Walla Walla County, Washington - Chapter 16: The Educational Institutions of W.\ll.\ Wall.\ County, 1901

Chapter 16: The Educational Institutions of W.\ll.\ Wall.\ County

The larger portion of this work is occulted with facts in respect to the political and industrial and military history of the county. But although these in the nature of the case are the most obvious and apparently important, it does not follow that there may not be other agencies of deeper import. One of the great foundation ideas of American states, an idea which underlies all that we have and are as a people to distinguish us from others, is the great thought of popular education. Amid all the eager bustle of business and experiment which have characterized the west, there has ever been the eager determination that facilities for education should be afforded the children of the state. It need not therefore surprise us to find that the western states in general surpass older ones in provision for schools. Some of the people of the Atlantic states, accutomed to look with something of a patronizing disdain upon the supposedly uncultured communities of the west, are greatly surprised when they discover from statistics that the average of freedom from illiteracy is greater in the west than in the east. The three states with the least percentage of illiterates are Iowa, Nebraska and Washington. \\'hile we thus claim a very high standard for oin- state and for the west in general, we should not arrogate to ourselves an equality with some of the picked communities of the eastern states in the organization and equipment of our schools. It takes time to accomplish the great results of a complete educational system. It is not yet possible that Washington should have schools equal in all respects to those of Ohio, Massachusetts or Michigan.

But this we of the state of Washington can claim, that the people of no state surpass ours in general intelligence or in a disposition to accord the highest opportunities for education for their children. We ha\-e been laying, broad and deep, the foundations for popular education. Our schools, while not yet fully developed, contain within themselves the latent resources of a life and power equal to the best.

What is true of the schools of the state in general is also true of those of this county. Considering the time that they have had, the schools of this county are a just source of pride to the citizens. Walla Walla city has become within the last few years an educational center, perhaps beyond any other place in the state. Aside from the excellent public school system, at the head of which stands the high school, we have here Whitman College, Walla Walla College, St. Paul's Academy, St. Vincent's Academy, La Salle Institute, the Walla Walla Business College, and a privately conducted kindergarten.

The Public School System

It is the primary object of the writer, in preparing this statement, to present to the pubhc a brief recital of the present condition of the educational facilities of Walla Walla county, rather than attem[it to give any account of the history and growth of those facilities. Were it even desirable to do so, it would, for two reasons, prove a somewhat difficult undertaking. The records compiled by the earlier school officers are quite incomplete, if compared with present requirements, and the subdivision of the original county into the present counties of Columbia, Garfield, Asotm and Walla .Walla, occasioned many changes in the various school districts, and led to a complete re-districting and re-numbering. This, the records in the county superintendent's office show, was done between the years 1879 and 1&86.

In 1891, the county superintendent, by order of the county commissioners, brought together in one book the plats and boundaries of the various districts, numbered consecutively from 1 to 53. Since that date, to meet the requirements of the constant increase in population, many changes in boundaries have been made and 13 new districts have been formed, making a total of 66. Six of these are joint w-ith Columbia county.

The subdivision of the county into 66 school districts brings nearly every section within easy range of school facilities. Especially is this true of the eastern and southern portions where the county is most densely populated. With but few exceptions these districts have good, comfortable school houses, furnished with modern pa'ent desks, and fairly well supplied with apparatus. Six new school houses were built, and a considerable amount of furniture was purchased last year.

A movement which is receiving considerable attention and which is proving of great service to the county is the establishment by private enterprise, entertainment or subscription, of district libraries. About twenty have received their books, whith are eagerly read by both pupils and parents. Others are preparing entertainments to raise a library fund. It is greatly to be hoped that our legislature may pass some law at this session to encourage the district library. It is one of the measures most needed to improve our rural schools.

Another feature that is proving of benefit to the country schools is common school graduation. An opportunity to take an examination for graduation is given at various times, to eighth-grade pupils in any of the schools. The diplomas admit to high school without further examination. Many take pride in having finished the common school course, and are induced to remain in school much longer than they otherwise would.

Eight districts are at present maintaining graded schools. There seems to be a growing sentiment in some of the more densely populated sections to gather together their pupils for the superior advantages of the graded school. Walla Walla, No. 1, provides an excellent four year high school course. No. 3 (Waitsburg) also has a high school department.

