PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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 SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' SCHOOLS

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 
COMMISSION OF SOLDIERS' ORPHAN SCHOOLS
1890.

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INSPECTORS REPORT.

REPORT OF JOHN M. GREER.
BUTLER, PA., August 9, 1890

To the Commission of Soldiers' Orphan Schools:

GENTLEMEN: In submitting my first annual report of my inspections of the several soldiers' orphan schools under the management of the Commission, I take great pleasure in stating that the schools are all in a satisfactory condition. No admissions have been made since June, 1887, and consequently the number of children is decreasing, and a less number of schools is required.
In the last year the schools at Mercer, McAlisterville, Mansfield and Chester Springs were not opened, and the Commission started out with Butler, Uniontown, Tressler Home at Loysville, Perry county, White Hall at Camp Hill, Cumberland county, Mount Joy, Lancaster county, Harford, Susquehanna county and Northern Home, corner Twenty-third and Brown streets, Philadelphia. On the 31st of May, 1890, White Hall was closed and discontinued and on June 30, 1890, Mount Joy was also closed, to be opened no more by the Commission. On account of the discontinuance of these two schools it became necessary to re-open Chester Springs, an institution about thirty miles from Philadelphia, and formerly occupied as a soldiers' orphan school.
The children placed at White Hall, who had homes or places to go to, were furloughed until the opening of school on September 2, 1890, when they will be assigned to Chester Springs or some other place more convenient and desirable, and those without homes or places to go to were sent to Mount Joy, where they remained until June 30, and were sent with others from there in like condition to Chester Springs, which was then opened and in charge of Prof. J.H. Smith, who has been in charge at Mount Joy for some years past.
The Commission had the management of Uniontown, White Hall, Mount Joy and Harford, employed the managers, teachers and employes, furnished the provisions and supplies, and had the entire charge. The buildings and personal property, beds, bedding, dishes, towels, furniture and all outfit needed in keeping up the schools, were leased from the owners, and a manager was placed at the head of each school, whose duty it was to take charge of and manage the institution; teachers and employes were furnished as required. Children not provided for in one of the above-mentioned places were placed at either Butler, (St. Paul's Orphan Home), Loysville, (Tressler Home), or Philadelphia (Northern Home), where the Commission paid their boarding and furnished their clothing. Although these institutions were managed by their own directors, trustees or managers, who employed the teachers and help, and controlled the institutions, the Commission kept a constant supervision over them, made the necessary criticisms and suggestions, recommended the employment and dismissal of members of the different faculties, when they believed the welfare of the children demanded it, and carefully examined the supplies and equipments used in the schools. On December 1, 1889, all the children over twelve years of age at Northern Home, Philadelphia, were transferred to other schools, some to Mount Joy, some to White Hall and others to Tressler Home, leaving none but smaller children remaining in the Philadelphia school. A number who were so transferred obtained discharges and did not continue longer in the school, but found other homes or means of support.
I made it a point to inspect each school as often as I believed necessary, visiting none less than three times during the year, and some as high as five and six times. I made reports of all important inspections, which are on file in the Department of Soldiers' Orphan Schools at Harrisburg, Pa., where they can be seen and read by persons who are interested in them.
The health of the children during the past year has been remarkably good. A large number at Uniontown had measles, but recovered without serious results. During my visits I found very few in bed or in the hospital with sickness. Sometimes one or two, and I think they're at the highest. They had colds and other ailments, not serious. One case of typhoid fever at Philadelphia. Sometimes I would find a broken arm or dislocated shoulder with the boys, sometimes a sore foot or boil, but all through the health has been exceedingly good. Some of the children on returning from vacation will bring skin disease, which is very annoying and troublesome to those in charge of the school, but with prompt action and good management the spread of the disease is prevented and the child cured.
The children are generally happy and contented; some few cases of running away. This more frequently occurs immediately after vacation, and is due to some extent to bad influences at home. The schools at White Hall, Uniontown and Loysville were much annoyed in this way. There may have been some local reason at these places. We seldom find many boys go away without leave of absence where the school is fortunate enough to have a good male attendant.
The personal appearance is generally fine, no signs or appearance of either sickness, pain, trouble or over-work. The children are remarkably polite and show that they have generally been taught good manners. In one or two of the schools there is great room for a stronger effort in this line, and I believe the next year will bring about better results.
With the exception of the boys at White Hall and Tressler Home, the children were generally very clean, faces well washed, heads combed, clothes neatly brushed and shoes blacked. I found the every-day clothing generally in good order and repair. Seldom would I find a button of or a rent in the clothing. In order that we may have this condition of things it requires the most constant care and watching on the part of the matron and male attendant. Half an hour with the boys will satisfy a careful observer as to the qualifications and work of the male attendant. Without the proper person in this department the best trained boy will soon become careless, slouchy and disobedient and increase the worry and labors of their teachers, and others whose duty it is to work for them. As a general thing the clothing is very good. It is purchased by the committee on supplies, and the children have no lack in anything that is needful for their comfort or appearance. The amount of supply is abundantly sufficient and the quality generally good. Some of the shoes did not come up to the requirements of the Commission, and the stockings were not good. They were almost all returned to the persons from whom purchased.
