Orange Street School - St. Augustine Florida
Return to Dr. Bronson's History Page
This school replaces school number 1 located on Hospital Street (Aviles today). It sits on the site of the old Spanish moat. The land is given by the Federal Government on condition that it be used for educational purposes.
?

                        In St. Augustine
     Meeting of the County School Board - An Old Land Grant
             Special Correspondence of Times-Union.

St. Augustine Fla, Sept 19 –  A special meeting of the Board of Pubic Instruction was held this
afternoon in the office of Superintendent Peter Arnau, Non. M. R. Cooper, Mr. John Allen, Hon.
W. S. M. Pinkham and the secretary, P. Arnau, were present. After reading the opinion of
Attorney-General Lamar, relative to the right of the Board of Public Instruction to levy the tax for
county school purposes, it was resolved that the superintendent be instructed to inform the county
assessor of the existence of the said opinion of the attorney-general, and to request him to enforce
the levy of 5 mills as made by the board for school purposes; and that, if he positively refused to
do so, the superintendent is hereby authorized to employ a lawyer and take legal steps toward
compelling him to do as instructed by this board.

The following communication from the mayor was recorded in the minutes of the meeting:

St. Augustine Fla, Sep 17, 1901.
To the Honorable Board of Public Instruction of St. Johns County Fla.

Gentlemen, Whereas, the title of the lot known as the old (or burnt) hospital lot in St. Augustine
was, by Section 3 of chapter 42.434 of the Acts of Congress, approved June 28, 1832, vested in
the mayor and his successor forever on trust for the purpose of erecting thereon by the local
authorities, necessary buildings for the education of white children; now, therefore, as the only
organized body with authority to maintain public schools, you are hereby authorized to enter upon
the said "burnt hospital lot" and utilize the same for the purpose above mentioned until the control
of public schools of this city be vested in some other body more local in its nature and until
otherwise ordered by the mayor.
      W. S. M. Pinkham  Mayor of City of St. Augustine Fla.

Sept 24, 1905
The School
Editorial mention was made in The Record several days ago of the fact that complaints had been
made about the heating arrangements in the public school in this city.

Since that time a representative of this paper, at the invitation of Superintendent Pinkham, made a
thorough investigation of conditions as they exit, visiting every room in the building. It was found:

That St. Augustine has a school that is a marvel of excellence, taking into consideration the
disadvantages under which the superintendent the principal and faculty have had to labor;
That the building has outgrown its usefulness to a great extent;
That a new school with suitable accommodations is absolutely necessary;
That the system of heating by wood stoves and gas heaters is the best that can be had under
present conditions;
That the rooms, in cold weather were always made comfortable for teacher and pupils;
That the school board has done well but that some of the teachers are decidedly under paid.
There are some features in connection with the school that are worthy of notice. The teachers are
engaged in a noble work that requires the greatest attention, devotion and self sacrifice. The work
they are doing in that school today is molding to a great extent the characters of the boys and girls
who are pupils in the institution. How necessary it is then that these teachers should receive the
moral support and encouragement of the whole people. The schools ? through its efficient of ? has
accomplished wonders. There is yet much more to be done. No reasonable expense should be
spared in providing equipment for class rooms and what is of more importance, no ill-advised
motives of so-called economy should prevent very liberal appropriations for salaries.

1906 Salutatory by Miss Nina Hawkins.....
It is the mission of the schools, through the teachers, to regard the children as the future factors
for good or evil and to innoculate in them the love for all things good, bright and beautiful, and
that intense patriotism that must form the bulwark of the nation. When one thinks of it, what a
vast responsibility rests upon the schools! But surely they are responding nobly to it.

Aug 3, 1907
New School building Under Consideration
As soon as the school board is formally placed in possession of the strip of land on Orange street,
known as the moat they will take steps towards securing means for erecting a school building
commensurate with the requirements of the city. the land in question has been conveyed to the
school board, but the only advices of such in their possession is the act under which the grant was
made.

The board is now waiting on Congressman Clark and as soon as the formal transfer designating
the boundaries of the strip is made the school board will get busy. Under the existing laws the
board has power to borrow money for the purpose and as the building is a recognized necessity
they will undoubtedly be warmly supported in their efforts to vie the city a structure that will meet
the demands of the present day. In building, the board will take into consideration the needs of the
city for years to come and will provide a modern structure with ample accommodations for the
growing tax upon its space for future years.

To begin with, the moat will be drained with a large pipe and then if successful in securing the
money the school board will dispose of the present school building and site to the best advantage,
using the money for the new school. Nothing appeals to the citizen stronger than improving the
educational facilities for the coming generation and in the present instance the approval of the
community will aid the school board in their proposed good work.

Friday, September 13, 1908
New Public School Finest in Florida
That will be the Boast of St. Augustine
Robinson & Reidy, of Savannah and New York, The Architects.
Cost $60,000
Plans for the new public school building have been accepted, the design submitted by the firm of
P. E. Robinson and M. J. Reidy, associate architects, of New York and Savannah, being
successful over a half dozen competing plans. The school board was in session Wednesday and
yesterday considering the several plans and after due deliberation gave preference to the plans of
the firm mentioned.

The proposed new building will be the finest public school building in Florida. It will cost $60,000
and judging by the plans and specifications every dollar will show up advantageously.

As everyone knows the site will be the Orange street moat and the building will be the width of
the moat, 75 feet. It will have a frontage of 212 feet on Orange street. This will be a very
imposing structure and an ornament to the city. It is apparent that both the school board and
architects have studied deeply the requirements of the city and scholars. The building will be a
two-story structure and in case of fire there will be little difficulty in emptying the building. There
will be a high basement in addition to the two upper floors. In accordance with the history of the
old city the building will be of Spanish renaissance design with Spanish tile roof. The material will
be selected red brick, laid up with Flemish bond. White terra cotta will be used for trimming and
will make a very pretty ornamentation.

