Solon’s Schools.
THE BULWARKS OF ONE OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY’S MOST PROSPEROUS TOWNSHIPS.
History of the Schools From the First Organization to the Present Time – List of Directors, Teachers, Superintendents and the Various Districts –
Solon’s Pride.
Published in The Chagrin Falls Exponent. (Chagrin Falls, Ohio), 1897-12-16
The first organization of Solon was the 24th day of December, 1825, and the first school was taught in 1822 by John Henry, father of Capt. O. E. Henry of Geauga Lake, in a log house which had been vacated by the family living there and stood near the place later known as the Orson Norton farm. The children of Samuel Bull and Capt. John Robbins were the only scholars who attended this school and were five in number: Norman Bull and his sister Amelia, Walter Robbins and his sisters Jane and Eliza. They sat on rude benches in front of the fireplace. Walter and Norman, lads of six and seven years, sometimes amused themselves, while the teacher sat dozing in his chair, by digging potatoes from the yard and roasting them in the ashes. The teacher took in exchange for his services shoemaking from Samuel Bull, and Capt. Robbins paid his share in maple sugar. The following entry is found in the first record book of the town;
At a meeting of the trustees of the town of Solon, March sth, 1827, voted that said town shall be divided into two districts, at present to be divided by the Center road leading through the town, north and south. The eastern half to be known by the name of the First district and the western half of said town to be known by the name of Second district. March 5, 1827.
Jason Robbins, John Carver, Oliver Wells, Trustees.
And later in the same year is the following record:
At a meeting of the inhabitants of the First school district in the town of Solon, they being legally notified for the purpose of organizing said district for the purpose of having a school kept in it, held the 10th day of November, 1827, and proceeded as the law of this state directs, appointed as follows: Jason Robbins, clerk of said district; Samuel Bull, Thomas Marshall, Jason Robbins, directors; Samuel Bull, treasurer.
Names of householders in the First school district in Solon, Jan. 1, 1829: John Carver, Harvey Carver, Harvey Henry, Samuel Bull, Thomas Marshall, Jason Robbins. The First school district includes the east half of the township, bounded west on the Center road running north and south through the town. According to the records we find a re-arrangement of districts from two to five in 1832, and later another rearrangement of districts from five to ten in 1838.
The first schoolhouse at the Center of Solon, then known as district No. 1, was built in or about the year 1830 on the lot now known as the town lot, and adjoining the place now owned by Monroe Freeman.
The first teacher in that schoolhouse of whom we have authentic knowledge was Miss Eliza Robbins, daughter of Capt. John Robbins. She taught one term in 1834, making her home with the family of Freeman MeClentock, who lived near the schoolhouse.
The next teacher whom we have been able to record was Stephen D. Trowbridge, who taught a winter school in 1841, and the next teacher of whom we have record was Chandler Dunwell, who taught in 1846, the last term before the building of the next schoolhouse. The old one was purchased by a man named Herrick and was moved to a vacant lot near the depot, on land now owned by W. W. Bishop and was for many years used as a dwelling and then as a storehouse of which nothing remains today.
The new schoolhouse was built on the site of the preceding one. The building committee and also the school directors at that time were John Deady, Joshua McClentock and Leander Chamberlin. The building faced north, the entrance door being in the center of the north end. There was an entry six feet wide extending across the entire width of the building, with two doors, one near each end of the entry, into the schoolroom and he teacher’s desk was placed near the wall between these two doors. A row of benches was placed against the walls, and four rows of desks facing the north were placed from the south end of the room, leaving only a short space between the front row and the teacher’s desk. These desks were raised on slight elevations or steps, those at the back being somewhat higher than those in front, and the blackboard was at the south end of the room.
This house was built by a Mr. Kelsey of Twinsburg and was painted white by Alexander Rodgers, Sr.
After the building of the present brick structure the old one was sold and moved away, and is now owned by M. Keenan and is used for a barn.
