Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-04-27
Normal School.

In view of the fact that citizens OF any
place may file applications for an IN
of sites offered, and be cons1d-
cred eligible as applicants for one OF the
Normal schools to be located III WIS
consin this year, why not have COM
mittee appointed to agitate the subject
among our citizens, and work with
might and main to secure it here? we
have score of young people from our
CITY attending University and College
in other cities. Why not have them
educated at home, or at least part OF
them whose plans would be met by the
normal school curriculum? We cannot
expect much if we do not push our
claims. It would be of great advantage
in financial point of view, but greater
in bringing our city forward as an edu-
cational centre, and giving scores OF
Young people who desire the normal
school training and are unable to bear
the expense of going away from home
for it, an opportunity TO receive 1t at
home. 1t would bring class Of young
people in our midst that would be a
help and stimulant for good in society.
Other towns will bestir themselves to
secure this plumb, but we need not feel
diffident about our own claims. We
have exceptional advantages to offer,
and we must try to impress upon the
Board OF Regents this fact, and to do
this we must awake and marshall our
forces, master the situation and be
ready to make our propositions, and
back them by substantial and suitable
considerations. Our mayor has already
taken the initiatory steps IN the mat
ter, let our citizens show him that they
will work with him to gain the desired
end.
Months ago Wausau laid its applica-
ton before the board. Stevens Point,
at its last council meeting, adopted a
resolution to donate $16,0 900 and suit
able site to have it located in their city,
and committee Of two were appointed
TO act with the mayor in selecting and
securing options on suitable places.
When the eity's good is at stake, or
her educational interests concerned, it
behooyes every citizen TO put their
shoulder to the wheel and set it to roll
ing, remembering the text of copy
every schooiboy has, knowledge is
power"
No prettier sight in ali the Wisconsin
valley can be offered than is afforded in
land on either side of the river. The
view of the Wisconsin river here is I'M
surpassed. The largest water power on
the river is given by succession Of
rapids and gentle falls, while islands
covered with native trees, showing from
the deep evergreen of the pines to the
gorgeous fall tints Of maple, elm and
oak. The clear pure spring water that
the city affords is diseratum not to be
overlooked. For healthfulness the cities
can show record that admits of no adj
verse criticism. Three lines of railroad
furnish ample railway facilities. There
are two prosperous cities Grand Rapids
and Centralia working together in har-
mony for any object that is Of benefit to
the cities or for the counties good. An
era Of prosperity has dawned on this
place, that is, and must be permanent.
With its increasing growth in mills,
factories and commercial enterprises
there is surety for financial prosperity
none may gainsay.
Besides the schools of the twin cities,
two of which are accredited high schools,
there are a large number in the county.
We are "not just on the outskirts" of a
th1ckly settled portion of country, but
the centre of a large agricultural dis
trict, with villages and cities on all sides
Of rs. In Wood county are the towns
of Marshfeld, Auburndale, Pittsville,
Dexter, Babcock, p. Edwards and last
but not destined to be least the new
town of Nekoosa. Most Of these sup
port No. l graded schools, and each
would be factor in the support of a
Normal.
These are a few of the reasons that
the twin cities Offer to support their
claims for Normal, other substantial
reasons will be forthcoming as the ad-
vantages of such an acquisition becomes
apparent to our moneyed and business
men.