The basement will be floored with cement and enclosed with waterproof concrete walls. It will be
thoroughly lighted and ventilated and will have a space of eleven feet between the ceiling and
floor. From the play grounds there will be an entrance on either side for boys and girls, admitting
them to recreation rooms, the dimensions of which will be 30 by 60 feet. On the boy's side will be
equipment for manual training and on the girls' side for domestic science. In the basement will also
be bicycle storage rooms, lunch rooms. The heating and ventilating plants will also be located in
the basement. From the basement broad stairs will lead to the first floor.

First Story
Commensurate with the magnitude of the institution will be a very pretentious entrance from
Orange street. The entrance will lead to a terrace extending between the wings through three
arches into the loggia. A convenient feature of the arrangements permits entrance to the
superintendent's public office, without the necessity of entering the school building proper. The
superintendent's office will be 12 by 15 feet. It will be equipped with a fine steel fireproof vault
and will also be provided with toilet accessories. The private office of the superintendent will be
of the same dimensions, having a fire place and coat room. From the loggia entrance to the
principals office will be gained in a similar manner. The office assigned to the principal will be a
duplicate of the one provided for the superintendent.

The loggia also has an entrance to the rotunda which will be 24 by 24 feet. It will have an arched
ceiling and tiled floor and be rendered imposing by stone columns. The main corridor extending
from the east to the west extreme limits of the building will be ten feet wide, with broad and open
stair cases at each end giving access to the second story and to the basement. At the right of the
entrance to the rotunda will be an emergency room, for the temporary treatment of pupils. This
will be the first school in the United States to provide an emergency room. It will be highly
appreciated in case of accidents or sudden illness. It will be equipped with first aid remedies, cot,
toilet, etc.

Off the corridors in the east wing will be the toilet room 10 by 22 feet for girls. The boys' toilet
will be located in the west wing and will be the same size. Both will have tiled flooring.

On the north side of the building on this floor will be nine classrooms, the dimensions of same
being 22 by 24 feet and will have a capacity of 42 pupils. Four class rooms on the south side will
be 22 by 28 and 24 by 30 feet. Their capacities will range from 42 to 49 pupils.

Second Story
The central portion of this floor will be devoted to an Immense auditorium, which will be 55 by
745 feet and will have a capacity for 918 pupils. Provision will be made for the future erection of
a balcony with a seating capacity for 300 persons. A dome shaped ceiling will roof this great
room. At the walls the ceiling will be 16 feet in height, but it will slope upwards towards the
center, where it will reach a height of 42 feet. The ceiling will be constructed with trusses, purlins
and rafters of dressed selected yellow pine. The ceiling will be composed of paneled and molded
wood. In the auditorium the stage will be located on the south side with anterooms on the left and
right for boys and girls respectively. Entrance to the auditorium will be gained from the east and
west stair halls. In connection with the auditorium will be a lecture and social hall, the dimensions
of which will be 28 by 48 feet. This room will have a portable stage and finished in a similar
manner to the auditorium. The room will have a seating capacity for 200 persons. The plans call
for sliding, disappearing steel doors, which will be fireproof. They will separate the lecture room
from the auditorium and when open will add this room to the auditorium making one colossal
room with a seating capacity for 1118 persons. The seats in the lecture room will be portable,
permitting of their removal when the room is desired for social purposes.

Adjoining the lecture hall and the north stair hall, in the east wing will be three class rooms for the
higher grammar grades. These rooms will be 22 by 24 feet, 24 by 30 feet and will have a capacity
for 36 and 49 pupils respectively. The library will be 22 by 22 feet and will be located in the same
part of the building.

Four high school class rooms of the same dimensions and capacity and the Spanish class room
with a capacity for 36 pupils will be located on the west wing of the stair hall. Adjo8ining the
Spanish class room will be the typewriting room, the dimensions of which will be 14 by 17 feet. It
will have a capacity for 19. Another room where stenography will be taught, 22 by 22 feet, with a
seating capacity for 30 pupils will adjoin the rooms mentioned.

Third Story
While this will be a two-story building in the strict sense, it will also have a small third story floor.
Access to the third or Mezzanine, floor is gained from the second floor stair hall on the east and
west, through stairways of the same size as the main stairways. Entrance has been provided for on
the Mezzanine floor into the auditorium balcony as the future growth of the school may demand
extra room. On this floor will be two laboratories each 15 by 22 feet and with 20 foot ceiling. A
good feature of the laboratories will be their location, which is isolated being practically separate
from the remainder of the school. The elevation is another good feature giving perfect ventilation
and abundant light. With windows on four sides the light will be perfect and the fumes of the
chemicals will be permitted to escape without passing thorough any other part of the building. A
passageway connecting the east and west wings gives access through the vestibule to the dark
room, where chemicals will be stored. Two large storage rooms are also provided for in the east
and west wings.

August 11, 1909
Progress on the New School
Rapid progress is noted now on the new public school building. The walls are moving upward
swiftly and the second floor has been reached. The carpenters have much of the rough work on
the second floor done and are rushing the third story forward. Some idea as o the general outline
and appearance of the building can now be gained. The vast space in the basement will be a
departure from the usual rules in school buildings, giving an indoor playground. A concrete floor
will be laid and during inclement weather the scholars may exercise to their hearts content as the
space is sufficient to permit of such games as are played during recess. The school board and
builders hope to complete the structure in time to use after the Christmas holidays.

September 24, 1909
Public Schools Will Open For Term on Monday
With the brightest of prospects for a successful year the schools of St. Augustine and St. Johns
county will open Monday morning for the term of 1909-1910. Superintendent Pinkham is now
rounding up everything in shape for the opening and believes that both attendance and work are
going to be most satisfactory during the coming year.

