Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter 11: Educational, 1909

Teacher'S Certificate And Days Of The Log

SOME POINTS IN REFERENCE TO CONDITIONS IN EARLY SCHOOLS IN LIVINGSTON COUNTY - A TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE AND DAYS OF THE LOG SCHOOL HOUSE - HISTORY OF THE FIRST ACADEMY - THE PONTIAC HIGH SCHOOL - CATHOLIC PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES - LUTHERAN AND AMISH SCHOOLS - THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS - COUNTY SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS - PROGRESS UNDER DIFFERENT INCUMBENTS - ADOPTION OF A UNIFORM TEXT-BOOK SYSTEM - REPORTS OF EARLY TEACHERS' INSTITUTES - GENERAL SCHOOL STATISTICS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY FoR 1908 - PONTIAC PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The early history of education in Livingston County is not unlike that of the average. The early pioneers were a hardy lot, and lived up to their ideals, quite as closely as do their descendants and successors today. After providing the necessary food and clothing for their families, they took measures for the improvement and development of the mind. Then, as now, they evinced a laudable pride in their schools, and did not stint themselves in their support.

In those times the school laws were almost inoperative because of their crudeness, and instead of the state or county directing affairs, it was largely left to the whim of the district officials. Political pull prevailed then as now, whereby incompetents, measured by the short and scanty requirements of the times, were able to secure positions for which they were unfitted, as is evidenced by the following true story (except that the actual names of the commissioner and teacher are not given):

Richard Roe wished to teach school in District One, Indian Grove. He had been examined by John Doe, Commissioner, and found unfit. He went back to District One, and reported his failure. His friends, with a pull, got busy, and sent Mr. Roe back to Commissioner Doe, armed with credentials. Mr. Doe finally issued a permit which read as follows:

Things are changed now. The Superintendent may bow to the party boss, and there are no doubt, modern instances of it, yet the certificate granted is valid in any district in the county and may be so used, hence being likely to cut both ways, operates as a brake on pulls.

The early school house was built of logs, with split logs for seats. The idea of a back seat, or a desk or a shelf for the deposit of books had, as yet, not been evolved. The transition from that condition to the comfortable and scientifically constructed school room equipment of today has been gradual, but has ever had the loyal support of the people. The sentiment seems to have prevailed that nothing is too good for our 'schools. This is generally true. However, there are a few exceptions. There are a few houses that appear like huge dry-goods boxes, and are about as attractive and con-

At the very beginning of her development, Livingston County took steps to provide for higher education. In 1856, New Michigan Academy was established by the following gentlemen: Washington Houston, William Strawn, Otis Whitney, C. P. Paget, Eben Norton, G. C. Cusick and Moses Rumney. A building was soon provided and a faculty secured, of which E. B. Nevell was the head or President. The school was in operation one year, but not having a sustaining attendance.

The first term begins the second Monday in September and continues 21 weeks; second term the remainder of the season. Vacation, second Wednesday in June, to second Monday of September; Xmas to New Year, - Another about April ist.

This school is located twelve miles northwest of Pontiac and eight miles west of Odell. Address all communications to New Michigan Academy, Livingston County, 111."

The academy was closed for two years, when it was again put in operative condition with Otho F. Pearre, as President. Under his administration, it was very successful for a period of three years, when he withdrew and moved to Pontiac, and for a few years the effort was made to continue it, but being badly located, it soon became one of the institutions that were.

Such, in brief, is the history of the only academy (parochial excepted) that has ever flourished in this county. At the present time the county is well provided with schools. A very complete education may be had at the various public schools, the best of which is the township High School located at Pontiac. The fol-

Pontiac High School

The Pontiac Township High School was organized in 1894, school opening in September of that year. The first Board of Education was composed of R. R. Wallace, President; James A. Hoover, Secretary; Charles H. Tuesburg, George B. Gray and W. F. Cook, members. Since that time the following gentlemen have served as efficient members of the Board and have been untiring in their efforts to make the school what it now stands for. Presidents, George B. Gray, George Torrence, S. A. Rathbun, Dr. J. D. Scouller; Secretaries, W. F. Cook, S. A. Rathbun, Dr. John Ross, E. A. Simmons, C. E. DeButts; Members, Edgar Cook, Peter Munson, J. W. Marks, C. R. Tombaugh, C. E. Legg, Dr. J. A. Marshall, George Crawford, F. G. White.