The boys are dressed in blue suits, with brass buttons on their coats and wear military caps.
The girls' clothing is tastefully and fashionably made, neat hats, nicely fitting shoes, ribbons, bows, etc. In this dress the girls present an excellent appearance. The amount allowed by the State is not large and it, therefore, requires studied economy on the part of the manager to do justice to the children with the limited supply provided by the Legislature.
The supply of food is abundant, and is substantial and wholesome, generally well cooked and prepared. No one who carefully examines the children can have any doubts as to their food supply being sufficient. No regular bill of fare is prescribed by the Commission or inspectors, but each school is required to return weekly statements to the Department showing the provisions furnished at each meal during the week. This statement is certified by the manager, and he also certifies that the supply of provisions is sufficient and properly cooked and served. In addition to this the schools at which the Commission boards children make monthly statements showing the number of children and others boarding at the schools and the amounts of provisions furnished and consumed during the month. I am of opinion that these statements are doing much good for the children. Managers do not like to be in the rear of other schools, and ambitious cooks do not want other cooks of other schools to outdo them in variety of and number of dishes prepared. The monthly statements gave the Commission and others an opportunity to compare amounts furnished by schools at which they are boarding children, and those at which the Commission furnishes the supplies and the inspectors are enabled to criticise and regulate the kind and amount of provisions furnished.
It is not necessary to speak of the grounds and buildings at White Hall or Mount Joy, as they have both been discontinued and closed. Butler has built a very fine, large, new school buildings. It is of brick, slate roof, hard wood finish, and about 40 by 48 feet, with two stories. This is an excellent building, well lighted, heated and ventilated, and was much needed. A new dining room and kitchen have also been added to the main building, increasing its size and increasing the sleeping room very much. A frame addition has been added to what was the school building, and all used for the boys dormitories. This school now has abundant room for all the children assigned to it, and more. The whole institution is in first-class order and repair, and the grounds in splendid shape. The water supply abundant, and the lavatories all that can be required.
At Loysville, there are not sitting and reading rooms enough provided. If the managers of this institution will build a new school building, similar to the one at Butler, and turn their present school room into reading and sitting rooms for the children, their institution will then be about complete. This change is greatly needed. The sitting rooms here are entirely insufficient, for the comfort and good management of the children. This school has not been kept as clean as health and comfort demand, but with this change and the appointment of a good male attendant, this can be overcome. My inspection reports show the condition of the house-keeping, as I found it on my visits, and I will say nothing more on this. I have great hopes for the future of this school.
The Uniontown grounds and buildings are in excellent shape, so are the beds and bedding. The dining room and tableware are not what would be expected in an institution with so many other excellent appointments. The bread is passed around in large tin pans and they have no table-waiters, neither is the appearance of the dining room up to what it should be, nor do the children go in and out, in as good order as they should. I think the male attendant is responsible for the want of better discipline here. He must brush up and do better in the future.
The buildings and equipments at Harford are not what is wanted. There are no other or better buildings that can be obtained for the purpose in that part of the State, and the Commission can do no better than keep them for the present. The dormitories are old and very cold in winter. The kitchen and dining room not at all what are wanted and needed. The school rooms are not up to the other schools. The water supply is limited, and the laundry is at the creek, a distance from the home. The grounds are good and in good condition and everything is clean. No institution in the State has been better managed, in respect to cleanliness and discipline, than this one. When I was there last winter, I thought the covering on the beds was not sufficiently warm and complained to Mr. Clark, the manager, about it and he promised to supply more if the winter kept cold. If he has not done so a large supply must be provided for this winter. Children must have plenty of covering in dormitories as cold as these, and, with all, these old buildings, open and cold, I never saw children in better health. They are almost perfect in appearance, lively, active, contented and happy, and they (the children) believe that Harford is the only good school in the State. The educational department is high up, and in manners and politeness, the children have no superiors anywhere. They are very clean, neat and pleasant, and the very best of order and discipline prevails. This school was most fortunate in having the services of Mr. C.A. Widel, as male attendant, and Miss Annie McKillip, as matron.
At my visit here in November, I requested Mr. Clark to put up railings at the sides of the plank walks to the water closets, so as to prevent the children from falling off and being hurt, as the walks are high enough to be dangerous, but as yet he has not seen fit to do so. This can be done at a very small expense, and is greatly needed. I insist that another winter shall not pass without this much-needed improvement. Should the winter be as cold as we may expect, the dormitories must be heated with stoves. A watchman is placed on duty every night. This is necessary and one should be furnished every other school.
No material change has been made upon the grounds at Northern Home, Philadelphia. They always have been large, substantial and commodious, and can comfortably room a large number more than they now have, as only some sixty soldiers' orphans are in this institution. I am glad to know that the Commission has leased the buildings and grounds at Chester Springs, and will have repairs and improvements made, to make it one of the best institutions in the State. This school is most fortunately located, convenient to Philadelphia, and to a very large number of children, abundance of the best water, thirty-eight acres of land, and with the improvements being made by the Commission, and the equipments and outfits to be furnished, this will certainly be a superior school.