Were all the schools in session at the same time there would be required a force of 116 teachers. The districtsemploying more than one teacher are: Walla Walla 30 Waitsburg 7, Prescott 3, Seeber 3, and Dixie, Wallula Harrer and Touchet 2 each. Of those employed at thig time, seven hold life diplomas or state certificates, 18 normal diplomas, 25 first grade certificates, 21 second grade, and 15 third grade. Twenty applicants failed last year. If the present crowded condition of the Walla Walla and Waitsburg schools continues next year it will necessitate an increase in the teaching force of five or six at the former place and of one at the latter.

The Teachers' Reading Circle was reorganized in January, and meetings have been arranged for the more central points throughout the county. The sessions are well attended, the exercises carefully prepared. About 50 teachers have purchased one or more of the books and enrolled as members. All teachers have free access to a library of about 75 volumes, treating principally on theory and practice, or the history and philosophy of education.

Our school districts never began a year on a more solid financial basis than they did the present one. Fiftyone of the sixty-six had a good balance to their credit in the hands of the county treasurer. A comparison of the last financial statement with that of previous years is given to mark the increase.

Receipts. 1897. 1898

The hard times experienced two or three years ago materially affected teachers' wages in this county. The average amount paid male teachers, according to the annual report of the county superintendent in 1898, was S56.57; for female teachers, S39.54. For 1900, male teachers, 862.50; female teachers, f 52.40. There seems, however, to be dawning a brighter future for the conscientious teacher. Rigid examinations for two years have lessened the competition from those who entered the work only because they had no other employment; the districts are able to hold longer terms and pay larger salaries now. The minimum salary this year is 810.00; other rural districts pay $45 and 850. Salaries in the graded schools are from f65 to 8100 per month. The average length of term in 1898 was six and one-half months; the average for 1900 is seven and three-fourths months.

The estimate in the county superintendent's annual report for 1898 places the total value of school houses and grounds at $162,080; of school furniture, 815,317; of apparatus, etc. , 83,871; of libraries, 81,690. Amount of insurance on school property, $79,605; of bonds outstanding, 145,300; warrants outstanding, $41,274. The last enumeration of children of school age shows 4,275 resided in the county June 1; of these 3,621 were enrolled in the public schools, and made an average daily attendance of 2,076.

Was inaugurated in the year 1889. under the superintendency of Professor R. C. Kerr, who also acts as city superintendent. The high school was located at the first in the Baker school, but in 1890 was quartered in the Paine school, and there it still continues. Its first class was graduated in 1893. The total number of graduates to 1900 was eighty. The course, which at first re(|uired three years, now gives four years of thorough study, which enables its graduates to enter Whitman College or any of the first-class colleges of the state. The number of students has increased rapidly until at the present time there are enrcjlled about one hundred and sixty pupils. The present faculty of the high school consists of Professor R. C. Kerr, Miss Rose Dovell and Professor J. W. Shepherd. Miss Amy B. Richards, Miss Blair and Mrs. Minnie Cohn were at different times on the faculty. The school is acquiring a considerable quantity of apparatus, and a well-selected, though not large, library. The high school is a just cause of satisfaction to the people of the town, and it plainly contains within it elements of growth and miprovement which will make it in time one of the best institutions of the kind in the state.

As we consider our present excellent public school systeiu, our minds are naturally turned toward the schools and the school buildings of the old days. It is said that the first school-house was within the present limits of the garrison reserve, and the teacher was Harry Freeman, of troop E, first dragoons. The year has been said to have been '56, though it must have been '57, inasmuch as the fort was not provided with any buildings until that year. This school was attended by several persons afterwards well known in Walla Walla. Among these were James and Hugh McCool, and their sister ]\Iaggie, afterward Mrs. James ilonaghan, mother of the gallant Lieutenant Monaghan, who perished recently in the Samoan islands. Robert Smith, Mrs. Mike Kenny, John Kelly, and the Sickler girls, are also said to have attended this school. The next school was started by Mrs. A. J. Miner. Her school was at first a private one, conducted in 1861-62 in a house on Alder street near the corner of First street, about where Mr. G. W. Babcock's house now stands. J. H. Blewett was also one of those early private teachers.

