Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-12-28

Ecl'oar- -Ieaed.rs-Ladies and Ge,Aonca:
Perhaps throughout the whole range of
causes numerous as they are to the
action Of which the fearful amount Of
disease now prevalent IS ascribable. no
other exerts such an overwhelming infu-
ence as the DEMONSTRATION and imperfect
ventilation of our dwellings, churches,
halls, theatres aad school houses.
Our School houses are the hot-beds Of
disease and death. This assertion may
seem strange 10 most and far to strong to
all, but from earnest and careful otserva-
ton | believe il strictly true.
Holding these views, l have deemed
The consideration and discussion Of Schoo,
House Architecture well worthy to occupy
par; Of our time aad attention ;hIs
evening. Nor slat / ec fine NY ram
tlug remarks 10 HIS sut Ct 1T being
no PaF, of my plan 10 Offer you dowery
J.squ.si,ioa on the different styles OF
Architecture = the science Of building-
luj my purpose IS briefly to mention the
principal existing faults of our common
school housss $. and to enumerate and re-
mark upon whatever seems 10 me neces-
sary 10 he added to increase their com
fort, convenience, and. in fine, whatever
conduces TO ST them for Tie use for which
they are intended.
To most from New England, dis
crip,ou Of the old district school house is
unnecessary the mere Lame brings it
TO vivIal remembrance.
There il stands an old brown, wealth
eF-beaten structure, sixteen Is seventeen,
though calculated for fifty scholars -
standing aloof from all other buildings.
either on some sterile, lafrel piece Of
ground. given for the school house be-
cause fl for nothing else, aud certainly
no, f, for that = or IL the midst Of some
evergreen. gradually seuling into soue
swamp or high Perched upon some windy
knoll ID the county road-in short, placed
anywhere that the land could be obtained
gratis. or IF their chauced 10 he any other
condition, wherever land could be had at
a cheap rate and lay near The centre Of
the district. Built without even The apol-
oov for a cellar the cold wind rushes
up through the orevices Of the floor =
rendering 1t all but impossible to keep
warm feet. Here and there clapboard
is wanting from lis sides, here and there
. pane Of glass from lis windows - SHIN
ges lay nearly as plenty around it as
upon its reef. Within the scene not more
inviting - plaster. minus quantity upon
he walls IS Plus upon the floor the
doors and windows 10 more fill the open
inrs in which they are placed than they
would those Of i similar kind IN the
ueighboring church. The desks = cut
and marked by the Yankee school boy
knife face the wall, and The backiess
benches placed before them serve, when
eyera class IS called before the teacher
the oniy purpose for which hey were ever
/ fled-as q place for gymnastic exercises
Of the feet.
The older scholars, seated around the
sides Of the room, are continually com
planning Of the cold, and The smaller ones,
seated close 70 the old box stove. as fire.
auen,ly complain OF the heated state of
/ the school-room. One hour wood Is piled
into the stove 10 accommodate one party,
aud The next the door Is thrown open 70
satisfy the other.
One who remains through the day II