The original faculty of the school was composed of the following instructors: J. E. Bangs, Principal; C. E. DeButts, Assistant; Mary B. Jones, Margaret Stewart, Frances Simpson, Mrs. M. A. Vaughan. The following instructors have since been employed at different times: Alice A. Blanchard, Margaret M. Bangs, Margaret Power, Lydia McDougall, Cora M. Hamilton, J. Milton Vance, Arthur F. Wallace, Isaac Mitchell, H. E. Longnecker, David B. Thomas, Amanda Hubbard, Margaretta S. Easly, Ida M. Tindall, Kenneth G. Smitb, Wm. G. Turnbull, Mary Kirk Rider, Margaret McKibben, Mary E. Powell, Mrs. U. W. Louderback, Emma A. Barry, Ada E. Herbert, John A. Brittenham, Mabel F. Barr, Hallie Chalfant, Hattie Wasmuth, Robert Parr, J. T. Kirk, W. W. McCulloch, George W. Dowrie, Lloyd Dancey, E. B. Wells, George Sype, Myrtle Ballard, Esther Mohr, Helen Mar Scouller.

The original value of the building and grounds of the Pontiac High School was about $30,000, to which additions have been made aggregating $20,000.

The whole number of students enrolled since the school started is 1,436. Of this number 268 have completed the four years' course and received the diploma of the school, besides the large number who have received certificates from the two-year courses and have gone out to oc cupy responsible positions as teachers or in the professional or business world.

Hool, Pontiac

The school has been patronized not only by the students of Pontiac Township, but by a large number of ambitious young men and women who haye come from outside the township and have added in no small degree to the standing of the school.

From the start the spirit of the Pontiac Township High School has been entirely democratic as is shown by the fact that students have come to us from the family of the professional man, and from that of the business man, mechanic, farmer, laborer, in fact from almost every walk of life. The influence of the school on the community is felt in the immediate life of the township, in the higher education of very many of our young men and women and in the other parts of the county through the large number of our students who have become teachers,

Pupils who have completed the work of the grammar department of a graded school of good standing, or who hold a diploma issued by the County Superintendent, certifying that they have completed the work outlined for the common schools for the first eight years, or who hold a teacher's second grade certificate, will be admitted without examination.

Advanced standing in any course will be granted upon the presentation of satisfactory evidence of work done in a high school of good standing, or upon examination in those subjects for which credit is desired.

All students who are bona fide residents of Pontiac Township will be admitted free. Nonresident students will be required to pay a tuition fee of $15 per term, The tuition may be paid by the month, term or year, in advance, to the secretary, who will receipt therefor. In case of doubt as to the residence of the student, the parent or guardian may be required to furnish an affidavit setting forth the facts in the case.

Coubses Of Study

All students are required to take the following general work: Spelling until carried at 95 per cent; Rhetorical equivalent to four exercises a year; Music, Drawing, Elocution and Physical Culture for an equivalent of two lessons a week for two years. Extra credit will be given for advance work in any of these branches. No extra charge for lessons in any of the regular classes. Manual training work may be elected in any course.

OTHER HIGHER INSTITUTIONS. - Of the many very excellent schools, we call attention to the Academy at Chatsworth; Academy at Odell; Academy at Loretta; Academy at Pontiac - all Catholic. The Lutheran school at Flanagan, and the Amish schools of Pike and Waldo Townships.

District Schools

The common district schools are of unusual efficiency, and their beginning was fully as crude as was that of the early academy, and their advancement has been as marked as that shown by the high schools.

From teaching six days per week, building their own fires, about which was often serious controversy, the teaching time is now five days and, by construction of law, the teacher is declared not to be a janitor, hence not a firebuilder or floor-sweeper.

The following is a list of Commissioners and Superintendents of Schools who have served in Livingston County, witb date of appointment or election :

County Superintendents

Many of these officials had a strong desire to improve the schools, but the limited power conferred on them by law, to enforce measures of betterment, blocked success for a long time. It is probably true that all were impressed with the necessity of a uniform book system as the first necessary forward step. At the teachers' institute of 1858, an abortive effort was made to make the books in the county uniform. The conditions of the times are well expressed by an educator of that day. Under the present system - rather no system - the influence is equally deleterious both to the advancement of the pupil and the pockets of the parents.

