The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-06-28
A Public school In the Better Days.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN--Sir: As THE
Sun takes much interest in the reformation Of
the public schools. and am DESTROYS Of doing
what l can to assist in the good work. send
my recollections OF the way in which ono Of
them was managed when was attached to 1t in
1881. The school indicated was No 10. then
located on Duane. near Church street.
The boys department. in the building re-
ferred to- was on the third floor. the girls on
the second while that devoted to tho infants as
they were called. was in the basement. There
were 256 pupils in the first named. and. pre-
sumo. each OF the other departments accommo-
dated a similar number. making total Of 76S
The monitorial system prevailed in the public
schools OF this city in those days. The boys Of
the two highest general classes. known as num-
bers eight and nine. taught the younger boys OF
the seven lower classes to spell and read. each
pupil OF the higher classes having six or eight
youngsters under instruction at certain hours.
The principal devoted his time mainly 10 the
instruction OF the two higher classes.
Books were scarce. because few were required
under that system. Geography was taught by
the principal from outlines of the earth's sur
face distinctly painted on the rear wall. and all
the boys were rendered remarkably familiar
with all essential particulars through the un-
firing industry OF the teacher Spelling and
reading were taught the lower 0asSeS from
printed lessons posted on black boards. These
lessons were renewed as often as they became
sOied. The boys OF the eighth and ninth
classes were provided with spelling books.
renders. grammars. and Biographies.
the expenses OF this school will doubtless
amaze you. who are familiar with expenses
under the present regime:
The principal OF the boys department accomplished
scholar aud gentleman. received per year $50
The trst as,istant-a eradicate Of the Chool 100
The second a-siStanta graduate Ut the schoO.... so
The third AsAstant-a graduate Of the sshool.... %
500
The principal OF the girls department re-
ceived an annual salary Of $500. and WAS as
sisted by several young ladies' who. l presume.
were paid proportlonate salaries.
The principal OF ths infant depa rtment. re-
Gently deceased was paid ut the rate OF $500.
and had the usual number OF ass stants.
There was n lanitor who wns paid. rs re-
member 10 have heard. about 800 per year. but
/ never knew exactly what he received.
These. with the exception OF an Insignificant
sum paid TO McElrath < Bangs. stationers. OF
those days. for books. states. and stationery.
comprised all the expenses. The demnition
total may have been equal TO SO 900 per year.
must not forget to adj that this school was
frequently visited by several trust ses. before
whom the pupils were subjected TO IN nspec-
ton for the purpose OF ascertaning their pro-
honorrd names OF BENJAMIN l.. Swan. Fred
erick De Peyster lmaster in chanceryl. Guy
Richards. Nalah Taylor. who. while earnestly
devoted Ia the advancement OF the pupils. and
thoroughly informed In regard to the impor-
tance OF educating them. were consdentiously
cent Of the peoples money. PUPIL.
JUNE ~.