received from J. M. Keeler and George A. Illidge and laid on the table. November 28, 1857, Col. King presented a bill for $120 rental of the "school house" ​for one year, from November 24, 1852, to November 24, 1853. The bill was paid. I have been unable to ascertain who occupied the "school house" from March, 1853, when Mr. Outhouse closed, until the spring- of 1855, when Mr. Limerick was the occupant. But the board were evidently satisfied of the validity of the bill, and the colonel got his rental.
Monday, May 17, 1858, the first school in the Central building was opened. L. L. Terwilliger, principal, with two assistants, Mrs. Hensill and Owen Connelly.
From the records extant, I find that up to July 23, 1858, two hundred and eighty different pupils had been enrolled. The names of pupils, parents and residences are left on record. Of all the residences noted, but two were west of Seventh street, viz., those of F. M. Warren and Wm. M. King, which are noted "Park street." Most of the residences are noted as i, 2, 3 and 4 streets, with quite a number in "Couch Addition."
Mr. Terwilliger was principal of the Central for two and a quarter years. August, 1860, Rev. George C. Chandler, one year; July 22, 1861, G. F. Boynton, nine months; April 30, 1862, O. S. Frambes, one year; March 23, 1863, John McBride, nine months; January 11, 1864, E. P. Beebe, one and a half years; August, 1865, O. S. Frambes, three years; September, 1868, J. W. Johnson, three" quarters of a year (transferred to high school April 26, 1869); April, 1869, R. K. Warren, two and a quarter years; September, 1871, J. M. Williamson, three years; September, 1874, A. J. Anderson, two years; September, 1876, T. H. Crawford, one year; September, 1877, S. W. King, two years; reelected for the ensuing year.
A costly addition was made to the Central school during the years 1872-73. Nothing definite can be ascertained from the books as to the cost. Even the amount of the lowest bid, made by Mr. James Gumming, is omitted in the minutes of the board. It has been approximately ascertained that the whole cost of that year's expenses on the Central was simply "over $30,000." The original building cost about $6,000. Col. Keeler, the teacher above named, was afterward U. S. provost marshal for Oregon during the Southern rebellion.
HARRISON STREET SCHOOL.
As early as September 9, 1864, Hon. H. W. Corbett moved that the directors, Messrs. Failing, McCormick and Holmes, prepare plans for a building either in the upper or lower part of the city.
The board, on this same day, accepted a proposition from Hon. Lansing Stout to prosecute the claim of the district to lot 3, in block 29, the site of the "old school house." He was to receive a fee of $500, contingent on his obtaining a good title, etc. The suit was unsuccessful. The north half of block 134, south side of Mill street, between Second and Third streets, owned by the district, was exchanged in January, 1865, for the north half of block 160 on Harrison street, between Fifth and Sixth streets—present site.
March 23, 1865, A. B. Hallock was employed to prepare plans for Harrison Street school building, and to superintend the erection of the same. From the record of bills paid, it appears that W. S. Harn was the principal contractor. Total paid, $9,941.
January 20, 1866, the application of R. K. Warren was accepted, and on Monday, January 22, 1866, the first school was convened in the Harrison street district, with R. K. Warren as principal, and Miss M. N. Tower, Miss V. P. Stephens and Miss M. Kelly assistants.
For the quarter ending April 13, 1866, there were enrolled in this school, 162 boys and 124 girls—total, 286. R. K. Warren was principal one and a half years, from January, 1866; September, 1867, J. P. Garlick, one year; September, 1868, R. K. Warren, three-quarters of a year (at organization of high school he was transferred to the Central); April 26, 1869, I. W. Pratt, ten and a quarter years; reelected for ensuing year. ​July 8, 1871, Messrs. Chapman, Dolph and Dennison, directors, let a contract for an extension to Harrison street building to Thomas Stephens for $4,995. May 30, 1877, Messrs. Ladd, Ainsworth and Morgan, directors, let a contract to Collins & Mayo for $5,840, to build two extensions to this building. Total cost of this building, simply the original bids, $20,777. This building was destroyed by fire Thursday morning, May 29, 1879. Insurance on building and furniture, $7,000—has been paid. At this writing, July, 1879, a contract has been awarded to J. E. Mayo, Esq., to erect on the old foundation a twelve-room, two-story wooden building, for $14,800, to be completed on or before January 10, 1880.
NORTH SCHOOL.
January 22, 1865, Josiah Failing was instructed to confer with Messrs. Couch and Flanders relative to purchasing school property, etc.
May 22, 1866, the directors, Messrs. Failing, Ladd and Shattuck, report the crowded condition of the schools, and recommend the purchase of more ground and the erection of another building.
Dr. R. Glisan made, in writing, several propositions, looking to the sale, to the district of a block. His ofifer of block 80, west side of North Tenth between C and D streets, Couch Addition for $4,400, was accepted. The board paid $152.90 interest on an unpaid balance on this block.
During the summer of 1867, Messrs. Goodnough & Clark erected a sevenroom building on this block. Total amount reported by the clerk as paid on this building, $12,816.55.
Monday, February 10, 1868, school was opened in the North building, with G. S. Pershin as principal. Misses E. J. Way, A. S. Northrup and Carrie L. Polk assistants. First quarter there were enrolled—boys, 116; girls, 100; total, 216.
G. S. Pershin was principal for two and a half years, August, 1870; T. H. Crawford, two year; September, 1872, S. W. King, one year; September, 1873, W. W. Freeman, three years; September, 1876, R. K. Warren, one year; September, 1877, E. E. Chapman, one year; September, 1878, Miss Ella C. Sabin, one year; reelected for the ensuing year.
May 30, 1877, Messrs. Ladd, Ainsworth and Morgan, directors, awarded a contract to Wm. Braden to add two wings to this building, for $4,121. Total cost of North school, original bids, $16,937.55.
HIGH SCHOOL.
This important branch of our school system was instituted in pursuance of a resolution passed unanimously by the board, Messrs. Wadhams, Lovejoy and Shattuck, April 14, 1869. It was formally opened in the North building, Monday, April 26, 1869, with J. W. Johnson as principal, and Miss M. N. Tower (Mrs. F. K. Arnold) as assistant.
During the Christmas holidays, the high school department was transferred to the second story, north wing of new Central, and October 10, 1873, it was moved to the lower floor of the new building.
By resolution of the present board, the high school will be transferred in September next to the second floor of the Park school building. After such a history, as to its peregrinations, it is hoped the high school has at last found a place it can safely call "home." J. W. Johnson was principal for seven years and a quarter; September, 1876, A. J. Anderson, one year; September, 1877, R. K. Warren, two years, reelected for the ensuing year.
COLORED SCHOOL.
At the annual meeting, April 1, 1867, Dr. G. H. Atkinson moved that a separate school be opened for colored children, and that the directors be empowered ​to rent rooms, etc., provided the expense of this school for tuition shall not exceed $800 per annum. This school was opened in September, 1867, on the northeast corner of Columbia and Fourth streets, Mrs. Abbie J. Young teacher. The first quarter shows twenty-one boys and five girls enrolled. Miss Anna S. Northrup succeeded Mrs. Young in February, 1869, and taught one and a half years; September, 1870, T. L. Dugger, one year. At the annual meeting, April, 1871, it was voted to close this school at the end of the school year. Since then, colored children have been admitted to all schools on the same terms as other children.
NIGHT SCHOOL.
October 30, 1873, Messrs. Giltner and Glenn, present, a resolution was passed by the board to open a night school in the Central building, beginning on the first Monday in November following. The school was to be open from 7:30 p. m. to 10 p. m. This school was to continue until the following April. Walter Johnson was employed as teacher. In a report of S. W. King, city superintendent, December 5, 1873, thirty-five pupils are reported as attending the evening school. In a report of T. L. Eliot, March 14, 1874, he mentions having visited this evening school December 1st and January 5th, and says that the school "seems to have done a good work for a class of young men in this city, and should be sustained part of every year." This single session of four months was closed April 1, 1874. Mr. Johnson received $200 for his services. Since then no effort has been made to sustain a night school. (See statement later on.)
MACADAM ROAD, OR STEPHEN'S SCHOOL.
At the annual meeting April, 1868, Thomas Stephens, James Terwilliger and others asked for a school house on the macadam road in the southern part of the city. A resolution was passed authorizing the directors, Messrs. Lovejoy, Glisan and Dennison, to erect said school building at a cost not to exceed $1,600, provided an acre of ground could be had free, etc. The building was erected evidently during the succeeding year.
From the records, it appears that the first school was taught by Miss Selina Barker (Mrs. S. M. Barr), beginning in April, 1869. She taught one quarter. By order of the directors, no school was taught there during the fall term. December 6, 1869, W. S. Chapman began and completed a six months' term. The next mention made is of a three months' school in the summer of 1871, when Miss Sutton was employed. October 26, 1871, E. C. Clarke began a term of fourteen weeks. September, 1872, Charles J. Mulkey was employed. He taught six months; whether longer, at that time, does not appear. He, however, began a term of six months, July 1, 1873.
May 30, 1874, at a meeting of the board, Messrs. Glenn, Ainsworth and Morgan T. L. Eliot, county school superintendent, were present, announced that in answer to a petition of the taxpayers of the district, he had set apart as a separate district, all that portion of No. i, lying south of the city limits, with the condition that at least three months more of school should be conducted at the expense of No. i. The board complied with the condition, and employed Miss Mary Pollock at $50 per month to teach said school, closing August 31, 1874.
July 14, 1874, on the recommendation of the county school superintendent, all that part of district No. i, lying north of P street and east of the Balch claim, was set off and made into district No. 27, now known as the Watson school district.
There are on file several newspaper items praising a few citizens for their liberal donations of lots and blocks for school purposes. It certainly will not harm any one to say that in all my researches, I have found but one-half block owned by the district, that came into its possession as a free gift. The north half of block 134 was a donation from Stephen Coffin, and he afterward gave the ​present site (a half block) of Harrison Street school in exchange for it. Every lot the district owns, aside from this half block, has been paid for in gold coin raised by direct tax.
"My sketch must close. Over a period of thirty-two years have I traced the history of one branch of our educational system. That omissions and some mis- takes have been made, I have no doubt, but they have occurred from my in- ability to secure reliable, definite information. Much more could be said by way of comment, but I shall leave that for more competent historians."