The St. Augustine school will open at 8 o'clock in the morning. Work is progressing at a good
rate upon the new building but it will not be ready for occupancy until the term is well advanced,
so that the present building will be used as in the past few years.

Prof. J. L. Boone, who has been at the head of the Orlando and Leesburg school respectively for
nearly fifteen years in all, will take charge of the city school as principal. He has been in the city
for several days and is giving his personal attention to getting things straightened around and
ready for the term's work. It is probable that a faculty meeting will be held tomorrow and that
final plans for the opening of the school will be prepared. 
With Prof. Boone in the High school faculty will be Mrs E. M. Hamblen as first assistant. Miss
Wilhelmina Hooks as second and Mrs. Annie Averette. Mrs. Averette will teach Spanish,
stenography and typewriting.

The teachers selected for the grades are the following: Eighth grade, Miss Leone Rood; seventh,
Mrs. L. P. Hawkins; sixth, Miss Agnes Coughlin; fifth, Miss Maude Shorter; fourth Miss Eva
Bellinger; third, Miss Margaret Gibbs; second, Miss Allen Cooper; first, Miss Ada V. Coughlin.

September 27, 1909
Public Schools Open With an Increased Attendance
With a far larger attendance than upon the first day of last term St. Augustine’s public schools
opened for the new school year this morning. The opening was most pleasing to the school
officials for it promises well for an unusually good term's work. Many of the schools about the
county also opened this morning and while the enrollments have not been received by
Superintendent Pinkham, yet it is evident that nearly all will show a substantial increase.

The assembly room was crowded early this morning and by the time school opened at 8 o'clock
there was not room for all within the hall. Superintendent Pinkham and Mr. Joseph T. Pacetti of
the school board were present. Judge Pinkham addressed the school and strongly urged the need
of hard study and regular attendance upon the part of the pupils.

Prof. Boone, the new principal, was introduced and addressed the school, expressing his wishes
for a good term's work and for perfect harmony between teachers and pupils. The remainder of
the day was then given up to the organization of the classes.

All the teachers were present except Mrs. E. M. Hamblen, Principal Boone's first assistant. She is
ill, but will probably be able to take up her duties at the school within a few days.

The classes were organized as rapidly as possible and the students without books given their lists
of those to be secured. As fast as the teachers had given their final directions for the beginning of
the school work the pupils were dismissed until tomorrow in most of the classes. New pupils are
being assigned to their classes as rapidly as they can be examined.

The children start upon the new year's work with enthusiasm and Principal Boone is highly
pleased with the beginning of the studies. He feels that the outlook is very bright for a good year
in the school. All that is lacking is the new building and that will probably be completed within a
few months.

Oct 2, 1909
First Week of School Ends With Enrollment of 383
With a total of 383 pupils enrolled the public schools ended the first week of the new term
yesterday. All of the classes are organized and the work of the term is well started. The only
hindrance encountered so far is the crowding caused by lack of room in the old building

Several of the rooms are now filled to their capacity and it will be somewhat difficult to care for
new students enrolling in such grades although Principal Boone will make some arrangements by
which all enrolling will be given accommodations with the others in their classes. The completion
of the new building will eliminate this trouble for another term so that the school officials will do
the best they can for this year with the present old structure.

The enrollment shows a slight increase day by day and as it was over last year' s highest mark on
the opening day it is quite evident that the total enrollment for the school year will go very much
higher than in any previous term. The need for the new building now in course of erection will be
felt more keenly than ever before.

The enrollment in the city school by grades is as follows: High school, 51; eighth grade, 30;
seventh grade, 15; sixth grade, 42; fifth grade, 48 ; fourth grade, 55; third grade, 40; second
grade, 38; first grade, 34.

Oct 5, 1909
Hot Lunches for School Children
Is proposed feature for the new school building
Board of Public Instruction Decides upon a Better Ventilating System for the school.
Warm lunches for the children at school provided at low cost may be arranged for as a feature of
St. Augustine' improved school system when the city school moves into the new building now in
course of erection.

The matter has not been discussed yet at the meeting of the board of public instruction but the
new idea has been suggested and will probably be taken up before the new building is ready for
occupancy a few month's hence. It has been given some thought already by some of the school
authorities even though they have not brought it up in formal shape at any of the meetings.

There is ample room in the basement of the new building and it is proposed by those favoring the
matter to use a portion of this as a lunch room. Arrangements would be made by which simple
lunches could be served warm at very low cost to those pupils whose parents prefer their having a
warm lunch to the usual cold one carried to school. An effort will first be made before the matter
is taken up seriously to sound the sentiment of parents in the matter.

Many schools have adopted the plan and have found it successful. It would be a modern feature
for the new school and the officials favoring it believe that it would be of benefit to the pupils.

The contract for installing the electric wiring in the new building was not let at the first October
meeting of the board last night. Two bids were received, but no action was taken as it was
decided to investigate the relative merits of the two-wire and three-wire systems of lighting a
littler further before taking any action upon the letting of the contract.

Upon the suggestion of the architect it was decided to change the ventilating system of the new
school building from the original plans. The foul air will be drawn out direct through the the
ventilating flues instead of through the attic as  first proposed. It was agree that this plan would
give all the rooms much more complete and better ventilation.

Though the meeting was a somewhat lengthy one all other matters brought up were of a purely
routine nature. It is expected that the contract for the electric wiring will be let at the next meeting
of the board two months from now.

December 8, 1909
Two Weeks for Christmas Vacation Allowed Schools
Two weeks will be allowed the pupils of the public schools of St. Augustine and St. Johns county
according to the decision reached by the Board of Public Instruction at the December meeting
held Monday night. This will come as good news to the boys and girls who like a good long rest
from studies during the holiday season.