schools. A school clerk had, however, been appointed, together with other officers, on March 26, 1859, in the person of William B. Kelly. J. F. Wood was elected superintendent of schools at the election of July 14, 1862. In that year district No. i, embracing the whole city, was organized, a room rented and a teacher employed. No building was put up for school purposes, and little attention seems to have been paid to education until the fall of 1864. At that time there were two hundred and three children in the district, of whom but ninety-three were enrolled. On December 12, 1864, a school meeting was held, in which it was determined to levy a tax of two and onehalf mills for the erection of a school house. The block of land upon which the Baker school house now stands was donated by Dr.

The new building proved inadequate for its purpose, and a new district was organized in 1868 in the southwestern part of the town. A site having been secured on the corner of Willow and Eighth streets, a building was erected, which, with some additions, served its purpose until 1879. In that year the present Park street school was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars. In 1881 the two school districts were consolidated by act of the legislature. The members of the consolidated board of directors, consisting of the directors of the two separate districts, were H.

By a vote at a school election of April 29, 1882, it was decided to levy a tax of seventeen thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting a brick Innlding upon the block occupied by the first public school Innlding. This build- ing was accordingly constructed in 1882, and very appropriately, from the name of the donor of the land, became known as the Baker school building. The elegant Paine school building appeared in 1888, tlie College Place public school house was added in 1897, and the Sharpstein school building was erected in 1899.

Amone the citizens of Walla Walla who have contributed much of their time and thought to the burdensome duties of school directors may be found some of the busiest and most active men. The names of two especial veterans in the service, Paine and 5harpstein, are fittingly preserved in two of Ihe public school buildings.

District No. i is now organized under the new system of cities of the second class. This provides for five directors. These five directors are at present N. G. Blalock, Frank Dement, W. R. Criffield, J. B. Wilson and John Mun- .tinga.

A perusal of the facts given in the preceding paragraphs will convince any one that the public schools of Walla Walla are in a highly satisfactory condition.

Whitman College

have followed in an earlier chapter the thrilling and tragic events which made Waiilatpu memorable in the history of this state; the Whitman mission, the struggle for possession, the planting of industry, the rallying place of the slowly incoming American immigration, the midwinter ride of the hero Whitman, and then the yielding up before Indian .tomahawks of those noble lives, the massacre, .the war, and then the long period of desolation and loneliness.

Silence at last rested on the fair valleys which had for ten years resounded with savage warfare. The Cayuses, the Walla Wallas, the Umatillas and the Yakimas yielded the scepter, and the stars and stripes waved from the Pacific to the Bitter Roots.

As it became safe to venture into the land of battle, there came back land-hunters, cattle men, miners, explorers and ad\'enturers generally, eager to seize some advantage among the bountiful resources which had been seen by the immigrants of the 'forties and the soldiers of the Indian wars. But among the crowd of money-seekers there was at least one soul-seeker, and that was Father Eells.

From the time when in the tragic year of 1847, he, with the rest of the missionary band, had fled from the murderous natives, he had cherished the purpose to return. \\'hen twelve years had passed the time seemed ripe. In 1859 Father Eells stood beside the grave at Waiilatpu in which the dust of the fourteen martyrs was mingled indistinguishably, and as he there contemplated the past, with its sadness and apparent failure, his mind turned toward the future with its hopefulness and certain triumph. He made then a solemn vow that he would found a school of higher learning for the youth of both sexes, a memorial which he was sure his martyred friend Whitman would prefer, if he could speak, to a monument of marble.

In pursuance of his plan Father Eells purchased the section of land on which the missionary tragedy had been enacted and there he prepared to erect the building and start Whitman Seminary. It soon became evident, however, that the town was going to grow about the fort, six miles east, and there. Father

Eells decided, would be the proper place for liis cherished enterprise. Father Eels was entirely alone in his work, except for the equally devoted and faithful efforts of his wife and his two sons. They plowed and reaped, cut wood, raised chickens, made butter, and devoted the proceeds, aside from that necessary to the essentials of life, to accumulating a fund for starting the seminary. It was a slow, disheartening task, with every external circumstance against them. It is hard to conceive of a more pathetic history than that of Father Eells and his family, slowly, patiently, saving every scrap secured by their wearisome toil, in order to give it away for this purely unselfish purpose.