To this sketch is appended, in tabular form, a complete list of directors and clerks who have served, in their respective capacities, since the organization of the district in 1856.
T. H. Crawford.
OFFICERS OF DISTRICT NO. I — 1856 TO 1879.
Year. Members of the Board. Clerk. 856 — W. Weatherford, J. Failing, Alexander Hamilton T. J. Holmes 857— W. Weatherford, J. Failing, J. H. Couch T. J. Holmes 858— J. D. Holman, J. Failing, E. D. Shattuck J. M. Breck 859 — J. D. Holman, J. Failing, E. D. Shattuck J. M. Breck 860— J. D. Holman, J. FaiHng, E. D. Shattuck J. F. McCoy 861 — J. D. Holman, J. FaiHng, E. D. Shattuck William Grooms 862— W. Weatherford, T. J. Holmes, A. C. R. Shaw L. M. Parrish 863— S. J. McCormick, T. J. Holmes, Wm. M. King O. Risley 864— S. J. McCormick, T. J. Holmes, J. Failing L. M. Parrish 865— W. S. Ladd, T. J. Holmes, J. Failing L. M. Parrish 866— W. S. Ladd, E. D. Shattuck, J. Failing L. M. Parrish 867— W. S. Ladd, E. D. Shattuck, J. FaiHng L. M. Parrish 868 — A. Lovejoy, R. Glisan, A. P. Dennison J. F. McCoy 869 — A. Lovejoy, E. D. Shattuck, William Wadhams Edw. Quackenbush 870— A. Lovejoy, E. D. Shattuck, J. N. Dolph R. Weeks 871 — J. A. Chapman, A. P. Dennison, J..N. Dolph R. J. Ladd 872— J. S. Giltner, J. G. Glenn, J. N. Dolph R. J. Ladd 873— J. S. Giltner, J. G. Glenn, J. C. Ainsworth R. J. Ladd 874 — A. H. Morgan, J. G. Glenn, J. C. Ainsworth J. D. Holman 875— A. H. Morgan, W. S. Ladd, J. C. Ainsworth G. W. Murray 876— A. H. Morgan, W. S. Ladd, J. C. Ainsworth G. W. Murray 877— A. H. Morgan, W. S. Ladd, J. C. Ainsworth G. W. Murray 878 — A. H. Morgan, H. H. Northrup, J. C. Ainsworth D. W. Williams 879— A. H. Morgan, H. H. Northrup, Wm. Wadhams D. W. Williams
COMPARATIVE COST OF TUITION, 1878.
For Salaries of Teachers (including supervision). Syracuse, N. Y $11.22 Nashville. Tenn $i5-07 Chicago, lU 12.52 Quincy, 111 15.63 Ithaca, N. Y 13.28 St. Louis, Mo' 16.39 Terre Haute, Ind 13.54 Portland, Ore 1972 Hamilton. Ohio 13.90 Oakland, Cal 22.20 Grand Rapids, Mich 14.15 San Francisco, Cal 22.30
In estimating the actual cost of maintaining public schools of this district (1878) it must be remembered that one-half of the expense is met by the state and county fund — a fund which is contributed by all tlie taxpayers in the state.
The cost of maintaining the schools last year in the aggregate. $37,457.10 of which amount the state and "county furnished $19-557.13. This year (1878) the cost of the schools has been $39,071.84, and the county fund alone has con​contributed $19,704.51. The state fund of perhaps $3,000 is yet due, but which will be applied to the work of the coming- year. So it will be seen that the common school fund is ample enough to give us free schools for one-half year. Then the local tax is simply for a half year's school. The cost to the taxpayers of this district over and above the tax provided for by the statute, amounts to about $12 per pupil. [While on this subject it may be stated that the cost of each pupil in the public schools for the year 1910, is $35.72.]
Our city has a contract (1878) with a certain person to furnish city prisoners with meals at 14 cents each. Two meals a day for a year cost the city $102.20 — add cost of "supervision," bedding, etc., and the total cost tO' this city for its "jail education" will reach at least $125 per year for each person so imprisoned.
Yet there are a few persons in Portland who lay claim to literary attainments; who are, by their present occupation, at least, accredited leaders in the formation of public opinion; who have been assiduously and insidiously laboring to create a movement against the free schools, alleging, prominently, that they are too costly. It is certainly a scathing rebuke to such intermeddlers, when the heaviest taxpayers and the best brawn and brains of the city meet in a public capacity and unanimously vote liberal taxes for the maintenance of the free schools.
In view of the foregoing figures as to the cost of maintaining city prisoners, with all the fearful consequences of our "jail system," and the cost of providing for the free tuition of every girl and boy in the city with all its possible and the probable advantages to society, there was occasion for the remark made at a school meeting by one of Portland's wealthiest men, when moving for a five-mill tax, "The school tax is the most economical tax I have to pay, and one which I pay most cheerfully." For the last six years at least no public fund in this county, or for that matter, in the state, has been more faithfully and economically expended than has been that for the support of the city schools. By a system of accounts, not at all complicated, each article purchased for use is accounted for accurately. Such minor items as pens, ink, paper, penholders, etc., are so checked in passing from the stationer to the directors, city superintendent, principals and assistants that every possible avenue for waste is closed. Go into almost any public office in the state and see with what apparent indifference and almost criminal prodigality the one item of stationery is worse than wasted. Reams of legal cap are wantonly destroyed by scribblers, legislators and briefless attorneys; the walls and floors seem to be general receptacles for ink and for the offal of low mental and immoral heads and hearts. If an assistant in our public schools should willingly and knowingly permit a tithe of such vandalism, she would be reported at once. Yet these council chambers, the court rooms, these legislative halls, are fitted up extravagantly. Cushioned chairs, marble-topped tables, elegant lounges, etc., are furnished at public expense without a grumble, while our public schools are frequently censured in the public press for extravagance. To those having immediate control of the schools, these newspaper flings are often annoying, but they are at all times fully aware that the solid men and women, the bone and sinew, the intelligent and patriotic are a unit on the question of the liberal maintenance of our free schools.
TARDINESS OF TEACHERS.
This is not a very commendable item of statistics to record. From the figures it will be seen that the per cent of tardiness of teachers has been nearly three times that of the pupils. Although a fine of $1 for each tardiness has been imposed and collected for each case, the number of cases this year is largely in excess of those of last year. Comment is unnecessary.
THE SCHOOL TEACHERS.
The School Masters and School Ma'ams who Have Taught in the Portland Public Schools.
"Two years ago I gathered together many interesting reminiscences of the schools of Portland, and shaped them as best I could for preservation. In that sketch may be found the more prominent personages who took part in directing the general work of the schools, not only as patrons, but also as teachers.
I have, during the past year, been overhauling such meagre records as have been handed down from clerk to clerk, and have made a complete catalogue of the names of all persons who have been engaged as teachers since the opening of the first school under the management of district No. i, organized in April, 1856.
For the first ten years—from 1858 to 1868—no records seem to have been kept with anything like regularity. The employment of teachers must have been conducted very irregularly. The records show, in some years, but one board meeting; but, from the financial record—the clerk's cash book—I find that teachers, carpenters and janitors were paid now and then. Bills for wood, furniture, candles, etc., appear to have been audited by some one and were paid by the school clerk."
From these cash books, from the records of an occasional board meeting, from a certain old, dilapidated "record" which was passed from principal to principal of the Central school for fourteen years, have these names been collected.
They are arranged alphabetically. The year in which the name first appeared and also the school in which the person first taught, are given. In a few instances nothing satisfactory could be ascertained concerning the first position occupied. If this list meets the eyes of those who were more intimately acquainted with the teachers of the first ten or twelve years, particularly, and any errors or omissions are noticed, I shall be glad to make the corrections, so that the list may be as complete as possible.
A.
Anderson, A. J. ; Central 1874
Atwood, Miss A. L. ; North 1874
Abbott, Miss A. C. ; Central 1876
Anderson, Mrs. A. B. ; Central 1880
B.
Boynton, G. F. ; Central 1861
Boynton, Mrs. F. M. ; Central 1862
Burton, Miss Helen M. ; Central 1862
Beebe, E. P. ; Central 1864
Batchelder, Miss M. A. ; Harrison Street 1869
Bryant, Miss M. W. ; North 1869
Barker, Miss S. ; McAdam Road 1869
Burt, Mrs. H. E. ; Central 1870
Bodman, Miss F. H. ; Harrison Street 1871
Briggs, Mrs. J. E. ; Harrison Street 1871
Blythe, Miss Kate ; North 1873
Bodley, Miss J. A. ; Harrison Street 1873
Buss, Miss L. A. ; Harrison Street , 1874
Burrage, Mrs. S. J. ; North 1874
Bodenhamer, Mrs. M. L. ; Central 1876
Borthwick, Mrs. A. C. ; Nortfi 1877
Burnham, Miss A. M. ; Harrison Street 1879
Burnell, Miss Kate; North 1879
C.
D.
E.
{{dotted TOC line||
F.
G.
Gibson, Miss M. E. ; North 1872
Gallagher, Miss Mary ; North 1872
Gantenbein, Miss L. M. ; North 1878
Granger, Mrs. E. C. ; Harrison Street 1878
Gantenbein, Miss C. M. ; High 1879
H.
Hensill, Mrs. Mary J. ; Central 1858
Henderson, Miss F. A. ; Central 1864
Holman, Miss F. A. ; Central 1865
Hensill, Miss M. S. ; Central 1868
Holman, Mrs. M. C. ; Central 1869
Harvey, Mrs. L. P. ; North 1869
Hodgdon, Miss M. A. ; High 1870
Hurlburt, Mrs. A. E. ; North 1870
Hoover, Miss S. B. or H. B 1871
Hills, Miss S. L. ; Central 1876
Henderson, L. F. ; High 1876
Hunsaker, Miss Kate ; Harrison Street 1877
Harker, Mrs. S. E. ; Harrison Street 1878
J.
Johnson, J. W. ; -Central 1868
Johnson, Walter ; Central 1873
Jones, Miss Jennie E. ; Harrison Street 1880
K
Kittredge, Miss F. M. ; Central 1861
King, Miss Caroline ; Central 1863
Kelly, Miss Maria ; Harrison Street 1866
King, S. W. ; North 1872
Kelly, Miss Martha ; North 1873
Kindt, Miss Dora ; Harrison Street 1876
L.
Lingo, Miss L. B. ; North 1871
Lingo, Miss Mattie; Central 1876
M.
