| Editors Note: This undated article was attached to the report of General Giles to Brig General E. Whittlessy of the Freedmen's Bureau dated July 2, 1869. It was damaged in the folding of the newspaper and the microfilming also left marks on the paper. The school is still one of Jacksonville's Floridas finest, but it never made it as a college in the tradition of Howard, Fisk, etc., but remains a public high school. Times Union The Stanton Normal Institute On Saturday afternoon the Stanton Normal school building erected by the Freedmen's Bureau was dedicated for educational purposes. The site for the edifice was purchased a year ago by the Florida Institute, a corporate body organized on the 30th of January, 1868, for the purpose of holding school property, under the laws of the then, existing State government, which failed to designate any person or persons for that object. The Institute was composed of five members, as follows; Hon. C. T. Chase (Ed: C Thurston Chase, Florida Superintendent of Public Instruction), Hon. J. R. Scott, Hon. E. M. Randall, J. Barton, Esq., and Wm. Garvin, Esq. These gentlemen were suppled with funds by the American Mission Society for purchasing a suitable site for a school-house, and the lot on Elizabeth street was secured. An appropriation being made by the Government for the erection of a school building under the auspices of the Freedmen's Bureau, it was decided, provided the title by which the lot was held should prove good, to expend the money in erecting the building upon the lot held by the Institute. The commencement of the work, however, was delayed for some months and not until the present efficient Commissioner of the Bureau was assigned to duty in this State was anything done. Gen. Giles immediately upon assuming his duties here, secured plans for the building, and proceeded to erect the edifice, under his own immediate supervision carryring on the work which is now so successfully wrought to completion. The site upon which the structure stands has been admirably chosen for the purpose. The grounds are spacious, carefully graded, and surrounded with a good substantial fences. A large number of trees have been planted in and around the lot, which, in a few years will furnish abundant shade and make a delightful and cool retreat. The edifice is the largest for school purposes in the State, and is undoubtedly one of the most perfect structures of the kind ever erected, and to much praise cannot be given to the young and capable architect who has so faithfully carried out his contract in this erection -- Mr. W. A. MacDuff. It is not only an ornament, but the most imposing building in the city, attracting the attention and admiration of all who approach the city from whatever direction. The view from the cupola up the grand old St. Johns, on the occasion, was one of the most beautiful we have ever beheld -- the sunlight landscape, the dark blue river, the busy city, all combined to make a scene rarely equaled in interest and beauty. **** the vast multitude of those who were so recently rend in ignornance and cruel bondage, coming up to receive from the Government they so gallantly fought to save, and have since so sincerely and faithfully endeavored to serve that noble and beautiful temple of learning. Many were the prayers that ascended from grateful hearts that as when near five years ago they received from the immortal Lincoln, the Proclamation of Emancipation, that God would make them worthy of the gift he bestowed upon them; pledging themselves to improve, appreciate and honor the privileges offered for their mental cultivation. The day was simply magnificent: the atmosphere perfectly transparent; the sky of the deepest blue, and without a cloud: the sun gloriously bright, and a temperature made delightful by a cool southern breeze. The children of the colored sabbath schools is assembled at their respective places of meeting together with the various Ladies' societies, and proceeded in procession to the school house. The United Sons of America, Freedmen's Aid, and Benevolent societies formed in the public square and preceded by the Azekial Band went to the Bureau Headquarters where they received the Commissioner, Gen. Gile, Gov. Reed, Chief Justice Randall and others who were to participate in the exercises, and escorted them to the school building. Previous to the commencement of the exercises the distinguished guests were given an opportunity to examine the structure, and all united in their praise of its excellent arrangement and through completeness and adaptability for the purposes of education. The Assistant Superintendent of Freedmen's schools Dr. Wakefield, was called the assemblage to order and spoke as follows: We have assembled here on this beautiful spring day to engage in the joyous ceremonies of the dedication of this elegant and commodious school house, the Government has so liberally built for the education of any, and all, who will accept and enjoy its benefits. It is hoped this institution so well designed so thoroughly built, so delightful in its location--the centre of a large population, in a state with such a glorious prospect for its future will exercise a molding influence upon the minds of those who shall be educated here, to make each a loyal, patriotic, order loving and progressive citizen of the Union and this young but growing State. It is related of Michael Angelo, that, as he was walking through one of the streets of the city