In about five years they had accumulated four thousand dollars, and then the seminary was located on ground donated by Dr. D. S. Baker. It was two years later, however, before the building was completed. That first building was dedicated on October 13, 1866, Though the few people of Walla Walla did not then realize it, that was the greatest event in the history of the place up to that time.

Space is not sutlicient to describe here the seminary. It did a sort of work necessary, but very trying to teachers, being ungraded, irregular, and without support, aside from the tuition. During that period Father Eells, Rev. P. B. Chamberlain, Professor William Mariner and Professor W. K. Grim were the chief teachers, though there were many others who taught for short periods. Among these may be named as principals Professor Crawford, Mrs. Jennings, Miss Simpson, Professor J. W. Brock, Professor Horace Lyman, Professor W. D. Lyman, Professor Rogers and Rev. Mr. Beach. Of assistants may be named Mr. Samuel Sweeney, now a well-known business man of Walla Walla; Miss Mary Hodgden, Miss

Sylvester, Miss S. I. Lyman, Horace S. Lyman, i\Iiss Clara Bergold, Mrs. M. A. Gustin, Mrs. Beach and \\\ A. Jones. It was a hard struggle to keep the life in the institution during that period, but devotion and patience, such as has seldom been seen, triumphed, and in 1883 the next great step was taken; for in that year the seminary was made a college. Dr. A. J. Anderson, who had been one of the foremost educators of the northwest and had been for several years president of the State University, was elected to the head of Whitman College, and entered upon his nine years of faithful and efficient work.

In 1883 the main building, now used as the conservatory of music, was erected, and Father Eells made a journey to the east to canvass for funds. He succeeded in raising sixteen thousand dollars. During the next year Mrs. N. F. Cobleigh, who gave several years of most effectix-e service in charge of the girls' boarding hall, raised eight thousand dollars by canvassing in the east. During the presidency of Dr. Anderson there was a considerable number of graduates, and the college took a high stand among the institutions of the northwest. A number of the present leading men in the city of Walla \ValIa graduated during that period. But the resources of the college were then scanty and its work one of trial and hardship for the president and faculty. In 1891 Dr. Anderson resigned, having accomplished the most that had been done up to that time in the work of the institution. Then J. F. Eaton was appointed president. The next three years were the severest and least satisfactory which had yet occurred in the history of Whitman. Owing to unfortunate policies and management the college lost greatly in efficiency and public esteem, and the support so fell off that in the summer of 1894 it was seriously anticipated by many that it woultl never open again. It was saved by the devotion and efficiency of several of the trustees and faculty and by the election to the presidency in 1894 of Rev. S. B. L. Penrose. President Penrose entered at once with tremendous and never-flagging energy upon his great task of raising money and placing the college upon a solid foundation. Dr. D. K. Pearsons, of Chicago, whose philanthropy had already wrought wonders for several colleges in the country, became interested in the heroic story of Whitman, antl offered fifty thousand dollars as an endowment fund, in case one hundred and fifty thousand dollars were raised besides. Though that was in the very blackest part of the "hard times," the town of Walla Walla responded nobly, and the money was secured. Subsequently Dr. Pearsons made the offer of fifty thousand dollars for a main hall, in case there were twentyfive thousand dollars raised for a young men's dormitory. This also was mainly secured, ]\Irs. Billings, of New York, being the largest contributor. As a result there arose upon the college campus in the eastern part of Walla Walla the stately Whitman memorial building, the most beautiful structure in this part of the state, and Billings hall, a comfortable, convenient and commodious building, capable of accommodating seventy or seventy-five persons.

During these building years of 1899 and 1900 there was also a great growth in all other departments of the college. A great addition was made to the physical and chemical appliances. The library was greatly increased, having reached on January i, 1901, nearly ten thousand volumes. The number of students increased from about fifty in 1894 to about two hundred and sixty in 1900. The faculty increased during the same period from eight to si.xteen. Although the resources of the college are yet limited in comparison with its needs and the ambitions and hopes of its faculty and friends, yet they have increased so much beyond any former mark as to place Whitman in the front rank of educational institutions in the state.

