CORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS

Photo copied from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, March 4, 1895.

CORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

   The following article was prepared by Mrs. H. A. Cordo for the woman's paper but was crowded out at that time.

   Cortland may well be proud of her public schools. In the early history of the town, people were interested in the object of education. In the year 1842, the Cortlandville academy was established. At the same time, there were three district schools, one of which was located on Church-st. This school was familiarly known as "The Cobblestone." Another was located on South Church-st., and the third, in the east part of the town on Port Watson-st.

   In March, 1869, the Normal school was opened, and for a time, the district schools ceased to exist. The rapidly increasing population of the place, however, soon made it necessary to re-open these schools, and later, in 1881, they were re-organized under a special act of the legislature.

   There are now five of these public schools, located respectively on Owego-st., Schermerhorn-st., Pomeroy-st., John-st. and Railroad-st. The latter is known as the Central school, and it consists not only of the regular five grades in the ward schools, but also three additional ones, and an academic department. The latter was established by a charter given June 5, 1894, granting the uses and privileges of the University of the state of New York. It was admitted as a Junior school, the course of study comprising elementary science, physical geography, civics, English composition, American history, general literature, advanced arithmetic, algebra, plane geometry, music and drawing. With constantly increasing facilities, it is hoped at no distant day, to make it a regular High school. There are in the Central school eight teachers and four hundred pupils.

   The schools are under the excellent supervision of Prof. C. V. Coon, assisted by an able corps of twenty-three teachers. The entire number of pupils enrolled is one thousand.

   The educational facilities and equipment of the Cortland schools occupy a deservedly high rank for excellence and efficiency.

Major Andrew J. Grover.

VETERAN SOLDIERS

And Their Two Auxiliaries, the W. R. C. and S. O. V.

   The following article was prepared by Mrs. Mark Brownell for the woman's paper on Feb. 22, but was crowded out at the time.

   The Grand Army of the Republic is a military organization composed entirely of honorably discharged veterans of the late war. Its foundation principles are "Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty." It was first organized in 1866. On its twenty-sixth anniversary it had a membership of 443,554. Its local organizations are known as "Posts," and they exist in every state and territory of the Union, including Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Peru, S. A.

   Grover Post, No. 98, of Cortland was organized in June, 1869, and named after the gallant soldier, Major Andrew J. Grover, who gave his life for his country at Gettysburg. Since its organization Grover Post has had twenty-three different commanders. The first to take command was Col. J. C. Carmichael. The present commander is Judge A. P. Smith of Cortland. Through the energy and efforts of the members of Grover Post together with that of some of our patriotic citizens, we have had erected on Church-st. our beautiful soldiers' monument.

   The Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic is an organization of loyal, patriotic women, whose object is to aid the poor and distressed soldier and families and assist in the charitable work of the Grand army of the Republic. The local organizations are known as "Corps."

   Grover Corps, No. 96, of Cortland was organized by the late national president, Mrs. Sarah C. Mink, in 1887, Mrs. H. M. Kellogg being elected first president. Mrs. Wm. R. Hill is the present president. Through the labors and generous co-operation of the Woman's Relief Corps, a home is about to be established for indigent soldiers' and sailors' families and army nurses in Madison, Ohio.

   The Sons of Veterans, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic is an organization composed entirely of the sons of veterans of the late war. Its principles are "Friendship, Charity and Loyalty," and its object to render any assistance needed to the Grand Army of the Republic and keep alive the memories of their gallant fathers and to take up and continue the work of Memorial Day, when the last old veteran shall have gone to his reward. The local organizations are known as "Camps.''

   James H. Kellogg Camp, No. 48, the Cortland department of New York, was organized May 24,1890, and named after James H. Kellogg, the deceased son of H. M. Kellogg, one of the past commanders of Grover Post. The first captain of James H. Kellogg Camp was Theodore Sheeley. The present captain is Clifton Wolcott.

For the Salvation Army.

   Captain and Mrs. Humphreys of the Salvation Army have come to Cortland to work for the salvation of souls. They have no salary and are dependent on voluntary contributions for their support.  Like the Lord, they have not where to lay their heads. A number of the townspeople have taken the matter in hand of supplying them with a few essential things to keep house with at 51/2 Orchard-st. They solicit contributions of beds and bedding, chairs, table, stand or any article that may be cheerfully given. From those who have nothing in this line, a gift of money would help to buy the things needed, and thus help a worthy couple who have left all to work for others.

   Donations of vegetables or provisions of any kind will be much appreciated as this first month will be their most trying month. Gifts may be left at the following places for them: Irving H. Andrews, Main-st., R. B. Fletcher, Clinton-ave., W. T. Linderman, 85 Clinton-ave., M. L. Decker, 24 Railroad-st., Dr. S. Hinman, Clayton-ave., B. F. Weatherwax, 12 Argyle Place.

   Gifts will be called for if desired.

"Hoss and Hoss."

   C. N. Bertram's comedians, headed by the inimitable Harry Crandall and jolly Carrie Sweeney, will come to the Opera House this evening in that happy farce-comedy, "Hose and Hoss," rewritten, reconstructed and brought strictly up to the times. The famous Bowery ball, the funny courtroom scene, and the ludicrous jury are still prominent features, and together with the new specialties, make an entertainment of the highest order. There is already a large demand for reserved seats.

THE ELECTRIC RAILWAY.

Cars Will be Soon Running to the D., L. & W. Station.

