Decatur Democrat, Volume 56, Number 35, Decatur, Adams County, 31 August 1911 — Page 1

Tuesday Morning. ■ <•! the second day s sesWains County Teachers' IKL occurred this morning at ■ lHt better weather eon ■j the initial meeting. A "’"■attendance was noted, many ..dot ation being pres did not brave the ini lenient o f Monday. I M„ tcnal exercises under the Ew : the Rev R. L. Semans. t ■ sting and valuable. In ■,.iK "ay Hev. Semans gave, talk which well Pleased the ~ i! As ;l scripture lesson a por,tl'’ ” : '' d chapter Ot I>hillil, ' 1 used. I h firs t discouse was on the sub- ( long children vs. Teaching ■ ■ t ' r Starbuck. He said “ ,*^B W) i " as mad * for the chUd ‘ Anil ,, bing subjects impossithe children to learn, but learn of the child and supplv ’’ matter in the form which I assimilated by the youthful Teachers should loaru to love Egi.uptis 80 that by observation understand how children Erand to be able to supply the men Efe-d which they crave. By using ' 's imagination one can instill M VP subjects with less labor and i Ths doctor maintains that tht»| of children between the ages .' w and eleven is only so because 1 Ee fold for the mind which he wants applied by the instructor. And the lower grades the common j . of too difficult work is often Until the age of twelve no j the ability to take a sub-1 reason it to a practical con-' And in the primary grades] Superse plenty of play to employ ■he Jouthful mind in healthful exer-1 ■■ Educate by the use of plays and and make the child’s efforts a The doctor recommends ■h l’ e of kindergarten work in the ■rins> v grades, or at least in the first ... ve&r The invaluable assistmechanical education should ■Mt (•• overlooked At the present s methods of teaching the ■nary grades inculcates stupidity, ■md teachers should use methods that ■K' to and please the youthful ■nts Dr Starbuck's discourse a iuti> of rn,,sic - in which primary hardijfro**' were ta^en U P and studied, the direction of Prof. Guerney tbefr ® azo of Harvey, 111., proved in )ts j The best method of teach)Wßt discussed and considerabl"as given by Professor Alzeno, w took up more diffic ult muliclnd se- ured considerable success ter . • ta-icbmg 'he intricate measures. u Bigelow took the floor to ttt ip T on subject, “The Cui Bono tMture Study.” the audience expectri* receive a very interesting lecy. B Til '' doctor began in a slightly way than is his usual meth!ot uiaii>- definite statement ami in Bbeganto prove it by well selected ®! He stands for nature from 'he view-point of the child. S. ■ not to teach nature as a subB bl " allow the child to investiB for itself and learn by finding Bior itself, it should be the aim illslrt;< f or to get original efforts 'or tile '"iptis and to accomplish that :« be able to interest them in This is best accomplished .. story and explanation of - B^B f ' a ’ of growth, life or condi- ‘ T!1 > ’ea< her makes the mistake B^B too much work themselves no ' letting the children teach The doctor gave an apt ’’’ ra,i °n of the possible destiny of ■ B )sua l dull scholar. He recited - B -or, proving that while one d 111 in ordinary branches B B ma X ' f ,hey Produce for; ■ B selv " s a future tn some line well, BV n their abilities. |B> session convened ■ |^B pt '>' a t 1:15 with a discourse by [Btatbuck. who in his interesting ■ ’W ?aVe a number of good thoughts |B !s sub Ject, ' Rational Geography.” er >' aptly brought out the defects |B* Pre,iPllt method of teaching this |'*bln science and supplied in their IBr ra tional methods of working. To imagination. story, pictures, IE> a " ttlat will give to the pupil a ■torT' 6,b and correct view of the coun iB t " ,>; ’ ar « studying, should be the 11 a ' m ° f instruc tor. They I gather facts, which, properly I, j* eme nted by pictures, will give a E B** of the modes of living, and method of doing the IB* 17 occupations of life of the varBwll! ° f the world Thiß method tb ° child an imagination E K 1 •ooring over the colored maps

