<![CDATA[Iowa Heritage Digital Collections]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/browse/page/10?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Educational+facilities&output=rss2 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:44:19 +0000 publications@silo.lib.ia.us (Iowa Heritage Digital Collections) Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[019_High School Course of Study]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51745

Title

019_High School Course of Study

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

019_HighSchoolCourseofStudy.jpg

Transcription

1864 - High School Course of Study The very first course which was offered in the school consisted of: Grade D— Reading Definitions Arithmetic Geography Grammar U. S. History Penmanship Declamation Composition Singing Grade B— Algebra Geometry Natural Philosophy Latin Composition Grade C— Spelling Reading Definitions Arithmetic Grammar Algebra Penmanship Declamation Composition Singing Grade A— Trigonometry Astronomy Latin Surveying Botany Composition Rhetoric 1888 - High School Curriculum BUSINESS COURSE First Year First term Bookkeeping Arithmetic Penmanship Rhetoric Physiology Second term Bookkeeping Arithmetic Penmanship Rhetoric Physiology Third term Bookkeeping Arithmetic Penmanship Rhetoric Civil Government Second Year First Term Commercial Arithmetic Commercial Law Algebra Penmanship American Literature Second Term Commercial Arithmetic Commercial Law Algebra Penmanship Physical Geography Third Term Commercial Arithmetic Commercial Law Algebra Penmanship Physical Geography ENGLISH COURSE First Year First Term Physiology Algebra German Rhetoric Second Term Physiology Algebra German Rhetoric Third Term Botany Algebra German Rhetoric Second Year First term Plane Geometry German Botany American Literature Second term Plane Geometry German Physical Geography American literature Third term Solic Geometry Trigonometry German Physical Geography American Literature Third Year First term Bookkeeping German General History Chemistry Etymology Second term Bookkeeping German General History Chemistry Zoology Third term Bookkeeping German Civil Government Chemistry Zoology Fourth Year First term Physics English Grammar English Literature Rhetoric Commercial Law Second term Physics Geology English Literature English History Commercial Law Third term Physics Geology English Literature Arithmetic Review Commercial Law SCIENTIFIC COURSE First Year First term Algebra Rhetoric Physiology Second term Algebra Rhetoric Physiology Third term Algebra Rhetoric Botany Second Year First term Geometry Botany Latin German Second term Geometry Physical Geography Latin German Third term Geometry Physical Geography Latin German Third Year First term Chemistry Etymology General History Latin German Second term Chemistry Zoology General History Latin German Third term Chemistry Zoology Civil Governemtn Latin German Fourth Year First term Physics Latin German English Grammar English Literature Second term Physics Latin German Geology English Literature Third term Physics Latin German Geology English Literature LATIN COURSE First Year First term Latin Physiology Rhetoric Second term Latin physiology Rhetoric Third term Latin Botany Rhetoric Second Year First term Lain Algebra Botany Second term Latin Algetra Physical Geography Third term Latin Algebra Physical Geography Third Year First term Latin Geometry General History German Second term Latin Geometry General History German Third term Latin Geometry Trigonometry Civil Government German Fourth Year First term Latin German English Literature Physics Rhetoric Algebra Review English Grammar Second term Latin German English Literature Physics Geometry Review English History Third term Latin German English Literature Physics Arithmetic Review Trigonometry CLASSICAL COURSE (Preparatory for College) First Year First term Latin Algebra Physiology Second term Latin Algebra Physiology Third term Latin Algebra Botany Second Year First term Caesar Geometry Greed Second term Caesar Geometry Greek Ancient History ancient Geography Third term Caesar, or Cicero Greek Ancient History Ancient Geography Third Year First term Cicero Anabasis Higher Algebra French German Second term Cicero Anabasis Higher Algebra and Geometry French German Third term Cicero, or Virgil Anabasis, or Iliad Higher Geometry French German Fourth Year First term Virgil Iliad Algebra Review French German Second term Virgil Iliad Geometry Review French German Third term Latin Reviews Greek Reviews Arithmetic Review French German
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-94.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:39 +0000
<![CDATA[018_Curriculum History II]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51744

