Langlade County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 9 of those read), 1922

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 9 of those read)

State Land Grants - Ordinance of 1787 - First Langlade County School - Pioneer Teaching Methods - Early Teachers - Graded and Consolidated Schools - Antigo High School - Public Schools - Parochial Schools - County Superintendents - Antigo Public Library - City Superintendents - Antigo Pioneer Club - Wisconsin Geographical Society of Antigo - Langlade County Historical Society - Graduates by Classes from 1885-1922, inclusive, Antigo High School - Langlade County Normal.

"That religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to the government and happiness of mankind, schools and means of education shall be forever encouraged," declared the Ordinance of 1787. At once the founders of this nation encouraged and fostered, in the organic law of government, education among the people.

Thirteen years before Congress carved Wisconsin from the Northwest Territory, it set aside every sixteenth section within the limits of the proposed state for common school purposes, estimated at 1523 sections. Later 72 sections were set aside as a University fund. 72 additional sections were granted the University fund. This grant was assigned to saline lands, but other lands were substituted. Various grants of land, too numerous to mention here and not of assistance in revealing the motive of this chapter, were granted to the state for school funds at varying periods from 1848 to 1922. All lands and moneys were given to the state in trust in order to create a fund, the

An Old Log Cabin School

Bay. James Porlier, ancestral relative of Louis Porlier, ex-Sheriff of Langlade County, was the instructor. There were many private and religious schools in the state before 1836. Edward West taught the first public school in Town Kilbourn (now a part of Milwaukee). The first Wisconsin high school was established in 1846. Eleazer Root was the first State Superintendent of Wisconsin Schools. A free high school law was passed in 1875, five years before the organization of Langlade County, and carried with it an appropriation of $25,000.00.

The Bennet Law

Under the Territorial government state schools were under the jurisdiction of county commissioners, who were replaced by the town superintendents. School boards of three members were later organized. Town superintendents were then responsible to the County Clerk. This was an improvement. In early years County Superintendents carried teacher's cer-

Thus the total number of acres of land grants to the state aggregated nearly five million acres. Yet the income derived from such a vast area is far below what it should be. Powerful combines, making pleas for immigration, purchased thousands of acres of public school land grants and laid the foundation for large private fortunes.

The First Wisconsin School

tificates and promiscuously distributed them to friends, regardless of teaching qualifications. The first manual for common schools was issued by State Superintendent Graham in 1882. Since then the annual school manual is published by the State Department of Education.

In 1889, by the passage of the Bennet Law, making it compulsory for all children between ages of 7 and 14, to attend school at least 12 weeks and not more than 24 weeks, the educational system of the state became embroiled in politics. The Bennet Law was repealed in 1891 and a new compulsory law was instituted.

The Origin Of Arbor Day

Setting aside a day for the annual planting of trees was first proclaimed by the Governor of Nebraska in 1872. Hon. B. G. Northrop, Secretary of the Connecticut Board of Education in 1865 was the first to suggest such a day. Observance of Arbor Day in Wisconsin on the first Friday of May is annually proclaimed by the Governor. Arbor Day is also associated with Bird Day, when children are instructed in the care and protection of birds.

The Arbor Day manual of exercises and instructions is annually published by the State Department of Education. Arbor Day has been the means of planting millions of trees throughout the United States. Since the World War many of the trees have been dedicated to fallen American heroes.

the beginning of education in Langlade County. Miss Addie Wescott of Shawano was probably the first teacher. In this one room log structure, surrounded by dense forests, the children of the early settlers were taught the "three R's." The first pupils to attend school in the county were : Waldo A. Yates, Elton C. Larzelere. Levi R. Farrow, Etta B. Farrow and Carrie J. Larzelere. The teacher made arrangements to get a blackboard from Shawano. The students ranged in ages of from five to eighteen. Text books were not uniform yet from the "backwoods" schools, such as this one, were produced some of Langlade County's leading citizens. Lessons taught were Reading, Writing, Spelling, Arithmetic, History and Geography. The first schools had no maps. School terms were usually eight to nine months. The second school in the county was established at "Nine Mile Creek," now Hollister, and the third was erected at New, now known as Lily.