where he lived, one morning, he espied in an obscure place a block of marble all covered with dirt and rubbish, and instantly throwing off his coat began to remove the rubbish and dirt, when he was accosted by a friend passing by, surprised to see him laboring upon such an unseemingly mass, who inquired what he was doing with that rude block? He replied "there is an angel in here and I am going to get it out." He saw to that in that unsightly mass, which looked so little attractive to an ordinary observer the image of an angel, which, by his skill and patient toil could be brought out to his own great joy, and the admiration of the world. So in this studio we hope to take many rude blocks of humanity all covered with ignorance and aid who under the skill and patient ? of the artists from time to time presiding ?these rooms, shall bring out not only the angel which Angelo saw, but the real angelic form originally placed there, and restore the image of the Creator, and fit them for that art gallery on high, when the Heavenly artist shall gather together his own, and the works of his colabors on earth. * * * An earnest and appropriate Prayer was offered up by Rev. W. N. Page, of the city. "My country t'is of thee" was then sung by the multitude with much fervor. The report of the Board of officers appointed to examine and report whether the building had been erected according to the plans and specifications agreed upon, consisting of Bvt. Lieut. Col. Jacop F. Chur, A. A. A. G.; Capt. Jos. H. Durkee. Disbursing Officer and Dr. A. J. Wakefield, Asst., Supt. of Schools, was read by Col. Chur, stating that the terms of the contract had been complied with, the work had been performed in a satisfactory and creditable manner, and recommended its acceptance. Gen. Giles ordered the building in behalf of the Government, and ordered the Disbursing Officer, Capt. Durkee, to make the final payment and relieve the contractor from further obligations. The Commissioner, Gen. Gile, then, in behalf of the Government, presented the building to be dedicated for the purposes of education. We may still regard the building as a child without a name, one is required. I was not educated as an orator, but to-day I lament that I have not the gift of eloquence with which to express my admiration for the many virtues and public services of him who bears the name with which ? baptize this building. In self denying devotion to the cause of freedom and humanity, in firm and unwavering fidelity to our county when in the throes of rebellion, he stood among the civil officers of the land, second only to the martyr President--Abraham Lincoln. This building shall be known as the "Stanton Normal Institute, No. 1." The announcement of Stanton's name was received with great applause, and we are assured that no name could have been more acceptable to those present. His Excellency Gov. Reed (Ed: Harrison Reed) was introduced as the orator of the day by General Gile, saying, "It is true he is a Reed, but not a Reed easily broken as you all have abundant proof. Put your trust in him and you will not find him wanting." The Governor said that it seemed proper as Chief Magistrate, that he should be present upon this occasion, although he was compelled to have the Capitol when extraordary State cares were pressing upon him. He referred to the ediface as an honor to those having it in charge, beautiful in its proportions, and spacious in its accommodation. He continued:: Eight years ago the death-knell of American slavery was sounded in the proclamation of civil war. As that war progressed emancipation succeeded as a natural sequence of the conflict, while the Government ... free North were taxed to provide for the physical and moral necessities of the children of bondage, thus becoming the wards of the nation from no volition of their own. The government met the demands for the subsistence of this dependent people and the Christian philanthropy of the North, ever sensitive to the calls of suffering humanity, whether in foreign lands of in our own country, gathered the treasures and pointed laid the field of the missionaries of salvation commissioned to prepare the minds of the former slave for the new and important responsibilities of freedom. As education and cultivation of the mind was incompatible with slavery--so ignorance and intellectual degradation is incompatible with freedom and the obligations of citizenship. The problem of emancipation had long agitated the popular, mind throughout the nation, but its ? was attended with apparent insurmountable difficulties, and it had been shrunk from the dread, by the free as well as the slave states. But the bloody sword of civil war cut the gordian knot, and suddenly, without provision or forethought, the nation was called to the protection and guardianship of four millions of emancipated slaves. It was a responsibility which taxed the wisest statesmanship and the most liberal christian philanthropy. At the South the relation of slave and master had so long existed that it was of course impossible that the new relations could be recognized without hesitation and delay. At the North a narrow bigotry and bitter prejudice on account of color, precluded an immediate and friendly acceptance of the situation with its responsibilities. The wise, the benevolent, the good, and the true--those whose courage and patriotism, religion and philanthropy expand with the occasion, entered in faith upon the new work, and