Title

018_Curriculum History II

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

018_CurriculumHistoryII.jpg

Transcription

18 1915 - Open Air School (at old North High site) 1916 - Spanish was added to the curriculum, taking the place of German which was taught in the schools up until the time of the declaration of war with Germany. Military training was given as a course for boys. The same credit was given for this course as for all other athletic courses. During WW I two new subjects were added to the commercial department. These were intensive stenography and bookkeeping. 1917 - Telegraphy 1919 - School for Deaf (Clarkson) 1920 - School for Crippled 1920 - Original Howe School for slow learners 1921 - Single salary schedule adopted 1922 - Detailed school budgets launched 1921 - 1927 - $6,630,00 bonds for Roosevelt and Lincoln 1928 - $1,975—teacher salary Depression - $1,600—1,200 average salary 1925 - Junior high established (three year) 1925 - Sub-junior classes for slow learners 1930 - Developmental B classes for slow learners 1930 - Annual testing program 1932 - High School Day inaugurated (students in businesses and industries — an early form of Career Education) 1932 - Home Economics curriculum included course in Family Relations 1933 - Public Forum Movement in U.S. began by Henry Wallace, one of the first leaders before he joined President Roosevelt's cabinet. 1933 - Eight-year study to determine how important college requirements for high school courses—30 colleges and high schools involved. 1937 - Distributive Education established at North High. 1940 - Office Co-op established at East High 1941 - Vocational Home Economics introduced into the secondary schools. 1941 - 42 - Tech High established. 1947 - Senior high classes for slow learners. 1957 - September—Board authorizes a formal program for gifted students in two elementary schools. 1957 - Modern foreign languages available to 9th graders. 1957 - German reintroduced to curriculum. 1957 - October 4—Russian launched Sputnik I. 1958 - Only teachers with BA degrees hired in Des Moines Schools. Board offices moved to first floor of Tech High from 629 Third Street. 1958 - Phonetic approach to reading introduced in seven elementary schools. 1959 - Classes for trainable (IQ under 50) established at Slinker School, 15th and Center. 1959 - Russian introduced. 1959 - Food Services reorganized—"satellite" food service began. 1960 - Distributive Education extended to all high schools.. 1960 - Library philosophy changed to have central libraries and certified librarians in all secondary schools. Plans made for elementary libraries with aides. 1960 - One unit of science and one unit of mathematics required for graduation. 1961- Notehand introduced in senior high. 1961 - Spanish available to qualified 7th grade students. 1961 - Foreign language labs opened at Roosevelt and Lincoln. 1961 - Large class instruction began in grades 9-11-12. 1962 - Three track system adopted for all students, grades 7-12, in English and Social Studies. The tracks were labeled "basic, general, and advanced." 1962 - Board approved public acknowledgment of students finishing in the top 3% and top 15% of each graduating class. Special superintendent's awards also were presented to students for exceptional work in certain fields. 1962 - Spanish, a compulsory course for 6th grade students, introduced as part of educational television via KDPS-TV. 1962 - Four area elementary bands and an all-city senior high band organized since 1957. 1962 - Language lab at East High School. 1962 - a 50% student increase in senior high foreign language from 1957-1962. 1963 - All elementary schools use the phonetic approach to reading. 1965 - Federal Programs launched—ESEA, Title I, II, III. 1966 - Head Start pre-school program launched by Federal government. 1970 - Office Education extended to all high schools. 1970 - Dropped tracking (Advanced, general, basic) in 9-12. 1972 - Dropped one-year requirement of mathematics and one year of science in grades 9-12 for graduation 1972 - Career Education coordinator appointed 1974 - Vocational agri-business program started at Tech High and McCombs Junior High
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-93.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:33 +0000
<![CDATA[017_Curriculum History]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51743

