A history of education in Graham County

Item Type text; Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)

Authors Montierth, Alton Elwyn, 1912-

Publisher The University of Arizona.

Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Download date 05/10/2021 15:45:13

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/551174 A HISTORY OF EDUCATION.. IN. GRAHAM COUNTY

by

Alton E l w n Montlerth

. . .. . , A .Thesis, -

submitted to the faculty of the -

Department of Education • ^ > - - * - -

in par|j.al: ■ tilf ii l ^ n t of » •• - -• . "/ -*•.. • * '* / , .% \ ' V-..’ % • - < . ■ t v i* ‘ • the requirements for the.degree of " B x ...... ■ ' ' Master ^ Arts /C/ -" v „ / /

in the Gradua te .ColT ege .. .. - ... - ; - ' University of Arizona .

1 9 5 1

Approved: Director of Thesis / rimioo ”i uciTAO'jaa ':v^ Y.iOTnin a

V '

rtA:r^AA zrv-:/ • : [ ; ; J A

■ ' l-Jlkc A

Of!"" lo i'r>: o nA oA !>r: Aixi-id;*-:-;

xicli bojj[)'C 2o cr;0:ttA'ir.rr3G

lo u::.*£r;Ar>

I A f:

i\ > 4 ’A.A \ \ X x . 12 ..) -usc^ap-*-^!— ; hovo‘icrfA 's \ \ UA ac. X^int-rf? Ao iAoti-^AC:

% \ £ 979 / /95V

ii

. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I . INTRODTJCT ION : . . . . >:V ...... :. ., 1

II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...... 5 III. EARLY SCHOOLS ..OF GRAHAM.COUNTY 12

IV. FURTHER ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS TO 1890 ...... 21

V. EXPANSION .OF.SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM.1891 TO 1900. ♦ • >’ • .•1.. . « . . ♦ • ...... • • . . ♦ ...... 37

VI. CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND • ' BEGINNINGS:OF;'SECONDARY EDUCATION; . .... 55 : : . -./v: - v :; , ...... , ;,•> VII. THE:FIRM ESTABLISHMENT OF SECONDARY E D U C A T I O N ..... 85

VIII. A::P ® IOD';bF‘SCHOOL DISTRICT;CONSOLIDATION ...... 118

IX. RETRENCffiffiNT “AND R ® » V H i r ...... 138

' X. CONTINUED GROWTH OF SCHOOLS-OF GRAHAM COUNTY...... 154

XI. EASTERN ARIZONA JUNIOR COLLEGE AT THATCHER ..... 165

XII. CONTRIBUTIONS OF EDUCATIONAL"LEADERS TO ‘- •- EDUCATION.IN GRAHAM.COUNTY ...... 195

8.2 i1 3 ? ill

TABLES

Numb©!? = -• : . ,• v.. * , . ■ ' ■' - * - < ^ =•- ' » 4 •’■ -pag©

I. EMOIJkENTV ATTENDANCE, SALARIES PAID, TOTAL . EXPENDITURES, FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1884, GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS ...... 21

II. TEACHERS AND DISTRICTS OF GRAHAM COUNTY 1891 .. 4?

III. COST OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF ... GRAHAM COUNTY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING •TONE 30,. 1892..... 49

IV. CENSUS AND AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE OF GRAHAM ' ■ COUNTY SCHOOLS IN 1899 ......

V. SCHOOL DISTRICTS - IN OPERATION IN GRAHAM ' ... COUITTY FOR SCHOOL YEAR OF 1900-1901 ...... 5? ■..f ■■ / . VI. AMOUNTS ESTIMATED BY COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTEN- ; ' DENT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE SCHOOLS OF GRAHAM COUNTY FROM JULY 1, 1902 to JUNE 30. 1903 .. '...... i ^ i . 72'

Vlt. AMOUNTS ESTBIATED TO miNTAIN GRAHAM .COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR - THE SCHOOL YEAR 1903-1904 ...... 73

VIII. SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN GRAHAM COUNTY AFTER SEPARATION OF GREENLEE COUNTY ...... 112

IX. SCHOOLS IN OPERATION IN GRAHAM COUNTY 1920- 1921 T E R M ...... 133

X. COST PER STUDENT FOR THE TERM OF 1927-1928 IN THE SCHOOLS OF GRAHAMCOUNTY ...... 136

XI. AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE FOR THE SCHOOLS OF GRAHAM COUNTY FOR THE YEAR 1930-1931 ...... 149

XII. CURRICULUM OF SAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOR TERM OF 1950-1951 ...... 161

XIII. AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE HIGHEST SIX MONTHS OF GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR THE TERM OF 1945-1946 ...... 163 iv

XIV. AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE HIGHEST SIX MONTHS OF GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS- FOR THE TERM OF 1949-1950 ...... 164

XV. EASTERN ARIZONA JUNIOR COLLEGE ANNUAL BUDGETS FROM 1944 to 1951 ...... 191 !i ue % '' - I• •• • I.' l ■■■. y r \ ■; o-' MAPS

1 . : The Four Original - Counties of Arizona in . l863, v 10

‘2^- Arizona in L885,-With Greenlee County as Part of Graham County ...... 30 ' ■ F'. 'M-: rv-r :lr. :vv :-:0 i,.: c;; h 'V ' ;V[ 3* Graham County in 1911 Before Greenlee County -- • - Was Set Off-...... 84 nr:

4. Graham County-in Relation to the:Other : > c ^ : or- Counties of the State ...... 113 - - ' ' h-:rc: i.7.. .;cm r L'rn nv.... In ..: r-v or' 5* Graham County, Arizona, School Districts as - of July 1 , 1921 ...... ;...... following 133

6. Graham Countyj.Arizona, School Districts as r of July 1, 1939 ...... following 148

■' ■ r .0 : :00VC.-'-

Lr,i • ,% ; ' " • f c v 0 0 , 1 c e l r. p -\ o' -

' l : C ,• •$ ' ; ■ . o n O' ’ c - t ' ""

:; r"' i. % r 0 o r : ; . 0 ' 0 : :* • '.I o f

v» -TO : j O l ' O ; r X ' > 0 ' ; ■- o r 000 - , '

' ■- : h - r ■0: o : : t- n o r00 lor- ' 0 : o j o O p c i n ... I c V - n o h !

V o r : l n i 1 1 1 -": . 0 0 . . o . i ... ; . .1 ■: i ;

l o r . r j. co- 0 on' oh-.- O 'h l O ; : 0 0 O r ' o.;; .