Superintendent H. H. Hill secured pretty nearly uniform books, under his administration, but there the work ended, and soon things drifted back to old conditions. Matthew Tombaugh, his successor, strove to secure the systematiza-

G. W. Ferris, the successor of Mr. Tombaugh, put forth strong effort for the advancement of district schools, but the same conditions operated to block success. Both of these men wrought well, spent their best efforts and none today are held in higher esteem than they.

Henry A. Foster, was the successor of G, W. Ferris in December, 1890. Then strenuous times in educational affairs began. In 1901, Mr. Foster took a stand for better things, and declared that what the law did not bar him from doing he had the right to do in the advancement of education. This was the reverse of former conditions and practice. Six things were declared necessary by him to bring about desired results: (1) A uniform system of text-books; (2) A course of study; (3) Monthly and term reports from teachers; (4) Monthly and term examination of district schools; (5) The education of the teachers - how to use the course of study and conduct the examinations; (6) The annual issuance of county diplomas and holding of graduation exercises for the country schools. He boldly announced his plan and determination, and, through the medium of township meetings, presented the matter to the people for their approval, and the wonder of it all, secured it. The people having chosen their delegates to the county convention to consider the matter and select the books, instructed each delegate, if he found himself in the minority at any time, to change his vote to the majority, thus making the action of the convention unanimous.

Thus a uniform system was provided, the books chosen, terms arranged, and the day set - December 1, 1891 - when the exchange should be made. The people did not wait for the directors to sign contracts, but changed anyway. Thus, in ten days the exchange was effected, and school books were uniform in Livingston County.

It was now up to the County Superintendent to make good. Institutes were called and careful papers prepared, instructing teachers how to use the new books. These papers were published in one of the county papers and freely distributed to teachers and directors. AM this was ably seconded by "The School News," a monthly publication issued from the Superintendent's office. Then came the building of the course of study, which was placed in the teachers' hands in August, 1892. The teachers were now plainly told their fitness to teach would be measured by their success in using the course of study, holding examinations and making prompt report to the Superintendent. Thus was a long forward step taken - a step that riveted the eyes of the entire State on Livingston County. The Superintendent was ably supported by the following persons, as well as by a host not mentioned: C. R. Tombaugh, C. M. Hamilton (Assistant County Superintendent), C. Slaughhaugh, C. E DeButts, Margaret Powell, J. E. Bangs, Ada Peart, Amanda Hubbard, and the entire county press. Everything worked out as planned, and the success was more complete than the most ardent bad hoped for.

Mr. C. R. Tombaugh succeeded Mr. Foster, and he ably carried on the work, thus firmly established, and improved it in such degree as to leave nothing for his successor to do but to follow the well marked and beaten pathway.

Now note changed conditions. In announcing the Institute, the Superintendent, following the precedent established in 1891, says: "Every teacher is expected to be present, only illness excusing." All are present to the individual and general profit,

At the present time, everything is working nicely, profitably, under the county course, which has been found so good, so practicable, as to be adopted for use in the eighth grades of nearly all the city and village schools of the county.

The first teachers' institute to assemble in Livingston County was held at New Michigan Academy in Newtown Township, on January 8, 1858, the following being the published call for the same: "Feeling the want of a more general system of co-operation in our endeavors to impart instruction to the youths that attend the various schools, and being of the opinion that the meeting of the teachers and friends of education, and a free interchange of views on the mode of teaching would conduce greatly to improve our schools, we therefore call attention of the teachers of the county to a meeting to be held at the New Michigan Academy on January 8, 1858, for the purpose of organizing a Teachers' Institute. Let nothing prevent your coming. Provisions have been made for as many as may

The meeting was very poorly attended, caused, no doubt, by its location in the extreme northwestern part of the county, and the sessions were therefore necessarily short. The committee on resolutions, in submitting their report for adoption, had embodied in them the following: "That we will consider every teacher unworthy the profession, that may not attend these meetings." This resolution excommunicating every teacher that did not attend the meeting, was afterwards the subject of much comment by the teachers throughout the county.

At the second County Teachers' Institute, held in Pontiac, April 1-3, 1858, M. Gower, S. L. Manker and E. B. Neville, the committee appointed to select a series of text-books to be used in the public schools, was reported as follows, said report being unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That the cause of education in Livingston County demands of the teachers of the county a warmer interest in its behalf and a more thorough qualification for their duties, and that, to promote these objects, our teachers' institute is earnestly commended to their attention.