With Chester Springs, as the Commission is making it, Butler and Uniontown and Loysville (if improved as I have recommended), the orphan children of the old soldier will certainly be provided with good homes, schools and surroundings and will receive the care and attention the people of Pennsylvania demand. With the exception of Harford, the sleeping apartments of all the schools are good, and the children are provided with good beds, beddings and dormitories, generally well ventilated and furnished with proper fire escapes. They usually retire about 8.30 PM, larger ones about 9 PM and are called about 6 AM. They are given abundance of time for sleep and play. The schools are divided into four sections. Each section works two hours and attends school six hours, giving each child two hours of some kind of work, chopping wood, working in garden or about the buildings and grounds, caring for stock, baking, mending shoes, cooking, sewing, washing, ironing, patching or some other useful employment, and six hours in school.
All the schools generally follow the rules and course of study followed by the school during the former system of management. The English branches, algebra, physiology, philosophy, history and book-keeping are taught. Considerable attention is paid to drawing especially at Uniontown, Mount Joy and Harford. The teachers are generally able and competent, and fill their respective positions with credit. Heretofore the annual examinations were held before June, on accountof the time of the Superintendent being occupied by examinations at the normal schools, in that month, but this year the Commission arranged to have the examinations later, and immediately before vacation. This was an important change, as the time after examinations is seldom occupied as profitably to the children as before.
The examinations for 1890 were as follows: White Hall, May 27, which was attended by Governor Beaver, Clerk Pomeroy and others; Butler, June 16 and 17; Union town, June 18 and 19; Tressler Home, June 20 and 21; Mount Joy, June 23 and 24; Philadelphia, June 26; Harford, June 27 and 28. Vacation commenced on June 30 and runs until September 2, 1890, when the children will return and resume work.
The members of the Commission were generally present at the examinations. Butler, Gobin and Davis; Uniontown, Gobin, Davis, Magee, Boyer and T. J. Stewart; Tressler Home, Gobin, Davis, T.J. Stewart and Boyer; Mount Joy, Boyer, Wm. Stewart, T.J. Stewart, Magee and Kaufman; Philadelphia, Davis and Stewart; Harford, Dvis, T.J. Stewart, Boyer and Magee. Both the inspectors were present at all the examinations except White Hal. I am glad to say that at all the schools there were delegations of Grand Army men, teachers, ministers and other intelligent friends of the soldiers' orphan boy, who took great interest in him, and expressed great satisfaction as to the progress of the schools.
Professors Brooks, Bachtell and Pierce, and Chaplain Sayers were present at Northern Home, in Philadelphia, and assisted in the examinations. The children all did well. I have frequently stated heretofore, and have no hesitation in repeating, that in the branches taught, the children in the soldiers' orphan schools will compare favorably with the children of their age in any other school in the State. They are receiving thorough, practical training in the studies they will most need when discharged. They are usually very bright and ambitious, prompt and correct in their answers and exceedingly polite. They generally display more than ordinary attention to study, and many have an ambition to be educated as teachers, doctors, lawyers, etc. Military drill is receiving fair consideration and attention. The boys mostly performed this part of their training with great credit. A large number of the Commission are military men, served their country in the capacity of soldiers during the war, and are prepared to correctly express an opinion as to the marching and movements of military companies when on drill. I am pleased to say that they were agreeably surprised at the soldierly bearing, good marching and correct movements of the boys in every instance. The managers and male attendants at the different schools certainly deserve credit for the pains and attention they have given this department and the officers and boys the congratulations of the Commission.
The girls are all well trained in calisthenics, and display excellent results. They go through the movements with great uniformity and precision. Their ability to perform proves that they are practiced in this very important branch of their education. Their wide chests, erect bearing, well-formed bodies and bright faces show the benefit they are receiving from the drill.
The moral and religious trainings of the pupils are not neglected. Prayers and reading of the scriptures are had in the chapel in the morning and evening. They sing well and many can repeat psalms and chapters from the New Testament. Sunday school is held in each school every Sunday, and prayer meeting once a week. The children are usually at church once on Sabbath. Sometimes they attend church in the morning and have a short sermon or address in the afternoon or evening. Fair libraries are provided in most of the schools, yet money could be very profitably expended in adding to the stock of books on hand. The boys at Harford took a premium of thirty dollars for best military drill at Susquehanna county fair. They expended the money in books, and take great pride in showing their modest little library to their visiting friends. They are fond of reading newspapers and generally express a wish for a more extended supply.
But little complaint can be made as to want of cleanliness in the children. Since I have been inspector, I never found the boys at White Hall as clean as desired. This was due to the carelessness and want of proper attention on the part of the manager and male attendant, but as the school has been discontinued, I will not dwell on this unpleasant subject. Bath tubs are provided for the boys at Butler and Mount Joy; pools at Uniontown, Tressler Home and Philadelphia, and at Harford they wash from buckets. A complete wash is taken once a week, under the supervision of the male attendant, who examines the skins and manages to prevent skin disease. The girls' bathing is arranged and managed by the matron--their appearance denotes attention in this line.