■" : cor t o -00 t h ‘ r. ; -v: :r j.'i 1;'- hnv rron-: -ro CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The writer approaches this study with a feeling of

anticipation, for it will be concerned with the schools

which were attended by him, members of his family, other

relatives, and friends. The greater portion of the events

to be listed herein will be those which have taken place

in the area between majestic Mount Graham on the south and

the Gila Mountains on the north. The history of education

as told here will be closely connected with the history of

a hardy people who came into an untamed wilderness and sub­

jugated it for the purpose of providing them with homes and

sustenance. Maps show the area in which Graham County is

located as a desert country.

The yearly average rainfall is between nine and ten

inches per year. However, those people were able to dig

canals to make use of the waters of the Gila and thus to

"make the desert blossom as a rose.* The amount of land

brought under cultivation has been greatly expanded and

has helped to provide a major portion of the wealth which

made possible the growth and development of the fine

- ' ’ educational system of the county which we enjoy today.

The time covered by this study will be that from the 2 year 1875 to 1950 during which many changes took place*

These changes have had their effect on the history of education for the new modes of transportation, and the building of good highways, have made possible the con­

solidation of school districts. The number of districts has been reduced and small or sparsely settled districts were combined with the more populous ones. This made possible an economy of operation in that greater benefits

could be secured for the amount of money spent* The. results

of consolidation were not always beneficial. The loss of the

local school was keenly felt in many communities. To have

their children attend school in a different community had a

tendency to break the ties which normally should bind the

home and the school. The loss of the school as a social

center was also keenly felt.

The Purpose .

The purpose of this study is to trace historically the

development of education in Graham Countyi Arizona, on the

elementary, secondary, and upper level; to note the manner

in which the educational system grew and developed, from its

early beginnings; and to trace this development up to the

schools of the present day.

; \ Limitations : 7 ' ,

A survey of the field indicates a scarcity of early 3 written records dealing with education in Graham County.

Not a great many records are extant for the period preceding

1900. Written records of some school districts covering the

period previous to 1920 were destroyed by fire. In some cases,

adequate records were not kept at the time of the occurrence

of events. Others may have been lost, misplaced, or not kept,

due perhaps, to a lack of the realization of their possible

value,

Graham County educational records date from January 3, _ 1 1882. No writing of an historical nature has been found

which deals with the subject at hand, 0, A. Williams, in

his thesis Settlement and Growth of the Gila Valley as a

Mormon Colony 1879-1900. deals with the early beginnings in

that part of Graham County located in the Gila Valley.

Some Information can be gained from the pioneers still

living. In some cases, they do not agree as to dates,

places, and events. But their descriptions will serve to

orient the study.

It is the intention of the author to present in chron­

ological divisions of a decade each, the history of edu­

cation as it transpired in Graham County. No.effort will be

made to treat the history of events in each and every dis­

trict, due to their great number. The history of the Eastern

1. Small ledger on file in the County School Superintendent's office in Safford, Arizona, entitled, “School Matters from 1882 to 1887." Arizona Junior College, at Thatcher, Arizona, will be treat­ ed in a separate chapter, as will the contributions of edu­ cational leaders to education in Graham County. CHAPTER II

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In 1846 Gen. S. W. Kearney came through the Gila Valley

from east to west, on his way to take California fropi the

Mexicans. Mt. Graham was already known by that name in

1846. The region along the Gila River was avoided because

of the murderous Apaches. Geronimo's surrender September 3 ,

1886 brought peace to the land. In 1871 a few Mexicans were in the Gila Valley farming at Pueblo Viejo (Old Town), near the present site of Solomon. That part of the valley

around the present site of Solomon and Safford was referred 2 to as the Pueblo Viejo Valley. The first Anglo-Saxon set­

tlement was a group of farmers from Gila Bend, who settled

in the vicinity of Safford. A townsite was established there

about that time. Joshua A. Bailey, one of the earliest res­

idents, named the village of Safford after Territorial Gov­

ernor Anson Pacely Klllen Safford. Whether he was an ad­ mirer of Governor Safford or whether it was a case of. po­ litical expediency to secure some recognition for the vil­ lage from the territorial government, is not known. *

Solomon was named after Isador E. Solomon, a heroic frontier figure, who came to the Gila Valley in 1876 and

1. McCllntock, James H., Mormon Settlement in Arizona, Phoenix Arizona, The Manufacturing Stationers JLnc., iy<£l. p. 242. 2. The Clifton Clarion. Issue of May 20, 1885. 6 started a store there. He bought mesquite wood from the farmers, burned it, and sold It as charcoal to the smelter at Clifton,

In February of 1879 a group from along the Little Col­ orado River came into the valley looking for farming land.

They decided to locate at Smithville (now known as Pima).

The townsite was laid out with a pocket compass. The found­

ing date was April 8, 1879« Foundations were laid on sixteen

corners; The townslte was surveyed according to the usual

Mormon tradition. It was laid off In large blocks of four lots each, with wide streets intersecting at right angles, and a public square. Lots were chosen by drawing numbers,

Pima served as a terminus for the influx of settlers

into the G-ila Valley. The number of people there soon out­ numbered all other settlements in the valley. Since i860,

the town had been a place of refuge for those who failed

to find satisfactory conditions in northern Arizona and

southern . All Mormon Immigrants to the valley were welcomed at Smithyllle where they received food and shelter

until they could locate in adjacent settlements.

Settlers from Brigham City on the Little Colorado

arrived in Pima in November of 1880 and purchased a water

ditch and four quarter-sections of land at Graham, farther

up the river on the north side. James H. McClintock says

concerning the Gila Valley and Pima; ,

3. McClintock. James H.. Arlzona-The Youngest State. II p. 456. 7

"Within Graham County, including the Gila Valley, possibly a majority of residents today are followers of * The first, headed by Jos. K« Rogers, came in 1879, a small colony which found a tract of land of remarkably fine character in the vicinity of the present town of Pima, which was first known aa Smithville. 'It was then in the midst of a dense mes- quite forest, which had to be cleared away before crops could be planted."

Thatcher was named after Apostle , who visited the valley at Christmas time in 1882, in company with Apostle .. The first settler was John M.

Moody, from Utah, who arrived on July 4, l88l, with his

family. The Thatcher townslte was selected by President

Christopher Layton May 13, 1883, a school district being in­ formed the following month. The name of the pioneer

president, who died in 1898, has been perpetuated in the

suburb of Layton, near Safford. ;

Eden, first known as Curtis, lies on the northern side

of the Gila River nine.miles northwest of Pima. A party of

settlers, headed by Moses M. Curtis, arrived there in 1881

from Brigham.City, Arizona. The present townslte was

located May 1 0 j 1883.

