Winnebago County, Wisconsin - Chapter 49, 1880

Fire Department

This department is noted for its efficiency and sees much hard service. It is so well disciplined and constantly ready for any emergency, that on the first sound of the alarm the steamers are on their way to the scene of disaster, every man in his place and ready for the most arduous duty.

There are three fire steamers, one hand engine, five hose carts and a hook-and-ladder truck. There is an ample supply of hose, and excellent water facilities are now provided. Henry P. Schmidt is chief engineer and Chas. Ricf first assistant.

Steamer Phcenix, No. i, is located on Main Street, near Merritt. Anson W. Farrand is engineer, and one of the best machinists in the State. His assistants are Lewis Sweet, James D. Lewis, David Montgomery, John Dickinson, John Sargent, Samuel Chambersj and Albert Farrand.

County Officers

COUNTY OFFICERS. Sheriff, Frank B. Morgan; Register of Detds, Carl J. Kraby; Treasurer, L. W. Hull; Clerk of the Board, Otis Chase; Clerk of the Court, Thomas D. Grimmer; District Attorney, George W. Burnell; County Surveyor, H. W. Leach.

Circuit Court

Terms of Court - Tuesday next after the second Monday of April, and Tuesday ne.xt after the fourth Monday of November. By statute, the terms in this county are the special terms, for all the other counties in the circuit, and the court is open for the transaction of business at any time when the judge is present.

County Court

Civil Jjirisdiction - Regular terms, second Monday in February, May and October. Special terms, first Monday in each month, except February, May, October, July and August.

The achievements of this city in providing enlarged facilities for the education of youth, reflect upon it the highest credit. No city in in the State, in proportion to its population, can compare favorably with it in elegant school structures.

The people have taken the deepest interest in the welfare of our schools, and have been most lavish in their e.xpenditure, and Oshkosh, with all her other social advantages, has become one of the educational centers of the State. Her public schools and spacious school buildings, are nowhere surpassed in the West, and only equaled by much larger cities.

The High School building is a magnificent structure, erected at a cost of $43,000. The Dale School building is another elegant brick edifice, costing $16,000, exclusive of the land. The Frentz School building, a fine brick edifice, cost $9,000, and the Read School building, now in course of construction, will cost, when completed and furnished, about $10,000. These are all buildings of imposing proportions and of much architectural beauty, as the view of the High School on the opposite page plainly shows. The Sixth Ward School is another large brick structure, and in addition to these, are the two large frame buildings in the Third Ward, and three other frame school houses; making five brick structures and five frame. There arc also, the State Normal School, the Business College, the St. Vincent de Paul Academy, the German and English Academy, five denominational schools and the " Kindergarten.

Semi-annual examinations in scholarship are made for the purpose of grading the pupils, and by which they progress, as fast as qualified, into more advanced classes.

The course of instruction is. Second Primary, First Primary, Second Intermediate, First Intermediate, Grammar Department, ClassB, Class A; and High School Department. The course in the Grammer Department includes reading, oral spelling, geography, arithmetic, English grammer and writing.

The following from tlie very able report of School Superintendent Geo. H. Read gives very full information in regard to the present condition of our public schools:

* * i "The general conduct of the children in the observance of discipline and good order, has been very praiseworthy. There have been not more than six cases of misconduct requiring temporary suspension ; and but one where expulsion was deemed necessary. This, considering the average enrollment in all the schools approximates two thousand in number, is very creditable, as well to the children as to the teachers who have them in charge. It proves that our free public schools can be schools for inculcating proper habits of deportment and manners, as well as for intellectual cultivation. In this matter of orderly conduct, there has been a noticeable improvement within the past two or three years ; and the complaints of people living in the vicinity of school-houses, of improper and disorderly behavior during the recesses, and before and after school hours, have almost entirely ceased. I attribute this improvement mainly to the adoption of the system of employing male teachers for the principals of the Ward Schools, and making them responsible for the discipline and government of the entire school, in all its departments. When the principal is firmly supported by the school authorities in the exercise of his rightful power as the governing head of the school, he secures respect and obedience, and has no difficulty in maintaining discipline .and decorum among the pupils.

