NEGenWeb Project
Resource Center
Schools

     The C. N. T. A. was organized at Hastings, Nebraska in 1882. At that time Mr. O. C. Hubbell, superintendent of the Hastings City Schools was president, and Miss Shallenberger (Now Mrs. Regan) was secretary. Prof. G. E. Barber, who is now professor of Latin at the state university, was superintendent of the Grand Island schools, and the meetings were mainly carried on by the teachers of Hastings and Grand Island and the neighboring rural teachers. Gradually its scope was enlarged taking in adjoining counties and towns. The teachers of the two named schools attended these meetings in a body and took great interest in them.

     The Central Nebraska Teachers' Association includes the south central part of the state from Seward and Butler counties on the east to Dawson and Custer on the west, and from the Kansas line on the south to Garfield and Loup on the north,--in all about eighteen counties: Hamilton, Nuckolls, Franklin, Phelps, Seward, Custer, Sherman, Howard, Merrick, Adams, Clay, Filmore, Garfield, York, Webster, Valley, Butler, Thayer. Meetings have been held different years at Aurora, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney.

     For the past sixteen years meetings have been held in the spring at the larger towns in the central part of the district. One meeting has been held at Geneva, two each at York and Aurora, three at Grand Island, and four each at Kearney and Hastings.

      The highest enrollment recorded is that at Grand Island, 654. The association is dependent almost entirely upon the enrollment fee of fifty cents per member for financial support. Usually more than half of the receipts are expended for talent. Some of the leading educators of the country have taken part in the programs of this association. Stetson, Flowers, Holbrook, O'Shea and Winship are some of the men who have appeared in recent years.

     In connection with the meetings of this association contests in oratory and debate are held each year. This year Hastings won first place in the debate.

     From the first meeting in 1882 to 1896 there seems to be no record but from that date forward the presidents have been as follows:

J. K. Stableton--1896

Geo. I. Kelley--1897

A. O. Thomas--1898

Ed. M. Hussong--1899

Horace F. Carson--1900

H. J. Barr--1901

W. A. Julian--1902

Paul Goss--1903

E. C. Bishop--1904

H. M. Thompson--1905

H. P. Neilson--1906

Chas. W. Taylor--1907

W. W. Stoner--1908

Jas. E. Delzell--1909

Geo. Burgert--1910, S. H. Thompson, acting.

Alice Florer--1911

     The meeting in 1911 is to be held in York.

     Territory included: Dodge, Saunders, Douglas, Washington, Burt, Sarpy, Cass, Colfax, Butler, Polk, Nance, Platte, Boone, Merrick and Thurston counties, and a part of Cuming county.

     This association represents a secession from the North Nebraska association because two towns monopolized the location of the meeting, which was decided each year by popular vote, These two towns, by packing the session at which the location was decided, always kept the sessions alternately at one of the places.

     All expenses are met from the fund raised by a one dollar enrollment fee at each session.

     Time and place of organization, Fremont, December 28, 1905.

     First meeting held April 5, 6, 7, 1906.

     E. E. Magee, president, Ashland; Eda C. Nelson, vice president, Tekamah; J. M. Matzen, secretary, Fremont; W. A. Yoder, treasurer, Omaha.

     Executive committee, G. P. Miller, Papillion; J. C. Orr, Schuyler.

     Enrollment, 935.

     Lectures were given at the general sessions by State. Supt. J. L. McBrien, Supt. W. M. Davidson, Supt. N. C. Abbott, and William Hawley Smith.

     April 4, 5, 6, 1907, Fremont.

     Enrollment 819.

     H. H. Hahn, president, Blair; N. M. Graham, vice president, South Omaha; Frances E. Taylor, secretary, Fullerton; W. A. Yoder, treasurer, Omaha.

     Executive Committee, N. C. Abbott, Tekamah, J. M. Matzen, Fremont.

     The principal addresses of the session were made by Henry Houck of Pennsylvania, and Robert M. LaFollette, of Wisconsin,

     April 2, 3, 4, 1908, South Omaha.

     Enrollment, 1458.

