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STATE SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

     Professor J. B. Parmelee of the Institution for the Blind at Nebraska City read a paper on "The Education of the Blind-Its History and Scope."

     A communication from Max Meyer & Bro, of Omaha was read, tendering to the teachers the freedom of their new store, and at the same time presenting to the association a box of lead pencils.

     Miss Ada E. Schoonmaker, of Lincoln read a paper, entitled, "A Summer Vacation and Its Sequel."

     After a short recess Superintendent S. R. Thompson of Lincoln presented the subject of the "Graphic System as a Universal Language."

     As Professor Geo. E. Church was not present to give his address, Professor J, M. McKenzie was called on and gave a History of the Association from its first meeting up to its meeting at Hastings in 1879.

     On motion, the Hon. S. D. Beals and Professor J. H. Kellom were appointed to act in conjunction with Professor McKenzie in preparing for publication an account of the history of the association.

     The evening session was devoted to the annual address of President Aughey, and selections of music.

     Thursday morning the association met in the high school building. Professor A. K. Goudy of the Pawnee Academy read a paper on "Books and Their Relation to Education," which was followed by a general discussion. On motion Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. O'Linn and Superintendent W. V. Miller were appointed a committee to collect and write on the blackboard the names of publishers of suitable literature for children.

     Miss Elsie DeCou of the Lincoln high school read a paper on "The Aims and Methods of American Education." Discussion.

      The executive, committee made the following report:. "That Mr. L. B. Fifield, Kearney, in consideration of $50 to him paid, was to publish the proceedings and all papers read before the association in the "Literary Notes-" and furnish each member of the association with one copy of each paper containing such papers or proceedings." The report was adopted.

     Professor Geo. E. Church of the state university then delivered an address, entitled, "An Historical Study."

     Professor J. A. Gillespie, principal of the Nebraska Institution for the deaf, read a paper on "The Education of Deaf Mutes."

     As all other persons who were to read papers were absent, the question, "Should the eligibility of state, county and city superintendents be legally restricted to professional educators holding either the highest grade of the state certificate or a regular diploma from some chartered college, university or normal school?" was brought up for discussion opened by S. R. Thompson.

     The following report of the nominating committee was adopted and the persons named duly elected officers for the next year: Hon. W. W. W. Jones, Lincoln, president; County Superintendent J. J. Points, Omaha, first vice president; Professor A. K. Goudy, Pawnee City


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Academy Pawnee City, recording secretary; Miss E. C. Casey, North Platte, corresponding secretary. Professor H. N. Blake, Beatrice, treasurer. Executive committee: Professor D. B. Perry, Doane College, Crete; Miss Villa B. Shippey, Omaha; Superintendent M. V. Miller, Blair; Professor J. M. McKenzie, Peru; Miss Ida E. Schoonmaker, Lincoln.

     The evening session, March 31, was held in the rooms of the Academy of Science, Omaha.

     President Aughey made a few remarks inviting the teachers of Nebraska to the rooms of the Academy, and explaining the aims and objects of the Academy of Science.

     Miss Lydia Bell of Lincoln read a paper on "Elocution and Reading." After a short discussion, Miss Bell was called upon to give a reading. She responded by reading a selection from Shakespeare.

     Principal Wellington W. Drummond of Fremont being present was asked to read his paper on "A Course of Study for High Schools."

     Re-endorsement of "Literary Notes." 'Treasurer reported total receipts, $190.50 including fees, $65.50; expenditure, $100.30, and cash on hand, $90.20.

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION
Crete, Neb., March 28-30, 1882.

     The association met at the Congregational church, and was called to order by President W. W. W. Jones.

     After the devotional exercises, Chancellor Fairfield of the state university delivered a lecture on "Effective Speech."

     President Jones sang a song, and D. B. Perry, chairman of the executive committee, made an explanation, an announcement, an apology and a promise.

     On the forenoon of March 29, the following amendment to Article II of the constitution was adopted: 'And the officers of this association shall be elected annually by ballot on the last day of each annual session."

     The president of the association then delivered the annual address.

     After a recess, S. R. Thompson presented the affirmative of the following proposition: "The Educational Interests of the State Demand that the Right of Suffrage be Extended to Women." Miss Lydia V. Cone then read a paper on the negative of the same proposition. This paper was followed by a discussion of the subject under consideration.