Millard, Miss Hattie ; Central 1859
McBride, John ; Central 1863
McLeran, Mrs. ; Central 1866
Montgomery, Miss D. E. ; Harrison Street 1868
Morrison, Miss Jeannette ; North 1869
Mulkey, Miss Martha ; Central 1870
McGibeny, J. B. ; music teacher 1872
Meachem, A. ; High 1872
Monnastes, Miss Emma ; North 1872
Mulkey, Charles J. ; McAdam Road 1872
Morton, Mrs. C. M. ; Harrison Street 1873
McMillan, Mrs. J. S. ; Harrison Street 1877
MacConnell, Miss C; High 1878
Meacham, Miss Nellie F. ; Harrison Street 1880
McDaniel, Mrs. Julia F. ; North 1880
N.
Northrup, Miss Anna S. (deceased) ; North 1868
O.
Ogden, Mrs. Mary ; North 1869
Olds, Miss Clara T. ; North 1877
P.
Pennoyer, Sylvester ; Central 1859
Polk, Miss Caroline L. ; Central 1859
Pershin, G. S. ; North 1868
Pratt, I. W. ; Harrison Street 1869
Phelps, Mrs. E. R. ; North 1870
Pollock, Miss Mary L. ; Central 1872
Powell, L. J. (did not accept) ; North 1877
Price, Mrs. P. L. ; Central 1877
Parker, Miss G. L. ; North 1878
Plummer, Miss E. C. ; Harrison Street 1879
Powell, Miss M. L. ; Harrison Street 1879
Parrish, Miss Anna J. ; Harrison Street 1880
Q.
Quigley, Miss M. E. ; Park Primary 1880
R.
Ritchey, Miss Lucy E. ; North 1871
Rosenberg, Rev. John ; High 1874
Rittenhouse, Miss L. L ; Harrison Street 1877
Rounds, Miss R. E. ; North 1879
Rice, Miss E. S. ; North 1880
Robinson, Miss Kate ; Central 1880
Roby, C. W. ; Central 1880
S.
Stephens, Miss V. P. ; Harrison Street 1866
Sinclair, Miss Mary ; Central 1869
Sutton, Miss Julia; McAdam Road 1871
Shelby, Miss A. B. ; North 1871
Spaulding, Miss L. W. ; North 1874
Sabin, Miss Ella C. ; North 1874
Simpson, Mrs. Julia ; Harrison Street 1875
Spaulding, Miss H. F. ; High 1877
Stein, Miss Jannette ; Harrison Street 1877
Shattuck, Miss Emily J. (deceased 1879) ; High 1877
Smith, Miss F. A. ; Central 1877
Spaulding, Mrs. L. M. ; North 1879
Sabin, Miss Ella C. ; North 1879
Stout, Miss Lottie C. ; Park Primary 1881
T.
Terwilliger, L. L. ; Central 1858
Tower, Miss M. M. ; Harrison Street 1866
Taylor, Miss Sophia, C. ; Central 1868
Turner, Miss E. C. ; Drawing Teacher 1877
Taylor, Miss N. E. ; Harrison Street 1877
Test, Miss M. E. ; Harrison Street 1880
U.
Upton, Miss Marietta, (deceased 1880) ; Central 1874
W.
Way, Miss E, J. ; Central i860
Way, Miss Anna E. ; Central 1863
Warren, R. K. ; Harrison Street 1866
West, Miss Anna, ; Central 1867
Williamson, J. M. ; Central 1871
Whitcomb, Miss L. C. ; 1871
Watt, Miss C. A. ; Harrison Street 1877
White, Mrs. L. A. ; Harrison Street 1878
Wygant, Miss Nellie A. ; North 1878
White, Mrs. A. J. ; Harrison Street 1880
Y.
Young, Miss B. A. ; 1866
Young, Mrs. A. J. ; Colored School 1867
Young, Miss Fannie E. ; Harrison Street 1878
SUPERNUMERARIES.
Not included in the list of regular teachers are the following: Miss Amy Adams, Miss Cora A. Cox, Miss Mary E. Cook, Miss Sue Gould, Miss Kate Kingsley, Miss Emily Lindsley, Miss Sarah MacConnell, Miss Lillian E. Pool, Helen M. Plummer, Miss Jennie Ritchie, Mrs. Ida H. Vaughn, Miss M. Allie White, Herr von Wartensleben, Miss Ida Yocum. Other parties have filled temporary vacancies, but do not appear on the pay roll or minutes of the board of directors.
Here we insert a class song of a graduate of the high school, class of 1883, now president of one of Portland's banks.
CLASS SONG.
Samuel Connell.
Tho' the parting hour awaits us,
Tho' regret may fill each heart;
Tho' each glance and hurried action
Through the soul's recesses dark.
Let us pause
With fond rememberance.
On the threshold of our home ;
Let us paint
On memory's tablet
Ere on life's sea we roam.
II
Let's recount the happy seasons,
(Time so quickly intervenes),
Proudly pacing up the hallways,
Let's retrace the merry scenes ;
How we've met
As fellow schoolmates,
And with sympathizing aid,
How we have hailed success with gladness.
Wide dispelling sorrow's shade.
  III
Ere we part at life's broad gateway,
We will breathe a last farewell ;
Tho' "commingled joy and gladness"
On our group may fondly dwell.
Let us clasp
In kindly feeling
Hands with hearty friendship fraught;
May we stand
Through every conflict,
Then look back on work well wrought.
Prof. Crawford in his historical sketch refers to the organization of the night school in 1863; and says it was closed April i, 1874; and that Prof. Johnson received $200 for his services in connection therewith. From this statement it is a reasonable presumption that the first attempt to establish a night school was a failure.
But there was a demand for a night school, and the failure of Prof. Johnson was not accepted as then end of the matter. One of the first propositions that the Portland Woman's Union took up after its organization was a night school for working girls who had not had the opportunities for school book education. Twelve years after the professors and teachers of the public schools, and the directors of the school district had shuffled off the duty of doing something for education of these girls, the Woman's Union, on November 22, 1886, organized a night school for the benefit of the wage earning girls of Portland. Of that school, Miss Mary E. Cook now the wife of Dr. Samuel K. Brown, was appointed superintendent, and with that noble commission, told to do the best she could for the girls. No appointment to a high trust was ever more fortunately made. Schooled to all the responsibilities of life, and with a genuine interest in the girls assigned to her charge, the night school was a great success from its first opening. Miss Cook not only taught the girls herself in all the elementary branches of common school work, but she opened her own home to accommodate the sessions of the school.
But no sooner had the women made a success of the night school for girls, than the wage earning boys began to clamor for like opportunities. The doors were not shut in the face of the ambitious boys, but opened wide as long as the limited accommodations for class rooms could hold another boy. And in what the directors of the school district and its highly paid superintendent made a dismal and discreditable failure, the women made greatly to their credit, a glorious success.
And now in 1886, there was a most capable woman at the head of the city schools—Miss Ella Sabin. She was equal to her opportunities and the responsibilities of the occasion, and heartily sympathizing with the work accomplished by the night school, she, together with Mrs. M. S. Burrell, president of the Woman's Union, and Miss Cook, superintendent of the school, succeeded in making the directors of the district adopt the night schools as a part of the public school system of Portland.
PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 1910.
Frank Rigler, superintendent of city schools, reports that during the last two years there has been considerable modification of our high school courses. Most of our high school students select their course on the principle followed in Boston, Minneapolis and a number of other progressive cities. The plan is suggested in the report of the "committee of ten" of the National Educational Association, but was not worked out by that committee. It has since been worked out independently by a number of cities, Portland being chronologically the first, in 1894.
Instead of frittering away his energies upon a great number of subjects, the student concentrates his efforts upon three lines of work for which his aptitude has been revealed by his work in the elementary schools. This sort of course qualifies a pupil to enter Stanford and some other universities. But there are colleges which require a little of everything for admission, and a student desiring to prepare for any of these was permitted to select such subjects as would meet his particular requirements. Recently a closer agreement as to entrance requirements among the various institutions of higher learning has enabled us to print an explicit "college preparatory course." This seems to have silenced the unwarranted criticism that our high schools do not prepare students for college.
Perhaps the most radical departure in public schools from the conventional curriculum, is the school of trades where boys and girls are taught gainful occupations without entirely abandoning cultural studies. It is important to notice that physical fitness rather than intellectual attainments is made the basis for entrance to these schools. Otherwise many of the pupils whom they are designed to serve, could never gain admission to them. The establishment of such a school in Portland in 1908 came ill advance of a widespread agitation in favor of vocational training. Little doubt remains that such training will soon become a prominent feature in the school work of all progressive cities.
As to public school sanitation, Prof. Rigler says: Suspended drinking cups and the widespread use of private individual cups have greatly decreased the danger of spreading throat and mouth contagions in the schools. The real solution of this problem, however, is the drinking fountain.
During the present school year, vacuum cleaners are on trial in four of our school buildings. While it is yet too early to pronounce judgment upon them, there is, nevertheless, a strong probability that they will solve the dust problem without soaking the floors with filthy and highly inflammable oils.
The medical inspection of our schools, now in its second year, seems to have proved its value. If it renders no other service than the discovery of physical defects unsuspected by parents, this alone would justify its continuance. But the inspectors have also been very helpful in their suggestions as to sanitation, and in prescribing measures for the detection and isolation of contagious diseases.
​The public schools of Portland with an enrollment of 35,385, are housed in forty-eight buildings, valued at more than $2,000,000. With the exception of three high schools, these buildings are constructed of wood. This does not mean that they are cheap buildings; their cost is upward of $4,000 per school room, which is more than need be paid for the cheaper class of brick buildings.
The following table shows the total registration during the past decade:
| 1900 | 12,280 |
| 1901 | 12,674 |
| 1902 | 13,299 |
| 1903 | 14,241 |
| 1904 | 14,909 |
| 1905 | 15,877 |
| 1906 | 17,031 |
| 1907 | 20,389 |
| 1908 | 22,213 |
| 1909 | 23,709 |
| 1910 | 35,385 |
PUBLIC SCHOOL STATISTICS.
From Supt. Rigler's report we take the following statistics for the year 1910:
Board of School Directors, District No. i, Portland, 1910—Mrs. L. W. Sitton, chairman; R. L. Sabin, J. V. Beach, I. N. Fleischner and H. C. Campbell. Superintendent of schools, Frank Rigler; assistant superintendent, D. A. Grout; clerk of school district, R. H. Thomas. Total income for district for year of 1909, $1,557,027.
