News: Humbird (26 Dec. 1882)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Cross, Doolittle, McKinley, Houghton, Bull, Webster

----Sources: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 26 Dec. 1882

Humbird - 23 Dec. 1882

Editors Times: A rush of business for all our merchants is the principal event to be recorded.

We desire it to be distinctly understood that Humbird knows how to adorn and load down a Christmas tree. When we make up our minds to do a thing it is done. The tree at Carter’s hall groans with its precious burden. Nothing like the trees they have at Merrilan a dry hickory with a tallow candle and a few peanut shells on it. Last year, we understand, they failed to get even that, and had to go down to Alma Center for a whipstock.

Mr. I. Cross purchased his winter goods in Chicago, returning home on the 15th.

On Friday, Dec. 15th, Superintendent Doolittle visited our high school. We desire to speak in the highest terms of commendation of the manner in which he performs the duties of his office. We have our own opinion as to what constitutes fitness for the superintendence of county schools and we unhesitatingly assert that the work Mr. Doolittle is doing for the teachers and schools of Clark County cannot be over estimated. We are slightly acquainted with the status of the schools in other counties of the state and, as far as we are able to judge, our teachers as a rule, are now so well educated as those in many counties that we could name. Various reasons, each legitimate and plausible, could easily be given to account for this. But there will be unanimity of opinion upon one point; viz.: that Mr. Doolittle, in his endeavor to raise the standard of qualifications for teacher’s certificates, will greatly increase the efficiency and rank of our schools. We have not written this for a "puff," and we are not egotistical enough to imagine that it will provoke any discussion or dissent. If it does, however, we are abundantly able to maintain our position. But there will be no necessity for anything of the kind. We are please to not many evidences of kindly appreciation on the part of the teachers and patrons of our school.

Mr. Charles McKinley, of Sibley, Iowa, and Miss Hattie Bull, of Humbird, were married at the residence of the bride’s mother, on Dec. 16, by Rev. J. W. Webster, of Neillsville, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. McKinely left on Tuesday morning for their Iowa home, bearing with them the congratulations and best wishes of all who knew them.

Last Tuesday, a Norwegian whose name we did not learn, was crushed to death by the falling of a tree in one of Mr. Carter’s camps.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Houghton returned from Dakota a few days ago to spend the winter at Humbird. There is no place like home.

Our school close yesterday for a vacation till Jan. 2nd. We believe the same teachers are engaged for the ensuing term.

R. E. P