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which will learn him not only direction, contour, and physical peography, but the ordinary facts of the condition of the Land which they are studying, alms to destroy. In conjunction with' the above method of teaching the sand-pile or clay box can be profitably ’ supplemented and by forming upon the face of the elay a correct contour 1 of the world at. large which the science and allowing the imagination of the children to place upon the inanimate clay forests, streams, and fields, just 1 as their fancy dictates. This causes interest to enter the work, a factor which any teacher will recognize is conducive to excellent results, it is to be hoped that some of the features suggested by these eminent speakers will be adopted to the beterment of our schools. That the methods now ' in use are antiquated is a fact recognized by ail and to produce better results is the aim of every teacher in' attending the institute. Great interest is certainly being 1 shown by all who are attending the sessions an® results can safely be pre dieted as an effect of the present meetings Monday Afternoon. This sessiow was opened by singing: “The Vvatch on the Rhine,” by the en 1 tire institute, and directly after this Dr. Starbuck again took the platform ' and gave his lecture on “Object Work ( 'in Geography.” During his period he; indulged in some good humored te-1 1 partee, answering some of the hum<>, ' which his eminent colleague, Dr. Bigc 1 low, gave. Dr. Star'oucK encourages the use al . I ; the story in teaching geography hi ( ' the lower grades and believes firmly ; tin the use of pictures and objects 1 which can be readily understood by the eye. He maintains that to give the pupil a chance to see in his own way the way the people look, work and act, will produce more and lasting results than by following the antiquated methods set forth in text books. He also said that a proper use of the clay or sand modeling table would be productive of good results. To let the pupil's imagination have full sway and allow them to produce countours pleasing to the youthful fancies, t this to be intelligently supervised by a general observation which will supply what might have been said and for the teacher to place themselves in the position of the pupil and observe what a map means to them, and then by suggestion and modeling embody in the map an imaginary picture of the real condition of the land which the map represents, will in a great measure tend to educate the scholar to a greater degree than otherwise. Geography should bo an interpretation of nature. It should be imbued with living, active scenes in the imaginations of the pupils to obtain the best results. He recommends excursions to various places to teach the pupil how men in the different walks of life perform their various occupations. And further, never to teach about things when the things themselves are available, because it is impossible for the child to think in the abstract, unless supplied with the things or materials to think with. An intermission was then had altei the address of Dr. Starbuck, and upon reconvening, the institute was favored by a short talk by J. Walter Dunn, manager of the State Teachers' asso ciation, upon the value of Reading • ii cle books. He reviewed the progress of the circle in this county and gave figures to substantiate his statements. In the first five years the number of books in circulation has increased over 200 per cent, there being now in use twenty-two books for each 100 pupils, a record unexcelled by but sixteen other counties in the state. Closely following this a music period, under the direction of Prof. Guerney E. Aleno, of Harvey, Hl., was held. And after another short rest Dr. Bigelow again regailed the assemblage with his lecture, “The Lady or the Tiger in the Garden.” This lecture, ; while light and breezy, was lull of rich information. A brilliant plea for teaching common subjects was delivered by the doctor, who said that no subject in the school should not bear its trade name. Going further he said to teach how things grow, not what they will produce in dollars and cents, that the dollar and cent argument was used too much in our schools, and that the pupils do not know common things well enough. To balance the economic and real values ot the s u ies should be the constant aim of he teacher.. An interesting feature ot the lecture was his inquiry lot some one of those present to tell the difference between a cabbage and a A er several surmises .ft developed thatj