It is seldom that severe punishment is resorted to. In some cases it has been found necessary. Firmness is always required. At some of the schools the system of governing is such that the children are put upon their honor. Sometimes they are managed by details of other children, whose duty it is to overlook their actions, conduct and behavior, also to report as to the condition of their clothing, etc. This course seems to be successful.
I am sorry to say that so few of the children have any knowledge of the company or regiment in which their fathers served during the war, and for the last year or more have been trying to get their attention in this important matter. I have asked them to make inquiry as to commands in which their fathers served, and then read up as to the engagements and marches they were in. I find them much interested in the subject.
I would suggest that the Commission furnish corps badges, letter of company and number of regiment in which the father served, for each child, so that it may be more interested and study the history of the command of its father, and in this way get valuable history concerning the war.
The people are slow to understand that no more children are admitted to the schools. Scarcely a week passes that some one does not write me a letter or speak to me in regard to the admission of one or more, who are destitute, and should have the advantage given others no more meritorious or needy. I think the legislature should open the door and receive such as are destitute.
It is estimated that Pennsylvania, with a population of over five millions, has about ten thousand dependent children (I do not mean soldiers' orphans alone.) One child to every five hundred persons. It would be well for the four hundred and ninety-nine persons to take chare of this child, clothe, feed, and educate it, and give it such mental, moral and religious training as to save it from a life of crime and misery in the future, and relieve the State from the burden of its support, as a criminal in after years. The child saved is rescued from years of pain and suffering, as well sometimes as a life of shameless sin. Children not rescued may become the progenitors of another dependent or criminal race, entailing misery and expense, which cannot be foretold. Punishment may reform the criminal, but it can never restore the self-respect of the man, and it is far more expensive than the humane system of starting the child upon the right road. Prevention is always better than cure. Pennsylvania has her sixty-seven court houses, sixty-seven jails, two penitentiaries, one reformatory institution at Huntingdon, houses of refuge, asylums for the insane, poorhouses for the old and infirm, and a place for weak-minded children, but, with the exception of the soldiers' orphan schools (and they are limited to a small number) no institution to take charge of the thousands of bright and beautiful children that are running wild. Our State is not too poor to save them. She is rich in everything, appropriating millions of money at every session of the legislature. She has appropriated large amounts to the support, maintenance and education of the soldiers' orphans, and it has been of untold benefit to her people. We have soldier's orphans to day occupying most excellent positions in our professions and society.
One of the best attorneys in western Pennsylvania received his education at a soldiers' orphan school. He is to day at the head of the bar in his county, and is looked upon as soon to be a leading man in the State. We have lawyers, doctors, preachers, teachers, merchants, mechanics and farmers all over Pennsylvania who have been helped to their present respectable positions by the soldiers' orphan schools. They are not failures, they are grand successes.
It has been estimated by those in position to know, and giving the matter attention, that the life of the average solider in the late war of the rebellion, has been shortened twelve years on account of disabilities, caused by wounds, disease or prison life, has been rendered less valuable, and many are unable to procure, by their labor, the necessary amount of wages to comfortably supply their wives and children with the provisions and clothing their wants demand, much less provide their children with the means of education they deserve. It is not too much now, for the State with her abundant wealth, to say to these men: "You have done well in helping to save our great country, giving fourteen years of your lives to its salvation. You have suffered and are suffering now, and on account of this gift of time and health are unable to give the full measure of justice to your children. They shall be taken, and, at the expense of the State, supported, maintained and educated for a few short years."
This is a great relief to the old veteran, and not this alone, he takes pride in the fact that his services have been appreciated, and hope in the prospect of his child's future.
Every dependent child should be cared for and educated, if possible. Michigan, for seventeen years, has been caring for hers, about two hundred, at a State public school, at Coldwater, in that State, at an annual cost of but little over one hundred dollars each, the State owning the buildings, furniture, equipments, and personal property, needed in running the institution. What will Pennsylvania do in the near future?
There are now but 1,122 children on the rolls of the soldiers' orphan schools. The list is becoming shorter every month, on account of pupils arriving at the age of sixteen and being discharged. Others find homes and employment and manage to take care of themselves. The number will soon be reduced, so that two or three schools will accommodate all. Should the state see proper to adopt the Michigan system, excellent locations can be provided at Chester Springs and Jumonsville, and persons with experience can easily be obtained to manage the schools and teach the children.
The inspectress, Miss Jennie Martin, has been very faithful in the discharge of her duties, and careful to visit and thoroughly inspect all the schools in the state, often as necessary. She has been especially beneficial to the departments in charge of the matrons. She is a daughter of a comrade, who perished at Andersonville rebel prison and has spent almost her lifetime in soldiers' orphan schools, as teacher, matron and inspectress. She has had valuable experience, and being a soldiers' orphan herself, has the heart and will to apply her knowledge and experience in the best possible way.
The gentlemen, constituting the Soldiers' Orphan Commission can certainly look back with pride and satisfaction to their first year's work. The business was entirely new to them, but they gave it time and attention, and have made it a remarkable success. With an acquaintance with the business, and the benefit of last years' experience, I am sure the next year will give excellent fruit.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN M. GREER,
Inspector.