Bryce, across the river from Pima, dates from January,

1883, when Ebenezer Bryce, Sr., and sons, began construction

of a ditch, which was completed the following year.

Central took its name from the Central Canal which was

begun in 1874. Its first settlers were Orson and Joseph

4. In School Matters from 1882 to 1887. the trustees for Thatcher District No. 4, are certified by the County School Superintendent in January of 1885. 8

Gluff who came southward from Forest Dale in the spring of 1882.

The Hubbard settlement was an outgrowth of the G-raham 5 and Bryce wards and was named after Elisha F. Hubbard, Sr., the first ward bishop. :

Graham and Matthewsville (now G-lenbar) were settled soon after Pima. Matthewsville or Matthews was founded in

December of 1880 by Joseph Matthews and family from Round 6 Valley and Wm. R. Waddill.

The Layton Settlement was named after the first stake president. While getting a rather late start, it became one of the more prosperous and faster growing communities of the county. Its first settler was Hyrum H. Tippets, who arrived on January 13, 1883, coming from Brigham City,

Utah.

Camp Goodwin, named after the first governor of the

territory, was at the lower end of the Gila Valley. It was established in 1864^ and vacated in 1870 because of bad

health conditions.

Fort Thomas was established in 1876, shortly after the

abandonment of old Camp Goodwin. It had been quite a live­

ly place for several years. In 1890 only two companies of 7 troops were stationed there.

5. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is dlvid- ed geographically into stakes, and the stakes into wards. The wards have usually from 400 to 700 members. 6. McClintock, James H., Mormon Settlement in Arizona, p. 247 7. Graham County Bulletin. Issue of June 27, lo90« Clifton was settled soon after 1865* When first

established, it was typical of the Mexican mining camp.

The Lezinsky brothers commenced mining and smelting copper

there in 1873 and their successors, the Arizona Copper • ~ - Company, continued these operations up to the year 1890. The

reduction works were erected in 1883* In 1890 the town

itself had 400 people with 1400 more living in the area

around the town. The buildings were of brick, stone, wood,

and adobe. The Arizona and New Mexico.Railroad had a thirty-

six inch track seventy-one miles in length which extended

from Lordsburg, New Mexico, to Clifton; also a narrow guage

(20 inch) line from Clifton to the company's mines, compris­

ing about twenty miles of track. The mines were principally

copper, with a few silver and gold mines in the vicinity. • . ' 8 : ; : , The copper output for 1889 was 7,253,855 pounds. . Graham County was created by the Arizona Legislature

in the spring of 1881, the settlement south of the Gila

heretofore having been in Pima County. This can be seen on

the map on page 10. The first county seat was Safford, but

the county government was transferred to Solomonville by an

act of the legislature of 1883. In 1915 > after the setting

off of Greenlee County, the courthouse went back to Safford*

8. Ibid., Issue of July 11, 1890...... 9. McCllntock, James H., Mormon Settlement in Arizona, pp. 241-257* 10 V.

,L's >

"L.0 b;: L ' t c uV y yj. r

hor-oc

u o h i r>

Map. Noi-1; The Four Original . Counties.- of Arizona- - — — - X J , .• " j •; •; i : ;; rrar-r : - v.Lr>r;, :* r f1: for -'1 '0 -1 11 10 In 1889 the boundaries of Graham County are given as follows:

"Commencing at the southeast corner of Pinal County; thence north along the eastern boundary of said Pinal County to the southern boundary of Gila County; thence east along said boundary to the one hundred and tenth meridian of west Longitude; thence north on said meridian to Black River; thence along said river to its head; thence due east to the line of the territory of New Mexico to the northern boundary of Cochise County; thence west along said boundary of Cochise County to the northwest corner of Cochise County; thence due north to the place of beginning."

10. Graham County Bulletin. Issue of April 26r 1889. 11. All quotations will be quoted verbatim without correct­ ion of errors in construction, punctuationj or spelling, except where correction is necessary for clarification of the meaning. CHAPTER III

EARLY SCHOOLS OF GRAHAM COUNTY" -

The educational system.of Arizona had its beginning

January 1 , 1865, on which date an act of the First.Legis­ lative Assembly became effective, that set aside $500 for the benefit of a public school in Tucson, *provided the

English language forms a part of the instruction of such school;# and $250 each to Prescott, La Paz and Mojave, in each case conditional upon the raising.of a similar sum by - ' " ' 1 the residents of the locality affected.

The creation of school districts was made possible by the Legislature of 1868, which gave the county boards of supervisors power to organize such .districts in any village with a resident population of not less than one hundred and covering an extent of country of not more than four square miles. For the support of the schools of such districts should be levied a tax of not more than one-half of one per cent on the assessed value of all its taxable property.

In 1873 the Seventh Legislature passed a law providing for a tax of twenty-five cents on each one hundred dollar valuation of taxable property; this fund was to be used for

1. Parish. Thomas Edwin. History of Arizona. 1916. Vol. Ill p. 124. 13 educational purposes.

Governor A. P. K. Safford* a annual report on education

In 1875 gives this picture:

11 Number, of public schools In county (Pima) , 2. Number of children attending, 177. Average daily atten­ dance, 122 2/3. In district No. 1, school hag been taught nine months during the year and In district No.2, two months during the year. Two male teachers have been employed, one at #125 and the other at $130 per month. Total number of children In county between ages of six and twenty-one years, 1004, of whom 487 are boys and 517 are girls.“

The first mention of education on the Upper Gila.is found In the Governor's report of 1875. Only a sentence is found. “A new school district has been applied for on the upper Gila, and others will undoubtedly be organized during the coming year."

In 1876 the Pima County (See map, pagelO) report lists five schools: two in Tucson, one in San Pedro, one In Tubac, and one in Safford. The report states that this local school was in session for seven months.

In 1879 Colonel Hodge made a tour of all the schools of the territory. There were public schools at Yuma, Walnut

Grove, Chino Valley, Keirkland Valley, Peeples' Valley, Wick-

enburg, Phoenix, Florence, Tres Alamos, Safford, and a few

other points.

It Is believed that the first school house in Safford

2. McClintock, James H., Arlzona-The Youngest State. II, p. 497. was a one-room adobe structure, located near to the present site of the new Federal Building. It opened in the latter . . : - ' • ' : • ' .• part of 1876 and the first teacher was D. W. Wlckersham.