     J. W. Mengel, president, Wahoo; Eda C. Nelson, secretary, Tekamah; W. A. Yoder, treasurer, Omaha.

     Executive Committee, N. M. Graham, South Omaha; J. W. Gamble: Plattsmouth.

     The general sessions were addressed by Dr. Wm. A. Quayle, of Chicago; Dr. M. V. O'Shea, of the University of Wisconsin, and Chancellor Henry A. Buchtel, University of Denver and Governor of Colorado; Supt. W. N. Clifford, Council Bluffs.

     April 1, 2, 3, 1909, Omaha.

     Enrollment, 1054.

     N. M. Graham, president, South Omaha; Eda C. Nelson, secretary, Tekamah; John Speedie, treasurer, Benson.

     Executive Committee, H. H. Hahn, Blair; J. M. Matzen, Fremont.

     The principal features of the general program were addresses by Herbert L. Willette, of the University of Chicago; President W. L. Bryan of Indiana State University. Presidtnt (sic) A. Ross Hill, University of Missouri; and Prof. M. V. O'Shea, University of Wisconsin.

     April 7, 8, 9, 1910, Fremont.

     Enrollment 661.

     W. A. Yoder, president, Omaha; Mary Strickland, secretary, Fremont; John Speedie, treasurer, Benson.

     Executive Committee, J. W. Gamble, Plattsmouth; Charles Arnot, Schuyler.

     The general sessions were addressed by Supt. S. L. Heeter, St. Paul, Minnesota; Chancellor Samuel Avery, University of Nebraska; Mr. Bradford Knapp, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.; Prof. Arthur Mac Murray, Ames College; Mr. Thomas Brooks Fletcher, Cleveland, Ohio.

      Place of meeting 1911, Fremont.

     Officers: President, Charles Arnot, Schuyler; secretary, Mary Strickland, Fremont; treasurer, John Speedie, Benson.

     Executive Committee: Chairman, Charles Arnot, Schuyler; John Rhodes, Blair; C. N. Walton, Wahoo.

     The association is divided into five sections. Rural school and county superintendents, high school, grammar school, primary, and the story teller's league.

     I can find no record of the organization of the society nor of the territory originally included in this district, although I believe that it was all of the North Platte country at one time.

     The earlier meetings were so poorly attended that some of the general sessions were held in the vestry of the M. E. church of Norfolk. The present attendance is about 500.

     Membership fee has been raised from 50c to $1, and the Norfolk Commercial club donated $100 for the year 1907-08, also for the year 1908-9 and I believe for 1909-10.

     President Calvin and vice president Mason both absent. Program consisted of the usual papers and general discussions. The lecturers were William Hawley Smith and W. J. Bryan.

     The following committee was appointed to draft a new constitution: Mr. Beck, South Omaha; Mr. Conklin, Neligh; Mr. Williams, Columbus.

     Officers, President, Dan Miller, Fremont; Vice President, T. W. Akers, Ponder; Secretary, Miss Hetty Moore, South Omaha; Treasurer, Mrs. Fletcher, Wayne.

     Usual program was given. Find no report of any lectures. Committee on constitution failed to report and the following committee was appointed: Mr. Perdue, Miss Clark and Miss Austin. This committee reported before close of session..

     Officers: President Mr. Martindale, Knox County; vice president, Mr. Williams, Columbus; secretary,. Miss Reed, Stanton; treasurer, J. A. Paul, Humphrey.

     Usual program. Lectures were given by Samuel Phelps Leland and Ross Hill.

     Officers: President, W. J. Williams, Columbus; vice president, R. H. Wade, Neligh; secretary, Miss Lucy Williams, Norfolk; treasurer G. F. Burkett, Schuyler.

     The program of this meeting varies slightly from the previous ones in that two addresses were given at general sessions. No lectures are reported.

     Officers: President, D. C. O'Connor, Norfolk; vice president, J. S. Hancock, Stanton; secretary, Lucy S. Williams, Norfolk; treasurer, M. R. Snodgrass, Wisner.

     Program consisted of papers and general discussions. No lectures reported.