School Expenses

SCHOOL EXPENSES. I congratulate the Board on the very favorable exhibit of the condition of the school finances, as shown by the annual financial statement, which has already been published in the official paper, as reijuired by the city charter. The account of expenditures is brought down to April I, 1S79, and includes all salaries of officers, teachers and janitore to that dale. The total cost of supporting the schools for the official year ending on the 31st inst. is $27,358 02. This includes all sums paid for repairs of buildings and for school-room equipments. It is a less amount by $2,002.87 'li^n "'^^ expended for the same purposes for the year ending March 31 , 187S, and $8,301.88 less than the like expenditures for the year ending March 31, 1877. The disbursements on account of current expenses for the three next preceding years were as follows : For the Year 1875-6 $34,831.63

The balance on hand in the treasury April i. 1879, '^ JS22,- 243.88, a sum more than sufficient, with prudent management. to meet all ordinary liabilities on account of the school service, until the next tax levy is realized. There was on baud iu the Treasury, at the begiiiiiuig of the

The whole number of children in the city, who are are incapacitated fur instruction in the Common Schools from defect of vision, hearing or intellect, is reported at

High School Expenses And Management

Included, however, in the expenses for the year ending March 31, 1877, is an item for $1,023, for 'h^ outside iroii stairway, attached that ye.ir to the building, which should noj be regarded as part of the current expense, it being more in the nature of a permanent investment.

High School Graduating E.Xercises

The graduating exercises at the High School, at the close of the last school year, were more than usually interesting, and drew a large audience to witness the ceremonies. The essays and or.itions of the graduates were all creditable, and some of them of more than ordinary merit, exhibiting much originality of thought and grace of composition. The ceremonies were conducted by Prof. Wood, who closed the exercises by con' ferring the diplomas and delivering a short but appropriate address.

In connection with these graduating exerci.ses, it will not, ' perhaps, be considered out of place if I make a suggestion in regard to the style of dress and adornment pruper to be displayed by the graduates on such occasions. Setting aside the question of taste involved at such times, in the parade of elaborate and expensive costumes, it should be borne in mind that our public schools are established for the use and benefit of the children of all the people of the city - rich and poor alike. A showy and costly style of dress, indulged in by those who are in circumstances to afford it, tends to discourage those who arenot so well situated, from completing their studies to the graduating point. It seems to me that good taste and good feeling ^ should rather dictate the adoption of a style, plain and inex-j pensive, such as would become all conditions and be equally!

within the reach of all; thus preserving the self-respect of all by subjecting none to mortifying contrasts on account of a disparity of conditions.

Primary And Intermediate Schools State Normal School, Oshkosh

The Normal School building is one of the finest structures in this city, and the school, under the management of its efficient faculty, ha.s reached a high standard of excellence. It is, in fact, conceded to be one of the best educational institutions in the State.

The President, Mr. George S. Albee, is a gentleman eminently qualified for the responsible position which he holds; and the faculty generally have given the fullest evidence of their qualifications, in the successful discharge of the duties of their respective positions. The scholars in this school are noted for thoroughness in their acquirements, and for their generally correct deportment - the discipline requiring the strictest conformity to the requirements of good morals.

There are two courses of professional instruction ; the elementary, especially intended to prepare students for teaching in the common district schools; the advanced, which prepares teachers for the higher grades of our public schools. The model department is organized as a school of observation, for the exemplification of the best methods of instruction, and is also a school of practice, in which the students are trained in the business of

[teaching. Its appointments include a good library, a well-equipped chemical and physical laboratory, and ample cabinets of natural history.

Aims Of The School

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL. "In giving the needful academic culture in the higher courses, a correct method of dealing with mind is impressed by a careful unfolding of mental processes in the pupil's experience

Certain branches are dwelt upon until a clear understanding of the processes by which they are built up is gained ; while others, because of limited time, are treated more briefly, and with special reference to the information which they contam.

Records Of Students

A record of each pupil's standing in Recitation and Written Examination is kept, and the pupil's fitness to pass from any branch is determined by the combined average of his class standing and final examination.

Discipline And Supervision

Experience has proved that knowledge and method in instruction are of little worth without prompt and close atten-. tion to school duties on the part of every pupil.

The discipline of the school is, therefore, closely observant of all departures from needful regulations. The student is expected to exhibit in his deportment all those qualities which he would have displayed by pupils in his own school. His character for courtesy, industry and integrity will, beyond mere scholarly attainments, mark his fitness for the teacher's work, and be made an imperative condition of certificate or gradution."

Faculty

George S. Albee (President), School Management, Didactics and j^Mental Science; Robert Graham, Vocal Music, Reading and Conductor of Institute; Waldo E. Dennis, Natural Science; L. W. Briggs, Book-Keeping; Anna W. Moody, History and Civil Government; Mary H. Ladd, Mathematics; Helen E. Bateman, English Grammar and Composition; Emily F. Webster, Latin; Lucy C. Andrews, Geography; Amelia E. Banning Drawing and Penmanship; Fannie Tower, - Mathematics and Grammar.