Title

017_Curriculum History

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

017_CurriculumHistory.jpg

Transcription

17 1880 was the first year that a teacher of business was made a regular member of the high school core of teachers. At this time Mr. Clay Slinker was engaged to teach business subjects—drawing, penmanship, physiology and civil government. To fill in his spare moments he taught club swinging, fencing, etc. 1882 - Science became an elective for the Latin course Bookkeeping was a seond elective and students wishing to take the subject were required to remain after the regular school hours in order to take it and also to pay extra tuition. 1884 - 1885 German was an elective for Virgil and Cicero American Literature and commercial arithmetic were also electives. Physics Etymology Greek French Ancient Geography Illiad 1884 - Kindergarten established in Des Moines In the fall of 1886 Mr. J. M. Meham, instructor in a business college in Des Moines, was engaged to come to West High to give instruction in bookkeeping. 1888 - Solid Geometry Stenography Commercial Geography - An elective - banking 1888 - Physical culture classes established (forerunner of P.E.) 1889 - Drawing classes established (art) In 1889, Mr. Clay Slinker with the cooperation of Mr. C. S. Dahlburg introduced shorthand and typewriting. West High School was the first high school in the country to establish permanently a course in shorthand and typewriting. Domestic science was first placed in the curriculum in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Miller of the Toledo Public School were employed by the Board of Education to introduce their new methods. Domestic science became so popular that boys were admitted to this department. 1890 - Manual Training classes established 1891 - English History 1892 - Music classes began 1893 - 1894 Office Practice and Bookkeeping Advanced Stenography 1896 Modern and Medieval History 1897 Advanced Shorthand and Advanced Typewriting 1897 - East Des Moines Schools Voted free textbooks 1899 -West Des Moines Schools voted free textbooks. Free texts are voted by the people and can be changed only by vote of the people. 1901 - College Preparatory Course based on Latin was offered and Greek was discontinued. 1901 - Stone part of West High was added. 1905 - A requirement was made that all students must take English each year in high school. The Latin Department enrollment showed that over 50% of the students took Latin. Music was conducted on a more systematic basis and was counted as a regular recitation for which credit was given. A course in physical culture was more complete in 1905 than in previous years since their work had been expanded. Courses consisted of running, work with dumbells and clubs and calisthenics. This department also gave both boys' and girls' gymnastic training. 1907 - Big consolidation resulted in the Des Moines Independent School District. 1909 - Business Organization based on the economics of business was added to the commercial course. 1913 - Clay Slinker, first director of Business Education in U.S. 1913 - Office Practice and Shorthand and a two-year course in Business English were added. 1914 - Salesmanship 1914 - 1915 Normal training department was established. Classes in pedagogy were given. John Greenleaf Whittier SchooL (Photograph) E. 14th and Washington West High School (Photograph) 15th and Center East Woodlawn School,(Photograph) West 30th and Euclid No pictures available of: Lower Agency School Plum Grove School, Southwest Des Moines Rawson School (frame) 43rd and Franklin Sand Hill School, S.W. corner Grandview Park Walnut School, 49th and Grand West Woodlawn School, Beaver and Madison
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-92.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:27 +0000
<![CDATA[016_Other School Districts and Curriculum]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51742

Title

016_Other School Districts and Curriculum

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976. .