We have a more accurate record of the teachers for the next tew years. In 1848 the school was taught by Alonzo Brocket from Chester, and in 1849 Albert Slade from Bedford, and in 1850 Samuel Patrick, who was married and lived in the house now occupied by John Waller in Perry district. In 1851 John Patrick and wife from Boscawen, N. H., taught the school. 2 They boarded themselves, having rooms in the house occupied by Rev. John Seward. In 1852 Mr. Parsons, a graduate from an eastern college, began a three mouths??? school with 90 scholars and ended with five, from want of order and executive ability. In 1853 a Mr. Herrick, who taught one month and left without explanation. He was a good teacher and well liked. After him came Silas Bigelow in 1853, and in 1854 Lafayette Niece, who having given good satisfaction was hired for the ensuing term. The next was a Mr. Barnes from Oberlin in 1856, and the school was taught the following winter by Hiram Chamberlin.
Of those who taught the summer schools only a partial list could be obtained. Among the number were: Miss Lavima Bissell, Miss Delissa Richmond, Miss Lucy Turner, Miss Sarah Henry, Miss Susan Moore two terms, Miss Harriet Chamberlin, Miss Belinda Miller, and a Mr. Julius Olds also taught the school at an early date. Prior to the new school law, which passed in the session of 1853, teachers were hired by the committee and examined by the man who was considered most capable, who used his own judgment in asking questions and deciding on the teaching qualifications of the applicant. Sometimes the justice of the peace was called upon for this purpose, and in several instances Priest Seward, as he was familiarly called, acted in the capacity of examiner.
The wages were in the earlier years not more than one dollar per week, the teachers making out the bills and collecting their own pay. The parents paid according to the number of scholars, and the teachers “boarded around.”
It was an established rule that onequarter cord of wood be furnished by each scholar, and it was drawn sled length and chopped by the older boys at noon and recess. A branch of study that was diligently pursued was spelling. It was not uncommon for many of the scholars to be able to spell correctly every word in the book. For many years it was the custom for one or more of the schools to visit some other district for the purpose of “spelling them down,” and often
Solon’s Public School Building.
times other books besides the speller were called into requisition before this could be done, if at all.
A most progressive and commendable spirit in the pioneers of Solon township is shown by the fact that as early as the 40???s they contemplated opening a school in which higher branches should be taught. The project was so far forwarded as to make a levy, and appoint a committee of arrangements for such a school.
The leading spirits of the schools would not keep silent, however, and about 1856 the first select school was organized. This school, a fall term, was taught in a private house by a maiden lady, by name of Ford.
No records of these schools can be found. It is probable, however, that Clark Braden taught near the close of the 50???s; H. C. Narvill in the fall, 1860; Alexander Forbes in 1864; Hon. Martin Dodge, senator and senator-elect, about 1868; J. C. Lewis, a prominent attorney of Alliance, 0., in 1870; Prof. R. C. Smith in 1872; and Rev. C. W. Henry, since state superintendent of schools, Nebraska, in 1874.
Almost coincident with the organization of the first select schools, a school library was placed in each district, in charge of a duly appointed librarian. True, the books were not numerous, but being well selected and well studied left lasting impressions in the minds of the readers.
Our early schools are also noticeable for the literary efforts manifested. One exhibition, held in the old Presbyterian church by Samuel Patrick???s school, is particularly mentioned. School No. 7 has ever since maintained an interest in literary work, and has supported a literary society since the founding of the school.
On February 3,1868, the board decided to supplant the old Center buildiug by a fine commodious brick structure, which has graced our pleasant village ever since. At the same meeting the building committee, composed of three members, Madison Hickc x, Oorydon Chamberlin and Royal Taylor, was appointed and instructed to have the proposed structure erected according to the plans and spec fica- CHAGRIN FALLS EXPONENT: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1897. tions submitted by A. M. Smith, architect, Cleveland, 0., who was at that time a resident of Solon. E. Rhoads, our veteran druggist, and who has just vacated the office of township treasurer after twelve years??? service, contracted for the stone and brick work; A. M. Smith, for the wood work, and E. R. K. Merrel, for the painting.
The building is two stories high, with basement, and is pleasantly situated in a park shaded with beautiful maples, on Main street, and overlooks miles of diversified country.