In connection with Whitman College it is fitting to narrate the steps taken to mark the grave of Whitman and his associate martyrs. As already noted, Father Eells decided that Whitman would have preferred a memorial school to a monument of marble. And for many years it looked as though Walla Walla and the state of Washington meant to take him at his word, and leave that grave with its sad, pathetic, tragic associations unmarked and unnoticed. For years the grave was the burrowing ground of badgers, and the dry west wind swept the dust of summer and the snow of winter around it, and cattle trampled it, while aside from a white picket fence, which was soon broken, there was no distinguishing mark of the heroic spot. But there were those in both Oregon and Washington, as well as elsewhere, who felt that the community's or the nation's self-respect required some due commemoration of that grave. In 1897 the matter was pushed in earnest by the college faculty and by the Historical Society of Oregon, with the result that funds were pledged and a contract made to erect a worthy memorial on the neglected but hallowed ground. Accordingly, on November 29, 1897, the fiftieth anniversary of the massacre, in the presence of a vast throng, the dedication services were dul}- performed. The monument consists of a beautiful, though plain and stately, granite shaft, erected on the hill o\erlooking the grave and all the surrounding country. The grave itself is marked by a marble crypt in which are enclosed such human remains as the excavation of the gra\'e disclosed. And in connection with these remains it is of interest to remember that among them, being mainly disordered and confused, there were several human skulls, one of which was pronounced by anatomists that of a female, doubtless that of Mrs. Whitman, and another was deemed to be without question that of Dr. Whitman. It was of the right age, and contained a gold-filled tooth. It was said by Perrine Whitman, a nephew of the doctor, that the latter had such a filling, a rare thing in those days. The most curious thing about these two skulls was that they were both sawed transversely from the forehead backward. This was thought by some familiar with Indian customs to have been done by the savages in order to let the "brave" out of the principal martyrs, which they thought might enter into the warriors and augment their power.

So, though for long years the chief heroes and martyrs of Walla Walla seemed to be forgotten, their recognition came. And though their physical substance was the prey to savages and wild beasts and the waste of the elements, their lives live again in the lives of the youth whom they permanently influence. Whitman College has become their monument, one. more lasting, it is to be hoped, than even the granite shaft or marble crypt of the grave. In completing this brief sketch of Whitman College it is proper to name here the present faculty : Rev. S. B. L. Penrose, president and professor of philosophy; W. D. Lyman, professor of history and civics; Helen A. Pepoon, professor of Latin; L. F. Anderson, professor of Greek; B. H. Brown, professor of physics and chemistry; H. S. Brode, professor of natural history; O. A. Hauerbach, professor of English literature and oratory ; W. A. Bratton, professor of mathematics ; J. W. Cooper, professor of modern languages; Louise R. Loomis, instructor in Greek and Latin; W. L. Worthington, instructor in Greek and Latin ; S. H. Lovewell, musical director; Clarice Winship Colton, instructor in voice culture ; Edgar S. Fischer, instructor on the violin; Mrs. Crayne, matron of girls' dormitory; and Mrs. Jacobs, matron of the young men's dormitory. With this force and with the facilities and resources for work such as they are, the prospects of Whitman for the opening century are bright indeed.

The history of Saint Paul's School is crowded with struggles and brilliant with success. No educational institution of the northwest can show a similar record. Some thirty years ago Bishop Wells planned to erect a firstclass boarding school for girls on a picturesque piece of land donated for that purpose. The mason began his work. Three thousand dollars worth of stone was laid into the foundation of the coming edifice. The citizens of Walla Walla had pledged another three thousand dollars to aid the enterprise. Success seemed inevitable. But Tacoma, at that time the leading city of the sound, offered large inducements if the Walla Walla project would be abandoned in favor of a girls' seminary in Tacoma. Money proved too great a temptation and Walla Walla had to leave its cherished dream unrealized.

But the Garden city of the nortlnvest was not altogether ready to lose one of its noblest features. Dr. Lathrop, then rector of St. Paul's church, was a man of faith. He would not give up. And while he failed to build the magnificent edifice, he used to greatest advantage the old buildings, wliich were soon crowded with boarders from the surrounding country. At tiiat time Mrs. Appleton made a donation of three thousand dollars to be used as a foundation for an endowment fund. The outlook grew brighter, but at the departure of Dr. Lathrop, who had been the soul of the enterprise, the doors of Saint Paul's had to be closed.