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Aug, 81. 1911

there Is no fundamental difference, I both being a variey of kale, thus prov- 1 ing his point with an apt illustration. 1 At the close of the doctor's lecture 1 the meeting adjourned to reconvene 1 Tuesday morning at 8:45. 1 Wednesday Morning. I With an attendance fully the equal of any session heretofore the Wednesday morning session of the Adams county teachers' institute convened at the usual hour. The institute was, opened by singing the song, "Lead ] Kindly Light.” In a short talk Rev.. 1 Lewis C. Hessert brought forward sev- j eral excellent thoughts from Matthew 25:14-30, or the parable of the talents. He portrayed strikingly the misuse and failure to use the talents with ! which we may be endowed. The I song, “Jerusalem the Golden” closed the exercises and led into the music , period. Primary music was again taken up and other methods of teaching were explained by Prof. Guerney E. ( Elzeno. Selecting new and difficult pieces the leader proved his expertness by teaching the complete melody in a few minutes, his clear, concise - and full instructions promoting the I work wonderfully, to the evident dej light of all present. Dr. Bigelow followed on the program and he gave his lecture on "The Child or You?” The doctor emphat sized the remark of his colleague that I the school is for the child. Too great ; weight cannot be given this statement. The school is not for antiquated tax payers or men following the various , walks of life—but for the child.” Teachers are urged to put their heart into the work, use modern methods for teaching. Also work for the individuality. Classes are a restraint upon the capabilities of the pupil and the instructor should develop the proclivities of the individual scholar. Individualism promotes variety and therefore creates interest which in turn prompts the pupils to learn for themselves. The teacher should bury their personal likes and dislikes and I interest the pupils. This alone will promote a successful school in the I study of nature or any other subject. Have freedom of study, get away from classes, allow freedom of selection and results will pro* e ample. Interest the . child, then let him alone. 1 In the last period of the morning , ] session Dr. Starbuck gave his lecture . on "The influence of tae Teacher.” In I his excellent way he delved deep into .; the subject and gave an address bril- . liant with deep thoughts. He said 1 that tlie atmosphere of some schools i was scarcely just what it should be ■ and then continuing he said that in ! most cases this was caused by that . personality shown by the teacher. To I' repel the confidences of the children . is to create a frigid atmosphere in . the school room and cause the pupils . to throttle any interest they may have , in tlie studies.. On the other hand the ; atmosphere of the school room should . show individuality and personality. 1 Some life should be injested into the .' every day hum-drum routine 6f work. Give tlie pupils a chance to exercise their abilities and create for thein- ,' selves tlie atmosphere of the room. ' Allow them liberty enough to become interested in the work they may have ] in hand, and by apt illustrations the doctor brought forward the inestima ] ble value of this course. By allowing the young pupils to create their own methods of doing things, their own method of study and bearing, the teacher will in a great measure solve ! the problem of getting the young mind to apply itself to study. Make it a ! pleasure, a game or other thing to appeal to the youthful fancy and you have then interested sufficiently to ! cause deep inquiry into the cause of | things, and that is study. Then by unconscious efforts the chil- , dren learn. They see, think, hear and absorb the teachings in their own way, later to find they have learned. To Interest the children in studying in this manner was illustrated in detail ; by the doctor who deeply deplores the antiquated class method of cramming dry facts Into the receptive minds of the title children. His brilliant plea for the teachers to try this method of creating interest and letting that do the teaching was a feature of the discourse. The afternoon session was opened as usual by music and that led into the regular music study period which was again conducted by Prof. Guerney E. Alzeno in his acceptable way. The pleasing individuality of the professor does in a great measure cause the interest which creates so great a participation in the music study and builds his success so rapidly. Always the music period is looked forward to with Interest

teachers here assembled. The two lectures of the afternoon will be delayed until the close of the program, the first "In Co-operation and by the Individual," by Dr. Bigelow, occurring at 2:10, and from the intermission intervening to the adjournment, Dr. Starbuck will speak on “Methods of Primary Reading.” The interest is growing steadily, and the meetings this year are without doubt the strongest yet held here. Both of the doctors are masters in their respective lines and their teach- ] ings are readily accepted by the ninny present, Tuesday Afternoon.