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

016_OtherSchoolDistrictsandCurrculum.jpg

Transcription

Scott SchooL (Photograph) S.E. 25th and Maury Slinker SchooL (Photograph) 15th and Center They continued to argue that the city was not too large for all of the teachers to assemble in a grade or general teachers' meeting yet they pointed out that five superintendents were employed. They pointed out that present arrangements led to needless multiplication of high school units and there was no reason for more than three or four high schools in Des Moines, rather than the six or seven doing high school work in early 1900's. They further pointed out that the high schools in the distant suburbs were cut off from all contact with supervisors and yet were within easy access of the teachers' meetings in the city. Oakdale School District Oakdale was a separate school district in the northwest part of Des Moines, The first building was a log school house at the corner of 30th and Hickman near the site of the present Monroe elementary school. The next school house was one 16 x 18 and built on Beaver Avenue. Further additions in the Oakdale School District included building of a building in the northwest part of the district named Pleasant Hill. The main buildings in the Oakdale District were Elmwood School at 31st and University and Kirkwood School at 27th and Clark. Rawson at 43rd and Franklin was another building designed for lower grades. The establishment of Drake University in 1885 was a great stimulus to the Oakdale District and the many homes built in this district required additions to the various school facilities. Greenwood Park School A separate school district and a small one was the Greenwood Park School located on West Grand. A picture of the small building is given. Very little is known about the early history. Jordan School was a frame structure near the present Merrill Jr. High School. Summit SchooL (Photograph) 21st Street between Forest and Clark Noah Webster School,(Photograph) E. 12th and Lyon Street Curriculum Beginning in 1870 and continually through the 1970's there is a continuous adding to the curriculum. New courses are added; others are changed, modified or dropped. Here are some highlights of some of the additions of courses to the high school curriculum. Various electives and new subjects added to the curriculum 1870 - Geology Drawing (an elective for botany) Moral Philosphy - an elective for astronomy 1871 - Moral Science National History Political Economy Rhetoric - an elective for chemistry Bookkeeping - an elective for botany Ancient History - an elective for astronomy 1873 - Elocution Physiology Physical Geography Science of Government General History Caesar English Literature Virgil Mental Philosophy Advanced Algebra 1875 - Zoology Higher arithmetic 1879 - 1880 Cicero English Compositio
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-91.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:22 +0000
<![CDATA[024_Early Board Members and Committeees]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51740

Title

024_Early Board Members and Committeees

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

Page014EarlyBoard Membersand Committees.jpg

Transcription

Lucas SchooL Olive McHenry SchooL (Photograph) E. 16th and Capitol Olive McHenry School (Photograph) 17th and Crocker The duties of these committees are as follows: The committee on buildings and grounds shall have general supervision of the property of the district. The committee on finance shall examine and audit the accounts of all school officers, make estimates of the expenses of the school year and have general supervision of the financial affairs of the school district. The committee on instruction in connection with the superintendent shall have the general supervision of teachers, textbooks, and the school work and shall recommend to the board such changes as the welfare of the schools may demand. The committee on supplies shall be in charge of all purchasing of all supplies and apparatus for use for the schools. The committee on printing shall give orders pertaining to the school district's printing. The committee on janitors shall have general supervision of the janitors, heating and ventilation. In other words, school board members took a very active role in visiting school personnel, both certified and noncertified, making suggestions for improvement, buying supplies, equipment, and in general running the schools. In time, these burdens became too time consuming. Also the public sought professional leadership for these jobs. The matter of hiring a full-time superintendent plus assistants in special areas to run the school district on a businesslike basis came to be the custom. However, there was great influence in these smaller districts by a vigorous board member. A particular board president might best be illustrated by George N. Frink who was elected to the board of education in the Capital Park District in 1898. He was chosen president in 1901 by by the members of the board and held that position for three consec- tive years. He worked diligently at getting the Capital Park System operated so that they could be accredited by NCA. He brought in winning coaches since the game of football was a fairly new one. He worked faithfully for the interest of the Capital Park Schools and the affluent area that it represented. He promoted the sentiment against consolidation with the East Des Moines Public Schools and sought to maintain a strong, vigorous, academic school system. The school yearbooks from Capital Park were dedicated to President George N. Frink which indicated that the students and faculty appreciated his dynamic leadership. Maple Grove (Photograph) S.W. 9th and Army Post Nash SchooL (Photograph) 15th and Forest Grant Park School District Grant Park School District was located in the Grant Park subdivision at the eastern edge of the urban area of Des Moines. Grant Park School was located at 30th and Dean on the present site of Willard School. The original building which housed the high school unit is pictured below. There were several other small school units that fed into this area on the east side. We have pictured here the original Grant Park School which faced east at the time. (Please recall that the present viaduct along the eastern edge of the Willard School grounds was not constructed until much later.) The year of consolidation (1907) of some 20 school districts to form the Independent Community School District of Des Moines, saw the inclusion of the Grant Park High School District. The Grant Park building that is pictured was continued as a K-8 unit after the consolidation. A disasterous fire broke out on December 14, 1923, and burned most of the original Grant Park building. However, the firemen were able to save part of the eastern portions of that building. Part of the first floor of the original structure is now incorporated in the present Willard School. It may be identified on the first floor as the lunchroom space that is now used by elementary scnoui children. At one time it was a small gymnasium in the old Grant Park high school unit. It was regrettable that the fire in 1923 destroyed all of the records in the building. Very little exists today to give the history of this area. As of this date, we cannot find that any high school annual was published by the Grant Park High School. These old annuals that have been found for some of the other high schools had proved to be a valuable source of data concerning the life, time, and school offerings of the older high school units. When such annuals exist, it is suggested that individuals contact the administration office at 1800 Grand in Des Moines with this assistance. It was along these lines that in February, 1975, we were finally able to get a picture of the original Grant Park building through the courtesy of one of the graduates of the high school who had this among her memorabilia. All such contributions are gratefully acknowledged.
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-89.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:16 +0000
<![CDATA[014_Names for School Buildings]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51738