Model Department - L. W. Briggs, director; Maria S. Hill, Teacher and Critic, Grammar Grade; Frances E. Albee, Teacher and Critic, Intermediate Grade, Elizabeth B. Armstead,

Oshkosii Business College

W. W. Daggett, Principal. This is one of the institutions that Oshkosh is proud of, and which draws a large number of pupils from abroad and has the reputation of being one of the best-conducted Commercial Colleges in the Northwest. It has acquired a national reputation for possessing iDicqualcd facilities in every department for imparting a Found, practical business education. This educational institution is designed to supply the constant demand for thorough practical training in studies essential to business. It is so organized as to accommodate either regular students, or those having but a few hours to spare from business pursuits during the day or evening. To accomplish this the instruction is individual, and adapted to the needs of each pupil who advances as fast as his abilities will allow, without the embarrassments of class organizations. Persons whose education is deficient, are thus, without regard to age, enabled to remedy the defect speedily, without publicity, and fit themselves for lucrative and responsible positions. Young men, on leaving the ordinary public or private schools, can here obtain what is usually omitted or imperfectly taught in such schools, and become qualified to assume advanced positions on account of their superior attainments.

This college was organized by E. C. Atkinson in September, 1867. Professor W. W. Daggett took charge of the school in September, 1870, and became its sole proprietor in 1 87 1. Mr. Daggett has that natural aptitude for teaching which is one of the essential requirements for the attainment of success in his calling, and possesses the most eminent qualifications for imparting to his pupils the most thorough knowledge of the branches taught.

All branches of a full academical course are taught, and the most competent assistants are employed. The general estimation in which the institution is held will be seen in the fact, that over three thousand students of both sexes have attended it since it was first organized.

(lEKMAN-ENGLISH ACADEMY. This school was founded in 1858, and its -special object is teaching the different branches in reading, grammar, arithmetic, history of the United States and of the world, geography, penmanship, drawing, singing, rhetoric, etc., in both the German and P^nglish languages; and to give, thereby, the scholar not only a perfect English education, but also a thorough

In connection with the school proper is a Kindergarten, conducted on Froebel's system, for children from three to six years, and also a department for instructing the girls in handiwork.

The school is in a flourishing condition and the present teachers are: Professor Bareuther, Principal; Miss Helen Crary, Assistant; Miss Bertha Leist, teacher of Kindergarten; Miss Bates, Assistant; Mrs. Streuver teacher in female handiwork.

The school building was destroyed by the great fire of 1875, but the society, by the liberal aid of the citizens of Oshkosh and of other cities in Wisconsin was enabled to erect a much larger and more commodious one, containing, besides the school-rooms, a fine hall for recitations. It is located on Court House Street.

St. Vincent'S Academy

St. Vincent's Academy and Parochial School, situated on Twelfth and Oregon streets, was built in the year 1874, and opened on the twenty-seventh ofjanuary, 1875, and is conducted by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and combines both the academic and parochial courses in its system of instruction. Small in the beginning, it flourished as time passed, until at the close of the session, July 15. 1*^79. 't averaged about two hundred pupils. The parochial course embraces the common branches of study in the English and German languages. The academic course for young ladies comprises all the higher branches of a complete and refined education. Music taught on piano, organ and the stringed instruments, with painting, drawingand fancy needlework, form part of the optional course of s-tudy in this school.

Religious instruction constitutes the basis of, the educational plan of this school, but differ ence of religion forms no obstacle to th admission of dissenting pupils. Originally intended as a school for day pupils, provisions have since been made to accommodate boarders at moderate rates.

Among the incentives to study arc the monthly bulletins to parents and guardians* and the Gold Cross of Honor at the annual commencement, held at the close of the summer session.

St Peter'S School

St. Peter's parochial school on Pearl Street, conducted by the Sisters of St. Dominic, has an attendance of about one hundred andthirty scholars.

St. Marv'S School

St. Mary's church school, on Merritt Street, in charge of Sister Superior Mary Regis, has about the same number of scholars as St. Peter's school.

German Lutheran Schools

The school of this denomination, on Fifth Street, Second Ward, is in a flourishing condition, and has an attendance of one hundred and thirty-five pupils. J. D F"redk. Meier is principal.

