Muncie was not developed and a very early first school of which we have any very accurate account was taught in a log cabin that originally occupied the site now appropriated by Wysor's Opera House, in the winter of 1829-30, by Henry Tomlinson, a native of North Carolina, who had come here a short time previously from Preble County, Ohio. In this school there were about twenty pupils representing eight families. It was maintained by subscription, the patrons agreeing to and paying so much for each and every scholar. Such was the custom of those days. As a consequence, the schools were not continuous, occupying about three months during the winter, with an occasional summer term. Prior to 1839, this custom prevailed generally, in this locality an elsewhere.

From that period until the inauguration of the common-school system in 1853, John Brady, as Treasurer of the Congressional township fund, exercised a somewhat healthy control over the school machinery of the day, designating houses for the purpose and distributing the funds pro rata among the several schools, in part payment of teachers for their services, the funds on hand being insufficient to pay tuition fees in full.

In 1849, Thomas S. Neely, a native of Pennsylvania who had been a school examiner in Ohio, called a meeting of the voters of Distric No.9 for the purpose of voting a tax for the erection of a schoolhouse.

At the appointed time, he, but no other person was present; but, after going around making personal appeals, a sufficient number of voters came to vote the tax of 25 cents on the $100 which was asked. The district not having the needed money or credit, the house could not be built until an additional tax of 37 cents was collected. With the proceeds of these taxes, a house was erected in the school year of 1851, in which John Dragoo taught a short term of public school. The Distric Trustees then were Thomas Kirby, John A. Gilbert, and Thomas S. Neely.

Muncie, for school purposes, was a part of Center Township until 1853. The township board, organized in 1853, consisted of Thomas Kirby, Daniel Jarret, Patrick Justice, Trustees; David T. Haines, Secretary, John Gilbraith, Treasurer. Justice, having moved away was succeeded by Truitt. At a meeting of the voters of the township, called for the purpose of considering the question of a special school tax, June 4, 1853, the vote for tax was thirty-five against fifty. The friends of the system did not despair. On the petition of Moses Neely and twenty others, the board called another meeting for October 8, of the same year, when the result was, for tax, fifty-six; against, fifty. In the meantime the board employed Pierre L. Monnis, in the seminary building, and S. A. Hines in the other, to teach a quarter of school at $80.00 each.

THE MUNCIE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The graduates of the Muncie High School, desiring to perpetuate the friendships of school life, to cultivate friendly feelings toward those who annually come forth from their Alma-Mater, to advance that social and mental culture so necessary and so ennobling to all, and finally, to cherish by tokens of regard and words of love, the memories of their departed schoolmates, constituted themselves, and all who might there- after become members, into an organization known as the Muncie High School Alumni Association.

All graduates of the Muncie High School are members. At the date of organization, March 1878-the membership numbered eighty. Since then forty-four names have been added to the list, as follows:

June 27, 1878, nine; June 19, 1879, twenty-one; June 17, 1880, fourteen-in all 124 members. Many of these are actively engaged in teaching, and others are preparing to follow their example. Some have chosen the law as their profession, while others, in one capacity or another, is connected with mercantile pursuits. One chose the missionary's life and one the ministry. All, wherever they work, bid fair to do credit to their Alma Mater, knowing that they honor her best by advancing her interests.

The first re-union was held on the evening of June 28, 1878. It consisted of a very satisfactory entertainment at the opera house, followed by a banquet at the Kirby House. The principal feature of the program was the annual address, by Mrs. T. W. Harper, of the Class of 1868; subject, "Woman Suffrage." The festivities were continued until a late hour, when all went home tired and happy. Another month of June brought another re-union. As before, the literary exercises were conducted at the opera house, after which the association repaired the Kirby House to banquet, and meet old friends once more. The annual address was delivered by Rev. Charles Bacon, of the Class of 1872, Subject, "Culture."

That each year finds the association stronger was proven by the increased attendance when the time for the third re-union came. The entire exercises for 1880 were conducted at the Kirby House. Miss Frone A. Case, to whom was assigned the delivery of the annual address, was ill, and unable to be present. The omission was filled, however, by a letter from Miss Case, which was read by the President. The next re-union will be held in June 1881. May the association grow in greatness, and each one know the duty which they owe to themselves and to their Alma Mater, to meet at least once in every year, to renew friendships begun in the days of "auld lang syne." Though paths in life may lie far apart, may they converge at last in a happy, eternal re-union.

THE KINDERGARTEN.

Within the past fifty or sixty years, a great change has taken place in the system of education. In place of the principle of compulsion, the superior power of love has been acknowledged and employed; and instead of the rod, kindness and encouragement, allied with firmness, are found more potent to lead than a weapon to drive. For this revolution in education mankind is indebted to Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Froebel and others, whose noble ideas, first executed in private schools and institutions, have at last gained entrance into public schools.