     During the afternoon session O. C. Hubbell read a paper on "The Co-operation of Parents," followed by a discussion of the subject.

     Then followed a discussion on the following resolution: "Resolved, that the 'Literary Notes' and the educational columns in state newspapers should receive the cordial support of this association."

     A recess was taken to allow a committee to canvass members for subscriptions to "Literary Notes."


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     After recess G. A. Gregory, principal Gates College, Neligh, read a paper on "Morals in Schools."

     The evening session of the association was held in -the opera house. The address of the evening was delivered by Chancellor Pickard of Iowa University on "The Education of American Girls."

     On March 30 the association discussed the question, "Are our Public Schools Fulfilling the Object for which they were Established?" After the discussion Mrs. T. H. Dey read a paper on "The Kindergarten."

     Mrs. Ella T. Schick read a paper on "The Model Country School."

     The election of officers resulted as follows: State Superintendent W. W. W. Jones, Lincoln, president; Principal A. K. Goudy, Pawnee City, recording secretary; Miss Cora B. Clark, Nebraska City, corresponding secretary; H. N. Blake, Beatrice, treasurer. Executive committee--C. C. Hubbell, Hastings; Miss M. A. Kendall, Nebraska City; A. L. Funk, Red Cloud; H. H. Nicholson, Peru; G. E. Barber, Grand Island.

     A paper on "Teachers and Their Wages" was read by Superintendent Bowers of Lancaster county.

     A paper on "Spelling Reform" was presented by G. E. Barber of Grand Island.

     The evening session was devoted to social intercourse.

     Treasurer's report showed total receipts of $187.68 including fees, $97.00; expenditures, $49.70; balance on hand, $137.98.

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION
Columbus, Neb., March 27-29, 1883.

     "The state teachers' association assembled in annual session in the opera house, Hon. W. W. W. Jones presiding."

     After the usual devotional exercises, J. B. Merwin, editor American Journal of Education, St. Louis, lectured on the subject of "Implements."

      The following morning Mr. Merwin "addressed the association for a few minutes in continuation of the subject of 'Implements,' one of the best in his judgment for Nebraska teachers being the 'Literary Notes,"

     The association was then favored by an address on "The Mission of the Teacher," by Professor F. W. Barber of Franklin Academy.

     J. B. Sprecher, principal of the Schuyler schools, presented a paper on "Automatic Nervous Action as a Factor in Education."

     Then followed a discussion of the papers presented.

     Wednesday afternoon the association proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted in the unanimous election of Hon. W. W. W. Jones president; J. J. Points, vice president; E. Healey, recording secretary; Cora Clark, corresponding secretary; H. N. Blake, treasurer.


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     Executive committee--O. C. Hubbell, G. E. Barber, H. H. Nicholson, A. L. Funk, Miss M. A. Kendall.

     J. J. Points, superintendent of Douglas county, presented a paper on "Pains and Perils of Intellectual Growth," followed by Professor L. A. Sherman of the state university with a paper on "The Historical Method in Teaching English Grammar."

     Mrs. Cooley then addressed the association, her subject being, "Hygiene, or The Teacher as a Temperance Implement.':

     Among resolutions adopted were the following.

     "That the state superintendent be requested to report at our next meeting on the advisability of State Agriculture and Industrial schools."

     "That the school law be so amended as to authorize the distribution of part of the state fund on the basis of actual attendance."

     "Literary Notes" was also re-endorsed by the association.

     Professor Marshall of Omaha addressed the association on the subject of "Institutes," followed by J. M. Wilson of Hastings College with a paper on "Methods of Teaching." Mrs. M. M. Munger, superintendent of the Nebraska City schools, road an essay on "The Lifting Power of the Common School." Superintendent R. J. Barr, Grand Island city school, road a paper on "The Library and the Public School,"

     Wednesday evening was devoted to the lecture on "Cultivation of the Thinking Faculties" by Superintendent J. M. Greenwood of the Kansas City Schools.