Nativity of Pupils for Year Ending June, 1910.
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MRS. L. W. SITTON
President of the Board of Education
Number of women teachers and supervisors 614
Number of men teachers and supervisors 88
Salaries Paid, 1910.
Superintendent, per annum $4,500
Asst. Superintendent, per annum 3,ooo
Supervisor of Manual Training 1,800
Supervisor of Physical Training 1,600
Supervisor of Drawing 1,600
Asst. Supervisor of Drawing, (minimum) per annum 900
Asst. Supervisor of Drawing, (maximum) per annum 1.050
Supervisor of Sewing i ,600
Asst. Supervisor of Sewing, (minimum) 900
Asst. Supervisor of Sewing, (maximum) 1,050
Supervisor of Domestic Science i ,400
Asst. Supervisor of Domestic Science (minimum,) 900
Asst. Supervisor of Domestic Science, (maximum,) 1,050
Teachers of Manual Training, High School 1,200
Teachers of Manual Training, Elementary
Teachers of Manual Training, Elementary ist year 850
Teachers of Manual Training, Elementary 26. year 950
Teachers of Manual Training, Elementary 3d year 1,050
Principals of Elementary Schools . " Minimum. Maximum.
Three Rooms $ 950 $1 ,050
Four Rooms 1,000 1,100
Five Rooms ..:....,. 1,050 1,150
Six Rooms ..... ... .-. 1,100 1,200
Seven Rooms 1,150 1,250
Eight Rooms 1,200 1,300
Nine Rooms 1,250 i,350
Ten Rooms i ,400 i ,500
Eleven Rooms i,450 i,550
Twelve Rooms 1,500 i ,600
Thirteen Rooms i,550 1,650
Fourteen Rooms 1,600 i ,700
Fifteen Rooms i ,700 i ,800
Sixteen Rooms 1,750 i ,850
Salaries Paid, 1882.
Minimum.. Maximum.
City Superintendent $1,500 $2,000
Vice Principal i ,000 i ,200
High School Principal 1,500 2,000
High School Assistant 900 1,200
High School Assistant 700 1,000
Grammar School Principal 1,500 1,800
Grammar School Second Grade 750 900
Grammar School Third Grade, 700 850
Grammar School Fourth Grade, 650 800
Primary School Fifth Grade 600 750
Primary School Sixth Grade 550 700
Primary School Seventh Grade 500 650
Supernumeraries 300 300
PRIVATE AND SECTARIAN SCHOOLS.
A PIONEER HEROINE—TABITHA BROWN's SCHOOL.
The story of the woman that founded a great school in the state, probably the best school in the state, would have made the most interesting page on "How the Immigrants Got Here;" and the reader may possibly think that it ought to have been told with the trials of the immigrants. But it is put in here with the schools, because the schools is a greater subject than the dangers of the trail, great as they must always be considered.
Tabitha Brown was born in 1780 the daughter of one Dr. Joseph Moffett of Brimfield, Mass. On reaching the age of 19 like most of the energetic girls of New England, she married a minister—the Rev. Clark Brown, of the Episcopalian church. The good man ran his course swiftly, passed away in homely virtue and respectability, leaving the young wife and two sons, and not a dollar in property, to fight the battle of life alone. For eight years she taught schools in Maryland for a livelihood for herself and children. Thinking the opportunities in the then far western state of Missouri would be better for herself and boys she moved out to Missouri in 1837. In 1843 one of her sons, Orus Brown, made the trip overland to Oregon, and returning to Missouri in 1845 induced his mother to start for Oregon in 1846. And with her son and daughter, and their families, they set out for this country, taking with them John Brown, an aged brother of her dead husband. Mrs. Brown was now sixty-six years of age. After reaching the head waters of Snake river her son, Orus, fearing they might run out of provisions, pushed on ahead of the party with a view of getting help and returning to meet the incoming immigrants. And after his departure, she was prevailed upon, with others of the party, to follow the lead of an unknown guide who misled them into what was known as the southern Oregon route. And here they fell victims to the direst terrors of travel that ever beset any immigration to this country. In the year, 1854, Mrs. Brown wrote out an account of that awful trip, from which the following was taken:
"The sun was now setting, the wind was blowing, and the rain was drifting upon the sides of the distant mountains. Poor me! I crossed the plains to where three mountains spurs met. Here the shades of night were gathering fast, and I could see the wagon tracks no further. Alighting from my horse, I flung off saddle and saddle-pack and tied the horse fast to a tree with a lasso rope. The captain asked me what I was going to do. My answer was, T am going to camp for the night.' He gave a groan and fell to the ground. I gathered my wagon sheet, which I had put under my saddle, flung it over a projecting limb of a tree, and made me a fine tent. I then stripped the captain's horse, and tied him, placed saddlle, blankets, and bridles under the tent, then helped up the bewildered old gentleman and introduced him to his new lodgings upon the bare ground. His senses were gone. Covering him as well as I could with blankets, I seated myself upon my feet behind him, expecting he would be a corpse before morning.
THE SITUATION.
"Pause for a moment and consider the situation. Worse than alone, in a savage wilderness, without food, without fire, cold and shivering, wolves fighting and howling all around me. Dark clouds hid the stars. All as sohtary as death. But that same kind providence that I had always known was watching over me still. I committed all to Him- and felt no fear. As soon as light dawned, I pulled down my tent, saddled' my horse, found the captain able to stand on his feet. ' Just at this moment one of the emigrants whom I was trying to overtake came up. He was in search of venison. Half a mile ahead were the wagons I hoped to overtake, and we were soon there and ate plentifully of fresh meat. Within eight feet of where my tent had been set fresh tracks of two Indians were to be seen, but I did not know that they were there. They killed and robbed Mr. Newton, only a short distance off, but would not kill his wife because she was a woman. They killed another man on our cut-off, but the rest of the emigrants escaped with their lives. We traveled on for a few days and came to the foot of the Calipooia mountains. Here my children and my grand-children came up with us, a joyful meeting. They had been near starving. Mr. Pringle tried to shoot a wolf, but he was too weak and trembling to hold the rifle steady. They all cried because they had nothing to eat; but just at this time their own son came to them with a supply, and all cried again. Winter had now set in. We were many days crossing the Calipooia mountains, able to go ahead only a mile or two each day. The road had to be cut and opened for us, and the mountain was covered with snow. Provisions gave out and Mr. Pringle set off on horseback to the settlements for relief, not knowing how long he would be away, or whether he would ever get through. In a week or so our scanty provisions were all gone and we were again in a state of starvation. Many tears were shed through the day, by all save one. She had passed through many trials sufficient to convince her that tears would avail nothing in our extremities. Through all my sufferings in crossing the plains, I not once sought relief by the shedding of tears, nor thought we should not live to reach the settlement. The same faith that I ever had in the blessings of kind providence strengthened in proportion to the trials I had to endure. As the only alternative, or last resort, for the present time, Mr. Pringle's oldest son, Clark, shot down one of his father's best working oxen and dressed it. It ​had not a particle of fat on it, but we had something to eat—^poor bones to pick, without bread or salt.
BLESSED RELIEF.
"Orus Brown's party was six days ahead of ours in starting; he had gone down the old emigrant route and reached the settlements in September. Soon after he heard of the suffering emigrants at the south and set off in haste with four pack horses and provisions for our relief. He met Mr. Pringle and turned about. In a few days they were at our camp. We had all retired to rest in our tents hoping to forget our misery until daylight should remind us again of our sad fate. In the stillness of the night the footsteps of horses were heard rushing toward our tents. Directly a halloo. It was the well-known voice of Orus Brown and Virgil Pringle. You can realize the joy. Orus, by his persuasive insistence, encouraged us to more effort to reach the settlements. Five miles from where we had encamped we fell into the company of half-bred French and Indians with packhorses. We hired six of them and pushed ahead again. Our provisions were becoming short and we were once more on an allowance until reaching the first settlers. There our hardest struggles were ended. On Christmas day, at 2 p. m., I entered the house of a Methodist minister, the first house I had set my feet in for nine months. For two or three weeks of my journey down the Willamette I had felt something in the end of my glove finger which I supposed to be a button; on examination at my new home in Salem, I found it to be a 6)4 cent piece. This was the whole of my cash capital to commence business with in Oregon. With it I purchased three needles. I traded off some of my old clothes to the squaws for buckskin, worked them into gloves for the Oregon ladies and gentlemen, which cleared me upwards of $30.
THE BEGINNING OF PACIFIC UNIVERSITY.
"Later, I acepted the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Clark, of Tualatin plains, to spend the winter with them. I said to Mr. Clark one day, 'Why has Providence frowned on me and left me poor in this world? Had he blessed me with riches, as he has many others, I know right well what I would do. 'What would you do?' 'I would establish myself in a comfortable house and receive all the poor children, and be a mother to them.' He fixed his keen eyes on me to see if I was in earnest. 'Yes, I am,' said I. 'If so, I will try,' said he, 'to help you.' He purposed to take an agency and get assistance to establish a school in the plains. I should go into the log meeting-house and receive all the children, rich and poor, whose parents who were able to pay $1 a week, for board, tuition, washing and all. I agreed to labor for one year for nothing, while Mr. Clark and others were to assist as far as they were able in furnishing provisions. The time fixed upon to begin was March, 1848, when I found everything prepared for me to go into the old meeting-house and cluck up 'my chickens. The neighbors had collected what broken knives and forks, tin pans, and dishes they could part with, for the Oregon pioneer to commence housekeeping with. I had a well-educated lady from the east, a missionary's wife, for a teacher, and my family increased rapidly. In the summer they put me up a boarding-house. I now had thirty boarders of both sexes, and of all ages, from four years old to twenty-one. I managed them and did all my work except washing. That was done by the scholars. In the spring of '49 we called for trustees. Had eight appointed. They voted me the whole charge of the boarding house free of rent, and I was to provide for myself. The price of board was established at $2 per week. Whatever I made over my expenses was my own. In '51 I had forty in my family at $2.50 per week; mixed with my own hands, 3,423 pounds of flour in less than five months. Mr. Clark made over to the trustees a quarter section of land for a town plot. A large and handsome building is on the site we selected at the first starting. It has been under town incorporation ​for two years, and at the last session of the legislature a charter was granted for a university to be called Pacific university, with a limitation of $50,000.00. The president and professor are already here from Vermont. The teacher and his lady for the academy are from New York. I have endeavored to give general outlines of what I have done. You must be judges whether I have been doing good or evil. I have labored for myself and the rising generation, but I have not quit hard work, and live at my ease, independent as to worldly concerns. I own a nicely furnished white frame house on a lot in town, within a short distance of the public buildings. That I rent for $100 per year. I have eight other town lots, without buildings, worth $150 each. I have eight cows and a number of young cattle. The cows I rent out for their milk and one-half of their increase. I have rising $1,000 cash due me; $400 of it I have donated to the university; besides $100 I gave to the academy three years ago. This much I have been able to accumulate by my own industry, independent of my children, since I drew 6¼ cents from the finger of my glove."