"Resolved, That a uniform system of textbooks, the extended circulation of "The Illinois Teacher,' and other papers on education, and the frequent meeting of teachers' institutes are the most important prerequisites for the promotion of common school education.

"Resolved, That we are of the opinion that McGuffey's Speller and Reader, Ray's Arithmetic, Mitchell's Geography, Pinneo's Grammar and Sander's Speller, are the best adapted to our common schools, and would recommend them to be used."

The officers elected were: President, James H. Hagerty ; vice presidents, S. S. Saul, Pontiac; T. A. Jones, Indian Timber; W. G. McDowell, Avoca; Eli Myer, Eppards Point; J. L. Peck, New Michigan; E. G. Rice, Sunbury; Orlando Chubbuck, Long Point. At this time there was no County Superintendent of schools. James H. Hagerty was the School Commissioner. Not a female teacher was in attendance at this institute.

Pursuant to previous notice, the third teachers' institute, assembled at the court house in Pontiac on Monday, December 27, 1858, at 2 o'clock P. M., under the charge of Dr. ©. C.

Hoagland of Tazewell county, and organized by choosing Reuben Macy permanent secretary, and John W. Smith and Miss Mary Murphy a committee of reception. The following persons enrolled their names as members of the institute: John Peck, S. L. Manker, N. W. Pearson, John W. Smith, L. Swett, A. G. Pratt, E, Finley, Reuben Macy, Mary Murphy, A. B. Hanley, George W. Knapp, Ann E. Eths, Marietta B. Bennett, Ellen M. Johnson, William J. Murphy, Emily F. Bailey, Pontiac; R. Springer, Isaac G. Mott, Dwight; S. B. Johnson, Eben W. Gower, B. A. Gower, Sunbury; M. ©. Kingsbury, B. J. Udell, Rev. H. H. Hinman, Elizabeth A. Walton, New Michigan; Jane M. Pearson, Caynga; J. L. McDowell, Fairbury; J. W. Richmond, Chenoa ; Ann E. McDowell and Mary A. White, Avoca. The institute was in session five days, adjourning on Friday evening, Dr. C. C. Hoagland of Tazewell county and M. T. Hutchinson of Cheming were the conductors. The first and second days, proceedings were given over to the conductors, who made appropriate addresses on education in the common schools. A "court of errors," for the purpose of correcting ungrammatical expressions dropped by any member during the session, was held, the name of the teacher making the error being omitted. The ready lesson came first in order, particular attention being directed to articulation. Exercises in eritical reading were had, followed by exercises in the vocal and consonant sounds and their combinations. Then came lessons in arithmetic, and the different methods of teaching geography and grammar. We note from the proceedings of

Son was had in astronomy, almanacs being used as text-books. Much good was accomplished at the institute, every teacher enrolled being present at each session, and the lecturers were given close attention. After thanking the people of Pontiac for their hospitality in entertaining the teachers free of cost at their homes, it was resolved, "That our thanks are due to the Board of Supervisors for the liberal appropriatrou ($100) which they made for the support of the institute," and "That we return to our several schools with an ardent desire to improve ourselves as teachers, according to the valuable suggestions of our instructors; and notwithstanding that we feel more than ever our imperfections, we are encouraged to press forward towards a higher standard of excellence in our arduous

The fourth institute convened in Pontiac on December 26, 1859. Reuben Macey was chairman and E, J. Udell secretary. Motion to elect officers for the year 1860 was carried, upon which the following officers were elected: President, Otho Pearre; vice president, S. S. Saul; secretary, J. W. Smith; treasurer, J. L. Mc- Dowell. The following were appointed as the executive committee: I. T. Whittemore, E. J. Udell, N. J. Pillsbury, L. K. Westcott, J. H. Coe, John Peck and Reuben Macey. On motion, Webster's dictionary was adopted as the standard authority of the institute during its session. Some of the schools of the county were conducted six days in the week previous to this institute, but at this session it was resolved, "that a careful investigation has convinced us that scholars will advance faster in their studles with five days' school each week than with six." Soon after this, the system of five school days each week was adopted all over the county.