The first floor in the left wing is occupied by the primary school, and the grammar school is opposite to it in the right wing. A stairway in the front hall leads up into the township high school room, which with the exception of the classroom, occupies the second floor. All the rooms are well lighted, and are heated by the ???New Idea??? furnace heater, which took the highest prize at the Nashville exposition.
In each of the other districts, with two exceptions, stands either a new or a comparatively new and well constructed brick building, the general plan and arrangement of each being similar. The buildings in No. 1 and in No. 5 are frame structures. The building in No. 4 was erected in 1888; in No. 3, in 1889; in No. 7, in 1895; in No. 6, in 1897.
Thus throughout the plains of Solon rise her seven centers of education, from whose portals our future citizens come year by year. Many of these schools may be regarded by our older residents as landmarks, around which cling tender memories and happy reminiscences of pioneer days.
During the spring of 1895 the board of education, the members being L. H. Hickox, W. W. Bishop, Daniel Mc- Afee, J. W. Harper, Perry Morrison, O. E. Richards and Orrin Mills, deliberated on the advisability of placing within the reach of our youth a more thorough and liberal education. At this juncture, an earnest solicitation on the part of the citizens urged the project. An act was soon adopted providing for township supervision of public schools and the organization of a high school.
In compliance with this act Prof. R. C. Smith was elected superintendent, and a uniform course of study was adopted for the township. The year following, Prof. Smith was succeeded by J. W. Mc??ane, A. 8., of Wooster university, our present superintendent, also high school principal.
The system of studies for the common schools is based upon the eight grade plan. The pupils of each school are grouped into three or possibly four grades, thus reducing the number, and at the same time increasing the size of the classes.
The high school was organized and opened September, 1896. The course of study embraces a period of three years??? instruction.
It is not possible even to mention in a short sketch the names of all who took an active part in promoting the interests of our schools. Of the many earnest and zealous teachers and pupils from the surrounding farms and elsewhere, who are now in positions of influence and prominence, the incompleteness of records, and the limit of space, forbids but a passing mention.
The present board of education, to the members of which we feel grateful for enlarging the interests of our schools, is composed of the following members: J. W. Harper, president; C. O. Rhoads, clerk; M. W. Neilson, treasurer; L. H. Hickox, W. W. Bishop, Daniel McAfee, B. E. Pettibone, O. E. Richards and G. F. Haater. The corps of instructors is composed of J. W. Mc??ane, superintendent and high school principal; No. 1, Lulu M. Palmer; No. 2, grammar school, Nellie Cockerill; No. 2, primary school, Jennie Neilson; No. 3, Norma Cockerill; No. 4, George Nichols; No. 5, Minnie L. Walton; No. 6, Ervin H. McConoughey; No. 7, F. F. Cameron. Historical Notes. Silliman???s chemistry was first taught by Silas Bigelow. Geometry. Davis Legendre was first taught by Mrs. John Patrick. Mr. Fred Hasler, Sr., of No. 7, served 30 years on the board of education. Anatomy, physiology and hygiene by Calvin Cutler, was first taught by Samuel Patrick. Wright???s orthography was introduced about the fall of 1853 aud came iuto general use in 1856. In school government the rod and UriCURES WHERE ALL ELSE FAILS. ??? M Best Cough Syrup. Tastes Good. Use ?? in time. Sold by druggists. ferule were not spared, each teacher inventing his own method of punishment.B. A. Hinsdale, ex superintendent of the Cleveland public schools, now professor in Ann Arbor, was a former teacher. Among the books used in the school taught by John Henry was a reader, called the ???American perceptor,??? which was used prior to the English reader. Although an unwritten law it was supposed that when a scholar left home he was under the teacher???s jurisdiction until he returned in the evening. James A. Garfield, our honored and martyred president, when 18 years of age, taught his first term of school in No. 3. The room in which he taught now stands on the premises of L. J. Little. Bookkeeping, text books were