     At the closing session of the association on March 29, Mrs. Burtch of Wahoo, read a paper on "The Ideal Teacher." H. M. James, superintendent of the Omaha schools, followed with a paper on "The Order and Relative Importance of Studies in Elementary Schools,"

     Superintendent W. V. Miller presented a paper on "Industrial Education." Under the discussion of the latter paper, a committee consisting of J. A. Smith, W. V. Miller, and S. B. Thompson, was appointed, "whose duty shall be to examine into the various methods and modes of industrial education and to recommend such as they think practical to be introduced into Nebraska schools at this date, and to report through the Literary Notes."

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION.
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 25-27, 1884.

     The association convened in the evening of March 25, at the chapel of the state university, and was called to order by the president, State Superintendent W. W. W. Jones. After the preliminary opening exercises, Superintendent Jones gave the annual address.

     Wednesday forenoon, L. C. Greenlee of Falls City, read a paper on "Educational Hindrances." J. W. Barry of Fairbury presented a paper on. "National Aid to Education."

     In the afternoon the association listened to a class exercise in


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vocal music in the Tonic Sol-Fa system, conducted by Prof. Draper.

     "A beautiful boquet of flowers, with the motto 'Unlike these fading flowers thy works will endure,' was received from Mrs. Sawyer. The association responded with a vote of thanks."

     A paper, "Twenty Years in School" was read by R. M. Bridges, of York. J, S. Brown of Doane College read a paper on "The Relation of the Teacher to the People."

     At the evening session, Chancellor Manatt delivered an address upon "The relations of the High Schools to the State University."

     On the third day of the association Prof. Green of St. Louis entertained the association by an exercise in vocal music. N. E. Leach of Oakland presented a paper on "Modern Languages." M. F. Miller of Kearney followed with a paper on "Special Training for Teachers."

     After a short intermission R. E. Call of David City submitted a paper on "The Relations of Secondary and Superior Instruction in Nebraska." Supt. E. T. Hartley of Lincoln read a paper, entitled, "A Neglected Subject."

     Among the resolutions adopted by the association were the following:

     "That the 'School Work' be declared the official educational paper of the state.

     "That the State Teachers' Association recognize the importance of immediate action to devise a plan of normal class work in at least one high school in each county.

     "That legislation is imperatively demanded to stop the sale of the school, university and industrial college lands of the state, at the minimum price now fixed by law.

     "That we favor instruction in the physiological effects of alcoholic and narcotic stimulants."

      The treasurer's report showed receipts amounting to $238.45, including fees $141.00; expenditures $29.20, with a cash balance on hand of $209.25.

     The election of officers resulted as follows: State Superintendent W. W. W. Jones, Lincoln, president; E. Healey, Crete, recording secretary; Miss Anna Gray, Osceola, corresponding secretary; H. N. Blake, Beatrice, treasurer.

     Executive committee: A. W. Vandenan, chairman; Mrs. Schick, Nemaha county. M. F. Miller, Buffalo county; Geo. E. Howard, Lancaster county; J. P. Sprecher, Colfax county; N. E. Leach, Oakland.

     "State committee for National Teachers' Association at Madison met and organized by electing for chairman W. W. W. Jones, of Lincoln. Voted that the excursion be under the auspices of the Nebraska State Teachers' Association, and that certificates entitling the holder to reduced rates be furnished to members-for fifty cents each, and to friends for one dollar each."

     "Moved and seconded to amend, the constitution so as to make the executive committee consist of six members, three of whom shall serve


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one year, and three serve two years; and annually thereafter there shall be elected three members whose terms shall be two years; the terms of the present members to he decided by themselves."

NINETEENTH ANNUAL SESSION.
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 31, April 1-2, 1885.

     The meeting was called to order in the university chapel by the president, State Supt. W. W. W. Jones. After the invocation address of welcome, response and music, "President Jones introduced Henry Sabin, superintendent of the Clinton, Iowa, schools, who delivered the address of the evening. His subject was 'The Riddle of the Sphinx.'

     On Wednesday, April 1, Miss Anna Tibbetts of Lincoln read a paper on "What Branches are of Most Importance in the Common Schools?" After a general discussion of the paper, Prof. A. E. Clarendon read a paper entitled "Per Cents in Education."

     When the association convened in the afternoon Mr. Valentine of Nebraska City read a paper on "Text Books and Other Books."

     Miss Mary B. Harris of Omaha presented a paper on "Laws of Nature Naturally Taught."