[The above information was transcribed from pages 37-46.]


REPORT OF MISS JENNIE MARTIN.

DAYTON, August 13, 1890
To the Commission of Soldiers' Orphan Schools:

GENTLEMEN: My first annual report is hereby respectfully submitted. The health of the children has been good during the year, Butler being the only school where a death occurred. The children are well clad, and the clothing is generally well made. The every-day clothing in some of the schools, especially that of the boys, in the latter part of spring, was considerably worn, but now all are much better supplied. The garments are so issued that all have their heavy suits during the winter. At the recent examination, I satisfied myself that the children's clothing was in good condition for their coming vacation.
During the first of the year in one or two of the schools the food was not what it should have been; but the Commission took prompt action in the matter, and required an itemized statement kept of each meal to be made, and sent to the office of the Commission at a specified time. A record was also kept and forwarded of the quantity used. The members of the Commission were thus enabled to tell what was provided in schools where they did not do the buying. This produced a good result. I am satisfied of late that the children are supplied with as much wholesome food as could well be desired. Some improvements might still be made in the table service.
The beds are generally fair, and the bedding most always found sufficient and in good order.
The usual effort has been put forth during the year to inculcate habits of industry among the pupils. The two hours devoted to detail work are profitably spent. On leaving the school at the age of sixteen, most of the girls can do all kinds of work done at the schools in a neat and creditable manner. The boys do farm and garden work, and usually all work connected with their own departments, under the supervision of the person in charge.
Mr. Greer has frequently examined the children educationally and on general information, as well as to the thoroughness of the branches taught, which I cannot but feel has resulted in great good. The girls all practice calisthenics, and the boys are taught military drill.
Religious exercises are conducted in all of the schools. Worship night and morning, grace at table, Sabbath school, and the children also attend church at the school or elsewhere. Parents and friends are permitted to visit their children, thus giving them an opportunity to know of the treatment and care they are receiving, and to discover wrongs if any such exist.
Members of the G.A.R. were present at most of the examinations, and seem to keep themselves informed in regard to the care of the children . . .


  

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