The schools will let out on December 17th and will reconvene on January 3d. Some brought
pressure to bear upon the board to only allow one week vacation and at first the board intended to
follow this course. It was decided, however, at the last meeting that two weeks would meet with
the favor of the majority of the school patrons of the county. One or two county schools that
were late in opening will cotinue up to the 24th but they are a special exception made to the rule.

Besides the usual routine business large bells were ordered and one each will be placed in the
Hastings and Bunnell schools.

Following an invitation from Mr. L. A. Colee, one of the members, the board will make a trip by
automobile to Moccasin Branch and Hastings tomorrow and will inspect the schools there. Mr. F.
T. Triay may not be able to accompany the party but Mr. Colee, Mr. Jos. T. Pacetti and
Superintendent of Public Instruction W. S. M. Pinkham will make the trip. One of the St.
Augustine Transfer company’s fine new cars will be used.

Haw Creek Items
The pupils of Gilbert will again entertain their parents and friends. They are preparing for a
Christmas entertainment on the evening of December 17th.

December 10, 1909
Work Upon New High School Progressing Rapidly
With the brick work practically completed, the roof being placed and much of the installation
work going on in the interior, St. Augustine’s new high school building on Orange street is fast
assuming shape and is reaching a point where completion is in sight. It will not be ready for use
this term but will be all ready for the opening of school in the fall.

The masons under Mr. B. E. Pacetti, who holds the contract for the brick work, have practically
completed this work. The walls are all built and the only other brick work to be done is the
finishing of the towers. Mr. Pacetti still has the concrete floor to lay in the basement and his men
are now engaged in placing the lath for the plastering in the interior of the building.

Mr. Joseph Grossman holds the contract for the carpenter work and his men are also now making
rapid headway. He has been hindered for some time by a shortage of men but he has a large force
on now. The rafters for the roof are in shape and the workmen are now placing the sheathing for
the tiling. As fast as the sheathing is placed the felt is also being laid. The tiling has arrived and
work will soon begin upon its placing.

Contractor J. C. Libby has installed the heating plant in the basement and piping for both the
steam heat and the gas has been placed throughout the building. The plumbing has alsod been
installed. The building will be steam heated throughout and with its perfect ventilation it will be
comfortable all of the time.

The two-wire electric lighing system is to be used and this is now being installed by Mr. W. H.
Rowe. The electric bell wiring has been installed by Mr. C. W. Tobie and is a modern and
convenient arrangement. By means of buzzers in each room the principal will be able to signal the
class and study periods from his class room. All of the wires lead to an annunciator in his office
and it is so arranged that the teachers can also telephone him from their rooms over the same
wires, thus placing him in close touch with every room in the bulding. Both the principal’s office
and classroom are to be connected with the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction W. S.
M. Pinkham by telephones.

The building is a large and handsome structure and will be a great credit to St. Augustine. It will
be a decided improvement over the old crowded building now in use. The pupils will be able to do
much better work.

They will also have one of the finest playgrounds in the city. This alone will be a great
improvement over the small space now available for their games and recreation during the recess
periods. The new building will be as good as there is in the State and much better school work is
certain to follow its occupation by the city schools. The standard of work has always been high
but it will probably go up a notch or tow anyhow when the boys and girls get into the new
building.

December 17, 1909
Schools are out for the Holidays
After three months of study St. Augustine’s school children and those of the county scholars will
quit their books this afternoon at 1:15 o’clock, the usual hour, for two whole weeks of Christmas
fun and freedom. There will be no more studies until January 3rd when they will settle down to the
long five months’ grind of the spring term.

Owing to the crowded condition of the present school building there was no attempt at a
Christmas program but the boys and girls were simply dismissed as usual. It was all just as
satisfactory to them, however, and they went home to sling books aside for the holiday season.

There isn’t any other vacation just like the Christmas vacation for its breaks in just when books
maybe have become the least little bit tiresome. It brings a rest and the Christmas fun and cheer
makes the time simply fly by.

School is out and the old school building is all locked up just as if there never had been such a
thing as books.

January 3, 1910
Two New Schools Open.
Pupils in the schools of St. Johns county again resumed their studies after the happy Christmas
vacation this morning and two new country schools were opened for the spring term. The new
building has been completed at Espanola and Superintendent Pinkham has placed Miss Rosa
Lucas in charge. Miss Margaret Conway will also open the school at Matanzas. Both new
teachers are from Green Cove Springs

January 7, 1910
Workmen Are Finishing Interior of New School
Workmen are now placing the lathing on the walls of the rooms in the new high school building
on Orange street and the entire carpenter force is now engaged in finishing the interior of the big
new building. The placing of the tile roof will begin within the next few days.

The rafters and other wooden roof work has been completed and as soon as the gutter for the
roof arrives the tiling will be laid. The title has arrived and is being piled upon the woodwork
about the roof, preparatory to being laid by the workmen. As soon as this work begins it will be
rushed to as early completion as possible.

The stairways and doors have been ordered by the school board. They will be constructed of birch
and will come all ready for placing. It will probably be about six weeks before they are received
but it will not tkae very long to get them in place following their arrival.

The electric wiring for both the lights and other electric fixtures has been installed as far as
possible before the plastering is begun and completed. The lathing for the plaster is being placed
on the interior walls throughout the building and it will not be very long before the plastering
work itself will begin.

The new high school building is going to be as fine a structure of the kind as there is in the State
and will be a credit to not only St. Augustine but to the county as well. Its completion will means
the beginning of a new step in the advancement of the county’s educational interests. The building
will be completed and all ready for the opening of the next term of school in the fall and will
completely relieve the overcrowding that has been an annoyance in the old building.

January 18, 1910
School Board Changes Time of Meeting to Tuesdays
In considering matters relative to the new school building it was decided to purchase and place
screens at all of the windows for the purpose of protecting the plastering, which will soon be
placed, until the windows are received. This is no little item in itself as the building is a large one.