For almost two years the school remained inactive. People had lost heart. The uncertainty of affairs discouraged not only those who might consider the principalship, but parents would hesitate to send their daughters. If the diocese had sold the school property, none would have been surprised. But Aliss Imogen Boyer, who was herself a graduate of the school, fully comprehended the high mission of a girls' seminary in this part of the country and bravely took hold of the situation. Since that time Saint Paul's has gone steadily forward. Rev. Andreas Bard advocated the sale of the old buildings and the purchase of some excellent property on Catherine street. This motion was carried and followed by another which suggested the sale of the original school grounds and the erection of first-class buildings. The day school doubled the number of its attendants; a boarding department was added. To-day Saint Paul's is one of the finest educational institutions of the northwest. It is located on the most beautiful spot in the heart of the city, has all modern conveniences and offers to the young women of our state tlie highest advantages of culture. Among the members of its faculty are graduates of Smith College, Berkeley and Stanford L^^niversities, and the most prominent citizens of Walla Walla constitute its board of trustees or give to their

If Saint Paul's school could find a wealthy patron, such as Whitman College found in Dr. Pearsons, its work for good could be infinitely expanded. The past has been a history of struggle and success - a continuous record of self-help and self-sacrifice. What the future would be with an endowment' fund behind the spirit of heroic enterprise, can only be imagined. But there is reason to think that financial aid would place Saint Paul's School on a par with the old established institutions of the east. Walla Walla is to be congratulated on having in its midst such grand educational possibilities.

The Catholic Schools

The Catholics of Walla Walla, through the zealous endeavors of their pastors and their own generous co-operation, ha\e, for the last thirty-five years, been enabled to procure for their children the advantages of a Christian education. In 1864 was opened, where St. Mary's hospital now stands, by the Very Rev. J. B. A. Brouillet, a Catholic school for girls. This was conducted by the Sisters of Providence. One year later St. Patrick's Academy for boys flung wide its portals. This educational establishment stood near the present site of the Catholic church. The first teacher was Mr. H. L. Lamarche. This excellent preceptor presided over the destinies of the academy for fifteen years. Among the other teachers were Mr. J. J. Donovan, Mr. A. M. Sommers, ^[iss Tina Johnson and Miss Eliza Sexton. Mr. J. J. Donovan organized a company of cadets among the pupils. Later a brass band was established in connection with the school.

The positions of honor held by former students of the academy and the creditable manner in which they have acquitted themselves of their responsible duties are convincing evidence of the superiority of their moral and intellectual training.

A new building had to be erected to accommodate the ever increasing numbers that applied for admission to the academy. Assisted by the generous contributions of his parishioners, especially by the magnificent bequest of Miss Maria O'Rourke, the Very Rev. M. Flohr was enabled to erect the elegant school building that stands on Alder street near Seventh. Right Rev. E. J. O'Dea blessed the edifice in JNIay, 1899. August 15, 1899, three brothers of the Christian schools arrived in Walla Walla from San Francisco to manage the new school, henceforth to be known as De La Salle Institute. It was so named in honor of St. J. B. De La 'Salle, founder of the congregation of which the brothers are members. De La Salle Institute opened September 4, 1899, with one hundred pupils; the second year commenced with one hundred and thirty in attendance.

St. Vincent's Academy is the Catholic school for girls. This noble institution was founded in 1864 by the sisters of charity from Montreal. The little band which undertook the arduous task of opening an educational establishment in the newly established territory was composed of Sisters Columbay, Paul Miki and Nativity, whose names are held in veneration by all who had the happiness of knowing them. IMany and great were the difficulties to be overcome in the new and uncivilized country, in which resources are few and customs and manners strange. But the zealous laborers, aided by their devoted pastors, Vicar General Brouillet, Father DufYy,

Father Flohr and kind friends, struggled on. With years the work grew, and now many of the rei)resentative women of the northwest prove their gratitude to their alma mater by lives of highest Christian purpose; they found that St. Vincent's bad been for them an inspiration.