Pacific university at Forest Grove is practically a Portland institution; and Mrs. Tabitha Brown was its real founder. The college, for that is all it is, is one of the oldest and best in the state; and has never received one dollar of public money to help it along.
Mr. Alvin Brown, a son of Mrs. Brown, still resides within sight of the college his mother founded.
Harvey W. Scott, the first graduate of this college started by Mrs. Brown, and editor of the Oregonian, said of this school and its founders in the Oregonian in 1903:
"The mists of fifty years dissolve the light of the present and the old academy building half-finished square and in need of paint, gleams among the oaks that stand upon the college campus at Forest Grove. At a little distance among the trees is seen the log cabin in which religious services were held on Sundays, and a little farther on another cabin in which other services were held—there being even at that early day church factions, each with a leader and each stubbornly intrenched in what was believed to be 'the right.' Hard by stands a rambling structure, half shanty, half log cabin, the boarding-house of the infant college, of which Grandma Brown is the head. President S. H. Marsh is there, and the worthy woman whom the academy girls firmly believe had never been young, enforces a discipline partly in his honor that makes meals there as formal and solemn an occasion as the most orthodox commemoration of the Lord's Supper. There are few who with mortal eyes can see this picture now, but to those who can, it furnishes a glimpse of another world. The landscape only is the same. And the remaining few to whom the vision of fifty years ago appears look upon it fondly for a moment and are fain to steal softly away as 'from a house where someone lieth dead.'"
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES.
As is well known in all communities where the membership of the Roman Catholic church is strong enough to support a sectarian school, they freely give of their means to establish and maintain such a school, while at the same time paying taxes to support the American idea public schools. And nowhere in the United States has the intention to maintain schools separate from those established by the state has been more firmly maintained or energetically asserted than in Oregon and Portland. And with a view of thoroughly developing and carrying out that proposition the present archbishop of the diocese, Alexander Christie, D. D., has organized the Oregon Catholic Educational Association. This association was brought into existence four years ago in response to a demand for systematization of Catholic education in the archdiocese. During its brief existence it has done much to unify the curricula of the various schools and to promote a desirable uniformity of text-books. It has charge of the annual ​stitute for Catholic teachers. Membership is open to the clergy of the archdiocese, to teachers in Catholic schools in Oregon and to the laity who are interested in Catholic education.
The officers of the association are: Rev. Edwin V. O'Hara, St. Mary's Cathedral parish, president; Sister Mary Flavia, St. Mary's academy and college, vice-president; Rev. George F. Thompson, St. Mary's cathedral parish, secretary; Rev. William A. Daly, St. Mary's Williams Ave., treasurer. The executive committee is composed of: Rev. J. H. Black, St. Francis parish; Rev. Hugh Gallagher, C. S. C. Columbia university; Sister Mary Rose, O. S. B. Mount Angel academy and college, and John O'Hara of The Catholic Sentinel.
Through this organization the Catholics have effected a thorough organization of all their teaching orders and missionaries. And the fact that their teachers receive practically no salaries, and adopt the service of teaching as their duty through life, and look for no other reward than the success of their work, their schools and their teachers give the church an instrument of power and influence even greater than the preaching priests in the propaganda of church work.
There are now in the Catholic schools of the state about six thousand pupils, one-half of which are in the city of Portland; there being now seventeen Catholic schools in the city, with one hundred and six teachers, as follows:
St. Mary's Academy, Sisters of Holy Names in charge; Sister M, Stephens, superior.
Columbia University, Congregation of Holy Cross in charge; Rev. J. Gallagher, superior.
C. B. Business College, Christian Brothers in charge; Bro. V. Andrew, superior.
St. Mary's Annex, Sisters of Holy Names in charge; Sister M. Olivia, superior.
St. Joseph's School (Gr), Dominican Sisters in charge; Sister M. Aloysia, superior.
St. Stephens, Sisters of St. Mary in charge; Sister M. Threesa, superior.
St. Mary's, Dominican Sisters in charge; Sister M. Aloysia, superior.
St. Ignatius, Sisters of Holy Names, in charge; Sister M. Esdras, superior.
Sacred Heart, Benedictine Sisters in charge; Sister M. Alphonea, superior.
St. Francis Academy, Holy Names Sisters in charge; Sister M. Julietta, superior.
Holy Redeemer's School, Holy Names Sisters in charge; Sister M. Lucide, superior.
Saint Andrew's, Immaculate Heart of Mary in charge; Sister M. Loyola, superior.
Blanchet School (Italian), Holy Names Sisters in charge; Sister M. Maxilinda, superior.
Ascension School, Sisters of Mercy in charge; Sister M. Agatha, superior.
St. Patrick's School, Holy Names Sisters in charge; Sister M. Archangel, superior.
St. Lawrence, Immaculate Heart of Mary in charge; Sister M. Camillus, superior.
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THE TWELVE FOUNDRESSES OF ST. MARY'S AXD MANY OTHER SCHOOLS FOR GIRLS ​
| No. of Teachers | Enrollment, Boys | Enrollment, Girls | Total |
| 27 | . . . | 374 | 374 |
| 13 | 154 | . . . | 154 |
| 8 | 211 | . . . | 211 |
| 3 | 39 | 36 | 75 |
| 3 | 73 | 54 | 127 |
| 4 | 42 | 50 | 92 |
| 8 | 128 | 206 | 334 |
| 3 | 40 | 65 | 105 |
| 4 | 86 | 97 | 183 |
| 8 | 65 | 155 | 220 |
| 3 | 40 | 60 | 100 |
| 4 | 54 | 71 | 125 |
| 2 | 45 | 33 | 78 |
| 3 | 48 | 55 | 103 |
| 4 | 65 | 61 | 126 |
| 6 | 90 | 130 | 220 |
The first Catholic school established in Portland was St. Mary's academy and college on Fourth street, in 1859.
On October 21, 1859, the twelve foundresses of the school landed in Portland, having come from Montreal by way of New York and the Isthmus of Panama. These heroic nuns, who were destined to lay the foundation of a great teaching order in the northwest, were: Sister Mary Alphonse, Mary David, Sister Mary of Mercy, Adelaide Renauld; Sister Mary Margaret, Mary O'Neill; Sister Mary of the Visitation, Agiae Lucier; Sister Mary Francis Xavier, Vitaline Provost; Sister Mary of Calvary, Violet McMullen; Sister Mary Febronia, Melanie Vandandaigue; Sister Mary Florentine, Alphonsine Collin; Sister Mary Perpetua, Martine Lachapelle; Sister Mary Arsenius, Philomene Menard; Sister Mary Julia, Olive Charbonneau and Sister Mary Agatha, Celina Pepin.
Before their arrival Archbishop Blanchet had purchased from the townsite proprietor, Daniel H. Lownsdale, the block of ground on which the college buildings now stand. There was at the time on the block an unfinished building, practically at the edge of the native forest.
The building was a frame one of two stories with two small wings, 17x17 feet, on either side of the structure. Two stairways led to the unfinished upper story, and through the cotton ceilings and wide chinks in the walls the rain and winds came unbidden and unsought.
Through the effort of combined labor, conditions were noticeably improved. Rev. L. Piette, the self-constituted head of the carpenter department, toiled early and late with two aids, and at the end of a fortnight an altar, tables, desks, benches and other articles of needed household furniture had been manufactured. The dingy walls and ceilings had been covered with wall paper of pleasing tints and a faultless cleanliness attested the work of tireless hands.
The opening day was on November 6, 1859; six pupils answering the roll call. Three of these were Catholics, Emma O'Brien, Anna Dellschneider and Mary Clarke; two were Hebrews, Josephine and Clementine Meyer, and the remaining one, Emma Sherlock, was a non-Catholic. In accepting a foundation in Oregon, the sisters had agreed to establish a boarding and day school. Ten days of school life had passed when little Anna Cobletz, a seven-year-old motherless child, was placed in the sisters' care. Her name heads the list of the honor roll of the resident students of 50 years.
These twelve sisters had been chosen with reference to their especial adaptability to the requirements of the institution they were to found. Art and music were in demand. A square piano, ordered during the sisters' brief stay in New York, and shipped by way of Cape Horn, reached its destination in February. Its arrival caused much rejoicing among the pupils and teachers and the solitary instrument was seldom silent during the day.
Such was the beginning of the first seminary for girls, in Portland and Oregon, and from which have gone out thousands of noble young women taught, strengthened and fortified for all the duties of life by the self-sacrificing sisters.
The twelve foundresses of this first school were never idle. In 1886, they undertook and built the Holy Names Academy in St. Francis parish. The teachers made St. Mary's their home. Their daily mission was of a nature to tax the strongest—the two sisters set out at 7:30 a. m., walked to the Stark street ferry, ​which bore them across the river, climbed the hill, and by dint of another brisk walk, reached their destination at 8:30. In 1892 the location itself was purchased from the archdiocese for $5,000. From this time the staff of sisters employed in the school resided there, and in the obedience of 1893 East Portland received its rank among the local houses of the province of Oregon. The school at first bore the name of "Holy Names Academy," but this title was changed to "St. Francis Academy."
In the north section of Portland is St. Patrick's school, in St. Patrick's parish, which was accepted by the Sisters of the Holy Names in 1885. St. Mary's Academy Annex, under the protection of Most Rev. Alexander Christie, has since 1900 been a favored resort for little children of St. Mary's cathedral parish. Some time in the near future these little ones will swell the ranks of the pupils of the contemplated cathedral school.