The G-ralmm County Guardian, issue of March 21, 192h, states,

"He (D. W. Wlckersham) taught the first school, in the G-ila

Valley at Safford...... ; However, an unpublished manu­ script, * Early Days in Safford," by Mary Tuttle Webb and her father, Edward D. Webb, states,

"In 1875 Mr. Ingalls came to Safford with his daughter, a young widow from Georgia. She taught the first school at Safford. She was followed by D. W. Wlckersham.* 3 • : ... ' - ' . . ; : - / ' ■ :■ : Later, according to early settlers, another adobe structure was built, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, near the rail­ road depot. The North Ward, now converted to Municipal

Utilities and Chamber of Commerce offices, was built in

1898. l ': . X - - ■

Many of the early Mormon settlers located in Layton and they immediately established schools there. Not until about 1914 were,the Layton and Safford schools consolidated.

- ; . .. . ■ : >■ V . - '■ . • . . ■ . 1 ■ ; ■ . , ' '' The present high school was started soon after consolidation and opened for use in the fall'of 1915• 4

John F. Nash,: pioneer teacher of Graham County, recounts the following: ' ■ • i

3. In November, 1884, Safford School District No. 1 was bulld- ing a new school* School Matters from 1882 to 1887. 4. Interview with John F. Nash in Thatcher, Arizona in June, 1950. Mr. Nash is 85 years old. 15

"I taught In Layton in 1889 and 1890. It was a little adobe house located jlist east of the Layton Ward Church. It had desks In it, more than we needed, for the enrollment was small.H

In regard to the early schools of Thatcher, Mrs. Sarah 5 - Allred Hunt, a pioneer now living in Thatcher, says*

"Thatcher's first school was taught by Erastus Carpenter before 1886. Seth C. Jones was teaching here when we came in 1886, in a little adobe school house just.west of the residence of Mrs. W. W. Pace* It was 30 by 50 feet in size. School, church meetings, and dances were held there. It was not large enough in 1887 to hold all the children, so Joseph G. Allred, my father, furnished a large room in his home and ay mother, Mrs. Eliza Allred, taught the primary group in this room. The older children, or "preparatory" group, were taught by Seth C. Jones ih the small adobe school. Later Thomas E. Williams taught in this school.?

David Weech, a pioneer now living in Pima, states in

regard to the early schools of Pima*

r "The first school here was,a one-room school house made of cottonwood logs with a mud roof. This was in 1879 and 1880. The benches were split cottonwood logs with black willow pegs driven into holes bored in the logs. The building was heated by a fireplace. Un­ bleached muslin was used in place of glass in the windows. It had a dirt floor. A quilt hanging in the doorway served as a door. Mrs. Lucinda Gustaffsen war one of the first teachers and she was paid $35 a month. Pima was then in Pima County. There was a stage at one . r end and the building was used for meetings and as a recreation hall. It was built about two blocks west of Main Street in.Pima and faced toward the west. This school was used until 1885.' From 1885 to 1888 school was held in Cluff's Hall, which stands on Main Street In Pima. In 1888 the school was moved into the new building, which had been under the process of con-

5. Interview with Sarah Allred Hunt in Thatcher, June, 1950. o. Interview with David Weech in Pima, June, 1950. 7. In May, 1884 Smithville (Pima) was building a new school. School Matters from 1882 to 1887. 16

struction. It was built west of Main Street on the old Highway 70 route, facing north, and still stands today. It was built of white stone hauled from Bear Springs Flat, and was used until about 1892, The schools mentioned here were ungraded."

The first day school taught at Smithville (Pima) was

opened in the house of Wm. R. Teeples in 1879* Mrs, Harriet

B. Teeples was the teacher. Among the first teachers at

Smithville,was Samuel B. Curtis, who was appointed July 20,

1879# In December, l879> the settlers in Pima built a log

school house, 20 by 16 feet. In the year i860, there were

thirty-rsix students enrolled in the Pima school and the

average-daily*attendance was twenty-seven. The monthly salary

of the teacher, including board, was $40.00. In the latter

part 6f 1881 an addition about 16 by 16 feet was built on

the original log school or meeting house. It was added to -- o the west end of the building and was built of logs,

Stephen F. Wilson was the first school teacher at Eden, which was^then 'called Curtis. His1 mother was assisting him

in teachingi - In the fall of 1881 they were notified of an

approaching Indian raid, so they hurriedly made a light boat

and crossed.the Gila River to Pima. From 1879 to 1881 the

settlers of other surrounding towns assembled in Pima when­

ever an Indian attack was imminent. Each community had its

minute men organized, with horses and guns ready,

8, Pima Ward Record, St, Joseph stake House, Thatcher, Arizona. 17

Graham was founded in December of 1881 by James Wilson.

He hired his brother, Stephen F. Wilson, who taught the first school in Graham in 1882. He was followed by John F, Nash, who came with his father to Arizona in 1874.

Mr. John F. Nash gives a vivid picture of early-day education in Graham County* , •

TI secured a teaching certificate by taking a written examination at Solomonvllle (county seat), given by the County School Superintendent. I had gone there with a cousin, who was a teacher; and was urged to fill out the questions. which I finally agreed to do. I answered the questions easily, and in a few days, to my surprise, I received a large envelope, in which was a teaching certificate^ I had no intention of teaching, but when the trustees of Matthews heard of my certificate,.they came for md ito teach:in their school. I agreed to teach. This was on a Saturday and the-following Monday I went to1;the schools It was a stockade squarej with no floor, no desk, and no seats. Men came carrying boards for the floor. They laid:the floor and built slab .^benches for the students to sit on with their backs torme. I had been told I would have only young = children, but when young men and women came, I wanted' to’leave. - ' % I had only a big A B C Chart in the school for equipment. When the smaller children grew tired they would go out and play "house" in the shade of the mes- quites. Later the trustees bought a school and moved it vbo>the district*-: It had a blackboard in it; We • - secured- a -smooth slab out t of the river with which I made:benches. We had a few desks by this time and things5 seemed much improved. We found a level spot and cleared it off for a ball ground. We played a great deal of ball; I went back and taught in Matthews for several more years.** - . : ; :: - • : \ ' io ' v . The first school in Solomonvllle was.in an adobe dwell­ ing house located about one hundred yards south and east of

9. interview with John F, Nash in Thatcher, June, 19^0. 10.Interview with Thomas 0. Moore in Safford, June, 1950. 18 the present grammar school. . John F v Nas^mentions- this V . ’• r- V ■ buildings:

2';. ”1 attended school in an old adobe house, with, many holes in the walls in Solomphville from 1881 to 1885, - ,We had, a Mexican teacher-^who spoke English very well."

Then a school house was built containing two rooms, about one block east of the school house of todays In

June, 1950, a field of cotton was growing where this old

: . ■ school house had stood#

Later a school of several rooms was built bn the

■ < < present site of the cotton gin, facing west. All eight grades were housed inJit, but it later burned down.