The present building, erected in 1879-80, is pronounced by all who visit it to be one of the finest structures in the state. It is spacious, well ventilated, convenient, and furnished with all mudern improvements. The extensive grounds surrounding the institution offer every inducement to the young ladies to engage in healthful exercise.

The plan of instruction is systematic and thorough, embracing all that could be desired for the highest culture. Besides the graduating department, a special course meets the wants of the young ladies who, not wishing to go through the course of graduation, are an.xious to obtain a good practical education.

Every facility is afforded for attaining proficiency in vocal and instrumental music. Stenography and typewriting are specialties. Plain and fancy needle work are taught free of charge.

Parents and guardians wishing to secure for young ladies the benefits of a solid and refined education, with maternal supervision over their health, morals and manners, will have no reason to regret their choice of St. Vincent's Academy.

Walla Walla College

hundred acres of the town-site of College Place. It was founded in 1892, and has gained a reputable place among the educational institutions of the west. It is the only college of its kind in the northwest : and that it is rightly located, is demonstrated by its liberal patronage, which has been enjoyed since its opening nine years ago.

It is owned and operated by the Seventh- Day Adventists. and though denominational in character, its doors are open to all young people of good moral character. On account of its high standard of morality, its Christian faculty, its atmosphere of culture and refinen;ent, its full and complete curriculum, it is certainly a safe place for parents to send their children, as well as an institution where a liberal education can be received.

The building is a substantial brick structure, four stories in height, of modern design and architecture. Two brick dormitories are connected with the main building where nonresident students reside. These buildings are surroiuided by a beautiful campus, and the whole by orchards and gardens which appear on e\ery side. Spring water of the best cjuality is supplied to the building and also for irrigation purposes in the college garden, consisting of several acres.

As the managers aim to make the college a place where young people of limited means may get their education, they have spared no pains to reduce all necessary expenses to a minimum. In fact the industrious student, by a wise use of his vacation and the assistance of the college, is enabled to meet his own expenses. The managers have learned that the self-sustaining students are its best.

grown up with the college, known as College Place. It has two merchandise stores, which do considerable business with the farmers for several miles around. The college has become to be closely associated with the economic institutions of the community in which it is located.

But \\^alla \\'alla College has a far more important influence. The world needs educated men and women, who are truly educated. True education is the power of doing. Every faculty of the being is to be educated and trained for usefulness. One writer has truthfully defined education as the "harmonious development of all our powers, both physical, mental, and moral." Such an education will expand and define. Witln ait it, the individual is more or less crippled. Correct education makes the essential difference in mental capacity, character and destiny between the simple child of nature and the man of giant intellect.

manager; Verah McPherson, Accountant; Rose Gintlier, Secretary; Church School Department, Mrs. J. L. Kay. Tliere arc two hundred students in attendance at tlie i)resent time.

Business College

\\'alla Walla has had also for a number of years a flourishing business college. It was founded in 1887, by A. M. and J. L. Cation and J. R. Stubblefield. After conducting this with great success for four years, the projectors sold out in 1891 to Merwin Pugh. He conducted the school for another period of four years, and in 1895 J. W. Brewer became the owner and manager. In spite of the crippling effects of the hard times, the college was in the main well patronized through all those years.

Waitsburg Academy

The founding of the Waitsljurg Academy is a simple story, inseparaljly connected with the establishing of the L^nited Presbyterian cliurch of North America in eastern \\'ashington.

Early in the 'eighties there was an active movement among all the religious bodies of the eastern states for the evangelization of Washington territorv. Rumors of vast resources, and genial clime had made a deep impression on the popular mind. It was felt by all religious denominations that this \-ast, prosjjective state must be saved for Christ and the church - a work too heavy for the colonists alone, hence needing the support of friends everywhere, in order that necessary church and school buildings might be erected and pastors and teachers adequately supiilicd.

United Presbyterian church in the fall of 1884 sent out the Rev. Joseph Alter as general missionary to eastern Washington. He was successful in organizing church work in different locations, one of which was Waitsburg. Here he established a congregation, now known as the United Presbyterian church, Waitsburg. To this congregation the Rev. W. G. M. Hays, now Dr. Hays of the United Presbyterian church at Pullman, Washington, was sent in the early spring of 1886, by appointment of the Home Mission Board of the church. During the first months of Dr. Hays in this field, the con\-iction was forced upon him, that Waitsburg needed a high grade Christian school of secondary instruction - not a college; but a school distinctively Christian in methods, aims, and discipline, and of such a grade as would afford suitable training for tlie ordinary walks in life, or fit students for advanced work in colleges.

