PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

RESIDENCE OF G. B. RUSSELL, AUDUBON.

The demand for school rooms was met during the first winter of the town's existence, but with the rapid development the demands soon created the necessity for a new building. In 1880 over $5,000 was expended in the erection of a handsomely designed frame structure, well adapted to the purpose for which it was intended. It was two stories in height, contained four spacious rooms, with wardrobes, vestibules, etc., in profusion. The entire interior was thoroughly equipped with the most approved apparatus for the convenience of instructors and advantage of pupils. With the development of the town, however, this building was soon found to be too small to accommodate the attendants. Rooms in other parts of the city, wherever they could be obtained, were employed for school purposes, until in the winter of '86-87 three schools independent of the four conducted in the High School building were running. This system was obnoxious to our citizens and distasteful as a public enterprise, and the general sentiment in favor of the erection of a new building alike adequate to the needs and creditable to the appearance of the young city, soon crystalized into demand, and the question being submitted to a vote was carried by a large majority in the affirmative.

RESIDENCE OF T. S. FRANCIS, AUDUBON.

Elsewhere in this pamphlet may be found an illustration of the handsome new building, to which we point with a pardonable degree of pride, challenging any town of the same size within the state to show its eual. Over $15,000 has been devoted to this enterprise, and no pains or expense have been spared to furnish it with the modern conveniences. The design combines both beauty of construction, symmetry and propriety. As is indicated int eh illustration it is of brick. The roof, cornice and ceilings are of iron, making an entirely fire-proof building, and advantage which will be readily appreciated by every reader. The interior arrangement and equipment comprises a model. There are seven rooms, all finely finished, and the bulding is warm ed by a furnace of large and guaranteed capacity. The building is located

on a commanding site, convenient to all portions of the city, and by the foresight of those who had charge of public affairs in the early days, the spacious grounds devoted to this purpose makes it quite exempt from danger of fire from surroundings.

The advantages offered by the school are the best Iowa affords. The higher branches, including languages, have place on the course of study, while a complete Normal course is one of the best as well as most frequently sought features.

RESIDENCE OF EVAN DAVIS, AUDUBON.

Much credit for the progress that has attended school work here, is due Prof. G. I. Miller, whose indefatigable energies were here exerted for six successive years, as superintendent. He was succeeded by Prof. J. Alva Hornberger, who remained one year. The schools open for the year of 1887-8 under the superintendency of Prof. Z. T. Hawk, an educator of fine attainments and wide experience. The corps of assistants is of demonstrated efficiency, each with special fitness for the chosen department. The new year opens with promise of increased prosperity, if that were possible of attainment. To those seeking homes with accompanying and priceless advantage of advanced educational facilities will find here the best and most modern methods in vogue. The educational interests are first in the minds of our people, and quick and ready response will ever be made to every demand, insuring continued prosperity and efficiency.

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Transcribed February, 2025 by Cheryl Siebrass from History of Audubon and Audubon County, Iowa, The Eden of the West., 1887, pp. 31-32.

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