hundreds of devoted christian teachers, in defiance of the popular contempt, amid derision and insult, volunteered to enter the dark field and seek to enlighten and educate the new recipients of freedom. In December 1862 as an officer of the Federal Government, I met the advance guard of this heroic band at Fernandina and St. Augustine, within the circumscribed limits of the Union army, laying the foundation stone of permanent republican government in Florida. Most of the officers of the Union army looked with contempt upon these humble missionaries of freedom; but with self-sacrificing devotion they labored as those who seek their reward in the Savior's plaudit, "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me." They walked by faith and their labors were not in vain. During the last three years the Federal Government has expended in the Southern States, for rental, repairs and construction of school buildings, and the transportation of teachers, and books, and for the salaries of officers, at least one million of dollars. One hundred large buildings have been erected and a very much larger number have been remodeled and repaired to render them suitable for educational purposes. The number of children taught in these schools in a single year is estimated at 200,000 --- requiring 6000 teachers. I have no data from which I can estimate the probable expenditure of the various Northern benevolent associations in behalf of education at the South since they commenced their labors; but the practical advantage to the freedmen have been even greater than the expenditures of the government, because they have been of a character to reach the hearts and intellects of the people, and have been duided by the most lofty christian philanthropy. In Florida the work of building has been retarded more than ? any other Southern State. But the present Assistant Commissioner, Gen. Gile has infused new energy into the work, and is not most actively engaged in extending school facilities, and has in contemplation and in process of construction improvements to the amount of $30,000 in value, which will afford accommodations for at least 10,000 pupils. We need here to-day, to dedicate the first edifice erected in the State of Florida for a Normal School for the education of teachers for freedmen. It is the occasion not only for congratulation but for reflection. In the Providence of God, the State has passed from under a political system incompatible with the education of the masses, to a system which finds its most successful development in such education and cultivation. Despotism rest securely only upon the ignorance and degradation of the governed. Republican government is successful only in proportion as it elevates and educates the people, and secures to all alike access to the true knowledge. That system of education, then, which reaches down to the lowest strata and "illuminates the bottom" of human society is the most effective in the elevation of mankind and the most conducive to peace order and good government. Free schools, based upon the property of the country and maintained by general tax, secure to the youth of all classes--the poor as well as the rich--the boon which fits man for the largest usefulness her and more extended happiness hereafter. A word to the freedmen in whose interest this edifice is erected. The fostering hand of the government has been hitherto extended to you because of your unfitness, from education and habit, for self government and independence. For four years it has administered to your necessities, and by its munificence and power sought to prepare you for the new responsibilities of freemen and citizenship. Having provided governments for your protection, and furnished facilities for your advancement, it now leaves you to your own resources as other citizens. For a time it will continue to expend money in the erection of school buildings; but you have now to address yourselves to your own industry and energy for future advancement. It should be your pride now to achieve for yourselves and vindicate to the world your powers of self-government, independence and manhood. You are no longer slaves, subject to arbitrary control, but freemen and citizens. Freedom does not however, bring exemption from labor, nor from obedience to law. On the contrary it imposes new burdens and responsibilities. These responsibilities can only be met and discharged as you feed and respect your manhood and cultivate an independent and self-reliant spirit. It should be your pride, as it is your duty, to seek out every means by which you can elevate and honor your race--- While firmly asserting your equal rights and privileges under the government, you should prepare yourselves for an intelligent vindication of those rights and privileges. You are now no longer wards of the government to be treated like dependent children, but you are full grown men, endowed with the privileges and encumbered with the responsibilities of American citizens. This edifice is built by the Government as one of the means for your future improvement and education. It is for you to determine whether it shall be productive of lasting good. The highest standard of education and moral excellence should be established in this school, and none should be commissioned to go out from here who are not thoroughly qualified to honor the profession, and fitted in mind and heart to educate your children in the duties of practical life and lead them