Last year the Holy Names sisters took charge of two new schools in Portland; The school of the Holy Redeemer, in the Redemptorist parish, Piedmont, and St. Ignatius' school in the new Jesuit parish.
OTHER SCHOOLS THE IMMACULATE HEART.
The congregation of the Sister- Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was founded about sixty years ago, at Monroe, Michigan.
Six years ago the sisters of this order were called upon to take charge of St. Lawrence Academy, Portland, in the work of which six sisters are engaged; the academy has had an average of two hundred pupils a year since its commencement. One year ago St. Andrew's school, on the east side, Portland, under the care of these sisters, was opened, with an enrollment of over one hundred pupils; in this school there are five sisters employed. Besides these schools, the sisters have charge of the academy of the Immaculate Heart, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, which was opened the same year as St. Lawrence Academy, and also of St. Joseph's Academy, Spokane, Washington, which was opened the following year.
SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC.
The Sisters of St. Dominic came to Oregon in 1888 to take charge of St. Joseph's parochial school and in 1889 they opened a school in St. Mary's parish, on Stanton street. Besides directing the school, attached to the church, the sisters take a limited number of select boarders.
The mother house of the Dominican sisters of Portland is in Mission San Jose, California. Here is also situated the novitiate house, where aspirants to the order receive the requisite training.
The Dominican order was founded by St. Dominic in the first half of the thirteenth century. It has a triple organization. The first comprises the fathers, students and brothers living in community under the three solemn vows; the second, or cloistered order, consists of women only, who spend their lives in the seclusion of the cloister praying, as Moses of old, for the success of those who battle for God in the midst of the world; the third order embraces both sexes in every variety of religious life in the world, to the cloistered, though not enclosed, communities binding themselves to teaching in schools, nursing the sick; reclaiming the prodigals and the Magdalens; training the orphans; taking care of lepers and the plague-striken.
THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS.
The brothers of the Christian schools were founded by St. John Baptist de la Salle, who was born at Rheims, France, in 165 1. His congregation was first established to provide schools for the poor of his native city. The thorough preparation which he demanded of his teachers and the many improvements which ​he made in the methods of teaching gave instant success to his work. The modern normal school may be traced, so it is claimed to the founder of the brothers of the Christian schools.
The Christian Brothers came to Portland early in 1886, took charge of what was then known as St. Michael's college, a pioneer institution in which many men now prominent in the life of the northwest were educated. The college was founded by the late Father Eierens, V. G., and was opened August 20, 1871. Rev. A. Glorieux, now bishop of Boise, was the first president. The college was conducted by the priests of the diocese until the end of 1885, when it was turned over to the Christian Brothers. The first Brothers were three in number, Brother Aldrick, the principal, and Brothers, Bertram and Michael. Brother Michael still survives at Berkeley, California.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY.
The Portland University was founded by Archbishop Alexander Christie in 1901. The buildings, lands and foundations of the enterprise had been provided by the University Land Company co-operating with the Methodist Episcopal church of Oregon. The proposition had been to establish a great university here in Portland, on the spot where Hall J. Kelley had in 1835 platted and planned the first town site in Old Oregon, for the beginning of the great city of the Pacific coast.
But for lack of funds, the Methodists were not able to comply with their contracts with the land company, and push forward their well meant purpose of establishing a great institution of learning. And so the university campus, together with a noble brick building reverted to the land company, and was by it formally transferred to the archbishop as trustee or corporation sole, for the Catholic church.
Upon the acquisition of the property, the name of the institution was changed to Columbia University, and plans were made and measures adopted to open the college in the early fall of 1901. In the presence of a great concourse of Catholic clergy and laity, the archbishop dedicated Columbia University to the cause of Catholic education and to the honor of the Triune God. On the 5th of September, the new institution under the presidency of the Rev. Edward P. Murphy, assisted by a zealous and competent faculty, greeted her first students.
The college has prospered from its opening down to the present, when it has a faculty of fifteen professors, and several hundred students, with a course of study covering the whole field of science, art and literature.
ST. HELEN'S HALL. Under the auspices of the Episcopal church.
St. Helen's hall defines education in the words of Felix Dupanloup, to be "the end to be obtained. Instruction is one of the means. Instruction provides the mind with certain things. Education forms at the same time the understanding, the heart, the character, and the conscience."
This school was the successor of a school founded for girls, by Bishop Scott, at the village of Milwaukie, six miles south of Portland. The Milwaukie school being then in 1857. remote from Portland, and having no nearby supporting population, Qould not be anything other than a boarding school, and for that there was not sufficient patronage to support it. And so after a few years trial its doors were closed.
When Bishop Morris came to this diocese he came prepared to establish a girls' school that could be both a boarding school, and command day school patronage; and he brought with him a competent principal for such an ​prise in the person of Miss Mary B. Rodney, who was quahfied by large experience for the work.
St. Helen's hall has now been in successful operation for forty-two years and is ranked as one of the leading institutions of its class on the Pacific coast. Nominally under the control of a board of trustees composed of Rt. Rev. Charles Scadding, Bishop of Oregon, and Revs. A. A. Morrison, G. B. Van Waters and P. K. Hammon, and laymen John Kollock, J. W. Ganong, and S. H. Gruber; yet its management is practically in the hands of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, an order founded at Clewer, England in 1851, and affiliated in the United States in 1881. The sisters have made a great success of this school.
As showing the cost of education furnished by such schools as this in the year 1910 at Portland, Oregon, the annual expense at St. Helens hall is here copied :
EXPENSES.
EXTRA EXPENSES.
Music—Piano—two lessons a week, including for resident pupils, the use of the piano for two practice periods daily. Per year 80.00 Vocal music, including, for resident pupils, use of piano for two practice periods daily, per year 80.00 Piano or vocal lessons for day pupils, two lessons a week, not including practice. Per year 70.00 Violin — two half hour or one hour lessons a week, per year 80.00 Art — charcoal, pen and ink, oil or water colors, two lessons per week. Per year 40.00 Art — full course, daily lessons. Per year 100.00 Elocution — two private lessons a week to pupils of St. Helen's hall. Per year 60.00 The same to outside pupils 100.00 Dancing — term of ten lessons in class 5.00 Fencing — term of ten lessons 5.00 Laboratory fee 3.00 Seat in church, year 5.00 Tutoring, per hour 1.00 Hot luncheon, day pupils, per week 1.00 Graduation fee (including life membership in the Alumni Assn.) 15.00 Library dues 1.00 All bills must be paid before graduation. No extra charge is made for Latin, Greek, French, or German, for class singing and physical culture.
THE HILL MILITARY ACADEMY.
This is a training school for boys, and is virtually the successor of the Bishop Scott grammar school, founded by Bishop Morris. It is now a private, as dis​extinguished from a church or public school, and the property and enterprise of the principal, Dr. Joseph Wood Hill, a class-mate and personal friend of the present president of the United States, William Howard Taft.
The faculty embraces twenty professors and special teachers.
Students in attendance—boarders, 60; day pupils, 41.
States represented by pupils from Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Washington, Minnesota, Missouri and Montana.
ANNUAL EXPENSES.
The charge for tuition in all branches, (except music, drawing, not in class and dancing) furnished room, light, heat, board, use of arms and equipment, 20 pieces of laundry per week, in accordance to department $550, or $500 per school year for boarding pupils, and $120, $80 and $40 per school year for day pupils. The school is divided into two terms; the fall term and the spring term. Bills are payable half yearly in advance, upon entrance and upon February 2.
THE PORTLAND ACADEMY.
Taking the name of the Pioneer academy of Oregon, founded by James H. Wilbur, on land donated by Stephen Coffin, the present Portland academy, was organized as a private enterprise by its present principal, Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., and his former associate. Dr. S. R. Johnston. Both men were well equipped with large experience and scholarly attainments to conduct such an enterprise, and the school was a success from the start.
At the end of the third year the school was incorporated under the name "Trustees of Portland Academy," with the purpose as set forth in its constitution, of teaching the principles of a scientific, classical, and literary education under Christian influences. The school having outgrown its first building, steps were taken to provide a new and permanent home. Hon. H. W. Corbett then presented the academy with a building site consisting of sixteen city lots of land. On this site was erected a brick building 194 feet long, sixty feet deep, and two stories high, and is now complete in all its appointments and furniture. By his will, Mr. Corbett added to his former gift, the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars as an endowment for an instructorship in penmanship and bookkeeping.
Students at this academy are prepared for entrance to any eastern or western college. Prizes are offered for best scholarship in Greek, Declamation, Highest Scholarship, English, History and Mathematics.
The school year covers thirty-seven weeks, divided into two terms of 18 and 19 weeks, respectively.
Tuition in the academy, sixty dollars per term. Tuition in the preparatory school, thirty dollars per term for the first, second and third years, forty dollars per term for the fourth, fifth and sixth years, and fifty dollars per term for the seventh year. A reduction of twenty per cent is made to the children of ministers.
The attendance for the year of 1909 and 1910 was 433, and pupils prepared here were sent to, and entered thirty-six different universities and colleges in the United States.
THE ALLEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL.
The Allen preparatory school, was founded by Mrs. Margaret V. Allen, and opened September 17, 1901, with an enrollment of thirteen pupils. It was incorporated in June, 1905, and has forty-five graduates. At the end of the fourth year it was decided to secure a suitable location and erect permanent buildings for the use of the school. A tract of land was obtained from the Hawthorne estate, at the corner of East Twelfth and Salmon streets, adjoining Hawthorne park.
​Upon this tract a colonial building, 44×60 feet, two stories in height, with attic and basement, was erected. A handball court has been added and a field for baseball practice laid out on the grounds.
The trustees are Catharine A. Coburn, president; Frederick W. Mulkey, secretary; Wm. F. Woodward; Greenbury W. Allen, and Margaret V. Allen.
This school is designed to furnish the best advantages for earnest students preparing for college. It is also intended for those who do not wish to fit for college, but who desire a thorough course of study and advanced work in special branches.
Its aim is to teach pupils how to study, to help them to gain a mastery over self, and to develop character.
The government of the school is designed to establish relations of mutual courtesy and honor between teachers and pupils, and among the pupils themselves. Those that are not ready to work in harmony with this purpose are not desired as pupils, and no student whose character or deportment is detrimental to the best good of the school will be retained.
Rates of tuition for term of nineteen weeks:
BUSINESS TRAINING SCHOOLS.