The fifth institute met at the Bureau school house in Nebraska Township September 2, 1860, with a small attendance. Those present were: Otho Pearre, Jr., Nathaniel J. Pillsbury, E. J. Udell, J. W. Smith, H. H. McDowell, J. H. Hotchkins, Miss L. Macy, S. C. Pillsbury, D. L. Murdock, Miss M. E. Porter, J. P. Herrick, John Peck, Miss S. J. Peck, Miss L. Maxwell, Mrs. Mary J. McGregor, Mr. Craig, Miss E. J. Miller, Miss J. C. Smith, N. Darnall, J. J. Doolittle, Miss M. E. Pillsbury, M. Peck, B. F. Fitch, Mr. Kenyon, J. M. Groves, Miss Brown, M. M. Tremble, Reuben Macy. The following officers were elected for the next year: President, Prof. Otho Pearre, Jr.; vice president, Nathaniel J. Pillsbury; recording secretary, John W. Smith; treasurer, I. T. Whittemore. During this session, Prof. Otho Pearre, Jr., read his celebrated poem on "Folly," which was well received. The following resolution was offered and discussed at length: "Resolved, That corporal punishment should not be used in school." Affirmative, E. J. Udell, A. J. Anderson, Reuben Macy, J. W. Smith and D. L. Murdock; negative, N. J. Pillsbury, I. T. Whittemore, Otho Pearre and I. P. Herrick. Many differences arose when the question, "Which is the oldest permanent settlement in the United States of America?" The majority said "Jamestown," in Virginia; the minority and the conductor said, "St. Augustine," in Florida.

School Statistics Of 1908

Livingston County in 1908, had 8,592 children of all ages enrolled in its public schools. The total number of persons between six and twentyone is 11,296, so that it will be seen that the bulk of the children are where they should be, in school. In round numbers the county pays a quarter of a million dollars for the education of its younger generation, the average annual cost of schooling last year for children of all ages being $25.64.

If the people nowadays had large families as they used to have, it would almost bankrupt the people to keep up their school taxes, but the chances are that, if the average family was quite large, the per capita cost would be considerably lower, for in many districts there could be a very considerable increase in the pupils and they could be cared for by the same number of teachers now employed.

The school population of "Livingston County has increased, but not as some might think, for the migration from this county westward and to large cities, like Chicago, has been going on steadily for many years, and this has served to keep down the population and naturally the number of children of school age.

Reports from all over the county show that there are 8,162 boys under twenty-one years of age and 7,906 girls, a total of 16,068. Taking the total population of the county at 47,000 - for that is just about what it is - it will be seen that the youngsters form no inconsiderable part of the whole. Boys between six and twenty-one years of age number 5,696 and girls 5,600, a total of school age of 11.296. The boys in graded schools are 1,991, girls 2,073; boys in ungraded schools, 2,318, and girls, 2,210, or a total in all public schools in the county of 8,592.

The county has twenty-six graded schools and 285 ungraded. Graded schools were in session 231 months and ungraded 1,921%, a total of 2,15214 months. The total months taught by teachers was 3,066. The days attendance in graded schools was 626,702 and in ungraded schools 543,232, The county has eighteen brick school houses and 248 frame buildings, the

Two hundred and forty-two districts have libraries, and the new books purchased during the year were 852. The total number of volumes now in school libraries in the county aggregate 22,067, and the value of the libraries is given at $13,360.

The highest wages paid any male teacher was $244.44 and the best received by any woman teacher $133.33. The lowest wage for men was $37.50 and for women, $30.

Outside of teachers' salaries there was paid out for fuel, janitor, insurance and incidentals, $27,384.67, and principal on district bonds, $12,- 631.78.

The amount of sixteenth-section school lands still retained by School Trustees, is but 660 acres. Fayette owns all of its sixteenth section and Chatsworth owns twenty acres in an adjoining township. ú

Pontiac Public Library

The library movement in Pontiac began in 1881. Its promoters were Dr. J. J. Stites, Willlam B. Fyfe and Byron Woolverton. These gentlemen made an active membership and money canvass, which resulted in the establishment of the Pontiac Library Association with a membership of forty and a fund of $100. One hundred volumes were purchased and placed in the drug store of Dr. J. W. Filkins, with Byron Woolverton as librarian. The membership grew and books were gradually added, always with the end in view that this library

In 1892, Mrs. H. A. Foster and Miss May Waters, representing the society of King's Daughters, accompanied by Henry A. Foster, called upon the city council individually, laying the matter before them so successfully that the desired ordinance was soon passed and a library board appointed according to statute and organized with Mrs. Henry A. Foster, president; Mrs. O. P. Bourland, secretary. The other members were Charles Barickman, Edgar P. Holly, Edward O. Reed, J. A. Marshall, A. E. Harding, Charles A. McGregor and Dr. J. J. Stites, who afterwards became secretary.