\ - ' : •'i rv V y " V-*' yv L : * ' 1 1 ' ■ V ■: % f - — 1 f ^ rr ■ ’ -- ...... School'was” always dismissed for hangings (Soldmoh- vllle was the county seat), or else a picnic was planned some distance away in order to get the children but of ■ T - -- I ■ .13 town on that day.

The Clifton School District No. 3 appears to have been officially organized on April 4, 1882, for the notation is found in the manuscript"journal suggesting the establishment of the district. The school superintendeht' appointed Charles

Lezinskl, H.' Arbuckle, and Adolph Solomon as* trustees.

In* the early days the Probate Judge of a county was

•ex-officio -County School -Superintendent. -G.- Hi Hyatt-wrote - y y in-a;.manuscript:'record- 'on January 3, 1882: . '-y\ viyyi.'-y v •:r- .. . - -:. z1'. - -y,;. -i.n yy-.y ;.s y:,yr.:

XI. interview with John t’. Nash in Thatcher, June, I 950. “ 12. Pedro Michelena taught in Solomonville District No. 5 in 1883. School Matters from 1882 to 1887. 13. Interview with Thomas 0. Moore in Safford, June, 1950. 14. School Matters from 1882 to 1887 in County School Super­ intendent's office, Safford, Arizona, 19

MReceived the appointment of Probate Judge of Graham County, A. T. (Arizona Territory) and ex-officlo County Superintendent of Schools,"

He may well have been the first County School Superinten­ dent of Graham County* . 15 In 1882 four districts in the county are listed as receiving public funds, . Safford received $555.98; Solomon- ville, $417.71; Camp (Fort) Thomas, $214.42, and Pima

$1000.76. In 1886 Thatcher was given a county apportionment.

The subjects taught in the early schools of Graham

County -included - spelling, reading,: writing, arithmetici physiology, penmanship, and elementary science. Spinning tops, playing marbles, flying kites, and playing:baseball also occupied the time of these early learners. Ho play­ ground equipment was owned by the school. Pupils had to furnish their own. - . • . ; ; ^ ,

It must:be remembered that these early efforts at fur­ thering" education were done under extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. This was due, in part, to '' - - lo ' • , ' - the danger from Indian and renegade attack. These rene­ gades consisted of white outlaws and cattle rustlers. The shout "The Apaches are on the warpath," is one which struck l5. Ibid. ' ~ lo. The writer's mother has told'many times of the mortal fear of Indian attack which they suffered in those days, especially after the death of the Wright brothers on December 1, 1885. r;-.:. ■ r ' : * • : ■' ' : I-;' " 20 terror in many a heart in this area* After the death of the

Wright brothers the people demanded wthe utter extinction of 17 these heartless fiends*M ;

Too, it must be remembered that cash was an item which which was extremely hard to obtain. Most of the people were farmers. What little cash they had possessed, had been used to buy land, clear it, and bring it under cultivation. Their income was in the form of the crops and cattle which they raised. Since there was little cash, bartering of crops, produce or meat, for the necessities which had to be bought, was a common practice. This practice was mentioned at the dedication of the Gila Academy at Thatcher, Arizona, on

December 15, 1911. > :

MIn the lower room of the Academy might have been seen cans of molasses, honey, pieces of pork, sacks of beans, flour, and cornmeal. In some instances livestock changed hands, and the (Gila) Valley’s chief product, bales of hay. Nor was this condition confined to the early days...... ,M

The tools of instruction were few and the school terms were intermittent and irregular. For many years school terms were three to five months long. Rude benches served as desks.

There were very few books or other aids to teaching. Teachers were not well trained. Yet the foundations were laid for an enduring system of schools.

17. The Clifton Clarion. Issue o t December 9. 1885. 18. Graham County Guardian. Issue of December 22, 1911. CHAPTER IV

FURTHER ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS TO 1890

The Honorable G. H. Hyatt, County Superintendent of

Schools, gave a tabularstatement indicating the condition

of education in Graham County in 1885. The tabulation is given in the following table.

TABLE I . •

ENROLLMENT, ATTENDANCE, SALARIES PAID, TOTAL EXPENDITURES, FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1884, GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS

Number of Average Salary Paid Total Exp. FIs. Pupils Daily Teacher Per Year Ending District Enrolled Attendance Month Aug. 31,1884

Safford 53 49 $80 $ 7 4 6 . 7 5 Duncan " : -30T ' 22 60 235.00 Clifton 35 24 108 805.22 Solomonville- .30 - 23 75 ,470.73 Pima 136 95 100 1,664.41 Ft. Thomas 31 24 75 612.70 North Gila 32 25 55 51.00 San Jose 20 15 65 240.00 Curtis 49 34 60 320.43 Contrail 30v 13 65 ^34.27

^The tabulation shows-that Pima, Safford,;and Curtis

(Eden) had the highest average daily attendance, but Pima,

Clifton, and Safford led in total expenditures for the year.

In all districts, the amount spent for the average daily

attendance- shown is very small. The salary paid per month

1. T^e Clifton Clarion. Issue o f February 4. l885.

vr 22 to the teachers of the Clifton and Pima districts are well above those paid In any of the other districts.

In September, 1896, Mr. J. E. Garratt, who had taught at Safford the preceding year, was engaged to teach the school at Solomonville. School was being held in a building . . . _ 'y • rented from Mr. T. E. Solomon. The residents realized the great necessity for a sehoolhouse. They hoped to have a 2 school ”by next year if possible.”

Mr. J.E. Garratt again taught in 1887 in Solomonville, at a salary of $90 per month. Miss Mary A. Fitzgerald taught there in 1888. It was decided to build a new brick school house in place of their present structure. The school year ' Vv:-v\ for 1888 closed in May, after a session of seven months* The report of the County School Superintendent stated that

Solomonville must awake and take the necessary steps to build a school house. It was very discreditable to the school 3 management of the past that a school house had not been built.