Fulton, Eastman and Preston, was first tauerht by Silas Bigelow and studied by Alex Rodgers alone, who went through both single and double entry. Ansel Chamberlin was the first to commence the study of algebra, taught by Brocket, and the next was Alexander Rodgers, taught by Mrs. John Patrick, Robison???s university edition text book being used. Writing was taught by every teacher. No particular principle, but a copy was set with instructions to follow it as nearly as possible. The first to improve this time honored plan was Miss Phebe Boynton, who taught the first Spencerian method. The first geography used in the schools was Peter Parley???s, which was soon followed by Morse???s. The first physical geography was a small, thin book, without maps, Colton and Fitch???s. The next, which holds its own today, unequalled, is Warren???s physical geography. Of the many old residents to whom we are indebted for many facts in this history we would especially mention Mr. John Deady, who in his ninetyfirst year retains his memory of many occurrences of the past. He was much interested in the work and gave us much valuable information. An incident is told of Rev. Walter Hayden, once a teacher in No. 1. After a few words of warning to a mischievous youth, he promised on the next offense to jerk him out of his boots. The occasion came; the youth was suddenly lifted from his seat, the boots flying across the room. The young American had, however, previously prepared for the event by drawing his feet out into his boot legs. Samuel Patrick was for several years superintendent of public schools and the clocks furnished in the schools were at his suggestion. He was to receive two dollars a day for his services, but as some demurred paying he proposed to forgo this, if the clocks were placed in each schoolhouse, which was soon afterwards done. The power to discharge incapable teachers was usually given to the superintendent. The first teacher???s institute of Cuyahoga county was organized in Solon. The first meeting was held in the Presbyterian church. Alex Rodgers, Samuel Patrick, Sanford Bishop, Charles R. Smith, speakers. It was a raw, wet and cheerless day. The subject under discussion was, ???When should a child begin the study of mathematics???? it was decided when the child could enumerate and count intelligently. Charles R. Smith was the leading spirit and promotor of the institute. The books universally used at the Center and district schools were the English reader, then the Eclectic, followed by Adams, both old and new. Arithmetics were Smith???s and afterwards Ray???s, and there was one copy of Daboll???s. Grammar, Kirkham???s, and Brown???s, with no analysis, and a little later came Weils???. Town???s series of readers supplanted the Eclectic readers in 1857. Spelling books, the old Webster???s elementary, until 1855 McGuffey???s made its appearance, and in 1857 Town???s speller was universally adopted. Six Rectors In 155 Years. Bishop Coadjutor Brewster paid his first official visit to Stamford, Conn., recently, when he instituted the Rev. Charles Morris Anderson of New Bedford, Mass, rector of St John???s parish. This is only the sixth rector the parish has had during its existence of 155 years.???Boston Advertiser. * Hatband Calendar. A calendar small enough to wear in a hatband and light enough to cause the wearer no discomfort is the latest device to remind the wearer of the fleeting days. Athletic Haberdashery. The Yale-Harvard tie is the latest thing in athletic haberdashery. Robbed the Grave. ???A startling incident of which Mr. John Oliver of Philadelphia, was the subject, is narrated by him as follows: ???I was in a most dreadful condition. My skin was almost yellow, eyes sunken, tongue coated, pain continually in back and sides, no appetitegradually growing weaker day by day. Three physicians had given me up. Fortunately, a friend advised trying ???Electric bitters,??? and to my great joy and surprise, the first bottle made a decided improvement. I continued their use for three weeks, and am now a well man. I know they saved my life, and robbed the grave of another victim.??? No one should fail to try them. Only 50 cents per bottle at T. N. Bright???s drug store. 