     Officers: President, Dr. H. K. Wolfe, South Omaha; vice president, A. V. Sunderlin, Tekamah; secretary, Miss Mamie Wallace, Pierce; treasurer, Miss Lucy Williams, Norfolk.

     Usual program. Address given by Deputy State Supt. McBrien. No lectures reported.

     Officers: President, W. G. Hirons, Pierce; vice president, A. McMurray, North Bend; secretary, Miss Etta Morgan, Wayne; treasurer, J. A. Stahl, Bancroft.

     Several musical selections were given during this program. Addresses were made by Rev. Sanderson of Fremont, Rev. Geo. I. Tayler of Pierce, and State Supt. Fowler. No lectures reported.

     Officers: President, H. E. Mason, Stanton; vice president, B. B. Sherman, Schuyler; secretary, Mrs. Bright, Wayne; treasurer, J. A. Stahl, West Point.

     Usual program. Address by State Supt. W. E. Fowler. Entertainment by Montaville Flowers.

     Officers, President, M. R. Snodgrass, Wayne; vice president, O. A. Preston, Hooper; secretary, Irma Martindale, Pierce; treasurer, J. V. Owens, O'Neill.

     Addresses given by N. W. Preston of Fremont, J. M. Pile of Wayne, W. K. Fowler of Lincoln and Mrs. Carrie L. Grout, of Rockford, Ill,

     Officers: President, Supt. McLean, South Omaha; vice president, A. V. Teed, Ponca; secretary, Otelia Pilger, Norfolk; treasurer, W. T. Richardson, Carroll.

     Usual program in general sessions. Wednesday evening, Declamatory contest. Thursday evening, Lecture, Montaville Flowers. Friday evening, Lecture, Chancellor Andrews.

     Officers: President, Supt. E. P. Wilson, Wayne; vice president, F. C. Marshall, Center; secretary, Annie M. Cogil; treasurer, R. S. Kingham.

     Fewer papers were read and discussed in the general sessions. The following addresses were given: E. C. Bishop, Industrial Education in Nebraska; J. A. McLean, The Personal Element in Teaching; J. M. Pile, Characteristics of a True Teacher; C. E. Condra, Methods of Reclamation Practiced in Nebraska; Mrs. Francis Carter, Reading.

     Provision was made for the organization of a Rural School Section.

     Wednesday evening, Declamatory Contest. Thursday evening, address, Dr. Thos. E. Green. Friday evening, address, State Supt. McBrien. Reading, Mrs. Carter.

     Officers, President, Supt. F. S. Perdue, Madison; vice president, F. C. Marshall, Center; secretary, Rachel F. Fairchild, Spencer; treasurer, A. V. Teed, Ponca.

     Addresses given, Prof. J. M. Pile, The Work of the Teacher; Supt. B. B. Sherman, The Spirit and the Word; Supt. C. F. Garret of Sac City, Iowa, Experimental Agriculture; Deputy State Supt. Bishop, New Laws; J. W. Searson, The Finished Product. Wednesday evening, Declamatory contest. Thursday evening, address Senator Dolliver, Friday 4 p. m., address Deputy Supt. Henry Houck of Pennsylvania.

     Officers: President, A. V. Reed: Ponca; vice president, R. M. Campbell, West Point; secretary, Florence Zink, O'Neill; treasurer, Frank Pilger, Pierce.

     The following addresses were given in the general sessions: A. A. Reed, Expression in Reading; W. H. Clemmons, The Three E's; U. S. Conn, Problems and Progress; President J. M. Pile, Education and Life; A. E. Winship of Boston, The Making of Manly Boys; The New Geography; Henry A. Buchtel of Colorado gave his lecture on President Roosevelt. The declamatory contest occurred Wednesday evening.

     Officers: President, R. M. Campbell, West Point; vice president, J. A. Doremus, Madison; secretary, Jennie Vennerberg, Carroll. treasurer, Frank Pilger, Pierce.

