Northern Arizona State Teachers College - La Cuesta Yearbook (Flagstaff, AZ)

Page 81 text:

It-Klli itoufry of Northern Leizconnfa Ncouem m Probably it is true, as many of its ardent ad- mirers have said, that no other institution of higher learning in the United States, certainly not in the southwest, was born under such hum- ble and inauspicious conditions, and yet has grown so marvelously to a position of prestige as the Northern Arizona Normal School. Its steady rise to recognition as one of the best schools of the southwest, has been due to thought and devotion. Its supporters have been loyal, true and helpful. Its governing board has been composed of able men who gave generously of time and thought. Its faculty members from the beginning were se- lected with discrimination, and served with rare devotion and ability. Its students, inspired by the spirit and enthusiasm of instructors, have worked for the glory of their alma mater, and later as alumni, have been helpful in promoting its fame and growth. The location is almost ideal from both a scenic and a climatic standpoint. A vital need existed in this section for the school. In compiling this history it has been difficult to gather all the essential facts so that none shall be missing.. The aim is to present the true story of the Northern Arizona Normal School in a pleas- ing and interesting manner without the monot- ony of too many dates. Acknowledgment is hereby made to Colonel James H. McClintock of Phoenix, member of the first normal school board, and later historian of the state of Arizona, Professor A. N. Taylor of Westfield, New York, first president of the school, under whose direction the school became firmly established, Mr. T. E. Pollock of Flagstaff, also member of the first governing board, and one who was generous in those days when benefactors were needed. Through the efforts of F. H. Nellis, then rep- resenting Coconino county in the territorial coun- cil fthe upper branchl and Henry D. Ross, now judge of the state supreme court Cin the houseb, E ghty O JAS. H. McCLINTOCK l A. N. TAYLOR T. E. POLLOCK

Page 80 text:

FIRST ADMINISTRATION BUILDING E i g h t y

Page 82 text:

HENRY D. ROSS A. A. DUTTON E. E. ELLINWOOD in 1893 the territorial legislature appropriated one-half million dollars for a reform school to be located at Flagstaff. Very soon thereafter actual building began. An- son H. Smith, now of Kingman, was in charge, and about 833,000 was expended, but no boys were sent here to be reformed. Thus matters stood until 1897 when A. A. Dutton, representing this coun- ty in the territorial council, and Henry F. Ashurst in the house, brought the matter to the attention of the legislature, and the reformatory idea was discarded and it was decided to use the building as a home for the insane. This plan, however, did not meet with hearty indorsement in Flag- staff. Indeed, it may be cautiously surmised that Flagstaff held to other aspirations for its new state building. Honorable E. 'E. Ellinwood, now of Bisbee, in those days law partner of Henry D. Ross in Flagstaff, intimates that perhaps Flag- staff people had the normal school idea in the back of their heads from the first. At any rate the new building remained as empty of insane people as it had been of incorrigible boys. It was in March, 1899, that the plan took form and provision was made for a normal school. Mr. Ellinwood drafted the bill. He and Mr. M. J. Riordan of Flagstaff stayed in Phoenix for two weeks to lobby the bill through the legislature, Mr. T. S. Bunch, then representing Coconino county in the council, and Henry F. Ashurst, in the house, of which he was speaker. The funds on hand were from a three-cent tax levy granted in 1807. At that time the main building, of brown sand- stone, had been erected, and the windows and floors were in. It was turned over to the board of education of the normal school of Arizona com- posed of Harry J. Zuck of Tempe, president, Col- onel James H. McClintock, secretaryg R. L. Long, territorial superintendent of public instruction: T. W. Pemberton, territorial treasurer, and A. A. Dutton of Flagstaff. A short time later Mr. Zuck resigned. His place on the board was taken by T. E. Pollock of Flagstaff, and Mr. Pemberton was elected president of the board. When the build- ing was turned over to the board 320,000 remain- ed of the appropriation that had been made for the institution. About 810,000 was expended in fitting the building for school purposes, the work being supervised by Mr. Dutton. The board spent much time in the arrangement of the rooms and corridors. E ghty-Two 2