Name/Title
Waupun Early SchoolsScope and Content
Miscellaneous items on early Waupun schools found in a folder labeled, Schools, in file cabinet in upstairs office of Museum.
Miscelleanous (miscellaneous) items on early Waupun schools.
1844 - Through money raised by subscription both in the village and the neighboring country (county), a building to be used both for educational and religious purposes, was built. The capacity for school purposes was 30. One pioneer recalled that it was not unusual for Indians to come quietly into the room and watch proceedings, and that one (Brothertown) Indian lad came regularly for some time.
1858 - Sept. 8. Waupun paper. "The New School House in West Waupun is being pushed ahead with commendable energy. The walls are now ready for the window frames. Can't our folks up and have a new house, too?"
1845 - Nov. 4, 1878 (From column of early history) "Thirty-three years ago this winter the public schools of Waupun were not so numerously attended as they are at present. That winter Uncle Joe Fairbank taught the only school in this section. The school house stood where the Railroad store now stands. He had about 15 scholars, some of whom came in from the country every day from as far out as Robert Hobkirk's farm (about 3 miles). One full-blooded Brothertown Indian was among his pupils. Some of his former pupils are still residing here. There are three Wilcoxes, Heman, Thursten, and George, Mrs. W. Houghton, Mrs. Clint Brooks, Mrs. Cyrus Taylor, (Mrs. Levy's mother) and others."
Apr. 8, 1877. "At the teachers' examination held last week in the North Ward, Mr. O'Connor asked how many square miles were contained in the town of Trenton. And very few of the applicants for certificates could answer the question, though there were several from Trenton present, and quite a number from adjoining towns. We supposed that most folks knew that a township was six miles square but that the limits of a town could be fixed by the legislature. We also supposed that most people around here knew that Trenton contained one and a half townships, measuring nine miles from north to south and six miles from east to west."
1859, Sept. 28. Times. Report from schools ; "Singing has been taught in all departments quite successfully." East Waupun Times issue for Nov. 30, 1859 has an article on West Waupun school. The first school was opened in 1844 by Charles Cleveland in a building at the intersection of Main St. and the railroad. (Same building as in item 1) used by early churches, too. DISTRICT #1. Quote from a County History. "The district was #1, and composed the territory of the present city of Waupun, a portion of the towns of Waupun in Fond du Lac Co. and Chester in Dodge."
1860, Oct. 22. District #1 was divided into two districts, North &South.
1847- The second school building was erected at the corner of Madison and E. Jefferson - site of Episcopal Church.
1853. South Ward built on the present S. W. site. It was later bought, by Mr. Utter and was known as Utter's Hall and used for various social occasions. Still standing and used as a warehouse in block between E. Main and E. Jefferson streets and between S. Forrest and Drummond streets.
1872 - present South Ward building erected at a cost of $10,000.
1877 - H. S. department organized.
1861 - the North Ward school built.
1868 - Times item - "There are three Ward schools, all well supported, and all under the direction of well qualified teachers. There has been considerable talk about establishing a central High School here but no very energetic action has ever been taken about the matter."
SCHOOL MUSIC. First installed in the schools by Miss Regan in 1904. From that time on, music has been taught in Waupun schools.
1930 - Academic credit was given for musical study.
1930 - 1939. Development of excellent work in High School bands, orchestras, soloists and glee clubs. Honors have been won in both state and national contests. Waupun entertained the WISCONSIN STATE Band TOURNAMENT for High Schools - Date ? Early 1930's. Miss Regan was employed in the middle of the year and taught 4 1/2 months.
WEST WAUPUN SCHOOL. TIMES - Nov. 21, 1857. QUOTE.
"Messrs. Editors - Below I give you a list of the scholars in attendance at the Upper Town Union School. (List omitted) Primary Department - Miss Green - Ave. number (of pupils) 40, Higher Department - Mr. Gaskill - Ave. number (of pupils) 30.
Our school-rooms are open at any time for the reception of parents and friends of education. It would give us the greatest satisfaction if parents would visit our schools, and keep pace with the advancement of their children thereby enabling them to gain a knowledge of their progress by observation. You may be sure of a cordial welcome at any time. We need all your aid in developing what is chaste and beautiful in character and conduct. 'It is better to have a care while the bud is bursting to the sun, than when the heat has scorched the unguarded blossom'. We cordially invite you to come. Do not trust the greatest interests of your children to the care of the teachers without even looking after them. Come often and make your visits as unceremonious as possible. Yours truly, R. R. Gaskill"
DR. EUEN'S CELEBRATED POOR MAN PLASTERS. - Mr. Hillyer.
Quote - "Dr. Euen, the father of Wm. Euen, was quite a celebrity in that day. One of his proprietary articles was "Dr. Euen's Celebrated Poor Man's Plaster." After his employment by the railroad as stock agent, and the failure of the company to keep its contracts, Wm. Euen began the manufacture of these plasters, and had them on sale in every drug store in the country. They were not to be paid for until sold and as they were made on tanned sheep skin, the outlay counted up fast. Capital was scarce and to help in advertising the plasters he began the publication of a monthly paper, "The Prison City Item", Wm. Moore and Wm. Euen editors. It was full of spice and had a wide circulation. In September, 1859, Euen became sole owner. He was an honest man and when he died left many friends."
August, 1858 - Vol. 1 - No. 1 - EUEN'S PRISON CITY ITEM.
"Fear God, pay the Printer, subscribe for Euen's Prison City Item, and, if you have a lame back or side, use one of Dr. Euen's Universal Strengthening Plasters, then you will be esteemed and respected of all men. The first will cost you nothing; the second will ease your conscience; the third will improve your intellect, and the last will bring you back to health."
August 15, 1859. "Invitations have been sent to all of the Governors of the several states, requesting their attendance at the Convention of State Prison Officers. It met in Philadelphis and the calling of the convention was due to our worthy Prison Commissioner - E. M. McGraw."
Feb. 1, 1860. Tribute to John Elmore - "such a man we have in John Elmore (of the firm of Starkweather & Elmore) who has always shown himself willing to tender the helping hand and material aid to such prisoners, and has even gone as far as to furnish some of them with the necessary material to commence business on their own hook. Would to God that more men might act in this respect as John does, not only the discharged convicts, but society would be a great deal better for it". At this time there was a movement to place a Moral Instructor in the prison.Acquisition
Accession
2015.0015Source or Donor
Waupun Historical SocietyAcquisition Method
Found in Collection