The Holmes Business college of Portland, Oregon, lays down its platform as follows:
"We believe in work. It brings us into sympathy with the poor, who cannot avoid it, and makes us rather pity than envy the rich, who stagnate without it. We dedicate our college to it, the great democratic burden and blessing of a busy age. Learn to work, and learn to like it. Learning to like it is the conquest of a brave and humble heart. Learning to do it is the simpler, but no less important, mission of the business college. In such measure as we have mastered both, we offer our best to our students."
This institution of which John H. Long is principal, and Elnathan Sweet is dean, assisted by teachers in all departments of study offers courses of study in spelling, grammar, arithmetic, correspondence, penmanship, bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting, stenography, accounting, commercial law, advertising, legal forms, banking, corporation laws, and accounts, commercial and general history, in both day and night schools at an expense for tuition fees of $105 for a combined course covering twelve months' time. As to character and influences, the principals say: "While the greater number of our students are mature young people, who have had the advantages of good early home training, we feel that we are in a great measure responsible for the moral atmosphere of the college, and, so far as possible, endeavor to maintain a pleasant, and at the same time wholesome, spirit throughout the institution. The business world, even more than the social recognizes the supremacy of character. It is not sentiment, or ecclesiastical religion, but the plain self-interested common sense of humanity, that has bred the universal conviction that a man must be straight in himself before he can be straight with the world."
THE Y. M. C. A. SCHOOL.
The Young Men's Christian Association, organized in Portland, March 31, 1868, has now developed into a great school of instruction in many lines of useful and practical knowledge. The buildings and grounds occupied by the institution represent an outlay of half a million dollars. Special teachers in many ​special subjects, ranging from elementary branches of education up to practical science and mechanical trades, as well as all departments of practical bookkeeping and business routine, are here taught at a minimum of cost to the pupil member of the association. Of this, however, the history has not been favored with details.
The original incorporators of this useful institution, were: Edward Quackenbush, president; W. H. Watkins, vice president; James Steel, treasurer; F. K. Arnold, corresponding secretary; Frank S. Aiken, recording secretary; and of these Messrs. Quackenbush, Steel and Aiken are still active business men.
The general statement of the secretary is, that the several departments have trained specialists and committees directing their activities. Two hundred and sixty-seven men live in the building. There are from sixty to one hundred class meetings and gatherings each week day and night during the season held in the building. In the physical department about 1,500 men and boys participate in the work; in the educational department about 1,100 different students have been enrolled in the various classes this season. A faculty of forty teachers is employed to give instructions in this class work. The emphasis is placed on vocational and trade classes, though a large work is done in college preparatory, commercial and culture classes as well.
The present acting officers and directors are: R. Livingstone, vice president; F. McKercher, treasurer; H. W. Stone, general secretary; F. C. Knapp, I. H. Amos, A. M. Smith, R. F. Barnes, David Pattulo, Philip Buehner, Maurice Walton, E. C. Bronaugh, W. A. Goss, W. Y. Masters, Fletcher Linn, Frank Dayton, Thomas Roberts, Dr. J. L. Hewitt, Dr. S. A. Brown, James F. Failing, E. B. McNaughton.
At the annual opening for the year of 1910-11, General Secretary Stone stated the general objects of the institute to be; "One important object that the Y. M. C. A. always has in mind is to make the students creators of wealth." "The professions are overcrowded today; there are too many people who live without creating anything. The Y. M. C. A. believes in fitting men to make things.
"We are also advising men to build on the experience that they have. If a man is a successful carpenter, we advise him to study along that line; to fit himself to become a contractor. He would be making a great mistake by casting aside his experience and learning to be a stenographer or a clerk. But of more value than the studies themselves are the opportunities for character building that are open here. The upbuilding of true manhood is the real object of the Y. M. C. A."
Rev. Hiram W. Foulkes, added to the above statement as follows:
"This is the greatest enterprise in the city of Portland," he said. "It is not because the largest sum of money is invested in it, for, although generous gifts have made possible this building, there are many other enterprises with more money invested. Neither is it because of the large financial returns that come to the stockholders of this enterprise. There is not a cigar store in the city that does not return its owner more in financial dividends in a month than this great enterprise returns to its stockholders in a year. This is none the less the greatest enterprise in the city because of the value of its finished product. Every other great commercial or industrial enterprise turns out, for its finished product, a material commodity that can be bought and sold. This great factory is a maker of men. The method of this enterprise is a process. Character is not made in an hour. It takes a long process to make so simple a thing as a pin; much more to develop a human character. There is this difference between the worldly enterprise and this one: In the former the process goes on one thing at a time; in the latter the whole process goes on at once.
"It is impossible to make men by making them physically strong first, then intellectually keen, then morally right. The whole process goes on all the ​time. Yet it is a growing process all the time. The young men who had not been trained by patient discipline cannot begin to have the character of the older man who has had such discipline.
RAW MATERIAL IS CONSCIOUS.
"There is also a distinction between the great commercial enterprise and this one in that the former uses raw material that is neither conscious of what is being done to it, nor is able to co-operate in the process. In this factory for the making of men, the raw material is a living man who can both co-operate completely in and enjoy heartily the process of his development. All honor to the young men who are making sacrifice of time and energy and money to become more truly finished products."
THE ART SCHOOL.
The art school of the Portland Art Association will begin its second year on October 3rd, under most auspicious circumstances. Mrs. Kate Cameron Simmons, under whose teaching the classes of the first year accomplished so much, returns from New York to resume work. In addition, H. F. Wentz, who has been abroad for the last year, has been engaged as an instructor. This artist's work as a landscape painter is well known in Portland.
The well equipped studios are in the Museum of Art, in an atmosphere of artistic things, and the students have the use of the collection of casts and photographs, as well as the inspiration of the various exhibitions.
THE SCHOOL OF EXPRESSION.
The Gillespie School of Expression, conducted by Mrs. Emma Wilson Gillespie in Portland, has become a permanent and highly respected element of the literary culture of the city. The course of study includes vocal, physical, and aesthetic culture; conversation and sight reading; literature with analysis and interpretive reading; repertoire with theory and criticism; character reading, rhetoric, and oratory; life study, personation and dramatic art.
The school is regularly graded into classes that are in session four hours a day, from Tuesdays to Saturdays, inclusive. Individual work is done afternoons and evenings, either with the principal or with her assistants.
KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS PREPARED.
Portland has an institution devoted to the preparation of teachers for kindergarten and primary work. This is the Normal Training School, which is located at Oak Grove, a suburb on the O. W. P. carline. The head of this school is Miss Elizabeth K. Matthews, who as had much experience in the instruction of children and is well fitted to prepare others for the same work.
THE COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY.
The North Pacific College of Dentistry in Portland is one of the largest schools of dentistry in the entire west, with a college building, a four-story brick structure, and the prosthetic technic laboratories and one lecture room in connection.
Because of the rapid growth of the college a new building is soon to be erected, a site for this purpose having been purchased at a central location on the east side. The new building will be of concrete, four stories in height, with classic outline, Corinthian columns and ivory white exterior.
The students are graded into freshman, junior and senior classes, these, with but few exceptions, having separate and distinct courses of study.
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COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY AND PHARMACY
DR. HERBERT C. MILLER President of College of Dentistry and Pharmacy
DR. E. H. GRIFFIN First Dentist in Portland ​young men and women to become competent to qualify under the law as registered pharmacists.
COLLEGE OF LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
And of this class, the great institution of Portland and the northwest, is The School of Medicine, which is integral part of the Oregon State University. All the professors, lecturers, and demonstrators in this school have had all the opportunities for study and special clinics and training that is offered in both Europe and America. The faculty of the School of Medicine and Surgery consists of:
P. L. Campbell, A. B., President of the University.
Henry E. Jones, M. D., Emeritus Professor of Clinical Gynecology.
Wm. Jones, M. D., Emeritus Professor of Clinical Surgery.
Geo. Milton Wells, M. D., Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics.
Simeon Edw. Josephi, M. D,, Dean of the Faculty; Professor of Obstetrics and Nervous Diseases.
Otto Saly Binswanger, Ph. D., M. D., Professor of Chemistry, and Toxicology.
Kenneth Alexander J. Mackenzie, M. D., C. M. L. R. C. P. and L. R. C. S. Edin, Professor of Operative and Qinical Surgery.
Richard Nunn, A. B., B. Ch., M. D., Professor of Diseases of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat.
James Francis Bell, M. D., L. R. C. P., London, Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine.
Andrew Jackson Giesy, M. D., Professor of Clinical Gynecology. George Flanders Wilson, M. D., Professor of Principles and Practice of Surgery and Clinical Surgery.
Earnest Fanning Tucker, A. B., M. D., Professor of Gynecology.
Edmond John Labbe, M. D., Professor of Pediatrics.
George Burnside Story, M. D., Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics.
Albert Edward Mackay, M. D., Professor of Genito-Urinary Diseases.
James Cullen Zan, M. D., Prof, of Materia Medica and Therapeutics.
Robert Clarke Yenney, M. D., Professor of Pathology.
J. H. Wilson, Ph. R., M. D., Acting Professor of Physiology and Embryology.
SPECIAL LECTURERS.
Cortes Holiday Wheeler, M. D., Lecturer of Hygiene.
James Oscar Wiley, M. D., Lecturer on Physical Diagnosis.
J. Allen Gilbert, Ph. D., M. D., Lecturer on Clinical Medicine.
Ralph Charles Matson, M. D., Lecturer on Bacteriology.
Luther H, Hamilton, M, D., Lecturer on Electro-Therapeutics.
Frank M. Taylor, A. B., M. D., Lecturer on Dietetics, etc.
J. C. Elhott King, A. B., M. D., Lecturer on Dermatology.
Otis Buckminster Wight, A. B., M. D., Lecturer on Clinical Surgery and Adjunct to Gynecology.
William House, M. D., Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence.
Geo. F. Koehler, M. D., Lecturer on Diseases of Stomach and Intestines.
Robert L. Gillespie, M. D., Clinical Lecturer on Insanity, etc.
Alvin W. Baird, M. D., Lecturer on Principles and Practice of Surgery.
C. J. McCusker, M. D., Lecturer of Hematology.
Geo. Norman Pease, M. D., Lecturer on Operative Surgery.
C. W. Keene, M. D., Lecturer on Orthopedic Surgery.
CLINICAL LECTURERS MULTNOMAH CO. HOSPITAL.