In 1889 unsatisfactory conditions still prevailed as the school was overcrowded and repairs on the building were badly needed* There were over forty scholars in one room, many of them not even having the necessary books to study* Such con­ ditions could not long be tolerated. In November, 1889* it 234

2. Ibid.. Issue of January 12, 1887. ' .. 3. Graham County Bulletin (Valley Bulletin), Issue of May 3, 1889. 4. Ibid.. Issue of October 18, 1889. 23

was stated that Soloaonvllle would have the finest school

building*In the county, In the near future# ,HotIce of pro­

posals for construction were soon to be published. They

were called by the trustees in February of 1890 for the new $ • building. The site had been selected. It was to be erected

on the piece of ground east of the Court House on the Bowie

Road, In March, the building of the new school was awarded

to A. Kambeitch for the sum of $2079,00, It was to be of

brick and to contain two rooms with a hall between. The

special tax levied for the building was set at $ 2,30 on the

$100 of assessed valuation. The building was to be finished

before school opened.in the fall#

Miss-Mollie Murphy and Mr. A. V. Kelly were employed to

teach in the' Solomonville school in 1890, each at a salary

of $90 per month. They opened school in November in the new

building, which had been completed. It would accomodate

sixty pupils#< By December they had sixty-eight scholars.

The;County School Superintendent reported in February " ' 1 • * _ - - . ' f *. -*• . <* „ • - » t ^ : v • *' -- V *-v - -- r . i *■ % -' . , of 1887% ' ' ' ' r':

"Visited the school at Safford District No. 1. Found the same in a flourishing condition under the efficient management of R. J. D. Groesbeck. Two un­ graded schools have been in session in this district during the present year# For the ensuing year I would strongly recommendt That next September before school commences, that it be graded into a district primary and grammar grade according to law— That the grammar school-be held in the district school house at Safford

^ -11 Ur . ;, < i . rild t Issue of February 2ti,l8^0, 6. I M 3 ,♦ i Issue of December 19, 1890, 24

and a Primary school be held about half way between Layton and Safford, in some suitable building erected .

The Safford school, in 1889, opened with thirty-six pupils'ih;attendance, and Miss Alice E. Hunter of Louisia­ na^ as. teacher. - They showed a true pride in their school, havingskalsdmined, painted and repaired it. ; }: ',

The-Layton Public School District Ho. 1 closed in Jan­ uary, 1887, after having been in session five months, Mr.

Stiger, the teacher, was engaged to teach at Curtis (Eden), whererhis was to open school on Monday^ January 31, 1887,

In 169b Layton expected to build a new school.

In-October of 1885 the-public' school in Ft. Thomas -■ 8 opened with “very fair attendance.M The former teacher,

Wr i' ■ Henry - Rftpkeyy was egain in charge of the school , which closed'in' March, The report of the- County School Superin­ tendent in February, 1887, states*

“Visited school house at Camp (Fort) Thomas. Teacher reported roof of school house in a dangerous condition. In fact in case of rain the house would be unsafe. Recommend that no school be held during rainy weather. A new school house is badly needed.*

In August of 1890 a military order for the abandon­ ment of Fort Thomas as-a military post was received from

Los Angeles. This aroused a storm of protest in the issues

The Clifton Clarion. Issue of February 16. 1887. 8, Ibid.. Issue of October 14, 1885. 25

of the Graham County Bulletin. The paper said there would be

nothing to prevent raids by the Apaches on the unprotected

people of the Gila Valley, The reason given for the abandon­

ment was that the location was unhealthy. The paper denied

this to be true. In July. 1890. the people petitioned Gen.

Miles, protesting the removal of troops from Ft. Thomas.

Gen. Miles revoked the abandonment order in September, 1890.

/The pchool in Central closed in May,,1887, after a

session of; eight months*, jAverage.;attendance. for-the year was

fifty* Mr.: W. W. Damron was the teacher. This was the fourth

session Mr. Damron had taught the school. Central had as

teachernint 1889, ‘Mr. Seth Jones. . -i : '

5lh Pimain 1886, Mr; Mash- and Whipple: were teaching,

with about 150 pupils enrolled.

•In October, 1887, Mrs.'-A. :E* Jeator, Mrs. W. Whipple, and

Mr. John Nash were teaching in Pima in the fall. In January

of 1888,*H.D; Mack accepted a position as teacher, thus making

four teachers employed in Pima. .

In January, 1887, San Jose had both a public and a private

school;■ The- County School Superintendent* s report of February,

1887 saidr '•" :: •: ■'■ ■K! '■ j --i . . > • •: . Y' ■ - V ' - ' - - '' . : - "Visited school at San Jose and foifiad it in a very unsatisfactbry condition, four scholars in attendance. 4

4. Graham. County Bulletin.' Issue of July 4. 1890. " ~ — — IQ.Tne Clifton Clarion. Issue of February 16. 1887. 26

The people prefer a private school with a Spanish teacher which Is open there and lend It a hearty sup­ port to the detriment of the Public School# There Is good reason to believe for the past three months the average attendance has been less than five# In that case I would recommend that the District should lapse as It would be better to have no school at all than oneln unsatisfactory condition."

In November, 188?, J. H. Vaughn, who had been teaching

the public school at San Jose for two months resigned to

accept a position at the Sierra Bonita ranch#

More than five taxpayers living in the vicinity of Ara- 11 vaipa Valley^ xhad^petitioned; for the formation of a r school

district;!-; The Board of Supervisors ordered a new school ■ ■ :':’v . . :■ : : . y v V . y district formed^ to be known as School District No, 9> with

boundaries as followst , ^

: : “ Commencing at the divide between the waters of the Sulphur Spring-Valley and the Aravaipa Valley, , south of Eureka S w i n g s ; thence: running northerly to a point near to and embracing Cottonwood Spring near Cedar Pass; thence along the mountain range westerly toward Mount Turnbull, to a point one mile west of Ming and Jones ranch; thence southerly along the Gallero (Galiuro).Mountain range, on the west side of Aravaipa Valley* to the place of beginning.-

Another*district formed:ih Aravaipa in April, 1887 was ; ,' ' ; 12 ■ ; * V,:.. : . known as District No. 13% and was bounded as follows$ . =

-Y MFrom the ranch of Dan H# Ming following the Gal- lird (Galiuro) Mountains to Mud Springs, on the Cochise County line, thence due east along said line fifteen miles, thence northerly to the Butte opposite Taylor1s Canon (Canyon), thence following Graham Mountains to Dr. R. B. Tripp's ranch, thence to the Indian reserva-

12* Issue of April 22, 1885# 27

tion line near Black Rock, thence to Hawk Cannon (Can­ yon), thence to place of beginning.”

Horace E. Dunlap taught In Aravalpa In 1887. A new school was being bullt in 1890.