The First School House In Antigo

THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE IN ANTIGO. Miss .\nna Sheriff held sway during the first term. Xott scooped roof, the forest in the background and the o.xen. Guenthner is standing near the oxen.

The First Antigo School

The first school in Antigo was constructed of logs by a young man named Joseph Krause. He intended to reside at the place, but instead took up a homestead at or near Kempster. The school was located where the P. F. Kelly Implement Store is now, corner of Third Avenue and Superior Street and was opened in 1879. Miss Anna Sheriff, now Mrs. Peter O'Connor of White Lake, Elton township, proved capable and efficient as the first teacher.

Other early teachers in Antigo were: Miss Sophia Deleglise, now Mrs. Sophia Leslie, Miss Carrie Herman, Miss Nellie Williams, now Mrs. C. S. Leykom, Mrs. Maggie Hughes, Byron J. Oakley, the late F. J. Finucane, Elizabeth McGill, Virginia Pierson and Lizzie Borgman. By 1883 Antigo had a graded school with three departments.

It had only two half windows in which to let light. The floor was made of rough odds and ends boards. The seats were made of basswood trees, "split in twain." The round sides were perforated with holes to receive pegs. Back rests

The little 1 o g school was warmed by a box stove that drove out the frost in the long dreary winters and smudged out the mosquito and fly in the spring and summer.

The First High School

The High School department was established in the Village of Antigo in October, 1883. C. O. Marsh, first Principal, arrived in Antigo Tuesday, September 25, 1883. 41 pupils were enrolled before the 1883 term closed. Miss Agnes Donohue, the first graduate, June 20, 1885, read an essay, "Character" as one of the numbers of the first high school exercises. Others who participated were: Lizzie Caldwell, Sybil Cornish, George Porter, Edith Logan and Dr. H. V. Mills, leader of the Forest City Orchestra. High School was first conducted in a frame building on the site of the public library. Not long after a two story frame building was erected on the site of the Second Ward School from which Miss Agnes Donohue graduated. This frame building was used until the first brick structure was erected in block 63, present site of the Antigo High School. When it was proposed to erect a brick high school on that site it was covered with a thick growth of timber. It was owned by Hon. Francis A. Deleglise who presented it to the village for school purposes.

February 9, 1890, the city council approved plans for the erection of the school. The building originally cost $16,500, but improvements and additions were made after its construction to keep pace with the in-

The New High School

Time was not lost to provide facilities for school purposes after the burning of the high school. Citizens, business places, lodges, and churches unanimously came forth and offered rooms. Most of them were accepted. A special meeting of the Board of Education was called. President E. J. Goodrick appointed a committee consisting of N. R. Babcock, R. S. Healy, Sr., and Walter Below to assist Superintendent H. S. Simmons secure rooms.

The first building plans were discussed at once. E. J. Goodrick, W. B. McArthur, N. R. Babcock, Edgar Neff and George Palmiter were chosen as the Ways and Means Committee on construction. Robert Messmer, Milwaukee architect, was selected to prepare plans and specifications for a new school to cost not more than $100,000. This was in accordance with a resolution passed at a regular meeting of the city council, April 26, 1916. May 18, 1916, bids were opened and the contract for erecting the building was awarded to the Immel Construction Company of Fond du Lac for $96,000. Heating and ventilating apparatus was installed by the General Heating & Ventilating Company of Milwaukee. Louis Peters, Antigo plumber, was awarded the plumbing contract.

crease in enrollment from year to year. The school served the rising generations faithfully until that bitter cold morning, January 6, 1916, when fire turned it into a heap of smouldering ruins. The Philakean Debating Society held the last meeting in it, January 5, 1916. Valuable school records and trophies, most of which cannot be replaced, were burned.

impressive and appropriate ceremonies in July, 1916. The high school, modern in every respect, was first used in the spring of 1917. It was officially accepted before the opening of the 1917-18 school term. The building committee consisted of N. R. Babcock, R. S. Healy, Sr., Walter Below, and Dr. F. C. Kestly. The flag pole was donated by N. R. Babcock.

