Illinois State Normal University - Index Yearbook (Normal, IL)

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The I nstitution 21 nearly one-half of the enrollment each year consists of former students. It is now necessary to employ several extra teachers to assist the regu- lar faculty. This institution is unique among normal schools in the size and value of its museum of natural history. At the time of the founding of the Normal University there was in Illinois a growing interest in natural science and a wide spread belief that it was to do much for the western farmer. Indeed, one of the chief aims of the Normal school, as stated in the original act, was to impart instruction in the elements of the natural sciences, including agricultural chemistry and animal and vegetable physiology. In 1857 was organized the State Natural History Society of Illinois, which held annual meetings, published papers, and accumulated specimens to be placed in the State Normal University. After 1867 the legislature appropriated 82, 500 per annum for the salary of the curator. The collections grew until they filled all available space. Many high schools were pro- vided with cabinets of specimens. Finally, in 1885, the surplus col- lections were removed to Springfield and Champaign, the latter city becoming the seat of the state laboratory. The successive curators were john W. Powell, the eminent western explorer, Dr. George Vasey, and Stephen A. Forbes. REVENUES. When the institution was founded it was expected that the moneys subscribed to secure the location would erect the building, and that the seminary fund and tuition receipts would meet running expenses. Because of the financial reverses of 1857, many subscriptions were lost. Nearly 380,000 was appropriated by the legislature to complete the building. The income from the seminary funds never reached 513,000 per annum. The General Assembly has made regular appro- priations for maintenance since 1867. Since that date, for additional buildings and other permanent improvements, SI32,000 has been appropriated. The average annual income from all sources, by decades, has been: From Tuition From State and Treasury other sources Total 1857 1866 320,045 81,913 08 321,958 1867 1876 27,556 4,161 31,718 1877 1886 27,839 5,127 32,966 1887 1896 361694 9,575 46,269 1897 1904 48,205 5,382 53,588 THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. The body governing the Illinois State Normal University is known as the State Board of Education. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is ex-officio' its secretary, the fourteen other members are appointed by the governor for terms of six years. The succes- sive governors have usually seen fit to reappoint the same men, so few names appear in the roll of members. Most of them have been practical teachers or public men actively identified with the develop- ment of education in Illinois. Among the list we find Samuel W. Moulton, of Shelbyville, author of the law establishing our public school system, Hon. W. H. Green, of Cairo, one of its most vigorous