     Dr. Thompson, president of York College, read a paper on the proper pronunciation of Latin. After Dr. Thompson's address Mrs. F. W. Parker gave a talk upon "The Educational Value of Elocution."

     The principal feature of the evening session was the address by Col. F. W. Parker, of the Cook County Normal, on "Learning to Do by Doing." At the close of the address Chancellor Manatt and the members of the faculty of the state university held an informal reception.

     On the morning of the last day of the session, President Geo. L. Farnham of the Peru state normal delivered his address on "Normal Schools." The next thing on the program was a paper by Miss Ellen M. Austin, principal of the schools at Wisner, entitled "Civil Service Reform."

     Prof. L. E. Hicks of the University gave a talk on "A Day in Oxford."

     The first paper during the afternoon session was given by Mrs. Mary P. Gilchrist of Plattsmouth on "Success Marked by Failure."

     By a vote of 64 to 14, the association selected Lincoln as the place for the next meeting.

     The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: State Supt. W. W. W. Jones, Lincoln, president; Hattie Snodgrass, Hastings, recording secretary; Anna Gray, Osceola, corresponding secretary; H. N. Blake, Beatrice, treasurer.

     Executive committee: A. W. Vanderman, superintendent Saunders county; Miss Honn, North Platte; J. B. Sexton, Geneva; Geo. L. Farnham, Peru; Geo. E. Howard, Lincoln; J. B. Sprecher, Norfolk; N. E. Leach, West Point.


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     "The association very properly thanked Prof. Sabin and Prof. and Mrs. Parker for their excellent work, which was given gratuitously to the association."

     The treasurer's report showed total receipts to be $339.75, including membership fees amounting to $122.50; expenditures $214.78; cash balance $124.97.

TWENTIETH ANNUAL SESSION.
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 30-31, April 1-2, 1886.

     The Wednesday morning session was opened with prayer, after which Pres. W. W. W. Jones introduced Prof. W. H. Skinner of David City, who read a paper on "A Plea for the English Language."

     "The program was laid aside to listen to a few remarks from Chancellor Lippencott of Kansas University."

     "The program was resumed Prof. C. F. Chamberlain of Humboldt delivering an address on "Some Defects in our School System."

     The afternoon session was opened by Miss Margaret J. Burrows of Norfolk with a paper on primary work.

     Next on the program was an address by Rev. W. F. Ringland president of Hastings College, on "The Antagonism of Religion and Culture," The discussion of the subject was opened by J. A. Smith of Tekamah.

     Owing to illness Prof. G. E. Howard of the state university was not able to be present the subject of the Nebraska Reading Circle. Prof, Jones at that time slated object, plan and progress of the new work. By earnest request Ex-State Supt. Spear of Kansas made valuable remarks on the subject in question, after which a motion was made by J. A. Smith, seconded by Supt. F. D. McClusky, to the effect that the action of the board of managers be accepted by the association. An amendment was offered by Mr. Harris to continue the beard another year and they be given power to fill any vacancy that might occur. Motion was carried."

      "After recess, an effort was made to put the State Teachers' Association on a more solid basis by encouraging life membership."

     A paper was then read by Mr. W. C. Picking of Red Cloud, subject, "The Practical in Education." Discussion was opened by Mrs. Cooke of Lincoln.

     The principal address of the Wednesday evening session was delivered by Supt. F. A. Fitzpatrick, of Leavenworth, Kansas, on "Punishment."

     On Thursday morning Pres. D. B. Perry of Crete delivered an address on "The Successful Teacher." The discussion was opened by Supt. W. W. Drummond of Plattsmouth.

     The next number on the program was a paper by Miss F. J. Hosford of North Platte on "Reading for School Children." The discussion was opened by C. C. Heitman of Geneva. Supt. A. K. Goody read a list of books prepared by Miss Hosford as proper reading for children.


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     "A motion was carried to the effect that the fee paid by teachers at this time be applied on the $5 life membership fee."

     "After recess the place of next meeting was considered. A vote was taken which resulted in 76 for Lincoln and 15 for Fremont." Further discussion as to place of meeting was taken up in the afternoon session, after which a second vote was taken, resulting in 74 votes for Lincoln, 58 against. The vote for Lincoln was made unanimous by the association. The next paper was on "The Effect of Association" by M. D. Horham of Beatrice, the discussion of which was opened by Supt. A. K: Goody.

