River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-07-26

MEssRs. EDS. JoURNAL.--Ihe school
house question now seems To excite
considerable interest and there are,
perhaps, as many different opinions
in regard to the matter as there are
voters who have paid any attention to
it. 1t seems quite probable that
majority, or at least large number of
the electors of the district, are oppos-
ed to again repairing the old school,
house, while others believe it practical
and economical to do SO.
If, however, it is finally determined
to do away with the present building
it would seem decidedly best not to
waste money on = new building no
better than the old one. If a new
house is to be constructed by all means
let it be one that will be credltable to
the district. Half way measures in
this are not desirable. To attempt to
economist too closely would be bad
policy now and worse in the future.
1t was voted at the annual meeting
! TO build of stone. Now we believe
that no creditable building can be
erected of our quarry stone. Its col
or and its quality are alike objection
able for SO large and prominent a
building. Brick will cost probably
$1,000 to $500 more if heavy walls
are constructed, but it is every way
preferable. A building veneered with
brick would cost less than stone, and
by many is much better liked. Now
would it not be better to take these
matters into some consideration be-
fore proceeding on So important mat
ter as erecting school-house for a
permanent structure!
Many fear the cost, but we think
needlessly. While it may be poor
economy to throw away what we al
ready have. it might be poorer to build
a cheap new building, especially if the
walls are to be of stone or brick, and
we presume no other material is re-
garded with favor by the majority at
the present time. A good building of
sufficient capacity for the usual at
tendance of pupils in this district
ought to be built, not including warm
ing apparatus and furniture, for about
S. 900. A careful letting of the con-
tract would. perhaps, bring tire figures
some below this amount. The dis
trict is already provided with furni-
ture. New heating apparatus would
probably be desirable and may cost
about 81, 200. Stoves, however, could
be used for some time, at least, and
save present expenditure, At any
rate it seems expedient to settle upon
some decided course of action, but to
do so with "a proper consideration of
the interests involved. While I'M
doubtedly the taxes will be heavy,
would it not be far better to build a
building III which the district may
take just pride than one which will
be an eye-sore as long as it shall stand!
Yours, &C., q.
We fully agree with our correspon-
dent ssthat no creditable building can
be erected of our quarry stone," and
that a school building, thus construct
ed, would be an "eye-sore" TO our peo-
pie. While our quarry stone may be
fitted for basement or the side walls
of store buildings. certainly nobody
will claim that school house built
entirely of it, will be credit to the
village. Our own impression is that
the building ought to be of brick,
either solid or verneered; for this
reason. we hope, that a special meet
ing will so far modify the proceed
ings of the annual meeting as to
instruct the Board TO build of brick
instead of stone.
Early action will be necessary as
the Board are about to proceed with
the work of removing the present
building.