     The following addresses were given: A. H. Waterhouse, Industrial Education; C. E. Condra, Agricultural Geography of Nebraska; Dr. M. V. O'Shea, Hidden Forces in Life and Education: The Trend of the Teens; ex-Governor Hanly of Indiana gave his lecture, The Patriotism of Peace. Declamatory contest Wednesday evening, March 31.

     Officers: President, J. A. Doremus, Madison; vice president, A. E. Fisher, Neligh; secretary, Nina Longcor, Creighton; treasurer, W. B. Miller, Hartington.

     W. M. Kern of Ellendale, N. Dakota, gave an address on the Education of the Worker; Mrs. Ella J. Pile, English and Scottish Schools. Dr. T. L. Loveland, The Human Plant; Chancellor Avery, Educational Progress of the Twentieth Century; and Ex-Governor Folk of Missouri, The Duties of the Citizen.

     We started in the year with $195.06. Received from enrollment $102. Received from the city of Norfolk $95. Received from sale of tickets $57. Total $749.06.

     Expenditures-Talent $480.00. Printing, badges and other expenses $234.81. Total $714.81.

     The North Platte Valley Teachers' Association, consisting of Scotts Bluff, Box Butte, Morrill, Cheyenne. Kimball, Banner, Deuel and Garden counties, was organized at Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, about March 16, 1907. Mr. F. E. Kelley of Bayard was elected president, Miss Julia Hall, vice president, and County Superintendent Agnes Lackey, secretary-treasurer. It was organized at the session of the County Teachers' Association. No district meeting was held at the time.

     The first meeting was held at Bridgeport, March 27, 28, 1908. Enrollment 176. President, F. E. Kelley; vice president, Julia E. Hall; secretary-treasurer, Agnes Lackey.

      Second meeting, Bridgeport, March 25, 26, 1909. Enrollment 96. President, M. M. Patterson; vice president, W. R. Pate; secretary-treasurer, Alice Rudersdorf, (acting).

     Third meeting, Bridgeport, March 25, 26, 1910. Enrollment --. President, W. R. Pate; vice president and treasurer, H. H. Reimund; secretary, Edith H. Morrison.

     Officers for 1911: L. R. Hill, president; Mr. Greenslit, vice president and treasurer; Miss Edith Walford, secretary. Meeting to be held at Bridgeport, March, 1911.

     An enrollment fee of one dollar is charged, which constitutes a fund from which expenses are paid.

     The first declamatory contest was organized March 27, 1908, at the regular Association meeting. L. F. Kreitzinger was elected president, L. W. Hill, secretary-treasurer.

     At the first meeting of the Association one of the interesting fea-

tures was a local debate between Scotts Bluff and Sidney high schools, which was listened to by an audience of 500 people.

     In 1909, the debate was Crawford vs. Sidney. Decided 2 to l in favor of Sidney.

     In the 1910 Declamatory contest, Alliance won dramatic and oratorical, _______ won humorous.

     A Northeast Association was organized in 1892. Regular meetings were held until 1900 when the organization died out.

     The present Northeast Association held its first meeting as a joint meeting of Dixon, Dakota, Thurston and Wayne counties in 1902, and the late J. M. Pile acted as president. The formal organization was made in 1903 along lines suggested by President Pile. The county superintendents of the counties interested were made an executive committee to have full charge of all meetings. This committe (sic) elects officers, makes the programs and all arrangements, and pays the expenses out of the institute funds of the various counties. The meetings are fixed by constitution at Emerson on the second Saturday of October in each year.

     The territory originally consisted of Dixon, Dakota, Thurston, and Wayne counties, but Cedar county joined in 1900 and Burt county in 1908. The morning sessions are sectional and the afternoon session is general. Some of the most prominent school men of Nebraska and neighboring states have appeared on our programs.

     President J. M. Pile, Superintendents C. H. Bright, E. P. Wilson, A. V. Teed, Geo. Boucher, W. E. Miller and J. H. Hurst have acted as presidents of the association.

     Large attendance and enthusiasm have always been marked features of this meeting. Our attendance has varied from three hundred to five hundred.