Title

014_Names for School Buildings

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

012_Names for SchoolBuildings.jpg

Transcription

Grant Park High School (Photograph) E. 30th and Dean Grand View School (Photograph) E. 12th and Hull Howe School (Photograph) S.E. 7th Street Jefferson SchooL (Photograph) 30th and Park Avenue Names for the school buildings It had been the custom of both the East Des Moines District and the West Des Moines District to name their schools by wards and indeed it appeared that the school directors probably were elected from the various wards within a school district. Finally, in 1880 the East Des Moines board decided that the school buildings should be named and that this would be a more fitting and proper way to refer to them. The first one that they had built at Pennsylvania and Grand was called Bryant after the poet, William Cullen Bryant. The second or seventh ward school was named Curtis. The name Curtis was selected because of the fact that General Curtis had been a somewhat extensive owner of property in the east side. The school constructed at 16th and Capitol was called Lucas after the first governor of Iowa and the building on East 12th and Lyon was called Webster for the famous lexicographer of the nation. A rented room in the southeastern portion of the East Des Moines district, commonly called the "porkhouse" school because it was intended to accommodate the children of the men who were employed in the packing houses, was given the name of Benton in honor of Thomas H. Benton, for several years the head of the State Department of Public Instruction. A picture of Benton School is given below. In the fall of 1880 the board rented a room in the basement of a Swedish church which stood at the corner of Des Moines and E. 2nd Avenue and started a school there. The prevalence of the Swedish nationality in that part of the city at that time was the reason for the board naming the new undertaking after Sweden's author and traveler, Frederica Bremer . East High School East High was started on the top floor of Bryant School at E. 9th and Grand. In chronological order East High has existed as follows: 1861-1877 - Bryant School, top floor, E. 9th and Grand 1877-1891 - Webster School, top floor E. 12th and Lyon 1891-1911 - East High, E. 12th and Court 1911 to present at E. 13th and Walker In 1887 the freshman class of East High was moved back to Bryant due to overcrowding. In 1890 the East Des Moines School Board obtained authority from the voters for the erection of a special high school building to be located in the corner of E. 12th and Court Avenue. East High was dedicated March 5, 1891. This magnificient building is pictured below. The East High building was planned and carried out under the supervision of the most popular superintendent of the East Des Moines District and the one with the longest tenure—Superintendent Amos Hiatt. Superintendent Hiatt assumed his duties in 1885 and continued for almost two decades (1895-1903). The great new building at E. 12th and Court continued to serve as a high school until overcrowding became a real problem. By this time the East Des Moines schools had merged with the West Des Moines schools to form the Des Moines Independent School District and the third and final location of East High School occurred in 1911 when a new East High School was built at E. 13th and Walker. The East Des Moines School District continued to expand through the years with a number of other buildings being built. These are touched on very briefly as follows: In 1882 a large school building was erected on Pine and called Longfellow School. That same year Lucas School was enlarged. In 1884 Emerson School was built at E. 16th and Maple. Benton School at S. E. 12th and Shaw was greatly enlarged to accomodate the students in that area. There was a large addition built for Bremer School at Second and Des Moines. With the continued population in and around the Webster School site a separate three-room school house was erected on the Webster grounds. This was called the Louisa May Allcott building for the popular authoress of the day.
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-87.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:11 +0000
<![CDATA[013_First Building for East High]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51737