in the path of truth and righteousness. In conclusion, it may not be improper ......elected by the suffrage of the class of citizens in whose interest this edifice has been erected, to tender most cordial thanks to Gen'l Gile and his associates, who have....of the Federal government, and through whose energy and appreciative spirit this institution has been so rapidly and successfully completed. In this and all other similar projects in the State we pledge him the most heartily ? and cooperation of the State government; until Florida, the land of the olive and the vine of flowers and sunny skies shall in her school system via with the proudest and most enlightened of the States of the American Union. Chief Justice Randall (Ed: Chief Edwin M. Randall, Chief Justice Florida Supreme Court) then spoke of the History of the movement which had resulted in the erection of the structure, and of the objects to which it was to be devoted. The Florida Institute was incorporated for the purpose of holding school property; no classes were designated, it was open for the education and training of all and, not as had been said, for the colored children alone. It was the first of the kind, but they would soon be found all over the State. The interest in education will soon be such that no community will consent to be without the means of educating their children in schools at home. His remarks were continued at length, and listened to with close attention. Hon. J. S. Adams, Commissioner of Immigration, In the Absence of Hon. C. T. Chase was called upon, and made a short, plain, and practical speech, striking upon several points of common sense and practical honesty, which went to the hearts of his hearers. He referred to the work of the Freedmen's Bureau, saying that although it had been slandered and misrepresented; yet it was one of the grandest and most important institutions ever founded, and its educational work in the cultivation and elevation of the Freedmen could not be estimated too highly. He paid a glowing and eloquent tribute to Maj. Gen. Howard, for his self-sacrificing, christian philanthropy in accepting the charge of the Freedmen's Bureau, when no other person would take the position in the face of the sneers and problems heaped upon the institution, and for the success which it has achieved under his skillful management. He also bestowed upon Gen. Gile a merited compliment for his prompt and energetic action in carrying forward, in this State, the great work which the Bureau was designed to accomplish, not only in this city, but throughout the entire limits of the commonwealth, in the erection of school-houses, and his promotion of our educational interests. The speaker was repeatedly cheered, especially when referring to Gen. Howard and Gen. Gile, showing that their work is appreciated by those whom they desire to serve. Judge O. B. Hart was introduced by Dr. Wakefield with some felicitous remarks, and desired to give a few words of cheer. He said the fundamental laws of equity were fixed forever, that the colored people had aided in fixing those principles; they should be the basis of all school laws, securing to the children of all classes equity of educational rights and privileges. He spoke at length upon the necessity of patient perseverance, and of making great sacrifices for the education of the children. Hon. C. H. Pearce, of Tallahassee, was filled with almost overwhelming joy as he looked upon the noble edifice, erected for the education of all the children, and expressed his gratitude that the Freedmen's Bureau had ever been established, believing that it was the only chance and only channel by which the purposes of God had been carried out. He rejoiced at the erection of this building, yet when this and one thousand more were completed and opened, the Government will have just commenced to do their duty by his race. He hoped this would only be a prototype of scores of others in the State. Let all praise be given to Gen. Gile and other friends, who, under the direction of the Government are laboring assiduously to raise up a people who have been trampled upon and degraded so long. Maj. Gen. Howard's name shall become immortal as the friend of the oppressed he has boldly confronted the enemies of the Freedmen, and stood a hero for freedom and humanity. W. L. C?, Esq, cashier of the Freedmen's Saving Bank, spoke of the early movements for the education, elevation and christianization of the poor Freedmen at the various military headquarters on the Atlantic coast, and of the vast proportions which the work has since assumed; it is estimated that not less than $5,000,000 have been contributed by philanthropists of the North for the Freedmen, and not less than 4000 teachers have been employed in the work of educating then, exclusive of appropriations, by the government. He concluded by paying a beautiful tribute to the women of the North who had labored so faithfully among the colored people, and to the Union soldiers who had lain down their lives in devotion to the cause of human liberty, and urged them to go to their homes and consecrate and reconsecrate their children to their county, and to their country's God---to vow eternal loyalty to the old flag. Rev. Wm. N. Page followed with the dedicatory address, and inspired by the occasion, he rose to a pitch of genuine eloquence that secured undivided attention and unbroken silence. We regret that we are unable to give the address in full, as we