     The history of the North West Nebraska Teachers' Association is one of no great length but of considerable activity since its inception in 1893. All that is to be found of the proceedings of the first meeting is a record of those present, and since to them belongs the credit of organizing this association their names are herein chronicled. They are, W. R. Siders, J. N. Bennett, C. E. Porter, Mrs. Fannie O'Linn, Geo. W. Fallen, Mrs. Annie Jones and John O. Taylor.

     The following counties are included in this district association: Sioux, Dawes, Sheridan and Cherry.

     The second annual meeting of "The North West Nebraska Educational Association," as it was then designated, was held in Crawford

on the thirtieth of November, 1894, Mr. J. N. Bennett, presiding. It was a one day session called to order at 9:40 a. m., and adjourned in time for supper. The program dealt with the educational problems of the time and was participated in by the president, Mr. J. N. Bennett, by Prof. Leetham, by L. B. Fennor, by W. R. Snodgrass, by C. W. Jones, by Professors Taylor, Siders, Cochran, Fisher, and Fallon and by Superintendent and Mrs. A. K. Goudy.

     In 1895 the Association again met at Crawford, W. R. Snodgrass presiding. The enrollment was fifty-three. On the program were represented, Ex-State Supt. Goudy, Rev. Jeffries, Miss Johnson, W. R. Siders, Miss Morgan, C. W. Jones, Miss Buncher and Mrs. Fannie O'Linn. At the evening session Professor Laurence Fossler gave his lecture on Macbeth.

     In 1896 the meeting was again held at Crawford and an excellent program was caried (sic) out, H. F. Fillmore was president.

     Rushville captured the meeting in 1897, a one-day session being held on the 26th of November. The program was carried out by practically a new set of workers. There was W. C. Rhodes of Chadron Academy, Professor Ward of Gordon, Miss Lillian Stoner of Valentine, Professor Watson, Rev. Julian, W. E. Fee and Fred Duff.

     In the evening Chancellor McLean entertained the teachers with a splendid lecture, choosing for his text "Our Uncommon Common School System."

     In 1898 the meeting again went to Crawford under the presidency of Mr. W. E. Fee. It may be noted here that one of the results of this meeting was the appointment of a committee to look after the work of University Extension, a phase of education which has since been realized. New names on the program are Miss Lute, Miss Brownlee, A. F. Baldridge, Miss Smith, Miss Gallaway, Mr. Bowdish, and Professors Backus, Phipps and Crone.

      In 1900, under the presidency of John V. Crone an enthusiastic meeting was held; the membership being the largest in the history of the association up to that time. The program was unusually good and some of the best talent in the state was represented thereon. There was S. E. Clark, Miss Allison G. Johnson, Miss Lottie Worley, Geo. C. Snow, Sarah L. Garrett, W. C. Gigg, Geo. W. Myers, W. H. Bartz, L. M. Oberkotter, W. H. Clemmons, H. L. Fisher, George Sutherland, J. M. Pile and J. W. Crabtree.

     At this meeting a constitutional amendment was adopted doing away with the fixed date for association meetings, and high school oratorical contests were established as a part of the association program.

     W. H. Bartz became president of the association in 1901 and the meeting was taken to Alliance. It was at this meeting that L. B. Carey of Sidney read his paper, "Influence of the Street School," which attracted wide attention throughout the state and was published by the leading papers. The State Department of Education was repre-

sented by Deputy State Superintendent J. L. McBrien, the inspiration of whose presence added much to the success of the meeting.

     In 1902 the association accepted the invitation of Crawford to meet there. The splendid program was interspersed with music, the best that North Western Nebraska could provide. Hon. W. K. Fowler, State Superintendent, was there with his helpful suggestion and the principal address was given by Chancellor E. Benj. Andrews of the University.

     The claims of this section of the state to a state normal school were advanced at this meeting and embodied in the resolutions. By persistent efforts these claims have been substantiated and before the publication of this report, Western Nebraska's State Normal school will have been formally dedicated at Chadron.

     Under the presidency of Mr. C. S. Jones the meeting was held at Crawford in 1903 with the declamatory contest a feature of the program. The towns taking part in the contest were Alliance, Crawford, Chadron, Hay Springs, Hyannis, Merriman, and Rushville.