Geo. Shattuck Whiteside, M. D., Genito-Urinary Diseases.
Ralph A. Fenton, M. D., Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology.
​Ralph C. Matson, M. D., Tuberculosis and Vaccine Therapy.
Robert H. Ellis, M. D., Obstetrics.
R. C. Yenney, M. D., Internal Medicine.
J. C. Eliot King, Dermatology.
LABORATORY DEMONSTRATORS.
Louis Arthur Shane, M. D., Demonstrator of Anatomy.
Theodore Fessler, M. D., Laboratory Demonstrator of Chemistry.
Guy H. Ostrander, B. S., M. D., Laboratory Demonstrator of Pathology.
Marius Breckenridge Marcellus, B. S., M. D., Assistant Laboratory Demonstrator of Pathology.
Wm. A. Shea, M. D., Laboratory Demonstrator of Therapeutics.
Geo. Andrew Cathey, M. D., Laboratory Demonstrator of Bacteriology.
THE REED INSTITUTE.
THE GREAT COLLEGE NOW BUILDING.
The city of Portland is to have within its corporate limits one of the great colleges of the United States. This is made a possibility and certainty through the life-long care, prudence and thoughtfulness of one of Portland's pioneer citizens, and his noble wife.
Simeon G. Reed and his wife came to Portland in its infancy, about sixty years ago. They were both modest, industrious, prudent, careful people, making no pretensions to social position, religious leadership or other worldly ambitions. They did not spend everything they made in vulgar display, hoard it up in a miser's box or lend it out on a Shylock's bond. They lived plain, practical sensible lives, and laid the foundation of an endowment of three million of dollars to found and maintain a college, which is to bear their names—the reed institute.
Mr. Reed was one of the men who made a fortune out of the earnings of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company; and with his wife, after providing for relatives and numerous charities to the extent of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, has handed over to the trustees, three million dollars for this great foundation college. In a review of the work so far the Oregonian says:
"Few of the great colleges of the country have begun their educational work so strongly endowed, and possibly no other has had such painstaking efforts made to lay a foundation so strongly consistent with future prospects nor such a broad field of experience to guide it in the initial effort.
Much of the seven years since Mrs. Reed's death were spent by the trustees of the fund in combating litigation. Mrs. Reed died in California, May 16, 1904. A number of nephews and nieces survived her, who were remembered with bequests of from $5,000 to $100,000. Under the laws of California, had Mrs. Reed been a legal resident of that state, it would, it was contended, have been impossible for her to will such a large proportion of the estate to educational or charitable institutions. Some of the nephews and heirs therefore raised the contention that Mrs. Reed was a resident of California and not of Oregon. This litigation, after several years, ended in a final decision that Mrs. Reed's residence was Portland, and the property was distributed according to the terms of the will.
The bequests aside from that to the Reed Institute fund, totaled $339,086.25 and a number of charitable and educational institutions were remembered in addition to the relations. The largest bequest to an Oregon institution was a block of Portland property valued at $40,000 to the Old Ladies' Home. The administrator's final report was submitted on February 27, 1909, and soon thereafter the trustees of the institute fund began their work. These trustees are Rev. T. L. Eliot, chairman. Judge C. E. Wolverton, W. P. Olds, C. A. Dolph and Martin Winch.
Then followed the question of securing a site. It was necessary to provide for future growth, proper sanitary conditions, accessibility and attractiveness, Several available sites were under consideration, but one most particularly well adapted for the purpose was ofifered as a gift by the Ladd estate. This property which lies in the addition to Portland known as Eastmoreland, was accepted by the trustees and attention was then turned to the selection of the first head of the institution.
Again Dr. Buttrick and other leaders in educational movements were consulted and the position was finally ofifered to Professor Wm. T. Foster, professor of English and education, at Bowdoin College, Maine.
Professor Foster comes to the Reed Institute with strong indorsements from Dr. Buttrick, Ex-President Eliot, of Harvard; officials of Columbia university and others.
Professor Foster is a native of Boston and thirty-two years of age. He gained a preparatory education in Roxburg high school and graduated from Harvard university with honors in 1901. Later he took a post-graduate course at Harvard on the science of education and attained a degree of master of arts.
For a time Professor Foster was an instructor in Bates college, in Maine and left there to become a member of the faculty of Bowdoin college. At the latter institution he became professor of English and education."
THE STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
Although not strictly a literary institution, yet as many an erring youth may find his only chance for an education in his enforced attendance upon teaching within the confines of the state reform school, it must be noticed here.
The first steps taken to secure the restraining and educating influences of such a school for Oregon had their origin in this city in 1876. On Jan. i, 1876, Rev. A. L. Lindsley, and Rev. T. L. Eliot, as a committee on correspondence, issued a circular letter to all humanely disposed persons looking to the welfare of the youth of the state, calling upon them for their co-operation in efiforts to secure suitable legislation and action to provide a reform school. These two gentlemen were acting for a standing committee of eleven men, composed of Rev. A. L. Lindsley, Judge M. P. Deady, Rev. R. Bentley, W. Lair Hill, Esq., William Wadhams, Rev. D. J. Pierce, H. Y. Thompson, Esq., Rev. Geo. H. Atkinson, Rev. T. L. Eliot, J. W. Whalley, Esq., and Hon. H. W. Corbett. All these men have passed away now but Dr. Eliot, and Mr. Hill. But their good work survives them in the sucessful and well managed state reform school near the capital of the state where wayward boys not only receive a good common school education, but are also taught manual labor, useful trades and habits of industry.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
A very effective educational influence not generally recognized and not used as much as its merits deserve, is that of the free public libraries. Portland is indebted mainly to Judge Matthew P. Deady for the establishment of a public library as early as 1864. And from small beginnings, it has steadily grown until now it is one of the best libraries on the Pacific coast, with twenty branches in different parts of the city. For many years the library was supported by annual membership fees of the patrons, but now it is a public institution under the control of the city government, and the books and reading ​rooms are free to all persons complying with the necessary rules and regulations.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LIBRARY.
Early in the year 1864, Mr. L. H. Wakefield and J. H. Strowbridge impressed with the need of a reading room and library in Portland began the canvass of the city for the purpose of obtaining the signatures of those who were willing to materially aid in the enterprise. So successful were they that within a few days $2,500.00 had been secured and a call issued for a meeting of the subscribers, which was held in the U. S. district courtroom on the 12th day of January, 1864. Hon. Matthew P. Deady was chosen president and R. B. Knapp, secretary of the temporary organization. It was decided to call the institution the Mercantile Library Association, but this was subsequently changed to the Library Association of Portland.
The dues were fixed at three dollars per quarter, in addition to an initiation fee of five dollars. This initiation fee was reduced to two dollars in 1867 and in 1869 was abolished altogether. A long list of periodicals was made up and ordered for the reading room and $2,000.00 forwarded to Judge Nelson, and J. A. Hatt, of New York city, for the purchase of books. These gentlemen, without compensation, made the selections and forwarded fourteen hundred volumes by way of the Isthmus of Panama, there being at that early day no transcontinental lines of railroad. These books arrived in November and were received and placed upon the shelves by Mr. Harvey W. Scott, the first librarian. Mr. Scott, who was then studying law, resigned the following May to take editorial charge of the Oregonian.
Succeeding librarians have been W. Cardwell, J. H. Stinson, J. A. Waymire, L. W. Gilliland, James S. Reed, H. A. Oxer, D. F. W. Bursch, D. P. Leach, and Mary Frances Isom.
GENERAL FUND.
Receipts:
$52,979.21
BOOK FUND.
Receipts:
$11,302.80
ENDOWMENT FUND.
   ________ $112,532.50
And John Wilson bequeathed his great private library to the pubHc library; and it is now housed in the "Wilson room."
The elegant stone building in which the library is housed is also a gift from Ella M. Smith.
THE MUSEUM.
An object lesson of information, and a very great means of arousing interest in the pioneer history of the state, in the habits and character of the native Indians, and in the animal life that abounded in this region unknown ages ago, is the museum at the city hall. A trip through the museum galleries is a veritable trip through wonderland; and the thousands of visitors, both young and old attest the interest that these relics of a bygone age of the world and of our own fore-runners, always arouse in beholding them. The money spent on the subjects has given more pleasure to many thousands of people, and aroused in them, and especially in the young, a more abiding interest than any other equal amount of money expended on educational facilities in this city.
And for these benefits, and for the museum at all, the people of Portland and Oregon, and thousands of visitors from distant states, are indebted to Mr. L. L. Hawkins; who alone and almost wholly unsupported by others or by public aid, commenced collecting the materials for the museum a quarter of a century ago, and kept up his work for the pure love of it, and his interest in children, to the day of his death. L. L. Hawkins, is the founder and father of the Portland Oregon museum.
THE MENACE OF ILLITERACY.
And after all is said, and after all is done, and all our boasting as a people, there is still left to confront the thoughtful observer, the raw head and bloody bones of wilful ignorance and unthinking iliteracy.
Mrs. Preston, superintendent of schools of Walla Walla County, Washington, notes the facts of the decline of the masculine elements in the teaching force of that county. Each year, she says, the applications of men for teachers positions grow fewer. Out of forty-two recent applicants for teachers' places the present season in that county, but two were young men.
The same may be said of many counties of the state of Oregon. And of a vast population of the city of Portland, and of all cities. And while many thousands are able to read and write a little, their brains have not had the cultivation, nor do they care to seek such cultivation, as will enable them to think. And they don't think.
The teachers' vocation has been one of the very slowest to rise to the requirements of prosperity's wage. This is held to be due to the pressure made upon it by an army of women who are forced by modern industrial conditions to make their own living, and perhaps contribute to the support of others, thus making supply outrun demand. The rapid elimination of men from the teachers' ranks is probably due to this cause. There is, moreover, a growing belief, due to custom in part, that teaching school is a woman's vocation, and that manly men do not seek it. This view does not apply to high school and college work, wherein ​the positive masculine force is necessary to secure the best results. But it certainly does prevail in districts that support elementary schools.
Here, then, are the reasons for the abandonment by men, and especially by young men, of the profession or vocation of teaching. In the first place the wages paid are not worth considering (except temporarily and as a stepping-stone), by capable ambitious men; next there is the sharp competition of capable women to be met; and furthermore there is the generally accepted view that women are better qualified by nature than are men to teach in elementary schools.