"We counseled with friends ; some shook the liead doubtfully, others of a more sanguine temperament said that they would like to see il tried, for they believed that such a school, properly managed, would succeed. We resolved to put the matter to a practical test and laid our plans accordingly."

The plans were well laid, the Board of Education of the church, upon request, made an appropriation of six hundred dollars for the first year, and sent Professor J. G. Thompson, A. B., to take charge of the work. The business men of the city guaranteed two hundred dollars to be paid in case of need. With this for a basis, and without any formal organization of either Board of Directors or Trustees, the Waitsburg Academy opened its doors to the

Success attended the effort. The presbytery of Oregon adopted the infant, and later it was taken under the care of the synod of the Columbia of the United Presbyterian church of North America; and at length became a corporate body under the laws of the territory of \^'ashington. The incorporators were, the Revs. Hugh F. Wallace, W. G. Irvine, W. A. Spalding, \\\ G. M. Hays, J. H. Niblock, and Messrs. A. W. Philips, David Roberts, Edward F. Sox, T. J. Hollowell, and John E. Evans.

"We, citizens of Waitsburg and vicinity, do hereby form ourselves into a joint stock company for the purpose of erecting an academy building, assisting in the maintenance of the school for three years, beginning September I, 1887; and effecting an organization with the United Presbyterian church of North America for the permanent establishment of said academy."

This company raised nearly six thousand dollars, four thousand dollars of which was used in the erection of a frame building, and the remainder going for the support of the school, during the three following years.

Dr. Hays undertook to raise an endowment fund equivalent to the amount raised by the citizens for the erection of a building, and, as the result of a visit to the east, he succeeded in raising two thousand dollars. In the fall of 18S9 the Rev. W. R. Stevenson at the instance of the presbytery of Oregon was sent east and succeeded in raising the endowment to four thousand dollars. In the spring of 1892, iliss Ina F. Robertson, then principal of tiie academy, went east and raised the remaining one thousand dollars, together with six hundred dollars for the improvement of the building. In 1894, Miss Robertson again went east and succeeded in raising the funds necessary for the erection of a new building. This building is of brick, very commodious, and suitable for the work of the school. Its erection was completed before the end of 1896.

The work done by the academy is grouped under the following heads or courses : Academic, normal, business, preparatory and music. Each of these courses is complete in itself and eminently practical. The time required for completing any of these courses varies from two to four years, depending upon the course, the previous schooling, and natural ability of the student. The academic is the highest course, and upon completion of this course the graduate receives a diploma.

The first class to graduate from the academic department was the class of 1890, consisting of Misses Mary A. Dixon, Anna Flinn, Emma McKinney, and Mr. Robert Jones. Since that time there have been graduated from this course, including the class of 1901, a total of thirty-two. This does not include graduates from the other departments. The graduates are found in all the principal walks of life - business, medicine, law, teaching, the army and the ministry - many of them having completed a course at some higher or more technical school.

dollars for endowment and five thousand dollars for a dormitory, provided it raises five thousand dollars. An effort will be made during the year to complete this amount. With the increased facilities which will come from the possession of this much needed money the faculty will make such a school as was contemplated by the founders, and ab3ve all such a school as will, by its influence, help mightily in bringing in the kingdom of the Master.

This sketch must not close without mentioning the names of the friends in the east who have so generously assisted in the work here. These are : 'Sir. James Law, of Shushan,

New York, and his sister, Miss ilary Law. Mr. Law has lately gone to his reward, but his sister still continues to be the good angel of the school, for to her generosity is due the afore m.entioned offer of money to the endowment fund. Neither must we close without recalling to the mind of the reader that to the energy, enthusiasm and faith of Dr. Hays and Miss Ina L. Robertson, generously assisted by the citizens of Waitsburg, is due all that the academy has accomplished as an institution for the bettering of mankind. May it long live to fulfill its mission.