     It was a lively gathering and important questions were under consideration. Among other things was a report from County Superintendents establishing the fact that it was impossible to secure teachers enough to supply the schools and that as a result many of them were closed. Junior Normals came under discussion for the first time at this meeting. By legislative act these have since been established and no man can estimate the great good they have already accomplished.

     School libraries were discussed at this meeting and the general sentiment prevailed there should be a library in every school in the state. This was in 1903, and in 1907 the legislature enacted the present library law establishing libraries in all of our schools.

     D. W. Hayes became president of the association in 1905, and at this session a new standard was established in the attendance, the enrollment that year being 108. Some of those in the foreground at the meeting were H. H. Watson, C. N. Walton, C. S. Jones, Miss Susie Frazier, and Rev. Shull. The report of the treasurer at the close of the session showed a cash balance of $59.40. H. H. Watson became the president and under his direction a program of unusual merit was prepared. Keeping pupils above the eighth grade in school was the predominating theme and the discussions were ably participated in by C. N. Walton, John Borky, D. F. Story, President Clemmons, President Pile, and Superintendent McBrien. C. N. Walton was chosen president and the Association went to Chadron in 1907. Discipline and Moral Training were leading themes and H. H. Watson, J. E. Shutt, C. P. Kelley, D. W. Hayes, Rev. J. R. Jenkins, and J. L. McBrien were among those who took an active part.

     D. W. Hayes was again honored with the presidency and the meeting was held at Crawford, Agricultural Education being one of the leading topics under discussion. Interesting talks were made by

Supt. Fowler, President Clemmons, Superintendent Perdue, Mr. Borky and Supt. Becker. Mr. G. M. Zerbe, just out of the Government Service, gave a very entertaining account of the American Teacher in the Philippines. A special feature of the meeting was a banquet given the teachers by the Commercial Club of Crawford and also an excursion trip to Fort Robinson.

     C. P. Kelley was chosen next president and the meeting was again held at Crawford in 1910. The program was especially good but the attendance was not up to the usual standard. Supt. Bishop's address on the "Training of Teachers" was most enthusiastically received. It was a genuine treat--one of those heart to heart talks that made those who heard it happy to be engaged in the noble work of teaching with the added inspiration to strive to attain the highest state of efficiency possible, Rev. B. Webster Davis delighted the teachers with n number of his readings. A very able and most practical address was given by Supt. E. P. Wilson on the subject "The School the Safeguard of Civic Order," and two very polished addresses by Dr. J. A. Beattie were enjoyed by all. Special features were a trip to Crow Butte where the staff artist of the Nebraska Teacher took a number of photographs of the teachers on the top of the historic old land mark--Crow Butte.

     In 1911 the Association will meet at Chadron. The present officers are: President, A. F. Decker; vice president, E. P. Wilson; secretary, Carrie L. Munkres; treasurer, W. B. Sterrett.

     The following named counties constitute the territory of the Southeastern Educational Association: Richardson, Nemaha, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Gage, Lancaster, Saline, Thayer and Jefferson. A number of strong schools are located in the above mentioned territory, which accounts in part for the large number of progressive school men and women in the association. Data regarding the organization of the association is not to be found, but suffice it to say that the seventeenth annual session of the association was held at Beatrice, March 30, 31, April 1st, 1910. The meetings for a number of years have been held at Beatrice, as this city is more conveniently located. The meeting for 1911 will be held at Nebraska City in order to give teachers in the east end of the district an opportunity to attend. This is but fair to those who have been loyal to Beatrice.

      A registration fee of fifty cents has been charged in order to defray expenses. This in the past has been sufficient, if reports are correct.

     It is the custom to open each annual session with an inter-high school debate or declamatory contest. These meetings are especially interesting for high school pupils and teachers.

     It has been the plan of former presidents of the association to make all section meetings practical. The feeling has grown especially

of late years, that the State Association is too large to give rural and village teachers what they want and need. The fact that the district meeting is nearer the teachers is another reason for the best possible programs.