The King's Daughters promply donated $50. Later some of the young men of the city donated $42.25, the proceeds of an entertainment given by them. A bicycle tournament was held during the summer and ten per cent of the gate receipts were donated.

One of the most public-spirited men of the community was Judge Billings P. Babcock. Dr. J. J. Stites and Charles A. McGregor, believing that Mr. Babcock would gladly give substantial help, told, him of the efforts being made and asked him to join in the work. Mr. Babcock deeded to the board the two blocks of land now occupied by the township high school. This was then sold to D. S. Myers for $3,200, Mr. Myers at the same time donating $400. The present library site was then purchased of Miss Eliza Gilroy for $800. Bonds for $5,000 were now the building. Plans and specifications drawn by Weschelberger & Janowitz of Peoria were approved by the city council and accepted by the board, and H. C. Miller, also of Peoria, received the contract. The building was finished in the spring of 1894, and was formally opened on the evening of May 24th. Prayer was offered by the Rey. D. K. Campbell, special music rendered by Vaughan's orchestra, a ladies' quartet, a stringed quintet, and addresses given by Mrs, Henry A. Foster, Major R. W. McClaughry and Rey. Thomas Doney. During the evening, Pontiacis artist, George E. Colby, presented a picture called "Pontiac in 1794," Mr. Colby painted this picture especially for the library. It is on a 21%4x4foot canvass and represents that portion of the river just below the bridge. An Indian encampment is pictured on what is now the county jail site. A party of Indian hunters bearing their game is seen crossing the lowland on the opposite side and fording the river. The work is beautifully executed and is much admired even by those who know nothing of Pontiac's early days. The older residents especially like it, 'declaring it to be a very true reproduction of the river and its banks as known to them in their youth.

In July, 1904, Miss Nell Thornton was appointed librarian, and Miss Irene Warren of Armour Institute was engaged to work with her for one month to instruct her in library methods.

The reading room was supplied with a dozen monthly periodicals, four weeklies, several Chicago dailies and the local papers. For the first year most of these were given. The barbers gave the Cosmopolitan, the Clionian society the Century, the Vermilion Club, Harper's, and other societies, churches and individuals subscribing for others. The running expenses until 1897, were met by appropriation made by the city council from unappropriated funds. At the 1897 session of the legislature, Oscar F. Avery, representative from this district, presented a bill which was passed providing for the levy of a tax of two mills on the dollar for the special maintenance of libraries and reading rooms in towns of over 2,000 population. Under this law, the city council passed an ordinance directing the annual levy of one mill on every dollar of taxable property within the city, this to be independent of the regular two per cent levy allowed by law for this purpose and known as the library fund. Up to this time, the number of volumes increased slowly, but with the steady growth of the city the library fund has also steadily grown, which means an increased outlay for the purchase of books. In the beginning, the Pontiac library association gave its 800 volumes. For a number of years lecture courses and other entertainments were given, which materially increased the amount for book purchasing. Liberal donations, either in books, or in money for the purchase of books, were made by the Clionian society, the kindergarten board, Major R. W. McClaughry, Mrs. D. S. Myers, the Misses Hamilton, Mrs. Harriet Humis- ton, Miss Mayme Brydia, and other societies and individuals, The most constant donor has been and is Dr. J. J. Stites. Money, books, time and labor have all been given freely by him. No personal sacrifice has been too great, if by making it he might be enabled to further the interests of the library. Besides the donations, about 4,500 books have been purchased out of the library fund, there now being over 5,500 books owned by the library.

In the fourteen years since its establishment more than 3,600 members have been enrolled and over 300,000 books drawn for home reading. Improvements have also been made in the building. The wooden steps have been replaced by iron; the plastered ceiling by steel, the board floors in the basement by concrete, and over 600 feet of shelving has been added to the original 300 feet.