Ward Schools

The contract for the erection of a two story brick school building in the 1st ward was awarded to Thomas Solar, September 18, 1905, at a cost of $10,247. The school was completed and accepted in October, 1906. J. D. Chubb was the architect. The 1st ward school was named the T. D. Kellogg school in honor of T. D. Kellogg, then President of the Board of Education. It is located in Daskam's 2nd sub-division.

February 7, 1896, bids were received for erecting a four room two story school in the second ward. Thomas Wright was awarded the contract at $6,868. Conover & Porter, Madison, Wis., architects drafted plans and specifications for the building which was completed in August, 1896. The school is at the intersection of Clermont street and Second avenue.

In 1899 the city authorized the issuance of $8,000 in bonds to build a two story school in the third ward. A one room frame building was used before then. The present school was completed and accepted in 1900. It is located in block 1 of the Mary Deleglise addition. It cost about $8,000.

The fourth ward building contract was let to Thomas Solar at $11,630. ( He was also given a contract to build an addition on the high school at the same time, June 15, 1904.) The fourth ward was completed and ready for school purposes by the fall of 1904. The old frame structure was moved away by R. M. Briggs. The fourth ward is located in block 1 of Daskam's addition.

On June 5, 1896, the Board of Education adopteJ a resolution requesting the city council to submit tD a referendum a proposition to borrow $7,003 from the state for a ten year term, $4,000 to be used to erect the sixth ward and $3,000 to meet a part of the contract price of the second ward. The resolution was rescinded June 19, 1896. March 1, 1897, the school board passed a resolution requesting the same loan. Meanwhile the Jaekel building (M.

Krom Building) was used for school purposes. May 8, 1897, W. H. Nelson of Merrill was awarded the contract to build the sixth ward at $6,450. Conover & Porter were the architects. The building was completed October 1, 1897. It is located in block 59, 7th avenue and Virginii street.

Parochial Schools

In 1890, under the regime of Rev. William Takken, the St. John's Parochial School was erected. The cost was approximately $8,000. The increased enrollment and growing demands necessitated additions and improvements that have been made during Rev. Conrad Saile's pastorship. These improvements have cost between $12,000 and $14,000. Enrollment at St. John's parochial school in 1922 was 487 - 255 boys and 232 girls. The school is in charge of Francisan Sisters, ten of whom teach the various grades.

St. Hyacinth parochial school was erected in 1908. It is in charge of two Sisters. The average attendance is 84 pupils in grades ranging from the first to the eighth. This school is located on Edison street in block 23, original plat of Antigo.

The Antigo Evangelical Peace parochial school was established in 1897. Since 1902, the old church, north of the present edifice, has been used as the school. Two teachers are in charge. The old school was located west of the present church site. Grades range from first to eighth.

County Schools

The first Langlade County Superintendent's report was made November 17, 1881 by George T. Ratcliffe. It was a well written review of the rural schools. The schools of the county were then in a chaotic condition. Rolling and Norwood townships were credited with the best schools in the county in 1881. Sixteen teachers had charge of the entire rural school system at that time. In 1881, there were but nine school districts as compared with eighty in 1922. The first school disti'icts were subdivided into 12 sub-districts. The first county teacher's institute was held in October, 1881. A Langlade County Teacher's Association was organized but never functioned successfully at that early date.

The total enrollment in the rural schools in 1921 was 3285 pupils. The number of teachers engaged in rural and graded schools exclusive of Antigo, was 107 according to 1921 official reports.

Langlade County has three consolidated schools: Parrish District No. 1 of Summit township. Summit Lake District No. 1 of Upham township and District No. 1 of Kent, Langlade and Price township districts consolidated.