The plaster has arrived and the lathing is being placed so that the plasters can soon begin their
work. The screens will be placed in rainy weather and will prevent the rain beating in upon the
walls. Work upon the building is now progressing most satisfactorily in every respect.

February 3, 1910
Guy White Made Supervisor.
At the meeting of the county board of public instruction held in the office of Superintendent W. S.
M. Pinkham Tuesday night, Mr. Guy White was elected supervisor of the Espanola school. The
appointment was made in accordance with a petition received from the patrons of the school.
Routine business was also disposed of at the meeting.

February 10, 1910
A. W. Corbett Buys Old School Property
Effort Was Made to Have City Buy It.
Sold for $7,500
Fight in Council Last Night for Purchase of Property for City Hall Lost.
Almost immediately following the failure of an effort in city council last night to purchase the
public school property on Hospital street for a city hall, the property was this morning sold to Mr.
Amos W. Corbett and will be at once improved and developed by him. City council refused to
pass a resolution last night for the pruchase of the property and this morning the school board
immediately took up the matter of its sale to Mr. Corbett who has been contemplating its
purchase.

?The deal was carried through and the papers were drawn and before the day is over the actual
purchase will have been completed. This closes the matter of the city getting the property. Mr.
Corbett paid $7,500, the amount for which the property was offered the city. He proposes to
make extensive improvements and to occupy the property for business purposes in the near
future. The property is advantageously located for the purpose to which Mr. Corbett proposes to
devote it and the transaction is one of the most important that has been recorded in real estate
circles in many months.

The fight in city council last night wasn’t such a very long one but it was decidedly interesting:
Alderman Campbell introduced an ordinance repealing the ordinance passed over the vote of the
mayor last May providing for the acquisition of the property for municipal purposes. The
ordinance went on introductory reading, it not coming to a vote until next meeting under the
rules.

It seemed, however, that Alderman Meitin was prepared for he promptly introduced a resolution
providing for the issuance of $7,500 in interest bearing warrants and the purchase of the property
with the fund thus raised. This immediately brought the matter to a  focus.

Alderman Libby moved the adoption of the resolution and received a second from Alderman
Meitin.

“How are we going to keep up the streets if we take $1,500 a year out of the permanent
improvement fund,” questioned Alderman Green.

“It won’t cripple the street work considering the rent we are now paying,” replied Alderman
Usina.

“But does the city want the city hall in that location?” continued Alderman Green. “This is a very
important matter and I feel that the people should vote on it. I would vote against the resolution,
even if we were to have a $75,000 public building if it was to be hid away there.”

“Who authorized you to go to Tallahassee and secure the passage of the amendment to the
charter allowing this purchase?” inquired President Moody of Alderman Libby.

“No one. I paid my own expenses,” replied Mr. Libby.

“While I would like to see the city own a fine public building.” siad Alderman Usina, “I can’t see
that we will ever get one now. I favor buying this building and in ten years we can maybe have
one of our own.”

“It is a matter of principle with me,” said Alderman Meitin. “I believe that the city should have
something to show for the money spent in rental. I think that we should acquire this property.”

Mayor Masters strongly opposed the resolution holding that it would place the city again in debt
and that the site is undesirable. The city’s indebtedness has been reduced from $43,000 to
$12,000 during his administration and the city now pays only $75 a month interest instead of $262
as when he went into office. “If we purchase that property.” he contended, “we would be
anchored there. I would like to see a fine city hall of our own but that is not the place. If the time
comes when we can erect one of our own it should be in keeping with our churches, hotels and
other public buildings.”

Alderman Campbell also opposed the resolution, contending that by the time the city had fixed up
the old building and got the property in shape for use that it would be involved in heavy
expenditure and that anyhow the site is undesirable for the purpose. Other points were advanced
by both sides before the vote was taken. It was a follows:

Ayes–Aldermen Usina, Libby and Meitin. Nays–Aldermen Moody, Campbell, Howatt, Green and
Masters. Alderman Monson asked to be excused from voting.

The purchase of the property by Mr. Corbett this morning settles the question forever and it will
be developed into a desirable business.

February 16, 1910
Gilbert School Term Extended
At the meeting of the county board of public instruction held last night in the offices of
Superintendent W. S. M. Pinkham a petition from the patrons of the Gilbert school in the Haw
creek section of the county for an extension of the school term was granted. This gives that
school a seven months’ term instead of six months as originally provided. The resignation of F. B.
N. Davis of colored school No. 2, the Lincolnville school, was received and accepted and Willie
Deas was appointed to fill the vacancy thus caused. There was some discussion regarding the kind
of plastering to be used for the interior finishing of the new school building and it was decided to
use the Acme hard finish plaster. The usual routine business also came before the board and was
disposed of.

February 25, 1910
School Athletics and Literary Work in Their Charge.
For the purpose of building up an increased interest in athletic and literary work as well as giving
the members an opportunity to study parliamentary law, an organization has been formed by the
boys in the St. Augustine high school. The society is to be known as the High School Clansmen.

Edgar Grossman has been made president; Allen Dale was made vice president; Milton Fuller,
treasurer, and James Dodge, secretary. Meetings will be held on alternate Wednesday evenings. It
is planned to group both the athletic and the literary society work of the school under the charge
of the new organization and the boys are very enthusiastic over it. Principal Boone is encouraging
them in every way as the work of such a society is of the greatest value to high school students.

The charter members are Edgar Grossman, Allen Dale, Milton fuller, James Dodge, Tyre Davis,
Forrest Davies, Clement Terwilligar, Horace Scott, Howard Talmage and Lloyd Clark.

March 3, 1910
Negroes Break Up School
School Board Closes One at Hastings Because of Their Actions.

