Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, June 30, 1906, Page 8

eoRTOL OUR ScHOOLS PAS AND PRESENT A Brief Review of Grand Rapids A RECORD OF SPLENDID PROGRESS “Pine Needles,” Published by the Class of 1906, a Most Com- plete and Interesting Lit- erary Production. A publication that every citizen of Grand Rapids has just reason to feel proud of is “Pine Needles,” issued by vhe Grand Rapids!High school of 1906. It is replete with good things from ‘*kiver to kiver,” as Opie Read would put it. Every subject treated is most entertaingly set forth; every une of the hundred pages is highly interesting; the thirty-two illustra- tions are beautifully brought out on a fine quality of paper, while the whole production isa typographical delight to the artistic eye, The con- tributors display ability of high order and excellent judgment in the selec- tion of subjects discussed. Superin- tendent Freeman devoted much time and consideration to the preparation of suitable matter for Pine Needles, and he was ably assisted by « num- ber of his pupils. The Herald-Review has reviewed a great many class an- nuals but none superior to that by the Grand Rapids High school this year has yet been called to ouf attention. Aside from the interest that natir- ally attaches"to the publication as a matter of local pride, it has an in- estimable value as an advertisement of our town as an educational center, The opinion that frequently prevails among eastern people that communi- oe4 in this part of Minnesota are in school advantages, is dismissed by “Pine Needles.” The circulation of thou- sands of copies of this little book would be the best'possible advertise- ment, of this county that could be sent out through the central and eastern states. Charles H, Dickinson of the Itasca store still on hatid a few copies that are for sale at 50 cents each. They will certainly not last long, By special request the Herald- Review reproduces an article'written by Mr. IE. A. Kremer, for many years treasurer of school district No. 1. It is a brief history of the Grand Rapids scbools and appeared in “Pine Needles” under the heading ‘The Schools in Retrospect.” It will be read with interest’ especially by the early settlers who haye watched with pride the growth of education during ithe past two decades: “Even a brief historical review of the public schools of Grand Rapids, if justice were done, would require much more space than can be given in this brochure. It would be a_his- tory of twenty years of splendid edu- cational progress; it would be a record of the sturdy pioneers who made personal efforts and personal sacritices to lay the foundaticn of the magniticent school system that to day is the pride of évery citizen and the admiration of every visitor. “The first public school was opened in Grand Rapids in 1886. It was con- ducted in a small log building located about where the band stand now is, opposite Hetel Pokegama. Joho Beckfelt owned the building, and it was through his generosity that this primitive educational institution was made possible. He donated the use of the building, and as the district had no funds upon which to operate and no immediate meus of raising funds, he personally furnished: the the money required to pay the teach- er’s salary and provide supplies. There was an enrollment of tive pupils with Miss Martha Maddy (now Mrs. Warren Potter) as teacher. (. H. Duggin, director; Charles J. Burch, clerk, and John Beckfelt, treasurer, constituted the first schvol board. Thus was the pucleus formed for our present high position. among the public schools of the state.° In 1888 a ‘contract was awarded to Alexander Grant for the erection of a four-room frame school building on the block where now stands our beautiful Central schoul, at_ a cost of 2,950.00 The site, one of the most beautiful blocks in Grand Rapids,was donated tothe district by Jesse B. Chatterton. Margaret Maddy (now Mrs. Finnigan) was engaged as teacher in 1888, and remained as the only educator until September, 1891, when Mrs; O. H.-Stilson and Miss Margaret Doran were added to-the corps. At this time the school board consisted of H.R. King, director; Oharles Kearney, clerk, and John, Beckfelt, treasurer. The records’ show, that with a fund of $22.22 a | of Grand Rapids. Ny better or more school library wait in 1890,and, |: perhaps, from that small begiuniog public sentiment favorable to this branch of education in Grand Rapids has grown our public library to today. In 1894 Mr. E. A. Kremer was elected treasurer of the board to succeed Mr. Beckfelt which position he held con- tinuously until July 1905, when he retired and was succeeded by Mr. C. E. Aiken who still serves the district in that capacity “The year 1894 found the four-room frame building which had served the district since its erection in 1888, taxed to its utmost Capacity; in fact : the board had already found it neces- ary to provide two additional school rooms in buildings in other parts of the village. “On March 4, 1895, the echial ourd awarded to architect F. W. Hollister of Saginaw, »Michigan, the plans for Central school building, 2nd June 14, 1895, the “contract for the erection was awarded to Messrs. Schwartz & Spindler ata total cost df $30,000.00, including the most approved system of heating and ventilating. In architectural beauty as well as the interior arrangement this building stands without a peer among the grade schools of thestate. This build- ing was completed in April 1896 and six roums were at once ‘opened, with Milton Todd as principal. At the an- nual meeting in July, 1895, Mr. T. M. Brady was elected director to succeed Mr. H.R. King. Mr. R. J. Basker- ville succeeded Mr, 'Todd-as principal and'served until the end of the school termin 1897 when he resigned the position and Mr. D. E. Danby suc- ceeded him. Mrs, Mary S. Ehle suc- ceeded Charles Kearney ascierk of the board at the annual election in 1897, serving until April 3, 1899, when she resigned. A special meeting of the electurs was held on May 27, 1899, when Mrs. C. C. McCarthy was unani- mously elected to fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Eble. Beginning with the term of 1898, Mr. BE. T.