A petition asking for the formation of a new school at 13 ■ - - ' . Ft. Grant was granted, with boundaries as follows$

"Bounded on the north by Graham Mountain, on the east by Stockton Pass and Martin’s ranch, on the south by a line from Martin’s ranch to Hooker’s ranch, and from Hooker's ranch to the mouth of Taylors Canon." 14 Another district was formed there in November, 1885»

Petitions from the parents of twenty-four children of school age, residents of School District No. 12;asked.for the form­ ation of a new school district. It was formed with bounda­ ries as.follows:

"Commencing at the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 7, south of Range 25, east; thence due west . two miles and a quarter; thence due north two miles; thence due east to the northeast corner of Section 1; thence due south to the place of beginning. Said dis­ trict to be known as School District No. 9."

In 1887 their school was to open about November 1.

The delay was due to the inability of the school trustees to secure the services of a competent teacher for the sal­ ary they could afford to pay. In March, 1888 their school opened with P. S. Watson of San Jacinto, California, as teacher. In 1890 Mr. 0. L. Durkee was teacher there.

1%. Ibid.f Issue of July 2$. 1885. 14. Ibid... Issue of November 25, 1885* /

28

President Christopher Layton had the townsite of

Thatcher surveyed, between Safford and Central, In October, 1?. 1885* The teacher there In 1889 was Thomas Williams.

In 1889, the Board of Supervisors considered a petition

for forming a new school district out of that part of Solomon-

ville District No* 5, and San Jose Ho* 10, school districts 16 lying north of the Gila River* The Mejia School District was formed with these boundaries:

"Commencing at the line of Duncan School District No. 2 , at the function of the Rio Bonita and Gila Rivers, thence in a direct line to the crest of the Gila Range of mountains in a westerly direction, thence along the crest of said range of mountains westerly to a point directly north of the line of the center line of sections 15 and 10 in township 7 South of Range 26 Bast, Gila and Salt River Meridian, thence due south along said line and said center line of Section 10 to the place of beginning at the mouth of the Rio Bonita. Said new district being known and designated as Mejia School District No. 16. And it is further ordered that the said west line of said new school district No. 16 shall be the east line of Graham School Dis­ trict No. 8." 17 The Stockton Pass School District was formed in 1890.

It was to be known as School District No. 18, Stockton Pass,

and bounded as follows:

"Commencing at a point in Stockman (Stockton) Pass 200 yards southwest of the ranch house of H. H. Nutting, thence running south to the line of Cochise and Graham County, thence following the east side of the valley of the San Simon until said line reaches a point 300 yards

1!>. Ibid.. Issue of October 28. l885. 16. Graham County Bulletin. Issue of September 13, 1889. 17. M 5 . , Issue of July 18, 1890. 29

south of the ranch of Gebhart Cattle Company at present occupied by A1 Gillespie, thence in a straight line westerly to a point on the east side of Munson*s Cienega Wash 400 yards north of the ranch of Nathan ' Solomon; thence in a straight line to the point of commencement,M

In February of 1885, a new school had just been complet­

ed at Duncan, Duncan was then in Graham County, as shown by

Map No. 2, page 30, Built entirely by private subscription,

...... 18 its dimensions were twenty-four by thirty-six feet. It was

located at the head of Parks Street. The trustees were look­

ing for a male teacher for the school. The citizens of Dun­

can and vicinity, in order to liquidate the indebtedness of

their new school house and furniture, voted a school tax of „ 19 $1200. There was an almost unanimous vote in favor of the

tax. : - ;:. V ■ , .

-In December, Prof. D* W. McKay, the teacher, resigned

because the clerk of the school board had authorized the

school furniture to be taken up and the school room used for

a dance, Min opposition to the expressed will of the teacher,M 20 and the protest of the parents of the school children. It

was felt that the collection of the district- tax would be a

failure. The school reopened in January, 1887,-with a dif-- fereht teacher, W. Rollins, in charge.

Jn September, 1887, Miss C. W. Castlio was hired to

r s n ______ion. Issue of February 4. 1885. • > Issue of October 14, iSf" it: P 4.* * Issue of December 2, 18 30,

PINAL GRAHAM

PIMA

Map No. 2 Arizona in 1885, With Greenlee County as Part of Graham C o u n t y .... . ‘ ' 31 teach for the ensuing year, she being “a young lady resident of this vicinity." School began on Monday, September 12,

1887 with twenty pupils enrolled. The enrollment increased 21 as families-moved into town ta put their children in school*

The school in Clifton opened on Monday November 2, 1885, under the direction of Mr* E. L. Morse, of South Chicago*

All children residing in the district, between the ages of six and eighteen were admitted, without charge for tuition*

All instruction was in English, with school being held from

9 A. M. to 12 noon, and 1 P. M. to 3*30 P. M. There were thirty-five pupils enrolled* On recommendation of the teach­ er, Mr* Morse, the trustees ordered an unabridged dictionary and two primary charts for use in the school.

In August of 1886, the trustees hired Miss Maud Webster to teach for the ensuing year* School opened on Monday,

October 4, 1886, and closed on Friday, June 3, 1887* Mrs.

Reardon opened the school in September, 1887, as teacher*

Mrs. Carrie Ni Hunt taught in the neighboring townof Mor­ eno i in 1889. : ::

The county school report for Graham County made in

September, 1887, gives considerable information on the sta­ tus of the schools and education* It states that schools were maintained in the following districts* Safford, 2$

21. Ibid.. Issue of September 28, 1&87. 22, Ibid.. Issue of September 14, 1887* 32

Duncan, Clifton* Thatcher, andSolomonville; Pisa, 2$

Thomas, Graham, Grant, San Jose, Curtis (Eden), Central, and Aravaipa. Grant and Aravaipa had been formed the pre­ ceding April, The total number of pupils registered in the various districts were 692, of which 337 were boys and 35J) were girls. The number belonging to the various districts was 405 with an average daily attendance of 339* There were

233 volumes in the school libraries^ The average number of months school was held was 6 3/4. The average monthly salary paid teachers was $ 76.03, The total value of school property in the county was placed at $7,862.30. The County School

Superintendent said in the reportt

"The progress made by the schools of this county (See Map. No. 2, page 30.) during the past year are very gratifying. One school building has been complet­ ed and another constructed, leaving but five districts without suitable accomodations, and one of these has sufficient funds on hand with which to erect a school house and another has voted a special bond for this purpose. Three new school districts have been estab­ lished, one by the subdivision of old districts and two in sections of the country that never had any school facilities owing to the population not just­ ifying it. The absence of grammar schools is due to the fact that when children attain that age which would justify higher grade studies their services are generally required by their parents...... ,,<5<5

In 1887 the school law, as amended, provided that three

trustees should be elected that year, and trustees so elect­ ed should determine which one of them would hold office for