Hastings negroes do not seem to appreciate the benefits of free education and as a result
the county school board at the March meeting Tuesday night decided to close the colored school
there at once. The matter was brought before the board by the resignation of Annie R. Evans,
colored, the teacher. The reasons given were that she had been subjected to all kinds of insult by
the negroes because she insisted upon preserving discipline among her pupils. The school
supervisor reported her to be an excellent teacher. Her resignation was accepted and she was
given the Mill Creek colored school, the teacher of which had resigned to enter matrimony. The
colored school at Hastings was ordered closed.

Matters in connection with the work upon the new high school were discussed at some length and
some minor changes in work that is now being done were decided upon. The usual amount of
routine business was disposed of.

March 16, 1910
New School Asked.
Residents of Riverdale Section Make Request of Board.
A petition for the establishment of a new school in the Riverdale section south of Tocoi in the
western section of the county was received by the county board of public insturction at the
meeting held last night. It was set forth that there are nineteen pupils there which is a sufficient
number under the law. The matter was turned over to Superintendent Pinkham for investigation.

A number of applications were received for the position of night watchman at the new high school
building but it was decided to continue P. H. Pomar who has been filling the place temporarily.
The usual amount of routine business was disposed of.

April 5, 1910
Haw Creek Items.
Friday was the last day of school. Miss Fannie Pellicer was present every day of the seven
months’ term. Miss Carolina Salyerds and Fitzgerald Malphurs missed one day each. Those who
were neither absent nor tardy for the last month of school were: Caroline Salyerds, Fannie
Pellicer, Fitzgerald Malphurs, Rayphord Buckles, Arthur Buckles and Raymond Buckles.

Miss Ida Tobie, the school teacher, left for Stetson University Friday. She will attend for the
spring term. In June Stetson will close and she will return to the home of her parents in St.
Augustine.

April 9, 1910
School Census is Being Taken
Is First Taken in St. Johns County in Ten Years
Four Men are Securing Data Regarding all Between Six and Twenty One Years of Age.

In compliance with the State law requiring a school census of each county once in ten years, four
men are now taking such a census in St. Johns county for the Board of Public Instruction. County
Superintendent W. S. M. Pinkham returned yesterday from a trip through the county, aiding the
men in getting started properly and looking into various school matters.

Mr. Joseph Lee is in charge of the work in the northern end of the county from the Trout Creek
neighborhood across to Diego and other points along the canal. Mr. William Braddock, because
of his familiarity with that section of the county, is acting as guide for him. After completing the
work there Mr. Lee will come to St. Augustine and will take the school census of the city.

The south end of the county is being covered by Mr. J. L. Morrison. This includes all of that
section south of Moultrie creek. Mr. Ticker is taking the census at Tocoi and though the western
end.

The names of all boys and girls between the ages of six and twenty-one years are taken, that being
the legal school age. Information concerning the grade in school to which the person has
advanced is also secured. With this information at hand the county and State school authorities
can easily ascertain by comparison with the school enrollment the number not attending school
and other facts helpful in planning new educational work.

April 11, 1910
Seven Graduates in Class of 1910

Hon. Frank Clark Accepts Invitation to Speak

Commencement Exercises May Be Held in Auditorium of New High School Building.

Both school officials and students are already planning for the high school commencement season
which will now soon come, the graduating exercises taking place on the evening of May 20th.
Seven well known young ladies will make up the class of 1910 and will receive their diplomas that
night. It is probable that the exercises will be unusually interesting this year and that a feature will
be the commencement address which will probably be delivered by the Hon. Frank Clark, member
of Congress from the second district.

County Superintendent of Public Instruction W. S. M. Pinkham has extended an invitation upon
behalf of the school to Mr. Clark and has received his acceptance. He is one of the most eloquent
speakers in the State and his address will be a feature of the graduating exercises that will be
greatly appreciated by both the pupils of the school and by the people of the city as well.

The proverbial “sweet girl graduate” will have it all her own way in the high school exercises this
year for no boys have completed the year’s work. Those in the class are the Misses Ella May
Davis, Abbie Hare, Rosella Martin, Margurite Holmes, Clyde Hunt, Hortense Weidman and
Gladys Larson.

The class has organized with Miss Martin as president. Miss Hunt as vice-president, Miss Davis as
secretary and Miss Holmes as treasurer.

Prof. Boone and the other members of the faculty are already planning many features for the
exercises and the program will undoubtedly be of great interest. If possible the exercises will be
held in the auditorium of the new high school building but that depends entirely upon whether or
not the building is near enough completion to admit the use of that room. The use of the new
building would admit of a much larger attendance and would result in the better carrying out of
the exercises generally.

All of the pupils in the school have settled down to the final work of the term. The seniors in the
high school have completed their trigonometry and are finishing up their solid geometry. The
other grades are also preparing for the end of the term.

The school year has been very successful and much good work has been accomplished but both
teachers and pupils are looking forward more to the fall term when the new building will be
occupied. The work of the school will take a new start then and more than ever will be
accomplished.

April 15, 1910
Commencement at Hastings.
Rev. C. C. Cecil Will Deliver the Baccalaureate Sermon.

The commencement exercises of the Hastings high school begin Sunday with the baccalaureate
services, at which the sermon will be delivered by the Rev. C. C. Cecil, pastor of the First M. E.
church, South, of St. Augustine. The closing exercises of the school are expected to prove quite
interesting.

Mr. Cecil leaves immediately after for Louisville, Ky., where he will appear before the Church
Extension Board of the church in regard to raising funds for the erection of the new church in this
city. During his absence the pulpit will be filled by the Rev. J. W. Hypes.

May 10, 1910
Preparing for Commencement
Hon. Frank Clark Expected to Deliver Address.
Exercise Will be Held in the Jefferson Theatre–Class of Seven This Year.

