Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1886-11-06
AFTER MANY YEARS

VA AOASS AAVAOEAD10 AUO OBcAWA u
lie Service Professor Bail Tenders
His Resignation Int erest1ng Local
"Reminiscences.
Professor Bail, who rendered his resigna-
ton last evening as instructor of drawing in
New Ravens public schools, has filed the po-
sition for about twenty years. He is now
aged sixtyeight and has for some time felt
the need of rest from his severe and arduous
duties which have ever been discharged with
zeal and an artistic devotion to his work.
Prof. Bail held most honorable position
many years ago in Germany, having been at
the early age of twenty-three appointed a
professor in the famous Polytechnic school at
Nuremberg, Bavaria. He had graduated
with honor from the Royal Art school of
Munich, just before. He had thus early dis
played those qualities of mind which have
ever characterized his Hfe's work. He had
thoroughly mastered his profession in all its
branches and evinced rare competency as
an instructor. While turning away from
paths in the line of his profession which led
to high compensation he choose the less
lucrative and more rugged path of the
instructor, from an artists love
of his profession. He served
seven years as professor in the Poly
technic school, or until 1874, when the revo-
luton broke out, and he resigned and came
to the United States. 1t may be of interest
to state here that the custom in the Poly
technic school and many other educational
institutions in Germany is to retire their pro-
fessors at sixty on two thirds their former
salary for life. He received his first appoint
ment as teacher of drawing in the New
York Mechanics Institute (the foundation of
the Cooper Institute) and after three years
was called to New Haven. His labors in
l. n
Norton of Yale, who was influential in hav-
ing the professor come to this city. He
formed classes of ladies of the best fami-
lies in the city, such as those of
Hillhouse, Blake and others, and was SO en-
couraged with his reception here that he de-
cided to remain hers. He was appointed
professor of drawing in Sheffield Scientific
school, position he held eighteen years,
teaching free hand, mechanical and the other
branches of drawing, together with survey
ing, while at the same time he gave lessons
to pupils at the Young Mems Institute.
When these lessons at the Institute were be-
gun the Institute was located in the Phoenix
building. He continued them until long after
the Institute was removed to its next 1oca-
ton, the Palladium building. These were
free only to members of the Institute. Such
a public interest was created by them that
Prof. Bail, for the benefit of mechanics and
other young men having limited opportunities,
opened a free night school where he gave in
struction in mechanical drawing. Lessons
were given freely to all who wanted to learn.
Hundreds Aocked to the schools, eager to
embrace the opportunities offered. The
Board of Education, approaching his work
obtained the use of room in
the tower of the City Hall, where he taught,
as many citizens were interested in his work,
and an impetus was given to efforts for self
among the young men working
ba ch0na ond footorioc Subioh 10 al tn
day. Professor Balls first call as an in
structor in the public schools came from
Hartford twenty-four years ago when Princi-
pal Curtis, now of the Hillhouse school, was
q teacher in the High school
there. He taught there on Wednesday
then resigned Two years after Hart
ford had called Professor Bail the New Ha-
ven schools introduced the teaching of
Ira wing here, and not long after Professor
Bail was appointed to take charge of this
branch of instruction. Mr.. Bail soon gave
his whole mind and strength and talent to
eaching drawing in the public schools here.
During his first few years he kept his pri
rate classes and also carried on his instruc-
ions to the college students, but the work
rev upon him and he finally devo ted his
whole time to the New Haven schools.
He introduced the inexpensive system of
eaching without costly drawing books, work
ng many years to introduce knowledge of
mechanical and architectural drawing, the
most important of all work for most pupils
His system of teaching costs but 1.-THE of
What is paid for drawing in most places. He
prepared all other teachers for their sepa-
ate labors in teaching, constantly visiting |
II the schools. |
Recently Prof Bail has taught in modelling
lay and other plastic material, most credita-
lie specimens of which work remain in this |
ity, but has had no sufficient time or but |
title inclination to teach high art or the moro |
sthetic exercises with the brush and pencil. |
Among the plaster models by Prof Bail are |
wo, both remarkably lifelike, one of the late |
ames F. Babcock, another of the late DR.. |
locker. |
Prof. Bail has sold his house on Park street |
} Henry Hillman, the confectioner, but will /
ccupy it until spring, when it is understood |
9 will go to New York or New Jersey to re-
de.