Friederich Froebel was born in Germany, became the pupil of Pestalozzi, and then undertook the reform of the whole system of education. He carefully studied the child in its moral, spiritual, intellectual and animal nature. He perceived that, by the old system of instruction, the gradual and harmonious development of all the faculties was not secured, but that the moral and physical natures were neglected, while the inventive and creative faculty, innate in every child, remained undeveloped. As a result of this careful study, he organized, about the year 1840, a school to which he gave the name of Kindergarten (child garden). In this name is embodied the idea that education, as culture, has to be with children as human plants, which are to be attended by circumstances favorable to their free development and to be trained by means suitable to their natures.

After devoting nearly a life-time to the education of scholars beyond childhood, he said: "We must begin at the beginning, for too much has to be undone in later years, that has been done wrong at the outset." Thus did he devise the plan of' an institution, as an intermediate step and connecting-link between the child's home-life and the school; one that is intended for children between the ages of three and seven years. Its purpose is thus briefly indicated by himself: "To take the over-sight of children before they are ready for school-life; to exert an influence over their whole being, in correspondence with their nature; to strengthen their bodily powers; to exercise their senses; to employ the wakening mind, to make them thoughtfully acquainted with the world at nature and of man; to guide their hearts and souls in a right direction, and lead them to the origin of all life, and to union with Him.

At the suggestion of Prof. Hamilton S. McRae, Superintendent of the public schools of Muncie, a meeting of all parents interested in the organization of such an institution was called, and, on the evening of March 19, 1879, at the residence of Mrs. Jack, an association was formed and the following constitution and by-laws adopted:

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE I.

Name-This organization shall be called the Kindergarten Association of Muncie, Indiana.

ARTICLE II.

Object-The object shall be the support of a Kindergarten.

ARTICLE III.

Membership-any person, who has subscribed $30 for the support of a Kindergarten in Muncie, has the right of membership in the Association for one year. Any other person, on subscribing said amount, by the consent of the Board of the Association, may become a member for one year. Section 2-Any member shall have the right to send one pupil at a time, and to With draw the same and substitute another, at discretion.

ARTICLE IV.

Section 1-The officers of this Association shall be a President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall serve for one year, until their successors are elected.

Section 2-These officers together shall constitute an executive board, which shall hold regular monthly meetings, and, in the interval between the meetings of the Association, shall have full power to act for the same, provided that the board shall not incur any obligation in excess of the amount subscribed.

Section 3-The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association, decide questions touching the management and discipline of the school, subject to the direction of the board and Association

Section 4-The Secretary shall keep a faithful record of those present at each meeting of the Association or board, and of all business transacted, and shall make a financial report at the close of the year.

Section 5 is not listed (my note)

Section 6-The Treasurer shall pay no money without the warrant of the Secretary:

ARTICLE V.

The regular yearly meetings of the Association shall be at such time and place as t he board may select. The President may, or at the request of a majority of the membership, call a meeting at any time.

ARTICLE VI.

By-laws-Any by-law not inconsistent with this constitution may be adopted at any meeting.

ARTICLE VII.

This constitution may be amended by a vote of the majority of the members present at any two consecutive meetings.

At this meeting the following officers were elected: Mrs. Mary Kirby, President; Mrs. W. S. Richey, Secretary; Mrs. Martha Little, Treasurer. These ladies served faithfully from the organization of the association until June 1880, when Mrs. W. S. Richey was elected President; Mrs. Lizzie Long, Secretary; and Mrs. Elizabeth Heinsohn, Treasurer. An instructor was then applied for at the office of the Board of Public Schools, Department of Kindergarten, St. Louis, Mo., and in response, Miss Fannie C. Colcord, at the request of Miss Susie E. Blow and Prof. W. T. Harris, Superintendent of Public Schools, St. Louis, accepted the position, and, on Monday, March 31, 1879, opened the Kindergarten at the residence of Mr. G. S. Maddy, with a scholarship of twenty-five names. In September of the same year, the location was changed to the residence of Hon. M. C. Smith, and, upon the completion of the high school building, it was removed to the northeast corner room, on the first floor, where there are now twenty-nine names enrolled, and the Kindergarten has become one of the institutions of Muncie. It is in the hands of those who are thoroughly imbued with the idea in which this system of training the young minds was founded, and an earnest, unselfish zeal for its best interests is constantly manifested by its teachers, officers and members. Mrs. Richey, who has been an officer of the association since its inception, has been particularly active, and has devoted a large proportion of her time to the interest of the institution. The first report of the Treasurer shows the receipts to have been during the first ten months, $778.50, and the disbursements as follows:

Paid Kindergartner $500.00
Paid Janitor 1.80
Paid furniture 51.05
Paid rent 126.00
Paid fuel 29.25
Paid supplies 60.19
Total $758. 29