     As far as data goes, it seems that the local people, and especially those of Beatrice, have helped to make the meetings successful. They are to be commended for their efforts.

     The enrollment of the 16th session, under the direction of Supt. E. L. Tobie of Falls City, numbered 550. The enrollment of the 17th, under the management of Supt. B. E. Dill of Wilber, was 586. This Is said to he the largest enrollment ever recorded for the association.

     The attendance is due in a large measure to the hard work of the president and the loyal support of the school men and women. The Peru Normal has always been very loyal and furnished its full share of talent. The instructors of the institution have given time for the association which in turn is very grateful for their efforts.

     During the past few years the following people have noted as officers of the association. 1907 Geo. D. Carrington, President; C. E. Teach, vice president; Louise E. Jones, secretary; L. E. Mumford, treasurer. 1908, Geo. E. Martin, president; I. V. Allen, vice president; R. C. Harriss secretary; H. M. Garrett, treasurer. In 1909, F. L. Tobie, president; B. E. Dill, vice president; Clare Mackin, secretary; Chas. E. Teach, treasurer. 1910, B. E. Dill, president; R. C. Harriss, vice president; Harriett Towne, secretary; W. A. Posey, treasurer. 1911, R. C. Harriss, president; C. E. Teach, vice president; Juletta Rawles, secretary; E. K. Hurst, treasurer.

     The Paddock Hotel of Beatrice has been headquarters for a number of years. It is conveniently located. The meetings were held in the Christian church until the 1910 meeting, which was housed in the new high school building. The building is well arranged for such meetings and the conveniences were enjoyed by the visitors.

     The local committees of Beatrice have been very loyal and have tried to make the teachers feel at home while in the city.

     The present Southwestern Nebraska Educational Association is an outgrowth of an inter-county association comprising Franklin, Kearney, Phelps, and Harlan counties.

     This organization was perfected at Wilcox, Neb., November 25, 1892, with W. A. Garrett, of Holdrege as president. This inter-county association held a spring meeting at Alma, Neb., and at the fall meeting in 1893 held at Orleans, Neb., it was changed into the present organization.

     At this meeting three amendments to the constitution were adopted and the following officers elected: J. H. Bayston, Indianola,

president; E. P. Montgomery, Holdrege, vice president; Ira Lamb, Alma, secretary.

     The second meeting was held at Holdrege, Neb., Nov. 2, 1894. After a very interesting program was rendered the following officers were elected: A. B. Stephens, president; E. R. Montgomery, vice president; W. T. Oates, treasurer; Miss Eva Wagner, secretary.

     The third meeting was held at Oxford, Neb., Nov. 28, 1895. The following officers were elected: W. T. Oates, Oxford, president; Mrs. Van Patten, Culbertson, vice president; Miss S. M. Campbell, Franklin, secretary; Supt. Biglow, Minden, treasurer.

     Among the names on the program were: Prof. A. C. Hart, Franklin; Prof. Skinner, Prof. Hosie, Chancellor McLean and Prof. Luckey.

     The fourth meeting was held at McCook, Neb., Nov. 26, 1896. It was found that there were a number of vacancies in the program. The vacant places were filled. The principal attraction was the address by Chancellor McLean.

     The following officers were elected. President, Prin. Wm. Valentine; secretary, Sadie M. Campbell; treasurer, Prin. Thomas; vice president, Prin. Sampson.

     The fifth meeting was held at Cambridge, Neb., Nov. 25, 1897. The papers and discussions were very good, many noted men and women being on the program.

     The following officers were elected: President, J. O. Lyne, Cambridge; secretary, Miss Thornton, Minden; vice president, R. H. Graham, Arapahoe; treasurer, I. C. Gregory, Benkelman. At 8 o'clock an illustrated lecture on London was given by Prof. Valentine.

     The sixth meeting was held at Arapahoe, Nov. 24, 1898. After a very interesting program was rendered the following officers were elected: President, R. H. Graham, Arapaho; vice president, Prof. Gregory, Orleans; secretary, Miss Ella Leonard, McCook; treasurer, E. H. Morgan, Alma.

