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Shelby County |
Home 1915 History Index |
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Shelby County |
Home 1915 History Index |
CHAPTER XVIII -- EDUCATION (CONT'D)ELK HORN COLLEGE.The Elk Horn Lutheran High School and College was established in 1878, and opened its first school year November 1, 1878, with an enrollment of fifteen students under the instructive care of three professors, Rev. O. L. Kirkeborg, Chr. T. Ostergaard and Mr. Crouse. These acres of the land had previously been presented by the Danish Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Elk Horn for the purpose of erecting a high school building. During the summer and fall of 1878 a two-story building was erected, which would house about twenty-five students, and a dwelling for a professor. The general purpose of the school was to help young folk coming over here from the fatherland, Denmark, to obtain such an instruction as would qualify them for their professions or work in this country. Hence the instruction was given in two languages, Danish and English. But the special purpose was to impress upon their minds a clear view of the spiritual treasures brought over here from the fatherland in the Danish history and literature, so they might, by being honest and true, adhere to their forefathers’ religion (the Lutheran church) and become good citizens, enlightened Christians and earnest church members. The founder of this school was the local church congregation, but Danish Lutherans from different parts of the United States contributed frequently to the noble undertaking, even some Americans donating liberally. Ministers A. S. Nielsen, Holm Rosenstrand and O. L. Kirkeberg, and laymen Rasmus Hansen, Jorgen Jensen (George James), T. S. Petersen and Christen Christensen, deserve to be mentioned as the most active members of the founders of this school. Rev. O. L. Kirkeberg was the first president. Early courses of study included Danish, English, history, and lectures on different subjects taken from science and literature. Singing of Danish hymns was frequently taught. The preparatory work for the ministry in the Danish church was also carried on in some measure. The school has in the past maintained the following departments of study: Hojskole, academic, normal, domestic economy, college, commercial, music; and has had an enrollment of more than one hundred students and a faculty consisting of nine professors and instructors. The student body over a period of twenty-five years represents nearly all states in the Union from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, and numbers between two and three thousand. A number of these students occupy today trustworthy positions as ministers, lawyers, professors, doctors, business men, etc. The school has for twenty-five years been supported chiefly by the faithful Danish farmers in the vicinity of Elk Horn. A great deal of work and much money have been donated by them for defraying the expenses of the institution. The Elk Horn high school was at first owned by Rev. O. L. Kirkeberg. In 1880 it was transferred to the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Afterwards, upon the earnest request of that church body, it was sold to Rev. K. Anker in 1890. For four years it was his property, but then he, in 1894, sold the school to the newly organized Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America. In 1896 this church body was united with the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Association and from that time until the month of June, 1903, it was the property of the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, when it was sold to a stock company, chiefly consisting of members of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran church in Elk Horn. It was the aim of this company to do all in its power to make this school prosper and keep itgoing in such a way that it would be able to educate our youth and qualify them for taking up the line of work for which they are talented as good citizens and earnest, sincere, pious Christians. A special stress will be laid upon educating young men and women for teaching in the public and parochial schools. Many students and graduates from this school have in former days performed excellent work in the public schools. On May 1, 1887, the original high school building burned down, but was rebuilt the same year. The main college building was unfortunately burned on January 30, 1910, but the local patriotism and devotion to this college gave such good account of itself that a fine new building was dedicated in October of the same year. This new building contains rooms for about sixty students, a large auditorium, studio for music, library, two class rooms, reading rooms and dining room. Rev. C. C. Kloth is now president of the institution. The present enrollment of students is about fifty and includes students from all parts of the United States and Canada. The regular school year opens on December 1. The courses of study include rural high school, three months’ course in all the common school branches and especially English for newcomers; music, both vocal and instrumental, and gymnastics. The teachers at present are Rev. C. C. Kloth, Miss Dorothea Jensen, Miss Annie Jensen and Alfred Koch. The Danish Evangelical Church council conducts the present management of the college.
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