   The trolley wire is now strung from the Copeland corner down Homer and Groton-aves. to the D., L. & W. station and Superintendent Dunston reports that a car will be running over this part of the line within a few days. The wiring of the car is nearly completed. This car will meet all of the D., L. & W. passenger trains and will run from that station as far south on Main-st. as the Messenger House. There is not thought to be time between regular trips of the Cortland and Homer cars for this car to get down to the E., C & N. station. The rest of the time will be spent on Homer and Groton-aves., Main-st. and down to the D., L. & W. station. The time card can hardly be made out until the car has been actually put in operation and some experiments have been tried.

The Independent Citizens' Movement.

   To the Editor of the Standard:

   SIR—This movement has assumed proportions which compel general attention. It is worthy of note that those with whom it started thought, at first, only of promoting their object through the dominant party; but it soon became apparent that such a course would not promise success. Had they attempted to control the party caucuses they would probably have been defeated by the politicians who are opposed to them.

   Had they waited till the party nominations were made, in hope that satisfactory men would be nominated for president and trustees, it would have left them but one day in which to make their nominations and have them filed according to law, it being necessary to do this five days before election.

   Had they made nominations for president and trustees alone their ticket would have had fourteen blanks to be filled with pasters—a fact that would probably have been fatal to their cause.

   Had they succeeded in getting one of the political parties to nominate candidates committed to the enforcement of the excise laws, that would have compelled the friends of the movement in the other parties to go over to this party to vote their sentiments on this question.

   Thus did these gentlemen feel shut up to the one course, now so common, of nominating a citizens' ticket and calling upon the people, irrespective of party, to support it in the interest of a purely local reform, with which national and state politics have nothing to do. And, after all, is not this the fairest course, for now it must be a square fight between those who want the excise law enforced and those who do not want it enforced—a fight which must be, in the main, between the saloon men and their supporters and the law and order people of the village?

   ANOTHER CITIZEN.

BREVITIES.

   —Frank Smith has entered the employ of F. Daehler as a clerk.

   —The "Hoss and Hoss" company are stopping at the Cortland House.

   —The case of The People vs. Phoebe Japhet has been again adjourned till Saturday, March 11.

   —A special meeting of the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co. will be held in their rooms this evening at 7:30 o'clock sharp.

   —The regular monthly meeting of the C. A. A. occurs at the club house tonight! Important topics are to be discussed.

   —Owing to increased business the Hitchcock Foundry and Machine Co. began running ten hours a day this morning.

   —Teachers' examination for the second and third grade certificates will be held at the Normal Thursday and Friday of this week.

   —A child with three tongues was born in Elmira recently. It's a girl too. What a book agent she'll make.—Binghamton Republican.

   —The Woman's Relief Corps of Homer will serve a supper at G. A. R. hall in that place to-morrow evening from 6 to 8 o'clock. Every one is invited.

   —The second entertainment of Miss Knapp's and Miss Williams' departments at the Central school Saturday evening was as pleasing as that of the previous evening.

   —Superintendent F. A. Bickford found that the reason the fire alarm bell did not ring when the box was pulled Saturday afternoon was that the lever was not pulled down far enough.

   —The call for subscriptions for the Cortland City band is being responded to. More funds will be very much appreciated by the members of the organization and can be left at the STANDARD office.

   —Bear in mind the Republican village caucuses this evening, March 4. The call for them designating the places and hour appears at the head of the editorial column on the second page. Every Republican should be on hand.

   —One of the amusing traits of one of the street car horses which has been purchased by a local milk dealer is that by ringing his bell once the horse will stop and at the sound of two bells the animal will start.

   —The woman's edition of the Cortland STANDARD issued from that office on Feb. 22, was a grand success in every way. The literary talent displayed by the editorial staff was exceptionally fine, and about $1,000 was cleared.—Binghamton Republican.

   —The regular mothers' meeting (central) will be held at the home of Mrs. Ray Bliss, 86 Clinton-ave., on Tuesday at 8 o'clock. Subject: "The Science of Motherhood.'' Neighbors and ladies from any part of the town will be welcome to this meeting.

   —The town board met this morning in the office of Town Clerk E. C. Alger pursuant to statute to see what money if any was necessary to raise for the repairs or construction of bridges. It was decided that none was needed and an adjournment was taken till 10 A. M Thursday, when the report of the board of health will be heard.

   —Dr. H.C. Gazlay received a letter this morning from his daughter, Mrs. M. C. Hollenbeck, who resides in Southern Iowa, in which she said that they had one cold spell and some snow at about the time the blizzard struck Cortland, but taken altogether they had had an extremely pleasant winter, and that considerable spring ploughing was done last week.

Ament & Brazie's Improvements.

   Ament & Brazie have just renovated their book store till it presents a very attractive appearance. The ceiling has been newly papered and the woodwork has all been painted in white. Gilt bronze trimmings complete the whole.

   Since the firm of Ament & Brazie purchased this stock and business there has been marked improvement in every way. The stock is larger and better than ever before, especially in wall paper of which they intend to make a specialty and in which they have put in a new stock of the latest patterns, Their line of stationery, books, school supplies, leather goods and moldings is very large and well assorted. They also continue to carry a full line of magazines and newspapers.

Minnie B. Weyant.

   Mrs. Minnie B. Weyant, wife of Mr. B. S. Weyant, died at 7 o'clock Saturday night of consumption, aged 24 years. The deceased has been gradually failing for the past six months, but has only been confined to bed during the past three weeks. She was married to Mr. Weyant last May and besides her husband leaves a mother, Mrs. A. G. Newton. The funeral will be held from her late home on Port Watson-st. at 3 P. M. tomorrow.