Charlotte High School - Delphian Yearbook (Charlotte, MI)

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DELPEHIAN NINETEEN EIGHTEEN Editorial When we who are about to graduate and leave those familiar scenes which we have learned to love 'so well, look back across the space involving twelve years of school, there are many pleasant memories which return tous of happy days spent in the pursuit of knowledge and happiness-in the latter, at least, we were successful. Among all these reminiscences one familiar figure stands out more prom- inently than all others, the figure of one who has guided us faithfully, encour- aging and strengthening us when we were in need, influencing us to do thc greater and nobler things when the opportunity presented itself. Mr. Carrick has been our pilot from the baby class to the point where we must depend on our own resources and our own judgment for guidance, and to the average Senior leaving this year the memory of Mr. Carrick will at all times be an in- spiration and an incentive to the higher things of life. We claim the distinction of being the Hrst class to graduate with the record of having had his kindly, pleasing personality from the first grade onward to make the path an easier and happier one to travel, and it is with grateful spirits and many good wishes to him that we leave. . On a gently sloping prairie land, a little band of courageous settlers began the struggle to lay the foundation of the present prosperous city of Charlotte, in a manner which has proven them worthy of their mission. It was in May, 1841, that a school board was elected and the first plans for a means of edu- cation made. The project for a new school building seemed too much of a financial task for the thrifty board and therefore they decided to repair an old house, the second structure to be built in the village, and conduct an educational institution which was to be in operation three months annually. This building had one window Cand now the manly row of 1918 can be heard gaspingl. This window was a single pane of glass of somewhat meagre dimensions. Boards were nailed to the inside of the wall and long seats arranged to face the same. In this somewhat inadequate building Miss Jane Gallery was engaged to teach for the munificent sum of 31.25 per week, on condition that she obtain a State certificate. The condition was fulfilled. Later the school board was moved, either by force or strategy, to vote a tax which would amount to S5100 to build a new schoolhouse. The dimensions of the new building were 18x26 feet and 10 feet high. VVhen its erection was completed disaster stared them in the face, for, behold the total sum amounted to 2lS172.25. Twenty-one children attended the school, ranging from five to seventeen. During the next few years various teachers were hired, all receiving the Page fifteen

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U age. D U8 cedi fe mp nued fro onti ARD-C BO PHIAN EL D Katherine Sattler, Art Grace Peck, Art Jokes D011 Stewart, ,S Whittum, Joke mbree E Sleater, Jokes Margaret Fl E' 'U I P 2 2 2 F1 -I Fl F1 2 Fl C1 I '-I Fl P1 2 ildred Hutchins, Society M Joe Near. Advertising Ermentrude Martin, Poet Harold Clement, Athletics rt 4 m ,-4 -4 Q GJ .-4 ..-. :J 5 r-I

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DELPHIAN NINBTEEN EIGHTEEN remarkably liberal sums of from 81.08 to 81.50 per week. In 1852 the building was sold for 351850. An academy building was rented, making an additional expense, for the staggering rental amounted to 31.00 per week. In 1846 William Johnson, popularly known as Printer Johnson, started a High school in the front room of his office. He seems to have been a man of rare intellectual ability and created enthusiasm and interest in the school. The essays written by the girls appear to have been masterpieces in sarcasm, and in this they were encouraged by their school master. The boys specialized in declamations and both sexes were renowned throughout the county for their originality. As a branch of this school a joint-stock company was formed and became incorporated as the Charlotte Academy. The land and bell were donated by a Mr. McComb and contract was given Nathan Johnson, who built the Academy without physical aid, and at times it seemed that the financial side of the con- tract needed moral support. In the winter he worked as best he could, muffled in his great coat and his hands purple from the cold, not always cheerfully, strange to relate, but industriously. In 1850 the Academy was completed and seems to have been a masterpiece of art, for its greatest accomplishment was rocking as a cradle in a high wind, and the principal amusement of the boys seems to have been casting stones at the windows. Nevertheless it served the purpose, as all antiques are apt to do. As an investment, the Academy must have proven more of a durable organization than a financial success. In 1859 a graded school was organized, known as Union School, and Henry Robinson was elected moderator. It was not until 1866 that 314,000 for a new central building was raised. The dimensions of this building were 30x60 feet. The final cost of the building amounted to fl420,000. The building was in use until 1913, when the back part was torn down and a modern struc- ture annexed to the old front. The new building is passably convenient, with a chemical laboratory, lecture room, gymnasium and the various other study rooms, but dearest to the hearts of the students is the large assembly room, which holds three hundred and fifty, and has a fairly large stage. In this auditorium all the plays and entertainments are held. There are plenty of windows and always an abundance of fresh air. At the present time Charlotte is on the accredited list of the University of Michigan and her standards are high. Over three hundred attend the High school, and from here a large percentage advance to the higher institutions of learning. In athletics Charlotte has been exceptionally fortunate and persists in turning out winning teams despite the somewhat sleepy spirit which is apparent in the student body as a whole. In declamatory and oratorical work the school seems especially gifted. Altogether the system has been rapidly developed and it is our hope that advantage will be taken for future improvement so that Charlotte schools, as well as Charlotte, may be a credit to those who founded them. Page sixteen