The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-07-06

EDS FREE TRADER--As one who for many
years has felt deep interest in educational
matters, having been officially connected with
the public schools of the province of Ontario
off and on for over ten years, although q
stranger in your midst, l may be allowed the
privilege OF few words IN connection with
subject that is now evidently an absorbing one
in Ottawa. / refer to the question of the loca-
ton of your High School, a question Of grave
importance
Whatever present expenditure is made, al
though necessarily restricted by considerations
of economy, should be made so that the build
! ing secured for school purposes should be one
that could be permanently utilized. TO erect
a mere temporary shell would be a wastetul
expenditure of money, as needless as wasieful..
Some ofthe considerations that should guide
and determine the action of the school board
seem to me to be as follows:
I. An elevated, roomy site which will al
ford ample space for play grounds, and then-
the pupils will have plenty of good fresh ar.
Ii. As central and accessible portion as IL
| is possible to secure IN connection win the
foregoing and other conditions, which may be-
regarded rs sine qua non
III. 4 commanding site, from which the
building can be seen from all parts OF the CITY
| ". A building, which when completed
will be an ornament to this beautiful cry:
| II strikes me- as one unintluenced by local
predilections, that the South bluff is Just the
| right spot for if am not misinformed large
| lot could there be secured at very reasonable
price. while the beauty of the situation eould
scarcely be surpassed, and every facility VIII
Inc afforded for croouet grounds general play
grounds, &c
The large trees with which the hill is cover
ed. the diversified and in some parts broken
surface of the ground, would add to the beauty
and usefulness of this location.
A plain building, at comparatively trilllnS
cost might be at once erected, out so cohstIuI
ed that additions and Communications coulu De
made from time to time as the necessities OF a
growing school and the funds at disposal might
demand or warrant.
have been pleased with what have learn
ed of the efficiency of your school system IN
Ottawa. and with what | heard ana saw last
FRIDAY night in the Opera House at the CON-
mencement exercises. 81.
l Rut Won certainly do need such building
nc vonld afford not only the necessary accom-
mediation for school work, but one that would
no "a visible ana impressive vi
odrances Won have made in this most impor-
tant department of social enterprise.
should like to see a school house which,
when completed, would be Of such attractive
annearance, and in such a commanding posi-
lion as to afford pledge that the city of Otta5
. ,va for situation one of the most beautiful IN
Illinois, was also the banner town in the march
of intellectual progress. Such building, with
IA thoroughly equipped and well managed
school. would am confident from my expe-
Irience in other places, more than recompense
I(even in the way of financial return) all present
loutlay.
Hoping you will not regard this note an undue
lintermeddling in the affairs of a town IN which
| have already learned to feel deep interest,
Especially in its educational matters, permit
me to express the hope that the result oil the
lpresent agitation may be the High Schools
highest prosperity although must needs, sub
scribe myself, y STRANGER
Ottawa, July j. 1873.