Emerson High School - Tattler Yearbook (Stevens Point, WI)

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.lhf TATTLIER .::..:. 1 1 FRANK GREEN JENNIE FERRIS Everything in readiness, at 8 P. M., the graduates filed out to take their places on the stage surrounded by members of the Board of Education and teachers. Admission to the hall was free and without reservation and as a result all the available space was immediately taxed to the utmost. It was a hot night even for july and the hall Was soon about as comfortable as a bake oven. We each poured our literary productions to an attentive and appreciative audience and were presented with our diplomas which were to serve as passports into the greater world about us. At the close of the program, the class repaired to Pipe's Restaurant, then located at the corner of Clark and Third Streets where the Chevrolet garage is now located, for the first Alumni Banquet. Of this class of nine, four members have answered the final summons, three mem- bers are living elsewhere and two are at present located in Stevens Point. MARY E. CLEMENTS WING A TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANK GREEN AND MISS FERRIS Much recognition must be given to Frank Green who, acting in the capacity of both principal and superintendent, was instrumental in organizing the high school in Stevens Point on a recognized basis. Mr. Green was assisted by the capable Miss Jennie Ferris, now Mrs. Emmons Burr of this city, who was the first instructor. Members of the first school owe a good deal to the guidance and tutorship of Mr. Green and Miss Ferris who earnestly strove to place our school high among state circles and make it an accredited institution. Every Pointer should feel indebted to these two for the begin- ning of this magnificent establishment. x 1 Page I3

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1:3-...i-..-i TATTLERi.:.i.w ' 11 1-nn-an-I vig? ,t We - FIRST HIGH SCHOOL The exercises were held in McCulloch's Hall on the second floor of the present McCulloch store building with a wide entrance on Main Street where the book depart- ment now is. This was the Grand Opera house for Stevens Point at that time and the location of all the top-notch entertainments. It had a small but real stage and was lighted more or less brilliantly with large chandeliers of kerosene lamps. The stage effects were illuminated with kerosene footlights. There were no gas or electric lights in Stevens Point at that time. As the class of 1881 knew nothing of class plays, class day exercises, Junior Proms, nor the many other activities incidental to modern commencement, all interest was cen- tered in the one festive day. Examinations over and our orations and essays judged satisfactory, we turned our attention to the other inciclentals. Early Saturday morning every one was up and stirring. As there were no greenhouses from which to get flowers and plants for decorations we set abo.ut gathering both wild and garden flowers. Harry- grass, a white lawn flower, very common here at that time, was made the principal feature relieved by a little color from more brilliant cultivated flowers and potted plants. As we gathered at the Hall, full of enthusiasm over the day's doings, we were al- most thrown into a panic by the announcement of the assassination of President Garfield which was flashed over the wires that morning. It was the most tragic event since the Civil War and death of Lincoln and local excitement was intense. This news made it necessary for several members of the class to alter the text of their orations at the last moment. Page I2 X

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,--- ATTILE R s The First Graduating Class HE high school was started in 1876 and the first class was graduated July 2, 1881. The high school building in 1880 was a new and substantial brick structure centrally located on Clark Street and surrounded by ample school grounds. The building contained accommodation for the High School, Grammar School, One Inter- mediate, and One Primary with adjoining recitation rooms. An excellent reference library with 173 books was open at all times of the day in the high school. The course of study was drawn up with a double purpose of giving a sound busi- ness education and affording a thorough preparation for the University. COURSE OF STUDY First Year Full Term Winter Term Spring Term Arithmetic Arithmetic Arithmetic Grammar A Grammar Composition U. S. History--20 Physiology-16 Weeks Weeks Second Year . Algebra Algebra W o r d Analysis-10 Physical Geography-1 Sencential Analysis-18 Weeks Weeks Weeks Latin or Bookkeeping English History Latin or Bookkeeping Third Year Algebra Plane Geometr Plane Geometry Civil Government Latin Solid Geometry Natural Philosophy Latin Y Civil Government Latin and Botany Fourth Year Trigonometry Natural Philosophy Latin Arithmetic Review Latin and Botany Reviews English Literature Ancient History The Calendar for 1880-81 was: Fall term begins September 6th and ends December 24th. Winter term begins January 3rd and ends March 25th. Spring term begins April 4th and ends June 16th. There were no athletics of any kind, no school dances, no proms, nor anything else that we have today. There were only nine in the first graduating class and the exercises were held in McCulloch's Hall. The girls in the graduating class decorated the stage with harigrass and flowers, garden and wild. After the exercises the class went to Pipe's Restaurant on Clark Street and had supper. Mr. Frank Green was the Principal and Superintendent at the time and Miss Jennie Ferris, now Mrs. Emmons Burr, was his assistant. The nine that graduated were: Charles M. Chamberlain, Frank E. Gilchrist, Arnold D. Slutts, Belle Brown, Mary E. Clements, Bertie A. Scott, Carrie L. Wade, Abigail F. Wheelock, and Carl E. Phillips. The oflicers of the School Board were: O. C. Wheelock, Presidentg A. G. Hamacker, Secretary, Dr. John Phillips, Treasurerg and William Weston, Superintendent. Members of the Board were: First Ward, A. G. Hamacker, and John Phillipsg Second Ward, Peter Gordong Third Ward, George A. Packard and J. B. Eddyg Fourth Ward, John Ceary and O. C. Wheelock. Page I4