Two union free high schools were recently established. One, the Union Free High School of Districts 1, 4 and 5 of Langlade township is located at White Lake. The other was erected in 1921 at Elcho. Both offer four year courses.

The Public Library

The first free library opened in Antigo April 17, 1897. in the F. A. Millard building, now 711 Fifth Avenue. 172 volumes were in use. In 1898, Mrs. A. K. Brush, most influential in organizing the library, aided in increasing the volumes to 450 in number. The library was open two times a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Camilla Thrall was Secretary. Rules were : 1. - No one allowed behind desk except librarian. 2. - No cards issued to children under 12. 3. - Unnecessary conversation prohibited.

The semi-annual anniversary of the opening was celebrated November 5, 1897. A book social was held at the Congregational Church. All present donated a book to the library. New quarters were provided in the City Hall in October, 1900. At this time Friendship Union, W. C. T. U., which had reading rooms over Molle's Jewelry Store, donated tables, books and magazines to the newly created library board.

The First Library Board

When the W. C. T. U. agreed to turn over their tables and equipment to the city provided the city would expend $500 for necessities for a public library the first step toward the practical solution of the library problem was taken. The city agreed and the library was formally opened December 29, 1900, in the City Hall. The first librarian in the city hall library was Miss Jane Ogilvie. The library remained there until the Carnegie Library was erected in 1904. C. F. Dallman, Antigo contractor and architect, erected the present library.

neely. President; Mrs. E. A. Morse, Vice-president; Mrs. Charles La Blonde, City Commissioner Frank Dvorak, Superintendent of City Schools, A. M. Arveson, Ernest Hirt, C. W. Van Doren and Miss Edith Rectygl, librarian, who is secretary of the board.

Old Settlers Club

The Antigo Pioneer Club was formed by Jessie Armstrong, S. E. Leslie, D. F. Chandler, Jule Grant, H. M. Chandler, A. P. Menting, W. H. Dawley, and G. J. Schintz, November 22, 1891. The purpose of the club was to "maintain and manage fishing and sporting facilities at Moose Lake, Norwood township."

Wisconsin Geographical Society

The Wisconsin Geographical Society organized in 1883 to collect and diffuse geographical data, books, pamphlets, old and new, for the benefit of posterity, was active for many years. Its first officers were : President - L. W. Bliss; Vice-President - F. A. Deleglise and Secretary - W. H. Dawley.

The Langlade County Historical Society was organized at the City Hall, May 14, 1921. Mayor Charles J. Hanzel opened the meeting. Officers elected were:

The first library board and directors were appointed by Mayor I. D. Steffen. Members were : Mrs. E. P. Bridgeman, F. J. Finucane, Frank Ringsmith, C. S. Leykom, Mrs. J. F. Albers, Mrs. M. F. Crowe, Miss Anna Kelly, Frank Glugla and C. 0. Marsh. The

President - George W. Latta; Vice-Presidents* - Judge J. W. Parsons, Mrs. Anna Morrissey and Frank Dvorak; Secretary - Robert M. Dessureau; Treasurer - Mrs. Sophia Leslie; Board of Directors - Edward Goebel, John McGreer, Mrs. Sophia Leslie, Mrs. Anna Morrissey, Charles Hoeffler, George W. Latta and Robert M. Dessureau. The Advisors selected were: J. C. Lewis, Edward McCandless, Anton Nowotny, W. H. Dawley and William H. Wolpert.

Antigo Superintendents Of Schools

The history of Langlade County would be incomplete without the names of the City Superintendents of Antigo and also the principals of the Antigo High School. They are given herewith with the dates they served. Up to the year 1915-16 the City Superintendent also acted as principal of the High School. For that reason his name is not repeated under the list of principals.

December 5, 1884, C. O. Marsh of the new Antigo High School reported as follows regarding school conditions. The report is given to show the change in the schools during the past thirty-eight years.