     A motion was carried to appoint a committee of five to revise the constitution. The following named persons were appointed members of said committee: Supt. Bond, Prof. Bessey, Supt. Randall, Supt. Covey, and Prof. Farnham.

     The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Supt. H. M. James, Omaha, president; Mrs. L. C. Greenlee, Falls City, recording secretary. Miss Kate Hewitt, Hastings, corresponding secretary; Supt. H. N. Blake, Beatrice, treasurer.

     Executive committee--Mr. H. S. Bowers, Pawnee City; Dr. C. E. Bessey, Lincoln; Miss F. J. Hosford, North Platte, J. S. Hake, Wayne. The holdover members of the executive committee were Dr. Geo. L. Farnham, Peru, and J. B. Sexton, Geneva.

     "A motion to ask Miss Hosford to furnish a copy of her address for publication in the Western School Journal prevailed."

     Miss Frances E. Sheldon of Omaha read a paper on "Can Composition Work be Made Practical and Popular in the Common School?" Discussion was opened by Miss Marion Kingsley of Lincoln.

     The principal address of the evening was delivered by Supt. Aaron Cove, Denver, Colorado. His subject was "The Common School"

     Friday morning the association listened to a paper on "Thought, in our Educational Problem." by R. J. Porter of Clarks. The discussion was opened by Prof. C. D. Rakestraw of Nebraska City.

     J. S. Hake of Wayne gave a paper on "Meteorology," which was discussed by W. J. Wise of Seward.

     The next paper was read by Prof. H. L. Grant of the Peru state normal, subject, "Natural Sciences in the Public Schools." D. K. Bond of Blair opened the discussion.

     The treasurer reported an attendance of 195, and receipts amounting to $161.50. The treasurer reported 55 certificates signed for life membership of the association.

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 29-31, 1887.

     The opening session of the twenty-first annual meeting of the association was held in the university chapel. After the invocation and a few remarks by retiring president, Supt. W. W. W. Jones, the


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new president. Supt. H. M. James of Omaha, gave his annual address entitled "Half a Century of Education in America."

     Following the address was a reception at the university.

     On Wednesday morning a brief business session was held before taking up the regular work of the association.

     The topic of "The Importance of the Three R's" was introduced by Miss Ellen M. Austin of Central City who read a paper on "Reading and Writing." This was followed by a paper by Principal Charles Fordyce of Brownville on "Arithmetic." The subject was thrown open to general discussion.

     "Nature Teaching" was the next topic taken up. It was opened by a paper on "Geography" written by Miss Z. S. Hubbard of the Peru state normal school, but read by Miss Winnie of Peru, owing to the illness of the writer. Prof. H, H. Nicholson being unable to be present, his topic, "Science in the Schools," was discussed by Prof. G. D. Swezey of Doane College. The whole subject of "Nature Teaching" was supplemented by remarks by Prof. H. L. Grant of the state normal school.

     Wednesday afternoon was devoted to section meetings.

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS SECTION.

     The following topics were discussed:

     "The Grading of District Schools." Leaders--Supt. James D. Bruner, Douglas county; Mrs. Mina Hapwood, Phelps county.

     "Our Institute Work for 1887." Leader--Supt. L. E. Cooley of Butler county.

     "What subjects are Most Important in our County Institutes?"

     The election of officers resulted as follows: L. E. Cooley of David City, Chairman; F. D. McClusky of Lincoln, secretary; Messrs. Valentine and McChesney, executive committee.

     "A committee consisting of Messrs. Faulkner, Bohannan and McClusky was appointed to confer with a like committee from the graded and common school section about forming institutes."

SUPERINTENDENT'S AND PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION.

     The principals and superintendents "organized by electing Prof. H. S. Bowers chairman, and Principal Bennett of the University Latin school, secretary. A full discussion was had on the subject of a rearrangement of the course of study of the schools of the state to make them more in harmony with the college and university courses." A committee was appointed to confer with the committee on the same subject from the college section.

General Session, Wednesday Evening.

     The evening session was devoted to an address on "Industrial Education" by Prof. C. M. Woodward of Washington University, St. Louis.


S. R. THOMPSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 1877-1881.


W. W. W. JONES State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 1881-1887.


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