      The seventh meeting was held at Orleans, Nov. 30, 1899. The evening lectures were "Three Peas in a Pod," by Rev. A. P. Beall of Alma, Neb., "The Child Study Movement," by D. P. Majors, of the University of Nebraska and "The Ethical Side of Education," by Rev. L. J. Harrington, of Orleans, Neb.

     The following officers were elected: President Mr. French, Trenton; vice president, Miss Ella Leonard, McCook; treasurer, Mr. Hooper, Axtell; secretary, Miss Richardson, Cambridge.

     The eighth meeting was held at Oxford, Neb., Nov. 29th, 1900. The first session was a meeting of principals and county superintendents to discuss the subjects, "Selection of Texts," and "State Uniformity of Texts." These were ably discussed by W. T. Oates of Oxford, O. D. Noble and others.

     On Thursday evening the audience was highly entertained by Professor and Miss Hamill who gave readings and impersonations.

Lectures by Prof. Chas. Fordyce and Chancellor Andrews, The following officers were elected: President, A. L. Langston, Cambridge; vice president, Nora Hannah, Stratton; secretary, Tabitha Marvin, Oxford; treasurer, W. T. Oates, Oxford.

     The ninth meeting was held at Holdrege, Neb., Nov. 29, 1901. After a very interesting session and lectures by Supt. W. K. Fowler, Newton W. Preston, and others the following officers were elected: President, Supt. Connor, Holdrege; vice president, Miss Johnston, Cambridge; secretary, Minnie Pierce, Oxford; treasurer, H. G. Myers, Culbertson.

     The tenth meeting was held at Cambridge, Neb., Nov. 28, 1902.

     The special entertainments were a lecture "A Trip Through the Emerald Isle" and the S. W. N. Declamatory Contest.

     The following officers were elected: President, Miss Johnston, Cambridge; vice president, Mr. G. H. Thomas, McCook; secretary, Mrs. Dobson; treasurer, Mr. Vroman, Alma.

     The eleventh meeting was held at McCook, Neb., April 1, 1904. W. W. Stetson, State Supt. of Maine, delivered an address. The music during the entire program was unusually good and the meeting as a whole was very interesting and helpful. The following officers were elected: President, Supt. Geo. H. Thomas, of McCook; vice president, Supt. C. W. McMichael of Arapahoe; treasurer, Supt. Jas. O'Connell, of Hitchcock county; secretary, Miss Smith, Holdrege.

     The twelfth meeting was held at McCook, Neb., March. 31, 1905.

     The following named officers were elected: President, C. W. McMichael, Arapahoe; vice president, Supt. O'Connell; secretary, Miss Flora B. Quick; treasurer, Mr. Bentley.

     The thirteenth meeting was held at Arapahoe, Neb., March 30, 1906. Lectures were given by Wm. Hawley Smith, of Illinois; Supt. J. L. McBrien, Lincoln, and Dr. E. A. Ross, Lincoln.

     The following officers were elected. President, F. J. Munday, Beaver City; vice president, S. H. Thompson, Holdrege; secretary, Flora B. Quick, Indianola; treasurer, P. P. Bentley, Alma.

     The fourteenth meeting was held at Cambridge, Nebr., March 29, 1907. Addresses were given by Supt. W. M. Davidson, Omaha, and others. The music was good. The following officers were elected: President, E. M. Short, Bloomington; vice president, J. C. Jensen, Beaver City: secretary, Miss Mary Steuteville, Stratton; treasurer, S. L. Johnston, Cambridge.

     The fifteenth meeting was held at Holdrege, Neb., April 2, 1908.

     This was a very interesting and instructive meeting. The following officers were elected: President, J. O. Lyne, Culbertson; vice president, S L. Johnston, Cambridge; secretary, Miss Thatcher, McCook; treasurer, E. M. Hussong.

     The sixteenth meeting was held at McCook, March 31, 1909. Lectures were given by Dr. Fordyce, Dr. Loveland and others. The music was excellent. The following officers were elected: President,

---

© 2003 for the NEGenWeb Project by Ted & Carole Miller