Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-10-21

/ W. 'iitNii'E ''h'E's
In the performance Of this work, you
would have been heavilytaxed. The
resources from the ordinary shoo rates
tho entire school revenues of the
borough--would not have suiliced tc
produce this result but we found one
of our own citizens ready and willing
TO aid US in the attainment of this OBJ
ject--in the prosecution of this work
In the condition Of the finances when
we hcsitated (and were about TO stop
the work we found in your midst, one
who was willing to take hold and aid
us with his counsel, and his means.
The building has cost S29, 400. Oh
this sum, $4,000 in cash have been
advanced by Jas. II. Leonard. The
land upon which the school building
has been erected, has been donated by
him TO the school district Of Clearfeld
Borough. This land is valued at s3,-
500 There are yet 81, 900 to be paid
on the school building This large sum
we feel is worthily invested in such u
building, we feel that il is an evidence
that there is here a spirit Of progress,
il is an evidence that there are those
in our midst who value educational
privileges. Its completion is an evi-
dencc, too, that the spirit Of benevo-
lence exists in our midst, and that there
are those here, who, with charitable
hand, are ready to invest their means
in the noble work of education, elevat-
ing their fellow man.
The building which you dedicate to-
night, erected under his supervision,
completed with his means, is named to
testify your gratitude towards your
benevolent citizen, the Hon. James T.
Leonard.
As the representative OF the School
Board of the School District Of Clear
field, and as an evidence of the compile
ton of our task under the statute OF
1871, | deliver 10 you, as the represen-
tative of the citizens and taxpayers of
the District, the 'Ieonard Graded
School House
SPEECH OF DIR. II. V. WILSON.
During the concluding portion of Mr..
Wallace's address Dr. r. V. Wilson,
who appeared as the representative OF
the citizens, had arisen TO his feet, and,
as the former gentleman took his seat,
stepped forward and received the build
ing ON behalf of the citizens, saying:
Sir. | rise to discharge the agrcoa-
hle duty assigned me-a duty the more
agreeable in that II can be performed
by few words. On behalf of the citi-
zens of Clearfcld ! accept the elegant
presentation you have made, and in
their name tenderto the School Board,
10 the Board of Trustees of the Acadc.
my, 10 Judge Leonard, who by pecu-
mary aid and great personal labor, has
brought this comcly building TO its
final completion, their sincere thanks,
and we receive it, not as toy 10 be-
come the subject Of popular caprice,
but as u sacred and solemn trust to be
held in perpetuity for the benefit Of
our children and their successors.
Ladies and Gentlemen; 1t may not
be inappropriate at this time to notice
the growth Of the educational interests
in this town and vicinity. VI
In the year 1909 was erected the
first school house in Clearfield county.
II stood on the north side Of the river,
two miles cast of this place, on prop
crty now in possession of Judge Clyde.
Its architecture was simple and in keep
ing with the means and other circum-
stances surrounding the few people
who then took the first steps in the
direction of the education Of their chill
dren. It's walls were built of round
logs, its floor was made Of hewn logs
its seats or benches were made Of slabs
the round side upward; its desks
were composed of the same costly ma
terial its roof Of clapboards-shin
at that date not being in use.
One end of this model structure was
occupied by a huge fireplace, kept
lively in cold. weather by a great fire
of logs, pine knots, brush, etc, of which
there was an abundant supply in the
immediate neighborhood. 10 prevent
the heat escaping through the open
roof, or rather to confine it TO the lower
room, upon the joists was placed layer
of round poles, over these layer Of
earth foot or more in thickness was
spread. making matters all right and
tight. Light was admitted through
four-light sash. These were filed with
CREASED paper--through which il vain
" struggled for admittance-exccpt-
ing the one behind the masters seat
which was dignificd with four panes OF
real but not over-transparcnt glass.
Here wcrc taught photography, read
ing, writing and the simplest rules OF
arithmetic, by Mr.. Samuel Fulton,somc
time since deceased, but well and ia
vorably remembered by our oldest cit
izens. The text book for reading was
the Bible, and doubtless the lessons
taught in nledrnngtoredd its sacredpaget
lasted through and largely influenced
the after-livcs of the scholars of this
school. "0f all the friends who wer,
schoolmatcs then" but three are now
living, viz; Mrs. Mary, wife of The
Hon. Richard Shaw, Mr. John Irwin, ,Sr.
and one other scholar, Judge leonard
Ed. then n lad of nine years of age
He entered this school, pursued hi
studies, and in three winter terms
of three months each, completed hi
scholastic education, after which h,
devoted his energies to cultivating hi
fathers farm, and otherwise aiding
him in poviding for large family o
younger children. We hear little o
him until in the year 1928 (great prog
ress meanwhile having been made il
educational matter), when we find tina
he had placed younger brother wh'
he was anxious should enjoy advan
tagcs denied TO himself, in the Academy
Just then completed and in charge 0
: Mr.. Lafierty. The latter suggeste'
that he should provide his brother wit
a grammdr-book, geography, and atlas
{ of which he gave him the titles, bu
was unable to tell him whore the
could be obtained lie next applied I
! Mr.. Fulton for the desired information
, but he was unable to give il. He the
, mounted his horse and rode TO tn
| neighborhood of what is now lmmbe
, City, to see Mr.. Ferguson, and If POI
! sible to obtain the desired informatio
from him, as he was a surveyor, an
Q otherwise regarded as person OF col
, siderable learning Neither of thcs
| gentlemen could tell him where the
{ could be obtained. They had heard ,
0 such books but they had not been use
. in the schools to which they went
D The books were subsequently obiaine
0 from Mr.. Wythc, of Harrisburg. Thcs