Evening journal., 1894-01-20
united aud for which the new building
answers for both the old ones.
History of the schools.
II was as follows

History of tho schools.
It was as follows:
1--WE have assembled here tonight to
enjoy the fruits Of ourlabors which have,
in the last nine months, placed this fine
building upon what was an open field.
Those persons who aided In the work
have their enjoyment here now, and no
time could be more fitting than the
present, to give you a short historical
sketch Of the schools Of the districts 23
and 20, and of this new enterprise, un-
fortunately however, the recorded facts
are very few, and much OF our history
is blank. The first attempt at keeping
school OF which we hear, Is that made
by Mr.. Siddall, who founded the mill
now occupied by the Barlow & Thatcher
Spinning Co. He had class on Sundays
In his own house which he instructed In
the simplest way.
This was followed by the building OF
the present Sunday school Of Christ
Church. by Eleuthere Irenee DUPONT, the
founder OF the powder mills. This
building was, for a long time. used as a
school Of an undenominatlonal character,
and was called the Brandywine Manu-.
facturers Sunday school.
That was done prior TO 1882, for In
that year the yellow Schoolhouse' was
secured TO the district by deed made
by Mrs Dunnon, in favor Of the d rsi
commissioners, who were Alfred DaPont,
Mr. SiddRll and Mr.. Brindley. The old
deed is the first and only record OF our
schools until the year 1858. and Il Is
greatly to be regretted that nothing
exists in regard TO the building of the
I nav cQhnol AZ Utafufr Eun
The book, which Is dated 1853, shows
that Alexis DUPONT was clerk from that
year TO 1857. He had, however, served
as commissioner before 1853, so he wa,
In office during the time that school was
being built Many well-known names
appear as commissioners, or as attend
log the meetlngs-Joseph Walker, Viii
liam Breck, Henry Belin, DR. j. p
Wales, Jacob Chalfant, George Richard
son, Thomas r. McCallister, Taylor
Crosby, Henry Dandy. Richard Brlndley
John Peoples and Ireuee DUPONT.
From 1850 to 1862. male teachers
we're paid 500 per month, and women al
the rate OF 50 per week In 1867, sal
aries we're at the rate of $50 per month
Turning now from the meagre record.
of the past we must say a word for chs
I
gagged upon. Some FIVE years ago tn
consolidation OF the schools In on
building was proposed, but the time ha,
proposed The increasing number o
scholars soon made IL necessary tha
your commissioners should have bette
facilities, and in 1892 they began Z,
prepare the way for consolidation OF tn
| uQhn.la -. Il. ,aaN Aa
1898. when meeting was called and thl
voters then present gave authority Z
the commissioners TO begin the work
The sale of the two old schools and th
gift OF the present site gave them fund
for the starting Of the work and Oh
exertions Of those who helped them, hay
raised by private subscriptions. sun
that have made the completion of Oh
work possible. Those who have helped
and VINO have contributed, now enjc
having shared the effort whic
Is 20 secure to their commuuil
that boon OF the American citizen
good district school-we hope.
let me assure you that there a
r many troubles that may come and
come 20 the school commissioners. an
we who serve you must ask your forbea
ance and also your hearty co-operatio
, that this school may become as perfect
It's regime as in It's material proportions
"The accomplishment OF this end wi
not be so easy task and will require, {
the part Of your commissioners, tim
while patience viii be necessary up,
yours. Let us therefore take up n
work bravely, and hope that futu
generations will take pride in upholdlr
the school we have opened to-day"