Title

013_First Building for East High

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Type

Document

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

013_FirstBuildingForEastHigh.jpg.

Transcription

Page 11 First Building for East High The East Des Moines School District remained without a separate schoolhouse of its own until the year 1866. For many years the interested citizens of East Des Moines were active in trying to get the taxpayers to vote bond money with which to build a school house, however, they did . not have good response from the voters. It is important to recall that in those days school districts had to tax themselves directly on an annual budget for the money with which to construct school houses. There was no authority or way for raising money by issuance of bonds. Thus a district that wanted anything in the way of a good-sized school building had to tax themselves for a series of years and let the funds accumulate for that purpose. In the East Des Moines district there was a constant struggle year after year to get the money for a school house, however, the voting of one year's tax gave no assurance that another time the people would feel the same way. Bryant School at Pennsylvania and Grand Avenue was the first school built in East Des Moines. A picture of this building is given below. When Bryant School was completed it was said to be the largest and finest school house in the western half of the state. In 1975 it is difficult to visualize the problems that they had in even securing materials in Des Moines for this school building. The lumber had to be hauled by horse- drawn wagon from Nevada, Iowa, since that was the nearest railroad shipping point from which to secure the materials. Similarly, cement and other items of this nature, nails and anything to be used in construction, that came by railroad from the East or from other points, had to be left in Nevada, and then laborously and slowly hauled by teams to the building sites. The records show that before Bryant was completed, however, that the Des Moines Valley Road had begun to run trains into Des Moines. This small footnote in history points up the value and importance of railroad transportation in the last century. It was a vital link to the outside world and greatly affected the cost of materials used in construction as well as items used in everyday living. The 1881 annual report of the Board of Trade gave the following figures in the increase of population in Des Moines: 1846 127 inhabitants 1870 12,035 1850 502 1875 15,782 1860 3,965 1880 22,696 1865 5,650 1881 25,397 From these statistics it can be seen that there would be a tremendous growth in the number of school population of students. Admittedly from the records we know that there was not a great deal of pressure for students to attend school for any great length of time, but it was becoming more and more important to serve those youngsters in those families who demanded and wanted education. Thus the East Des Moines schools began to grow and the need for more buildings became apparent. In 1874 the East Des Moines District built a second school at the corner of East Sixth and Raccoon with four rooms. It was greatly enlarged afterwards to serve the students there. This building incidently was utilized until the 1950*8 when Dunlap School was built at Southeast 11th and Railroad Streets to serve the students in the southeast area. In 1875 they built Lucas School at East 16th and Capitol. In 1877 the demands of the school population of the east side became so urgent that the board asked the district to authorize a loan of $30,000 for the construction of a school at the corner of E. 12th and Lyon. This proposal carried. Forest Home School (Photograph) Forest and Gordon Avenue Benjamin Franklin School (Photograph) 12 th and Crocker Frisbie School (Photograph) 60th and Muskogee Ulysses S. Grant School (Photograph) 23rd and Cottage Grove
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-86.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:05 +0000
<![CDATA[010_Early Schools in Des Moines]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51734

Title

010_Early Schools in Des Moines

Description

1976 marked the 130th anniversary of the Des Moines Public Schools. This booklet is a celebration of that event.It provides many of the historical highlights of the development of schools within the city of Des Moines, Iowa.