During the next three months the receipts were $234.20, and the expenses $249.83. At the end of the term the pupils gave a public exhibition at Patterson's Hall, for which an admission fee of 10 cents was charged. The profits paid the delinquency, and left a balance of $32.20 in the treasury. This amount was appropriated toward furnishing the new room at the high school building, which had been given, to the use of the Kindergarten free of rent for one year, by the Board of School Trustees. The charter members of the Kindergarten Association were Mrs. M. E. Burson, S. A. Wilson, George H. Andrews; Mrs. A. H Hamilton, Mrs. A. L. Wilson, Mrs. W. L. Little, Mrs. George Kirby, W. S. Richey, W. B. Williams, J. L. Streeter, A. E. Smith, Charles Wildermuth, M. James, Mrs. A. A. Milligan, Mrs. J. M. Long, James Boyce, Mrs. John Cassady, Mrs. Emma Mont McRae, George S. Bartlett, Thomas H. Kirby, Mrs. John M. Kirby, Miss Jennie Neely, Mrs. Emma Dobson, Mrs. Sue Maddy. The Kindergarten found many others interested in its progress. Among these, several paid from $2.50 to $5 toward the tuition. One of this number was Joseph Hummel, who also placed in the new room at the high school building a desk for the teacher's use.

DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUCTION.

Officers-George W. Stephenson, President; Thomas S. Neely, Secretary; G. D. Leach, M. D., Treasurer; Hamilton Samuel McRae., Superintendent; Benjamin F. Peters, Special Teacher of Music.

Teachers-High School-Mrs. Mary Emma Mont. McRae, Principal; John Schurr, Assistant; Hamilton Samuel McRae, Assistant.

Washington School-Mary Anna Young, Principal, Letta Belle Sparr, Assistant; Lola Augusta Truitt, Assistant; Elizabeth Emily Willard, Assistant.

Jefferson School-David Henry Harrison Shewmaker, Principal; Mrs. Sarah Kate Kessler, Assistant-Catherine Elizabeth Kealy, Assistant ; Betsy Willson Gilbert, Assistant.

Jackson School-Matilda Adaline McElwee, Principal; Mrs. Marthat, Ida Ivins, Assistant; Mary Maud Brady, Assistant; Cassie Elonora Heath, Assistant.

Kindergarten-Executive Committee-Mrs. Julia S. Richey, President, Mrs. Lizzie Long, Secretary, Mrs. Mary E. M. McRae, Acting Treasurer. Teachers-Fanny C. Colcord, Director; Carrie H. McCulloch, Paid Assistant; Alice E. Tyler, Volunteer Assistant;

CHAPTER XV.

CITY LIBRARY.

DATE OF ORGANIZATION--EARLY PROMOTERS OF THE INSTITUTION-FIRST OFFICERS-STOCK TAKEN-COLLECTION OF BOOKS-READING-ROOM -PRIVILEGES TO CITIZENS-REVIEW OF ITS CAREER-WHAT IT HAS ACCOMPLISHED-PRESENT OFFICERS.

RECOGNIZING the benefits and advantages to communities flowing from the general diffusion of knowledge, a few citizens, conceived the idea of securing such blessings and privileges to the people of the city of Muncie. Thus inspired Hamilton S. McRae, taking the initiative steps in that direction procured a meeting of the citizens to take place at the court-house on the evening of the 30th of May 1874. To that meeting was submitted the question of the practicability of organizing a public library with free reading room and museum attached. The citizens present at that meeting, though a few, were thoroughly imbued with the importance and value to the people of the enterprise, and proceeded at once to perfect an organization in accordance with the laws upon the subject and from the small beginning, on the 30th of May, 1874, the public Library became one of the city's institutions, which, its founders here express the hope may be as permanent as time, as flourishing as the young city to which it is an ornament, and a source from which the people may derive such useful information and acquire such practical education as are suited to the wants and needs of those who do the great business of life.

From the Muncie Democrat of January 14, 18th, we glean the following interesting items relating to the opening and, success attending the ceremonies of inaugurating the new reading-room, the outgrowth of the public library. "The reading-room of the Muncie library opened Saturday morning, January 9, 1875, at 8 o'clock. From 1 to 6 P. M. the number of visitors was forty-two, a large majority of whom came to read; number of evening readers, sixteen." This reference would seem to indicate a very high appreciation of the merits of an institution of such recent growth. The sequel shows that the estimate placed upon the enterprise in the beginning was in no way based upon an uncertainty; indeed, it was scarcely a foreshadowing of the future appreciation of it manifested by the well-established popularity of to day.

At a meeting of the City Council on the 6th of April 1876, "An order for the second installment of stock in the Muncie Public Library, for $1,500, was made." Again, at a meeting held on the 4th of June, 1877, "$700 was appropriated for the Muncie Library, as reported by the committee; also an ordinance was passed taking additional stock." At a subsequent meeting of the Council, held on the 16th of January, 1879, 300 additional shares of stock were subscribed for, the shares to be $2 each. This gives the city a very extensive representation in the association. (Pages 163-170)