Seven well-known young ladies will made up the graduating class of 1910 of the St. Augustine
High School and plans for the commencement exercises have nearly been completed. The
exercises will be held in the Jefferson theatre on the evening of Monday, May 20th. It is expected
that the address of the evening will be delivered by the Hon. Frank Clark, Congressman from the
Second district. Mr. Clark has accepted the invitation to speak through County Superintendent of
Public Instruction W. S. M. Pinkham has not hear from him as yet as to whether the change of the
date to Monday night will interfere with his plans.

Those in the class are the Misses Ella May Davis, Abbie Hare, Rosella Martin, Marguerite
Holmes, Clyde Hunt, Hortense Weidman and Gladys Larson. All are hard at working finishing up
their studies and the final examinations will soon being. These will not end until the last week
before commencement. The exercises promises to be usually interesting this year.

May 19, 1910
School Days to End Tomorrow
Interesting Program for Closing Exercises.
Hish School Commencement on Monday Night—Congressman Clark is Expected.

Hundreds of happy lads and lassies will tomorrow leave books and studies behind, for the vaction
days have arrived. An interesting program will mark the closing exercises in the assembly hall of
the public school and books will then be flung aside for the happy summertime. The pupils of the
school have done splendid work this year, but studies will get a little tiresome in eight months
time and there are few if any who will not welcome the coming of the end.

The high school commencement exercises will take place in the Jefferson theatre Monday
evening. A baccalaureate service had been planned by the class this year, but the school board has
decided to omit this and to carry out the usual idea of confining the exercises to one evening. A
good program has been arranged and the closing exercises will be very interesting Monday night.
Superintendent of Public Instruction W. S. M.Pinkham has not been able to reach Congressman
Frank Clark yet, but will probably get in touch with him today. It is the desire of all that Mr. Clark
who is one of the most eloquent speakers in the State, tdeliver the commencement address.

The exercises of the graded school will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock at the public
school building and the public generally is invited. The program for the exercises is as follows:

Recitation, “Welcome,” Valentine Fernandez, First Grade.
Recitation, “Twins,” Hope Farris, Alvin Simms, First Grade.
Song. “Jubilee Medley,” Fourth Grade, A and B.
Recitation, “:Echo,” Third Grade.
Dialogue, “The Letter to Mother, Third Grade.
Piano Duet, Gladys Allen, Virginia Walker.
Recitation, “Why,” Willie Lee, First Grade.
Essay, “Oglethorpe,”’ Jack Hunt, Eight Grade.
Recitation, “that Boy,” Earle Blue, Seventh Grade.
“Flag Song,” Fourteen Pupils, Second Grade.
Recitation, “That Boy’s Complaint,” five Pupils, First Grade
Duet, “My Dream of the U. S. A.,” Carolyn Rowe, Bonnie Shugart, B. Fourth and Fifth.
Recitation, “The Gossips” Catherine Canova, Fifth Grade.
Recitation, “When I’m a Man,” Lester Edminster, First Grade.
Song, Harry Dyson, Frankie Cook, First Grade.
Recitation, “The Hobbity Goblin,” Mary Gains, Third Grade.
Song, “He Was a Cowboy,” William Dyson, Fourth Grade.
Recitation, “Unfortunate Bessie,” Fontella Padgett, Fifth Grade.
Essay, “Oglethorpe,” Camille Campbell, Eight Grade.
Duet; “The Quarrel,” Sarah Tarlinsky, Sydney Townsend, Fourth Grade, A and B.
Recitation, “The Dressed Turkey, Marie Dyson, fifth Grade.
Song, Sixth and Seventh Grades.
Drill, B, Fourth Grade.

May 20, 1910
Vacation Days Have Arrived
Miss Mary Fuller and Chas. Groh win Lee Medals.

Sixth Grade Wins Banner for Best Attendance Record–Diplomas Are Presented.

With the assembly hall of the public school building crowded with happy boys and girls and their
parents and friends the closing exercises of the graded school were held this morning and vacation
days have taken the place of books and studies.

The exercises were most interesting thoughout and the manner in which the pupils carried out
their parts reflected credit upon both themselves and the faithful teachers who had charge of the
preparation of the program.

The awarding of the medals was naturally one of the most interesting features of the exercises.
Master Jack Hunt and Miss Camilla Campbell of the Eight Grade, of which Miss Rood is teacher,
were presented the two beautiful medals offered by the Maria Jefferson chapter of the Daughters
of the American Revolution for the best essays on General Oglethorpe. Master Jack Hunt was
awarded the gold medal for the best and Miss Campbell received the pretty silver medal as second
prize. The presentation was made by the Rev. Dr. Alfred S. Badger upon behalf of the D. A. R.
and with a few appropriate words.

Miss Mary Fuller of Seventh grade, of which Mrs. Hawkins is teacher, won the medal offered by
General Loring chapter of the Confederacy for the best essay upon the life of General Robert E.
Lee. Master Charley Groh of the Eight grade was such a closs contestant for the medal, his essay
being so nearly as good as the first that he was awarded a medal by the director of the chapter.
The presentations were made by sister Esther Carlotta, State president of the United Daughters of
the Confederacy, with characteristic grace.

The banner for the grade making the best average attendance record for the year awarded to the
Sixth grade of which Miss Coughlin is the teacher. All of the grades made an excellent record for
the year but the Sixth led all and was the winner. The banner will grace the grade’s new room in
the new school building next term.

Principal Boone made a short address in which he thanked the patrons of the school for their
presence and attention and for the interest shown in the work of the school during the year.