Type

Document

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

010_EarlySchoolsinDesMoines.jpg

Transcription

Bird School (Photograph) Harding Road and Woodland - 1874-1974 Frederika Bremer School. (Photograph) 1st and Des Moines Street Early Schools in Des Moines The history of education in Des Moines goes back almost as far as the history of the city itself. There is some question as to who conducted the very first school. Records show that there were two established in the same year—in the fall and winter of 1846-1847. Both schools were held in cabins along Raccoon Row. Mr. Lewis Whitten was the teacher of one and Miss Mary Davis of the other. These schools were called "subscription schools,11 since the expenses were paid by the parents of the pupils. The first school district was organized in 1849, four years prior to the incorporation of the town of Fort Des Moines. About sixty dollars was appropriated for the use of the school district during the 1849-50 school year. School costs were also defrayed by a tuition charge of $2.50 per pupil for the term of twelve weeks. The Methodist Church was the meeting place of the first school, and later it was moved to the 'new1 courthouse. Because the building was not yet finished, it was a cold and uncomfortable learning situation. At the end of the first term of three months the teacher, Byron Rice, suggested that school be dropped temporarily. Mr. Rice later became a prominent banker and judge. In 1851 the sum of $100 was appropriated to purchase a half acre of, ground at Ninth and Locust on which to erect a school building. The first tax for the erection of a school building was levied in 1854. The Third Ward School (or "Brick School House,11 as it was called) was opened for school in 1856. It had cost the staggering sum of $8,000. There were four departments and four teachers when it opened. A bronze plaque has been placed on the front of the present building at 9th and Locust to commemorate the site of the first public school in Des Moines. West Side Schools in 1860's The west side enrollments of the 1860's increased so that in a few years additional space had to be rented to accommodate the pupils. In April, 1869, the school board purchased a new site at Tenth and Pleasant, to replace the Third Ward School at 9th and Locust. The new unit was later named Irving School. Capitol Park High School (Photograph) E. 13th and Polk William Cullen Bryant School (Photograph) Pennsylvania and Grand Avenue Des Moines School History On May 30, 1864, a committee in the West Des Moines schools was appointed to examine and report about the advisability of establishing a high school for the following fall. On July 1, 1864, they decided, upon a favorable report of the committee, to establish a high school and to open it in the second ward building (Crocker) at Sixth and School. Mr. Barrels, the County Superintendent, was requested to furnish a "course of study" and discipline for the same. The board elected Mr. Barrels as principal at a salary of $100 per month. The records shows that Mr. Barrels was first, county superintendent; second, principal of the high school and thirdly, a congregational minister. Apparently the citizens of 1864 were not overly concerned with the separation of Church and State. It is recorded that when Mr. Barrels found it necessary to visit the outlying schools of Polk County that Mr. J. A. Nash substituted for him as the high school principal. At a meeting of the Board of Education, October 1, 1864, a committee was appointed to classify the schools and draft a course of study. However, the committee recorded on October 24 that they had not been able to prepare the course of study owing to the excitement caused throughout the state by the presence of Confederate rebel raiders. They requested more time and the course of study was received November 9, amended and adopted. Des Moines was growing very rapidly during this Civil War period and the schools were becoming more and more crowded. The organization of the high school made more room necessary and in 1867 a proposition providing for a special tax for the erection of a school was submitted to the voters. The proposition lost. The crowded conditions continued producing much discomfort, even the window sills soon became seats for students. When a discontented parent complained to the president of the board about the crowded conditions and lack of seats, he was asked by the board president "Did you vote on the proposition for more seats or against more seats?" If the parent confessed that he had voted against this bond issue, he was told that in that case his child must continue to sit in the window.
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-83.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:29:54 +0000
<![CDATA[006_To the Students]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51731

