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Show THE CITIZEN Education in Utah Started With the Arrival of the Pioneers - ' toly Settlers Built Log School Houses Before Erecting Homes; University Third Oldest in West. nated place, camp there and build a school house before, they erected their hunger for education has been attribute of the people i significant Utah since the landing of the first (ompany of pioneers. In fact, the first public enterprise in the Valley was a jchool house to provide education for tir children. Mary Jane Dillworth The homes. These school houses were used not only for educational purposes, but for all public gatherings. The first school buildings were of log construction; later adobies were used and these gradually gave way to rock or brick buildings. Some two and a half years after the pioneers arrived in the Valley the Legislature of the State of Deseret, the first school built by the (idy pioneers. It opened in October, months after the 1847, about three first company reached the Valley. It pretty safe to say, however, that tyight is East High School education of the children was not neglected during the interim from the time of leaving Nauvoo until Salt Lake was reached. Doubtless the children were taught around the campfires enroute and immediately after they came here. A tent, erected lines similar to an Indian wig-vahoused the first pupils. Hanna Holbrook, a veteran school teacher Kirtland, Ohio, opened the in 1848 in Davis County. These -schools continued, with some (Editions, until the first territorial entirely m, sec-scho- as-Km- Territory, bly after Utah became was called on was ol at which time legislati- enacted which provided for university and for a system of pub-f- c or common schools. This was the kpnning of the free public school yatem in Utah. The hardships of pioneer life did not deter these enterprising and people from building schools, settlement had its school house in most instances, it was the first tag to be erected. The people J1 content to live in wagons or pts while a school was being built their children. The construction nes was of secondary importance Jthem. By the year 1857 log school 11888 had been erected in most of aettlements. As the population it became advisable and nec-- ( ary to form new settlements. When Ration was determined upon the ers would set- out for the desig- pro-jjossi- as Utah was then called, provided for the establishment of the University of Deseret. This act was approved October 4, 1851, and the following November the school was opened to the students. This was the beginning of the third state university to be established west of the Mississippi River, Missouri having established one in 1839 and Iowa in 1847. From 1851 until 1867 the University was suspended at intervals owing to lack of funds. Since 1867, however, it has remained open continuously. In 1892 the State changed its name to Utah. In 1894 the United States 11 Government gave to the University a 60. acre tract of land from the Fort Douglas Reservation. This grant was later increased to 92 acres. In 1900 the University was moved from the West part of the city where the West High School now stands to its present site. As early as 1868 normal instruction was given in the University for the preparation of teachers. Engineering courses were given as early as 1891-9In 1901 the State School of Mines was established, followed later by the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education (which was formerly the Normal School), the School of Mines and Engineering, the School of Medicine, the School of Law, the camp for several days. The College furnishes camping space, tents for the guests, and provides cafeteria services for those who do not cook their own meals. The time is spent in attending demonstrations, exhibits, inspirational meetings, in playing games and in athletic contests. It was not until the year 1896 that the Legislature made specific provisions for high schools although many schools gave instructions in higher branches of education than the eighth grade. Nephi established a high school in 1894 which was the first one outside of Ogden and Salt Lake. In 1900 there were 6 high schools in the state, in 1906 there were 33, each giving from one to four years of high school work. Many of these, of course, were operated in the same buildings with the grade schools. The number increased to 40 in 1911 to 152 in 1924, 52 of which were giving four years work At the present time there are 66 fully organized high schools. The attendance in 1910 was 1,904. In 1927 the enrollment was 27,174, or an increase of 1327 per cent in 17 years. In the autumn of 1912 there were three Junior High Schools established in Ogden, each consisting of 7th, and 8th grade pupils. In 1913 the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades were housed in the Junior High Schools. Salt Lake City followed the same policy. Since that time beautiful schools have been erected all over the state, schools that Utah has reason to be proud of. Many of the old buildings have taken on additions, but still there does not seem to be room enough for all children to attend as many hours a day as they should. In 1894 the Legislature sanctioned School of Commerce and Finance, the the establishment of kindergartens. In Extension Division. 1896 the school for the Deaf and In 1888 the Utah Agricultural Col- Blind was establshed. Previous to that time there had been a school for Deaf lege was established by the LegislaMutes on the old University of Desture. It comprises the School of Agriculture, the School of Commerce and eret site. Business Administration, AgriculturIn 1890 the law compelling attendance was passed and in 1919 an addial Engineering, the School of Mechanical Arts, the School of Basic Arts tional law was passed which provided educational opportunities for the boys and Sciences. The Agricultural College of Cedar City, established in and girls who have been forced to leave school for the purpose of work1907, is also under the control of the Agricultural College at Logan. Each ing. This was a much needed step in year thousands of farmers of Utah education and has proved to be of bring their families to the campus of great benefit to the child individually the Utah Agricultural (Continued on Page 23) College to 2. : ve ! in-ju- ed - . Wetet High School |