-Carroll took charge of the schools as priacipal and remained in that position for tive years. It may truthfully be said that from the primitive beginning in 1886, down. to the time when Mr. Carroll took charge, Grand Rapids had been pecu- liarly fortunate in the selectivn of educators, a8 is evidenced by the rapid progress made,butit remained for Mr. Carroll to raise the school to the state high school list. His ability as an educator; his executive force; his conscientious application of the most modern methods, and his tireless energy were at once noticeable in the schoyl work. From. his advent as principal the forward strides were rapid, and upto the present there has*been no cessation of progress. “Mr. Brady resignéd as trustee December 20, 1899, and G. F. Meyers was appointed by the board to fill the vacancy. From July 1900 to July 1903, Mrs. McCarthy again served as clerk. Mr. G. K. Reiss was elected director atthe annual meeting in July 1901, to serve until July 1904; he resigned, however, in? April 1903 and Mr. H. @. Powers was appointed by the buard to fill the vacancy of Mr, Reiss’s unexpired term. “The crowded condition of Central school in 1901 made it clearly apparent that additional room was necessary, and at the annual meetingin July, 1902, the electors of the district voted toerecta high school building and authorized the board to proceed at once along that line, .Mr. F. D, Orff of Minneapolis was engaged as the architect und the contract for the construction was awarded to Mr. William King. The total cost of this building, including «the most modern and complete system of heating and ventilating was $40,000.00. School was opened in this building in. the fall of 1903, with Prof, W. B. Stewart as superinvendent and Miss Claribel Chappell as high school principal. “Mr, Henry Hughes was elected, director at the anoual meeting in July 1903, to fill the unexpired term made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Reiss, or until July 1905. Prof. E. A. Freeman succeeded Prof. Stew- artas superintendent in 1904 and he isat the head of the Grand Rapids schools at the present time. Prof. Freeman has demoustrated to the patrons of the district that he is the right man in the right place. Asan educator he stands among the highest in the state and that nis administra- tion of school affairs is appreciated by the board is evidenced by the’ fact that he has been twice re-elected, each time with an advance of salary. Prof. Freeman is ably assisted by Miss Alta Stanton as high schovl principal. “Mr. F. E. Beneiwig was elected director at the annual meeting in 1904, and is serving in that capacity at the present time. Doctor Daniel Costello was appointed by the board to fi]l the unexpired term of Miss Doran as clerk, whose resigration was tendered in April 1906, after hav- ing faithfully and efficiently served the distaict in that capacity for nearly three years, “The foregoing facts, though briet- ly set vut,*afford at least a glimpse inté the past concerning the schools e 7 and ‘development of the city ‘could possibly be offered than has been|! shown by the steadily - increasing attendance of its “public schools. “As proof that the people have an abiding faith in the city’s future the fact need only be added that plans are now in course of preparation by Archi tect Hollister for a model six room school building to be erected and completed in time for the opening of schools in September next. The site for this building has already been |: purchased. “The people of Grand Rapids have just reason for self congratulation in the good fortune that has been theirs inthe selection of school offic cers fromthe first. Little friction has existed at any time, and there has always been’ an unanimity in the effort to build educational institutions that would be second to none in the state.” Strong Men Needed The Republican state convention is now over, and there will be a compar- ative lull in politics fora while. A Jittle later there will be a Democratic state convention that will putin the field a state ticket headed. by Gover- nor John A. Johnson, and then the state campaign will proceed vigor- ously. ! But in the meantime, up here io Northern Minnesota, it must not be forgotten that while it is important to have a good governor, one that will be a credit to the state both at home and abroad, it is still more important to the vital interests: here at home that theré™should be a good state legislature, ne responsive to the wishes of: the people and deterihined to do their will. ‘The governor cannot enact legisia- tion. He can suggest it, and veto it if he thinks it is not right, but bis are the execugive functions, not the the legislative, and he can work only upon such laws as the legislature may furnish him with. Therefore, if