The school of the above donomination, on Eighth Street, Third Ward, is also in a prosperous condition, with an attendance of one hundred and forty-six pupils. John L. Gruber is principal, and Herman Grule, assistant.

Church History Of Oshkosh Congregational

One of the first church organizations in Oshkosh was that of the Congregational. On July II, 1849, a number of persons assembled in the village school-house for the purpose of effecting an organization of that denomination; among them were Joseph Jackson, Emeline Jackson, Martha Anderson, Nodiah Sackett, Homer Barnes, Fanny B. Kellogg and others, assisted by the Rev. C. Marsh and Rev. H. Freeman.

The first pastor was the Rev. H. Freeman, who remained in that position until January, 1856, when the Rev. William H. Marble took his place, which he retained until July, 1862.

In 1850 the society commenced the erection of a house of worship, which was completed in June, 185 1. This building was afterwards purchased with tlie lot on which it stood, on Upper Mi-in Street, and was subsequently converted by C. McCabe into three stores.

In the spring of 1857, the society purchased the site of their present edifice, and commenced the construction of a large church, which, in time was completed. It was destroyed by fire on the tenth of July, 1872.

The present edifice was completed on the 14th of December, 1873, but services were held for some time afterwards in the basement, as it was determined not to have the dedicatory service until the church was out of debt. On the 24th of October, 1875, the dedication took place. The sermon was preached by the Rev. F. B. Doe; the Rev. W. A. Chamberlain, and the Rev. Thos. G. Grassie, pastor of the church, assisting in the ceremonies. It is an elegant structure and one of the chief architectural ornaments of the city. Its cost, including pipe organ and furniture, was $30,- 000, and the church is out of debt,

Methodist-Episcopal

The first religious meeting held in Oshkosh was in 1841, at the house of Webster Stanley, on which occasion a sermon was preached by the Rev. Jesse Halstead, of Brothertown. Afterwards, religious meetings were frequently held, at which Clark Dickinson exhorted.

In 1850, the Methodist Episcopal Society erected the edifice on Church Street, which they occupied as a place of worship until 1875, when they purchased their present handsome building on the corner of Main and Merritt Streets, and converted it into one of the finest churches in the city.

St. Peter'S, Catholic

In 1850, St. Peter's Catholic Church was erected. It was a small structure, afterwards enlarged, and occupied the site of the present St. Peter's.

Before the construction of the former building, divine services were held in Peter McCourt's house, and the first mass was celebrated in a small house on Ceape Street, although it is highly probable that the Jesuit missionaries, in the days of the F"rench-Indian occupation, held divine services within the present limits of the city. The first Catholic clergyman officiating here was the Rev. F. J. Bonduel, who was stationed for twelve years with the Indians at Lake Poygan.

St. Vincent De Paul'S, Catholic

This is one of the largest and handsomest churches in the city, and was erected in the year 1867 when the diocese of Milwaukee, at that time comprising the whole State of Wisconsin, was divided into three dioceses, viz: Milwaukee, La Crosse and Green Bay. That portion of Oshkosh on the south side of Fox River remained in the Milwaukee diocese. The church therefore belongs to that jurisdiction.

The parish house was erected the next year. The Rev. J. B. Reindl is the parish priest. A view of the church and the St. Vincent de Paul Academy will be found among the illustrations in this work.

Congregational, Welch Trinity , Episcopal

As early as 1850, religious services were held here by visiting clergymen of the above denomination. On January 17, 1851, the Right Reverend Bishop Kemper, D. D. , Bishop of the Protestanl Episcopal Church for the Diocese of Wisconsin, held divine service in the rooms over A. N. and A. H. Raymond's store. In 1853, the Rev. S. G. Callahan officiated here for a time, and in 1854 the Rev. D. A. Talford became the resident clergyman. In 1859 the present handsome church was built, and in 1866 enlarged and improved. ,

First Baptist

In March, 1854, six persons met in the Court House to unite as a conference. In the following May a number of representatives of Baptist churches met in the Congregational Church of this place, as a council of recognition, when eleven persons who were present were recognized under the name of the First Baptist Church of the City of Oshkosh, and in June of that year Rev. E. C. Sanders became its resident pastor. In 1859, the society erected a meeting-house on Jefferson Avenue, which was destroyed in the great fire of 1874. In 1876, the present beautiful edifice on the corner of Church and May streets was completed.

Church Directory

After the date of these earlierorganizations, churches of various denominations rapidly multiplied. They will all be found in the following list: