The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1901-03-29
ABRIEF HISTORY OF OUR CITY
SCHOOLS
(By Adelaide Van Blarcom.)

tDy hucidluo al DldrCOm.t
1t is an acknowledged fact that the
welfare and prosperity of a community
largely depends upon the proper
education and training of its young
people. No city Can be considered
progressive. that does not devote much
thought and money to educational
matters. Nor can it be held in high
esteem, or be considered a desirable
place Of residence by the public at
large.
The citizens of Ely realized this and
as soon as they had made themselves
homes and established various buSi-
ness enterprises, they turned their
attention to educational matters.
In the latter part of 1888, a building
of one room was erected on the site of
our present building. This was not
ready for occupancy until about the
middle of January, 1889, at which
time, school was opened here with
Miss Ella Wilson as teacher. AT the
end of this school year, there were
one hundred eight pupils enrolled,
making it necessary to enlarge the
building.
The School Board, at that time
planned upon large two story build
ing with one large room up stairs and
one down. This plan was carried out
and the building was ready for use
early the next fall. Miss Wilson was
then made Principal while Mrs.
Hoover was given the primary grades,
Owing to the rapid growth Of Ely
this last school year, it was fount
that two teachers could not TAX,
charge of the number of pupils. So ;
partition was placed through tn,
lower room and an extra teache
hired. Miss Wilson then announced
her intention of not teachin,
another year and Mr.. Hurd then tool
her place as Principal of our schools
He held this position for two year.
jduring which time, great man,
more pupils were enrolled, so thai
at the beginning of school Septembe
1892, the upper room had to be divid
ed, making in all four rooms.
| Mr.. Graham was our next Principal
having charge of the schools for tn,
following three years. And while b,
was with us great many changes tool
place. Glasses were started in Civil
Government, Algebra and Geometry
1t was at this time that the frs
High School work was done in Ely
The foundation of a school library
was also started, and a number Of
good reference books were placed il
the hands of the pupils.
Pupils were now coming in sc
rapidly that the four roomed building
would not accommodate them, so it was
deemed necessary TO hire place out
side of the building and fit up for a
primary room. Miss Stewart had
charge of this for two years, until
the close of the year 1896.
The addition of more rooms at this
time being needed, it was thought
best to enlarge the school building
then used. The contract was let to
Donlin & Cullen, who erected an
eight room building with all the
modern Improvements and which has
served as our High School building
since.
! The contract not being fulfilled
until the first of November, 1895.
caused an extension of vacation until
that period. Mr.. Fox then took
charge with Miss Squier as his assist.
ant. Miss Pr,nlle-fft grade work:
Miss Morrison third and fourth
grades; Miss Stewart second grade
and Miss Zahm primary work. This
leaving two unoccupied rooms.
Mr.. Fox taught until January and
was compelled to resign on account Of