6x 4^ Christmas is Near JSjL at Hand.. ca^ th?? attention of the people of Mantua and vi??in^y that our Overstock Sale will continue. Stock consists of Cloaks, Capes, Clothing, Overcoats, Ladies??? and Gents??? Furnishings; and so in order to reduce the stock we will have a special ‘ sale on every Friday until after the holidays, beginning Dec. 10. This will be a good opporxv – I tunity for early buyers to get their holiday goode. We just received a full line of Ladies??? and Misses??? fey WW Folt Shoes. We warn the people not to spend a LU Wi dollar until they visit the new store. All new (W a?? goods. XJf L J- HAYS. The Mantua Clothier and Furnisher, Cor. Prospect & Main Sts. MANTUA, O. /) /J IJ E. P. WILMOT & CO., AND FIRE, LIFE ACCIDENT I INSURANCE Special attention to insuring farm property, dwellings, mercantile and manufacturing risks. We represent the best fire, life and accident companies. Money to Loan on Real Estate, Farm property and other real estate sold. We are now engaged in this business and are going after ousiness. and trust that we may by fair and prompt dealings receive a share of your business. E. P. Wilmot & Co., BANK BUILDING, 307 Chagrin Halls, O. THE Upham=Didham Co. MEN???S, BOYS??? and CHILDREN???S CLOTHIERS. I898??????-I898 Ladies??? and Misses??? Capes and Jackets. Gents??? Fine Fleeced Underwear. ??? Fancy Dress Shirts. ??? Neckwear for CHRISTMAS; all kinds, shapes and prices. Gents??? High Grade Fine Shoes and Slippers. Gents??? Dress Shoes, 98c. See north window. Gloves, Gloves, Gloves; Caps, Caps, Caps; Overcoats, Overcoats, Overcoats. Dress Suits, Best Suits, Work Suits. Gloves till you can???t rest; Caps that are the best. Overcoats that are out of sight, and Suits of Clothes that fit you right. I The UPHAM-DIDHAM Co. Boston and Woonsocket Rubber Agency. I Wish to Call Your’Attentlou to the Fact tbat Christmas.. Will Soon be Here. Should you want Crayon Work .done please call at once so as Ho avoid disappointment. It will pay you to call aud see my bargain table of frames,??? so when you are in town bring your pictures and get them framed at ONE HALF PRICE. C. H. OBER. Cbagrin Falls, O. fgbfgbfgbf Special Notice. ??? On and after thia date the undersigned will be found at his office for the special treatment of all throat, ear and bronchial diseases, from 7 to 9 o???clock a. m ,3 to 5 p. m. and 7 to 9in evening. PAUL CURTISS, M. D., Chagrin Falls, 0. PUMPS! ??? _ Insist on your dealer furnishing pumps or Torrent There are none “just as good.??? If he will not get them call at our factory and make your choice from our large stock. It will pay you to come a little out of the way next time you come to the city. We have Water-Drawers, Chain Pumps, Suction Pumps, Spray Pumps, Etc., in abundance; come and see them. Prices low. TORRENT PUMP CO. Office: 241 The Arcade. (Successors to R. H. Roberts.) Factory : Miles Ave., at C., C. &S. R.R., Newburg. Because a Horse Shoe Denotes ???good luck??? is no reason why a man should wear them. Yet thousands of people buy Shoes to which a horse would say “neigh.??? WE FIT FEET With superior Shoes at fair prices. We don???t sell at cost, but mighty near it. Ask to see the WHITNEY SHOE. J. PETERSON. Clia&rin Falls, O. ELGIN WATCHES Why fe/UMES OR CEHTSI go KLONDIKE tor gold or pay retail dealers a large price for gold watches, when you can buy H tlie besl wtcb made for alslA?? most nothing. If you buy an Elgin watch you know that you have one of the best timekeepers that American workmanship can produce. All our watches are made with Stem Windand Set,beautifully engraved,heavily gold plated, in fact they wear for a lifetime, and are known the ???world over as being of the best American manufacture. We send either a Ladies??? or Gents??? watch by express. C.0.D., with privilege of examination to any one who furnishes us with their full address, and if you are satisfied with same you pay the express agent *6.25. and express charges, or if not satisfactory return it to us at our expense. All our watches are guaranteed. Or if vou enclose the money with your order we will send von a beautiful chain free with the watch, and al-o r ay the express charges. Let us hear from you at once as te are shipping hundreds of them daily. DECORAH MFG. CO. HXten??id. Chicago, Ui. FLOUR. Schumacher???s Patent Whole Wheat Snow White Dulsota Hawes??? Fancy Roller Graham and New Corn . Meal. Farinaceous Goods. Shreded Buscuit, Wheatlet Farina, * Ralston???s Food, 11-O, Pettijobu???s, Glutin, Granola, Mothers??? Crushed Oats Granose Flakes and Buscuit, Avena in package and’.bulk. Cereal Coffees. Grano-O, Postum Cereal, and Caramel Cereal,
