The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-08-26
A COLORED ACADEMY
Similar to the One at Asheville,
North Corolina,
is CONTEMPLATED FOR TOPEKA.

Eastern PhfIanShrODists to Build 1t,
and E. 9. Stevens a Learned COIOred
Maa TO Conduct 1t.
Z. S. Stevens, the coIored professor
who founded the colored academy at
Asheville, N. c., is in Topeka for the pur-
pose of planning for a school here where
colored children may be taught kinder
gsrten work and given lessons in the
various trades.
So far along has the matter progressed
that the plans for the building have been
drawn. the site for the schoo! selected
and the board of directors practically
agreed upon.
]. B. Larimer, James Troutman, DR..
R. B. Gemmen have given
their endorsement to the work. Some of
them will act on the board of directors
which MI. Stevens is forming
The site selected is an acre of ground
on a hill at Fifteenth and Chandler
streets. owned by Judge Joseph Reed
and E. P. Rogers, which can be pur-
chased, together with small cottage and
other improvements, for $500.
But Topeka people are not going to
be asked to contribute a single cent, as
Mr. Stevens has wealthy and philan-
thropic friends in the east who will fur
nish the required capital The proposed
building will be two stories with an
annex and basement. The basement
will be used as d kitchen, where the girls
will be taught to prepare meals, cooking
vegetables, meats, etc.
One of the upper rooms will be fitted
up for carpenter shop, another school
room, and 80 on.
The annex will be made into a gymna-
SUM with bath attached
1t is intended to furnish these facilities
to the children at a very nominal sum,
and the poorest, who show an aptitude
for learning, will be given the advantage
of the institution free
Ambulance will not be confined to
Topeka colored children. but any in the
state or neighboring states will be wei
coined.
Mr. Stevens has already been conduct
ing a school at the corner of Fifteenth and
Washington streets for some time. He
came here so unobstrusively that the
public has known little of his work. His
present quarters are no longer roomy
enough. The school has been held Eve
days in the week.
No charges is being made the pupils
as the room rent is contributed. The
First Presbyterian church has loaned an
organ and Rev. c. NJ. Sheldon has donat-
ed his TennesseetoWn kindergarten de-
vices
In this work Mr. Stevens has been ably
assisted by Miss Cora Redding, a gradu-
ate of Philadelphia and Boston kinder
garten schools. Miss Redding also
taught number of years in Virginia
and North Carolina.
Mr.. Stevens came to Topeka with the
sole purpose of establishing a kindergar-
ten school, but decided first to give the
matter a practical test, and in modest
way has done so and ia now thoroughly
assured of the success of his idea.
| Mr.. J. B Larimer, who has thorough
! ly investigated the plan in all its details,
! is quite enthusiastic in the matter and
said to q STATE JOURNAL reporter:
81 find that Stevens is as bright and
| ly qualified for the work he has on
hand.
HE speaks English, German, French,
Latin and Spanish. Only a few years
| ago, he esta blished just such school al
| Asheville, North Carolina. as he proposes
to start in Topeka. He succeeded in Get
! ting Cornelius Vanderbilt to donate
$4,000 and other friends gave enough
| more to complete the $4,000 and the
| building.
81 have examined his credentials, let
from various colleges and am satisfied
that he is what he represents himself t.
be and thoroughly in earnest"
A STATE JOURNAL reporter visited Mr.
Stevens and found him busy with somt
kindergarten devices.
'My especial hobby" said he, sis tina
my race be inspired with a desire 70
higher ambitions than at present seem
o exist among them.
"They should be kept of of the street
and educated up to some trade am
taught that work is not ignoble."
The history of Mr. Stevens is quite In
| teresting.
Mr. Stevens father was butler and hi
mother maid in the household of tn
governor of British Guiana At the az
of two years stevens' parents died an
the governor adopted him and took hir
back to England, where he was give
every school advantage.
! Later on he was sent to French I'M