Following the discourse of Dr. Star-1 buck on "Rational Geography,” an account of which will be found m cur previous issue, a period of music study was had in which Prof. Guerney E. Alzeno again proved himself a master , in the work by producing quick re-1 suits in the Interpretations ot new | music. Great inteiest is being taken | by the teachers in the musical num- j bets which he teaches them, and great good will be accomplished by their learning new modes of expression and methods of teaching. After a short talk Dr. Bigelow again took the platform and delivered an able address on "Plant Life.” While this was no doubt one of the most technical lectures of the institute Dr. Bigelow ably inlet spersed interesting matter to more thoroughly instill his points into the minds of his heavers. He gave specific directions how to produce almost Impossible plant combinations, and by the aid of a lew utensils any one with the knowledge imparted to them in the lecture ot Tuesday could surprise and mystify with the nrtmy combinations which the doctor described to his hearers. The object in having the study of plant life to be taught in the schools is to create interest in the scholars mind and lead him to investigate for himself. This in turn will teach him to put his reasoning faculties to work on other problems aside than nature study and with less effort and labor w>l! the pupil be able to solve difficult mathematical or similar problems. The study of nature broadens the entire perspective of the younger pupil and creates within him a new interest as to why things are. And in solving for fiimself the problems confronting him as to the reasons things are as they are he will be brought in touch with many beauties which otherwise he would be totally ignorant of. These cannot but have an important place in the molding of character, for the teacher is left to mould the character, and a reasonable research into the mysterious beauties of nature will do lor the pupil more good than volumes of talking. Nature is constantly striving to-do certain things, and an effort to observe and watch that growth will create the interest whicli is the constant aim of the instructor to build. The scholar will be better for it, and the teacher will find that in the years of the future the pupils so trained will prove the efficacy of the teaching. The program for Thursday will open at the regular hour, 8:45, with opening exercises by the Rev. Charles E. Ehle, followed by the discourse on Unconscious Education" by Dr. Star buck. The lecture will explain in detail how education can be assimilated by the pupils unconsciously. Then another delightful musical study will be had and closely following the rest intervening. Dr. Bigelow' will give his lecture, "Sissies and Tomboys.” This lecture you should hear. The afternoon will offer a lecture by Dr. Starbuck on “The Use of the Story in Reading,” and music, and then another lecture by Dr. Bigelow on “Lives of Great Men All Remind Us,” an interesting and instructive lecture designed to educate, while not burdening the mind with useless details. All are cordially welcome to attend the institute, and the excellent program will no doubt bring an interested and appreciative audience. Just at a quarter before 12 Wednesday noon the shrill whistle of the fire alarm sounded the call of the fire department to the brick bouse of John Mayer on the Lachot road, a branch west of North Second street, just west of the Heckman flour mill, and though all efforts were made to extinguish the blaze, the house is nearly a total ruin and all but a small part of the furniture on the first floor was consumed or damaged, causing a loss of at least >2,000. The fire originated, it is thought, from a defective flue. Mr. Mayer was in the country at work at the time of the fire. Mrs. Mayer had

had a heavy fire in the stove during the morning while canning peaches, and at noon, while the family was seated at the dinner table, a neighbor, Mrs. Brown, came rushing In with word that the entire roof of the house was ablaze. They did what they could to check the blaze and the fire department made a quick run. In happened that the two Decatur auto trucks were in the main part of town at the time, and one took tlie ladder cart and the other the hose cart to the scene. During the hasty trip A string of some half a dozen dogs attached themselves to the procession and two of them were run over by the truck, one being killed. Upon arriving at the scene of the fire it was found that the hose was not long enough and a second trip to town was made. The best efforts of the firemen were put forth but the flames had gained such headway that the building could not be saved and only the brick walls of the second story and the damaged walls of the first floor were left standing. The entire contents of the second story, including the winter clothing of the family was consumed. Only a small part of the furniture of the first floor was gotten out, and the interior of the first story, together with what contents remained, which was not damaged by fire, is damaged by water. The loss is a heavy one and only partially covered by insurance.

I - wThe pwblic schools of Decatur will opqn next Monday, September 4th. Only a short session will be held in the forenoon of that day, at which' time assignments will be made for the regular work to begin in earnest on Tuesday. Children who have not yet attended, but who are six years old or will be so before December 25th, or the winter holidays, will be admitted to the primary grades at the different buildings. In accordance with the laws of the state the tuition in the high school for the pupils of other corporations in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades, is two dollars per month, and in the first, second, third and fourth grades, $1.50 per month. The eighth grade will use the Elson reader. The book supply may be obtained at the usual places. All teachers must meet Saturday, September 2nd, at 2 o'clock p. m., at the Central building. The superintendent will be at his office Saturday, for the purpose of assigning pupils who live outside of Decatur to their proper grades. E. E. RICE, Superintendent. The St. Joseph's Catholic school will resume their work on Tuesday morning and everything is in readiness for the opening of the new term. The two new teachers who arrived a week or so ago, have been assigned their work for the coming year, and will replace those who have been transferred to other places by the mother superior at the business session which was held at the mother house at Fond du Lac, Wis., in July. The work will be started off in earnest from the very beginning, and after more than two months of vacation, the pupils are in excellent shape for the task before them. Father Wilken and Father Flaherty who are looking after affairs, will see that the opening day will be started off at it should, and I are looking forward to a successful and prosperous year. - — A water basin on Madison street, just west of the fountain, is the first move toward doing those things which demonstrate that we have some regard for the farmers who trade here. The county commissioners have made the proposition to the city council that they will provide the basin if the city will furnish the water and at a meeting held Tuesday night, on special call of the mayor, a resolution was unanimously adopted for that purpose. All of the members were present except- ( ing Mr. Christen. The mayor explain- ( ed the purpose of the session and offered the following resolution: "Be it resolved by the common council of the city of Decatur, Indiana, that it is deemed necessary by the council to furnish water free of cost at the public square at the court house, at the place to be furnished and provided by the county commissioners, who are to keep said watering place in good repair so as to provide a good watering place for the public. That said county commissioners are to at once erect said watering place at said square in accordance with the terms of an agreement between the commissioners and this city." It is understood that the basin is to be a sanitary and sightly arrange