there is to be state developement in Minnesota, a state development that will stup the ten- dency toward decreased population in some of the older portions of the state and that will add. vigor and rapidity to the growth of the population of the newer parts, a legis- lature must be elected that will bring it about. If there is to be fair play between the corporations and the people, not only must the governor and officials mae SELEBRATE BEN LEVY’S ee EDITORIAL: My Liberal Offer Still Holds Good Until July 5th. You Know it’s any Suit in the House for $11.88 anda $2.00 Suit Case Thrown in. I Have Certainly Moved Lots of Them. They Can’t Help but Sell When you see Them. Geta Good Suit at a Right Price and That’s Here. Yours truly, BEN LEVY. The Enterprise ADJOINING HOTEL POKEGAMA. undec him fairly and fearlessly exe- cute the laws, but the legislature must devise new ones’ where. their need is shown. If there are to be liberal appropria- tions for drainage of state lands, for good roads, and for advertising for | Saran F. PRICE ceeeers (ee He AEE Ee ee ee a LAWYER #? A Favorite Resort ao settlers to come to the state, a legis-|omce in the First National Bank building.) 3% é ss i ° j for refreshments and where may be seen and heard one an Nt ET ke ee [SRS NDIRAPIDS MINN| 33 Bf tees ken bering, Cy Eo 33 such appropriations. pie a THE : NORTHERN SAMPLE ROOM? . : eligl * “1 2 Cabinet Rye Whiskey scene Brent torts an Gand In other words, as the Herald has a several times suggested, the need in Wwistard A. ROSSMAN. Northern Miunesota, and in all other parts of Minnesota, is of stroug men Attorney At Law. as canditates fur tbe legisature. Office in First Nutioval Bank Building. RA AE EA, AE AR A AE A a aE aE a ee 3 2 * * 2 * 2 2 There’ has never been a time 7 Rapids. We handle the finest whiskeys ever distilled. ae when a legislative career offered) GRAND RAPIDS - - MINN : ss so many possibilities for houest and ‘= 2 : : as capable citizens to be of noteworthy Ke NORTHERN Cc FE an service to thier state and their fel- Dr. COSTELLO s A gs ak epen les Mankato le A age : - $e In connection—Open Day and Night All Delicacies of th 33 it should ve large in the esteem and DENTIST. oe een " Seactn’ s&evee re aibhiare ieee $3 gratitude of a people that knuw what : z <= “a8 they want, and mean to get it. —Offia tn First National Bank Building.— 38 OTTO RANFRANZE Chef, ss Push your stroog men out in all 2 2 parts of the state, and pick from. the GRAND RAPIDS, MINNESOTA Sekn 0008 SROREDOONSRS KKK HORS ORON ScOROERORERSeOORRIES 1 tleld that is offered you the must > — honest, capable and representative R, CHAS. M. STORCH, citizens as your choice for legislative D positions.—Duluth Herald. I — GEO. BOOTH, Manufacturerof - Fine Cigars GRAND RAPIDS, W/NN - eal PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Office and Residence carner Leland avenue, and Fourth street. See RAPIDs. Annual Pilgrimage to Ste Anne de Beaupre, Quebec On July 22nd The Duluth, South Shore will run their Popular- ‘Annual Excursion to the Shrine of Ste Anne de Beaupre, and, as heretofore. will make a special rate of $25.00 for the Physician and Surgeon. round tnp. ‘Tickets good for stop-|» : over at any point enroute, @ SPECIALIST. This excursion 1s arranged so that | omice opposite Postoffice. Grand Rapids, Minn passengers can participate in the im- pressive ceremonies of the now famous TS LUPTON, M.D. F. P. SHELDON. Feast of Ste Anne which fa Is this year Vice-President O. W. HasTINGs. Pi " 9 Have achieved an excellent on July 26th. reside Gr E. AIKEN, ¥ Boon’ Ss CIGARS De at taal all over Northern ~ Palace and tounst sleepitfg cars, as Oushier. nesota. They are made - well as coaches, wiil be run through and application for reservation in same shonld be addressed to A. J. Perrin, Gen’l Agent 430 Spalding Hotel Block, Duluth, Minn. New Hayen and Return $26.00, Account the convention of. the Kmghts of Columbus, the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Ry, will have tickets on sale June ist to 4th New Haven, Conn., and return at rate, to $26.00. ‘Tickets can be extended for return passage until June 3oth, 1906. Several very desirable routes offered. For full particulars and steeping car accommodation, apply to A 4 General Agent, 430 W. Superior St., of the finest alectalk stock by pee srt workmen in Mr. Booth’s own shops here, and under bis. personal supervision. This insures the utmost cleanliness*and care in manufacture. Forsale everywhere. Call for them. AT A EL SL TT LE TE S008 CORESOREAESE SOD ERERO CREAR ET OS HSO OER SERE He ones, Grand Rapids $5 Village tts We have choice resideuce lots all over town and we are sel ing them on such easy terme that anybudy can. bu} down and $5 per month is certainly easy. Come in cate talk — | 2552 beseseseseseseses eheseces First National ‘Bank, Grand Rapids, Minn. Transacts a General Banking Busiaess G. C. SMITH DEALER IN F tuits, Confectionery, Ice Cream Soda, Dulluth, Minn. ; Ice Gream, Drinks, the matter over. A hvuse and three lots for sale ake ld "Tobaccos. We also have some choice business lots on our lists. ‘They seni are for sale on easy terms. : Snaps 3 $150 takes two forty-four foot lots. '| Highest and dryest in town, $500 for four twenty-five foot 4ots in-center of town. Choice Lines of Cigars Grand Rapids, - Minn. - ELAND AVENUE. Trier rity eenwensaeenes Pebissdacaastjesssces | Lchachohesdhasiadtatealacinadarindadatladadaaaeaeal SSSSSOSKSSHOTL SSE GES eeHSeKECTeS ;REISHUS-REMER LAND COMPANY.