Following the exercises Superintendent of Public Instruction W. S. M. Pinkham awarded the
certificates to the graduates from the graded school. He delivered a short but excellent address to
the class. The Eighth grade is sending out a large class this year and if they all enter high school
next year the high school will take a long step forward in enrollment. Those graduating from the
eighth grade are the Misses Blanche Turbyfill, Norma Duggan, Dorothy Davies, Minnie Disson,
Arline Horne, Glenn Harper, Estelle de Medicis and Martha Comstock and Masters Buel Bailey,
Clark Davis, Charlie Groh, Harry Hernandez, Frank Fabisinski, Bertram Lee, Oliver Simms, Harry
Moore, Dan Padget, Jack Hunt, Clayton Kirtland and William Budd.

May 21, 1910
Commencement Monday Night
Exercises at the Jefferson will be Public.
Congressman Clark is Unable to be Present–The Program in Full.

Bring the school year of 1909-‘10 to a close the commencemnt exercises of the St. Augustine
High school will be held at the Jefferson theatre Monday evening beginning at 8 o’clock. The
program for the closing exercises is a splendid one and will be greatly enjoyed. The public
generally is welcome and all friends of the schools are urged to attend. The boxes and extreme
front seats will be reserved for relatives and invited firends of the members ofthe class but all of
the others will be free to all who will come.

The members of the class of 1910 and their essays are as follows: Miss Julia Gladys Larson, “The
Art of Arts – Knowing How;” Miss Ella May Davis, “Some Aspects Concerning the Character of
Edgar Allen Poe;” Miss Abbie Hare, “The Wizard of Menlo Park;” Miss Rosella Martin, “The Joy
of Living;” Miss Marguerite Holmes, “The Incoming Millions;” Miss Frances Clyde Hunt, “The
Power of Thought;” Miss Hortense Weidman, “Memory’s Message,” Miss Martin is president of
the class, Miss Hunt vice president, Miss Davis secretary and Miss Holmes treasurer.

Much to the great regret of his many friends Congressman Frank Clark will be unable to appear
and deliver the address to the class. Other engagements prevent his being in the city. Dr. Lincoln
Hulley, president of Stetson University at Deland, however, agreed to be present and deliver the
address.

Closing Exercises Held by New Augustine School
The closing exercises of the New Augustine school No. 35 were held yesterday morning at the
school building in New Augustine and were thoroughly enjoyed by the large crowd of visitors.
Too much credit cannot be given the principal, Mrs. Merle Morton, and her able assistant, Miss
Gertrude Speissegger, for the excellent program which was presented and for the efficient work
during the past school year. The program follows:

The exercises were opened with the Lord’s prayer by all.
Opening address, Kate Glisson.
Song., “Greeting to All,:” school.
Recitation, “Who Was It?” Eunice Mitchell.
Song, “When Your Mother Took My Name Long, Long Ago,” Irene Manucy.
Recitation, “The Tale of a Dog and a Bee,” Louise McQuaig.
Recitation, Nellie Petzinger.
Song, “Way Down Upon the Suwanee River,” school.
Recitation, “Spelling Kitten,” Nellie Coughlin.
Dialogue, “The Sick Dol,” Miss Marian Miller, dIrene Manucy and Horace McQuaig.
Song. “Two little Girls with Two Little Curls,” Mildred Duncan.
Recitation, :”Her Dream,” Inez Manucy.
Song, Leona Petzinger. Recitation, “Learning the Tabels,” Stella Taylord.
Song, “America,” school.
Recitation, “Pa’s Ways,” Eva Johnson.
Song, “And a Little Child Shall Lead Them,” Gladys Marcy.
Farewell address, Lueva Booth.
Song, “Home, Sweet Home,” school.

Certificates for perfect attendance were given to Irene Manucy, Marian Miller, Myrtle McQuaig,
Cora Ashton and Arthur Allman of the Upper grades and Mildred Duncan and Inez Manucy for
the lower Gold medals were offered by Mrs. Morton to the upper grades for perfect attendance.
There being four girls with perfect records., they were obliged to draw for it and it was won by
Cora Ashton. The boys’ medal was awarded to Arthur Allman.

May 24, 1910
St. Augustine Proud of Graduating Class.
Splendid Record of Commencement This Year.
Graduating Class Held Exercises at the Jefferson Theater Before Large Audience.
The board of public instruction, school superintendent, principal faculty, parents and the people of
St. Augustine generally have every reason to feel proud of the high school commencement
exercises which were held last evening for it was without question the most creditable school
entertainment ever held in St. Augustine.

The spacious Jefferson theater last evening was crowded to the very doors and hundreds of
people remained standing through out the entire evening in order to enjoy the interesting program
given in connection  with the graduating exercises of the St. Augustine High school.

The graduating class of 1910, seven of the prominent young ladies of this city, holds the record of
having arranged and presented what was undoubtedly the most creditable commencement in the
history of the high school here. This was due to a  happy combination of circumstances. The
members of the class itself well merited the success of the occasion and contributed largely to it.
then too, such an auditorium as the Jefferson theater has not been obtainable in previous years and
the young ladies with their friends certainly deserve credit for the artistic manner in which the
state was decorated and arranged while the aisles of the auditorium and he sections of seats
especially reserved were marked off by lengthy garlands of pretty flowers and wild fines. 

Shortly after 8 o'clock the curtain arose and the graduating class marched upon the stage and took
seats in the center. The young ladies were followed by members of the faculty, Principal J. L.
Boone, Rev. J. H. Martin and Dr. Lincoln Hulley.

Aug 17, 1910
Deeds Ordered Transferred
At the meeting of the county board of public instruction held last night Superintendent of Public
instruction., W. S. M. Pinkham was instructed to notify Mr. Amos W. Corbett that the old school
building is ready to turn over to him. The furniture has been removed and the deeds prepared. As
announced in the Record several months ago Mr. Corbett negotiated with the county for the
purchase of the property. He placed $500 with the Board at the time as a payment and now that
the building is ready to be turned over the sale will be completed.