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ment, that will provide convenience and will not interfere with the ap pearance of that section of the city. Mr. Atz suggested that there a-e a number of old buildings in tlie down- ] town district thut are dangerous and should b« torn down while we are talking improvement, etc., amt Bug- ! gested condemning them, but this mat- ' ter was carried over to a regulai meet- ] ing. A few other matters were discussed but no definite action taken and the meeting adjourned. Julius Samuelton, day porter at t • Murray hotel, is today minus a new fifteen-dollar suit, which lie purchase t but a week or so ago from the Vam-e. Hite & Macklin clothing store, ami from the present appearance of things “it's a goner." Ray Knight, second cook, who has been employed at tiehotel for a week or more, coming here from Fort Wayne, made up his min to quit Tuesday afternoon, and befor< departing came up town to have li ■ suit case repaired. Having done this he returned to the hotel and started packing his clothes in his room. He was located just two doors from the Samilson room, and knowing of the new suit there, went and appropriated it, packing it in the suit case with his belongings. He then "skipped" down the back stairway of the hotel and has not been heard of since. As soon as the loss of Mr. Samuelton was ascertained he made it known to Marshal Peterson, who at once began a search for the thief, but was unable to apprehend him. Although he has been in the employ of the Murray but a short time, he has always seemed to be a straightforward, respectable person and nothing was thought of the i dishonest nature which he possessed. —— —— - o- — i Cecelia Ulman, daughter of Mr. and ‘ Mrs. Elliott Jtlman of Union township, 1 who for a number of years has been contemplating taking a step higher in t life and of a more noble calling, that . of the sisterhood, is completing ari rangements for her leaving on September 9th. Miss Ulman, who is detf i and dumb, and has been so all hei . life, will enter the order of the Sisters of St. Francis, who devote theis. time in provinding a school for the t training of the deaf and dumb chil . dren. She has been considering this step for some time, but not until rej cently has everything been arranged r for her to entei the order. She will enter the home located at St. Francis, Wisconsin, where they have u large Institution, and where she will receive 1 training for the work which she has taken up. Miss Ulman is a very in- . telligent young lady, having attended school some time ago, and is able to ! explain her wants in away to be un--1 derstood by all. Her many friends. 1 who were aware of her anticipated x step, wish her success in her high t calling.

Deputy Postmaster Hocker stated this morning that the influx of mail early today was the greatest that he has experienced during the year that he has been connected with the office, thirty-six sacks coming in from closing time —7 o'clock Tuesday even ing—until 8 o'clock this morning. All of this, of course, requires assortment and distribution by the postoffice force and assignment to the various carriers for distribution. Os this heavy lot, eight mail sacks, stuffed to the very top, contained catalogues sent out by Montgomery, Ward & Company, the great mail order house, which were left today at the various homes in Adams county, which are invaded by foreign business men. Eighteen other tie-sacks contained mail of the lower class, while there were ten lock pouches of letters —first class marl, making in all thirty-six sacks of mail. The mail comes in at all hours of the night and the sacks are placed in the postoffice, awaiting the arrival of the force at 6 o'clock in the morning They were quite staggered when they got a peep into the room this morning, and saw the immense number of sacks there. The hands moved in a very brisk manner indeed, to get this ready for the carriers. Who says it is a snap to be an Uncle Sammy boy? o -■ * Charles McDonald left Saturday for Hammond, where he has a good posi tion in a printing office. His wife and son, Harry, left yesterday to join him there, in making that place their home. While here they occupied the Sholty furnished rooms on Monroe street. The rooms have been taken by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Stonebnraer. who moved there yesterday afternoon.

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