High School Department

Names of pupils neither absent or tardy: Agnes Donohue, Lucy Bliss, Viria Mellor, Emmo.n Badger, Carrie Censky, Kalie Donohue, Maggie Donohue, Willie Dresser and Marion McDona'd.

Grammar Department

Names of pupils neither absent or tardy: Mina Bacon, Itola Baker, Tracie Censky, Elizabeth Flynn, Emma Heller, Anna Locks, Josie McKusker, Louisa Romeis and Mamie Sheriff.

Total Number High School Graduates

From but one graduate in 1885 the Antigo High School has grown to be one of the best known of Wisconsin schools. It has turned out 1,147 graduates in the time from 1885-1922 inclusive. The largest class in the history of the school was the 1922 class. The class of 1921 ranks second. No better statistical index can be produced than this to prove the steady and continued progress of a community.

Graduates Of The Antigo High School By Years From 1885-1922 Inclusive

In a work of this character it is difficult to compile that data which is essential and which posterity will find of value. January 6, 1916, the Antigo High School was destroyed by fire and with it all valuable records including the list of the high school graduates from 1885 to 1915. The writer has therefore with great difficulty gathered an accurate list of the high school graduates by classes, which is given herewith.

Class Of 1888

June 15. Marion McDonald. The course was changed in 1888 to a four year term. Miss McDonald remained in High School after graduating in 1887 and "re-graduated."

Class Of 1922

The founding of the Langlade County Normal is due largely to the untiring efforts of A. M. Arveson, former County Superintendent of Schools, who, in the fall of 1905, succeeded in securing an appropriation for the establishment of the school. T. W. Humble, Richard Koebke, and A. M. Arveson were the fi/st members appointed on the Langlade County Training School Board. The second floor of the Antigo Public Library was remodeled and equipped for suitable class rooms. C. 0. Marsh, then City Superintendent of the Antigo schools, was engaged as principal of the new school and Miss Maud Brewster

The Langlade County Normal entered upon its first year of training rural teachers August 27, 1906, with an enrollment of about thirty-five students. The first class was graduated June 20, 1907. The school continued under the leadership of its first faculty for six years until in 1911 Miss Brewster resigned to accept a position at Stevens Point Normal. Miss Mattie McMillan was then selected Supervisor of Practice. A year later Mr. Marsh resigned to be succeeded by W. E. Switzer, who served efficiently for five years. In 1915, a third teacher, Miss Florence Marsh, was added to the faculty. Her successors have been Miss Matilda Horn and Miss Jessie Thorp, each holding the position of assistant for two years. W. E. Switzer was followed by W. E. Smith, who resigned after two years of creditable service. He was succeeded by J. H. Lasher, the present principal. Under Mr. Lasher's administration the institution has maintained its former high standard of excellence and has made itself an indispensible factor in county educational and community advancement.

In 1918 appropriations by the County Board made possible the establishment of a school dormitory and a model rural school, both of which have aided in increasing the efficiency of the school. Previously to that year all practice teaching had been done in the city grades. Miss Beulah Kobler, who succeeded Miss McMillan as Supervisor of Practice, organized the Model School and also acted as first matron of the dormitory.

The present faculty consists of J. H. Lasher, Principal; Pearl Blanding, Supervisor of Practice; Inez McGeaham, Assistant. The members of the present Training School Board are Leonard Freiburger, Sr., W. J. Mattek, and Miss Bertha Moss. The school to date has graduated 281 students, most of whom have taught in the rural schools of Langlade County or in the Antigo public schools. Eighty-six per cent of the one-room rural schools of this county are taught by graduates of the school at present. Many of the alumni have, since graduation, continued their professional training in other institutions so that they are now found in varied teaching positions.

The alumni roll of the Langlade County Normal contains the names of County Superintendents, Rural School Supervisors, and High School Instructors as well as rural and city grade teachers. In addition to its work of training the rural teacher ,the school has developed its extension service which is making its influence for better schools felt in every rural community.