cannot do justice to the speaker. He said: I am proud of the honor conferred upon me of speaking the closing words of dedication and consecration of this beautiful building to the cause of liberal and refined education. Thank God that my eyes do behold the day, when, foundations having been laid walls erected, books and teachers provided, and we can consecrate this edifice to humanity, to the mind, to the soul, whether that soul's casket be cut in ebony or ivory. Thank God for the day when this glorious Government, like a second Moses, strikes the riven rock of old institutions--causes the waters of the fountain of education and higher life to flow freely forth, and cries with a christlike voice to all--Ho, every one that thirsteth come and drink, and he that hath no money let him come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." To-day a fountain is opened upon this spot which shall flow forever, and whose waters shall be for the healing of the nations. We gather here today in the name of no party or sect, or section or creed, or religion or race, but as citizens, and only with the trinity named motto of God, Liberty and Education. The starry banner that floats over us and over a united country, from the frozen rivers of the North to the gleaming waters of the Gulf, and from ocean to ocean, has all our names, from the least unto the greatest, written on its folds and with eyes wet with the tears of love and pride, we look up to it and upon it as our title deed to the grand inheritance of an incorruptible and undefiled liberty. May God grant that this inheritance shall never be taken away. As this building was erected under the especial care of the Freedmen's Bureau so it has an especial significance to the freedmen before me. It is a token of good will unto you from your Government, a token which it has obtained the right to confer by the great price of seas of blood and thousands and tens of thousands of ....... The new Normal School building erected by the Bureau of R. F. and A. I. under the personal supervision of Lieut. Col. G. W. Gile, Assistant Comissioner, is a beautiful structure costing about $14,000. It is two stories high, and contains six large school rooms, also cloak room, private room for teachers, library and apparatus room and a large hall on the second floor capable of seating about 800 persons. The second story is reached by four flights of stairs from the verandahs. The entire building is thoroughly finished; the cotside is covered with three coats of paint, as also the wood-work inside; the walls are kalsomined. A fine tower for a bell surmounts the building. The edifice stands on an eminence in the rear of the city, which commands a fine view of the St. Johns river and surrounding country. Col. Gile is deserving of the highest praise for the good taste and thorough business manner in which he has supervised the erection of this structure. He has spared not time or labor to secure its speedy and successful completion. The freedmen's schools in Jacksonville for several years past had been under the charge of four lady teachers, Miss Morgan, Miss Stratton, Miss Osgood and Miss Knapp, and took high rank for efficiency and usefulness, but at the close of the winter term of 1867-68 these ladies were transferred to other scenes of labor. During the winter of 1868-69 (previous to the completion of the new school school house) there were but two teachers here, and owing to the want of proper accommodations and other causes beyond the control of the teachers, the schools had almost dwindled away. Immediately after the dedication of the new school house, renewed efforts were made to revive the schools and place them upon a better and more substantial footing, and the colored people themselves taking pride in the handsome edifice which had been erected for their for their special use, has tended to avail themselves of its benefits. Between three and four hundred scholars were soon enrolled as members of the "Institute," and those were graded as nearly as possible according to age and advancement. Miss Catherine R. Bent, of Newsburyport , Mass., a lady of culture and ability who for three years past has been teaching the freedmen's school at Gainsville, Fla. was placed at the head of the Institute and took personal charge of the Normal Department. Miss Annetta Lynch of Ballston Spa, N.Y., Miss Anna M Apthorp, of Bower's Prairie, Iowa, and Miss Idella Y. Richmond of Claverack, N. Y. were placed in charge of the three intermediate grades, and Miss Martha R. Stetson, of Marlboro, Mass, and Miss Mary Still, a colored lady who has taught for several years in this city, took charge of the two primary divisions." ... uneasy movement could be detected among the three hundred children posted quietly together and all with the exception of two or three were things on the first form, who fell quietly to sleep towards the close, went through their own allotted tasks or watched the performances of their schoolfellows with an interest and intelligence refreshing to witness. The entire school house, we noticed was apparently as fresh and clean as when it was opened three months ago. The floors were almost without a stain, and not a scratch or mark defaced the white walls. What better evidence than this could be produced to show the careful discipline of the teachers and the docility and good conduct of the scholars. |
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| Stanton Normal Institute |