Title

006_To the Students

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Identifier

State Library of Iowa - First floor book collection, 371.01 Den 1976

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

006_TotheStudents.jpg

Transcription

TO THE STUDENTS: You are living at a special time--the celebration of the 200th anniversary of our country. The Bicentennial brings an awareness of and interest in our heritage, our past, and the men and women who provided the leadership during our early history. We study the past in order to make wise decisions in the present and hope to avoid mistakes in the future. As you study the history of Iowa, you become aware of Iowa's heritage. As a part of Iowa's history, the history of the Des Moines Public Schools shows the heritage of a progressive and alert school system. It shows how this community met needs, challenges, and problems throughout the schools' one hundred and thirty years. People worked hard to continually improve and build upon an outstanding school system. The future will show continued changes as they are needed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the last quarter of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first. Des Moines is a good place to live. Ours is the largest school district in Iowa, and its citizens, school people, and educational programs meet the needs of today's youth and will chart a rewarding course for the years ahead. Dr. Dwight M. Davis Superintendent of Schools
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-79.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:29:44 +0000
<![CDATA[012_West High School]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51715

Title

012_West High School

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

Identifier

State Library of Iowa - First floor book collection, 371.01 Den 1976

Digital Reproduction Information

JPEG scanned at 600 dpi resolution on an Epson Expression 10000XL Scanner

File Name

010_WestHighSchool.jpg

Transcription

Curtis School (Photograph) E. 6th and Raccoon Street Elm Grove, (Photograph) Army Post and Indianola Road magnificent structure was West High. The original West High had a large bell tower and called for a huge clock that would strike every quarter hour. However the neighboring residents in the fashionable homes that were in the area strenuously objected and the works to the clock were never installed. Nevertheless the four sides of the huge timepiece were adorned with the idle faces of the clock until after a fire in the teens caused the entire tower structure to be razed. The architects, Foster and Lieebe, visited schools in Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Paul in order to secure ideas and information regarding the most modern methods of heating, lighting and ventilation for this new structure. The office of the superintendent and the board offices were all included in the new West High when it opened. All the rooms were beautifully and luxuriously furnished with fashionable woodwork, furniture and "rugs of good quality". The most modern and complete science equipment was installed, $1,000 being spent upon chemical apparatus alone. Reports state that noteworthy among these was a Kershoff and Bunson spectroscope and Becker balance made in Rotterdam. The new building was the show place of the state and hundreds of visitors and educators came from all over to look at the building and to get ideas to take back for schools they were constructing in their home areas. The library, for example, had a collection of some 460 volumes. Ralph Waldo Emerson School (Photograph) E. 16th and Maple Evergreen School (Photograph) (Bly School) Evergreen Avenue It is interesting to notice that they called this West High and Industrial School. Courses of study offered were, English, Latin, scientific, classic and business. All of these with the single exception of the business course required four years of study and led to a diploma of graduation. The business course demanded only two years of endeavor of work and upon completion of their hard work the student received a special certificate but no diploma. The classical course was the regular college preparatory course and included Greek. In the fall of 1889 manual training and home economics were added to the curriculum. These two subjects were introduced to the schools by Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Miller who had been recruited from a similar position where they had taught in Toledo, Ohio, prior to coming to Des Moines. Also in 1889 shorthand and typewriting were introduced to the curriculum by Mr. Clay Slinker. History ol East Des Moines School District The schools of the city of Des Moines were first under the control of one board of education. Among the items in the reports of the officers of the district appear claims that they settled for rent and fuel for rooms "used in East Des Moines." Children of the East Side were accomodated with school facilities in rented roms. The first house in East Des Moines for school purposes of which we have definite information was a small frame building that stood near the corner of East 9th & Grand. The records also show that there were also several private schools operated in the eastern part of Des Moines. One of the private or subscription schools of the city of Des Moines was first under the control of one district on land now occupied by the Jewett Lumber Company. Independent District Organized The Independent School District of Des Moines, East Side, was organized in 1859. The organizational meeting was held at the state capitol building. Facilities were rented in the Griffith block in the East Des Moines central district and operated there for several years, then it was moved to a building south of the Northwestern Depot on East Fourth. After being there for a year or two the school went back to the Griffith Block where it remained until a school building could be financed and erected.
http://cdm.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/DSMschools-85.jpg
]]>
Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:14:09 +0000