Wichita Falls High School - Coyote Yearbook (Wichita Falls, TX)

Page 17 text:

x lt is a far cry from the old dugout school, taught by Miss Carrie Craig, later Mrs. Barwise, before 1879, to the handsome modern structure we now use, the Wichita Falls Junior College building. The progress, slow at times, has been marked by the patient, untiring efforts of those who have been definitely interested in the upbuilding of our educational system. What happened to the old dugout cannot be learned, for when Judge Barwisc. that remarkable character who settled here in 1879, wanted to send his children to school, Miss Hattie Seeley, here with her father, taught them in her bedroom. The first public school was established in 1880, at which time a one-room log house was built, and Mr, James Humphries, who had come with Judge Bai' wise, was installed as teacher. It was about this time that Wichita County was separated from Clay, so the educational development began with the political growth. ln 1881 Mr. McNeese taught fifteen pupils in this same log building. which now had been equipped with twelve split log benches, a black-board. and a stove. The school was indeed a social center then, for it was used for Sunday School as well as for all public meetings. The number of students rapidly increased, for in 1882 three teachers were employed, Miss Nellie O'Donnell being one, and a new two-room building for the other children erected. It was the following year that Miss l,ulu Barwise, now Mrs. A. H. Carrigan, assisted Mr. Cherry as a teacher. The year 1884 needs especial mention for the work of Mr. Hickey. one of the most brilliant men who has helped to make Wichita Falls what it is. lt was he who held night exhibitions to interest the patrons, and interested they became. He also invited, through the papers, members of the board and certain patrons to visit the school on stated days. This stirred the interest of the board, whose interest was not what it might have been. Miss Kate Haynes, that invaluable teacher who is continuing to give such effi- cient service in the schools, first entered the system as a substitute teacher in 1886 under the superintendence of Mr. Burks. In 1891 under Mr. Gladden she began to teach regularly. The year 1888-89 is to be noted for the fact that Judge Yeager was superin- tendent, and Miss Lulu Barwise, now Mrs. A. H. Carrigan. one of his teachers. These splendid people are still in the city and have never lost interest in its education. Central School at Tenth and Scott Streets Page 13

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WE DELIGHT TO HONOR MRS. E, B. RINGLAND CKate O'Don- nelly, who by her efforts as a teacher aided in establishing a sys- tem of education. MRS, GEO. T. KNOTT fNellie O'Don- nellj, who was a loved teacher of the little log school house in 1882. MR. W. R. CHERRY, who was a teacher, Principal and Superintend- ent in 1883. MR. W. A. KNOTT, because of his wonderful work as a member of the School Board of the first grade school, MR. HICKEY, because of his good work as a Superintendent, in securing the interest of the trustees and patrons. MR. W. W. BROWN, Whose picture appears with that of the Board, for his long, efhcient, loving service as Secretary. MR. JOHN VJ. FIELD, who was a member of the first Examining Board. MISS KATE HAYNES, because she has served for years, and is still serving, the youth of the City that Faith Built,'y a part of which faith is hers. JUDGE BARWISE, who has been Won- derfully interested in the upbuilding of education in Wichita Falls, and who has served eight years as a County Judge, which included scrv- ice as County Superintendent. MISS JESSIE AGNEW, Supervisor of Music, who gave many operettas and musical entertainments. advancing public school music. JUDGE A, H. CARRIGAN, for his many years of service as a member of the Board, of which he was President for some time. Page IZ

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A Mr. Gladden, a fine man and an excellent disciplinarian, began his three years work in 1889. He helped the inexperienced teachers very much by demonstrating methods and devices through actually teaching classes. During his superintendency, the first organization of the lndependent School District of Wichita Falls was formed. The first bonds were issued August 4. 1890. for 322,500 for the erection of a high school on Bluff Street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth. This building has been remodeled and repaired several times, but it is still in use as an annex to the Junior High School. 1t was from this building that the first class was graduated in 1892. Of the five members two, Mrs. Hartman and Mrs. Farris, are still residents of Wichita Falls. It is to Mr. VJ. F. Jourdan of Wichita Falls that the city is indebted for much progress in its school system. During his ten years' service, he met with many difficulties. School was delayed in 1896 until it rained, the cisterns being quite empty and the water system inadequate after a two years' drouth. Lack of teachers was the next trouble. Two were elected the day school opened, in order that the other six teachers be relieved. Dr. G. T. Winston, President of the University of Texaxs, came in 1898, at the request of Mr. Jourdan, to inspect the schools. This was of great importance, for two reasons: first, because it was the first visit of any State oflicial to inspect the Wichita Falls Schools: and second, because the ten aliiliation credits were given. Eight other units were added during Mr, Jourdan's ten years as Superintendent. In other ways, this ten years was one of rapid progress educationally. In 1896 there were 319 studentsg by 1906 there were 975. There were six teachers in 1896: there were twenty-one in 1906. The old Central School, located on Tenth Street, was converted into a XVard School, with Miss Kate Haynes as Prin- cipal and Primary Teacher. Through the untiring efforts of Miss Myrtle Coflield CMrs. Duncan Perkinsl and Miss Kate Haynes, the first piano in a Wichita Falls school was purchased during this period. Several years elapsed before the final payment was made. Many were the entertainments given in the building, faintly illuminated by flicker- ing coal oil lamps, to raise the necessary funds. During the summer months, the piano was rented to The Picture Show for five dollars a month. Today, in its old age, it is in daily use at the Alamo School. at which Miss Kate is the Primary Teacher. Page I4 Our Erst piano, purchased through the finterest of teachers