23. , 7 . ; . ■ ■■ , \'. / 33 one year, two years, and three years, respectively, and that each year thereafter, one trustee should be elected 24 to hold office three -yearsv 25 After the school elections of 1887 the paper complain­ ed that the’majority of citizens took but little interest in school matters. Out of the thirteen school districts, an election for trustees was held in only five, all of them being in the Gila Valley; viz: Fort Thomas, Pima, Thatcher,

Safford, and Graham, About $10,000 was expended yearly on

; : -■ * * T; y- . .. ' .. . ■ , , , the schools. - ; ^ ; :

The attitude of the toward education was re­ ported. fr - y..'.-'

; ^The Mormons, who have occupied a large portion of Graham County are a thriving industrious, law-abid­ ing 1 race, thoroughly alive td the-education of their children; although the seniors have been denied these advantages to a great extent.,"2°

The cause of education was constantly gaining a firmer financial base, for the taxable wealth of the county was constantly increasing. In 1885 the assessed valuation was

$1 ,159,518; in 1886 it was $1 ,180,000; and in 1887 it was

$2,004,992.27. in 1889 school funds were apportioned to the following districts: Safford, Duncan, Clifton, Thatcher,

Solomonville, Pima, Fort Thomas, Graham, Grant, San Jose,

24. Ibid.. I33ue of June i5, 18#^. ' " • 25. Ibid. , Issue of July 6j 1887. : / 26. Graham County Bulletin. Issue of April 26, 1889.

: -z r 't • - "T . -si.-- •'*‘1 34 27 Curtis (Eden), Central, and Aravaipa. 28 The first Teacher Vs Institute ever held in Graham

county was on Wednesday and Thursday, February 26 and 27,

1890, in Solomonville, We may get a view of the problems with which educators were concerned at that time, by exam-

ining the items which were on the program, which follows,

in part, ; : ,v-; - v .:: ; ' ; 3. '■ " ■. . • ' . " i ■■ i 5■■ «VAt 9'e?clock A. M. the meeting was-called to orderwith Judge Blake, Ex-officio County School Superintendent in the chair. The purposes of:the Institute were explained by the President, E. T. Ijams, of Solomonville. Frank Dysart, of Solomon­ ville, delivered the address of welcome. Fred Webb of Curtis (Eden) was appoint^ Vice-President} Mr. OUL; Durkee* of Ft. Grant, Secretary; and Miss Alice Hunter of Safford, Assistant Secretary; Those presents Henry Rupkey, Ft. Thomas; E. T. Ijams, Solomonville: Miss E. A. Adair, Clifton; Carrie N. Hunt, Morenci; Nellie Hilton, Duncan; Mrs. Anna Jeter, Pima; Mrs. Annie L. Groesbeck, Safford; John F. Nash, Layton; Leslie G. Webb, Pima? Fred Webb, Curtis (Eden): Seth C. Jones, Central; Thomas E. Williams, Thatcher; Edward M. East, Pima; Wm. Whipple, Pima; W. W. Damron, Solomonville; Alice C. Hunter, Safford; 0. L. Durkee, Ft. Grant.” 29 At the afternoon program on Wednesday, essays were

read on the subjects of ”Word vs. Alphabetical Method”,

"How to Teach the Second and Third Reader", "Teaching

Reading”, "Spelling” , "How to Improve the School Laws of

Arizona", "Morals and Manners in the School Room”, and

"How to Teach Grammer,"

27. Ibid. / i s s u e of April 26, 1889. 28. Ibid.f Issue of February 28, I 89O. 3?

At the program on Thursday morning essays were read on

"How to leach Primary Arithmetic?’, "Common Fractions*, "How

to Teach Writing", "How to Teach Geography", "Discipline in the School Rpomf1, and "Wages of Teachers** In the discuss­

ion which followed it was decided that wages of teachers were low. ' ■ 31 -'7': ' At the afternoon session on Thm-sday the committee on resolutions presented resolutions to -the effect that "Com-; pulsory education is necessary and beneficial", which was

decided in the affirmative. "That the infliction of punish­ ment should be in the hands of the teacher"$ decided in

affirmative. "That rewards and prizes are necessary to

keep up interest in school work." A negative decision was

given. "That children as school critics should be encour­

aged by the teachers." Decided in affirmative. "That all

the text books now in use in this territory, with the excep­

tion of Appleton's Geography and Copy Books, can be replaced

by others more desirable...... "That the writing class

should come immediately after the morning recess." Decided

that the proper time was immediately preceding recess.

"That we endorse the phonetics method of spelling." Decided

in the negative. "That there is not enough interest taken

by parents^ and trustees In our school districts;* Decided in

30. 31. 36 affirmative. "That parents should be held criminally re­ sponsible for the non-attendance of their children at school." Decided in the negative. After other resolutions, the meeting adjourned until the evening session, which was short, and was followed by a dance.

"...... and some of the grave and dignified tea­ chers could trip the light fantastic as successfully as they can manage a school room full of future pres­ idents." 32 33 The institute was "successful! in every particular."

32. J b W . 11. Ibid.. Issue of March 2?, 1890. CHAPTER V

EXPANSION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM 1891 to 1900

In the Safford school of 1892 Miss Clara Salkeld was 1 hired as principal and Frank Michaels as assistant* In

1894 the school closed in February after a term of five 2 months. In April of that year an election was to be held

to vote on the issuing of bonds in the sum of $3000 for

building an additional school house on the school lot on 3 block 46, which was near to the depot in Safford. The

election for issuing of bonds carried.

The following October a special election was called

for the purpose of voting a special tax to pay off the in­

debtedness of the district. Their intention was to sell

the school lot, which adjoined the depot site, and pur­

chase another site in a more suitable location. This was

to be done as soon as the bonds which were voted could be 4 sold. - - ...

In April, 1896, a petition to segregate part of Saf­

ford District Number 1 and add it to Layton School District

Number 14 was refused by the Board of Supervisors.

F o ! af c S f f e y II i r i § ? 4 ? epteaber 29* 1892< Issue of April 13• 1894. 1* Issue of October 19, 1894, It was evidently decided by the Board. of. Trustees of-

the Safford District, .that the sum of $3000 would not be.

sufficient for their, needs.. . In. July, ,1896 they, allowed the

Board of Supervisors to revoke the order, authorizing School

District No. 1 to issue bonds, without having taken any -

action. By August.. it .was-d ecided to .hold another ..school

election in Safford to decide the question of whether to ,

issue bonds in the amount of $5i500 to build and furnish a V V ■' 6 school house. The election carried by more than two-thirds V -~Vf‘ v:.. L.-": 1 ■ U - .v - vote. - “The bonds were offered ’for sale by ttie"Board; df Shper-

visors . They were td.be eleven in^number^of the:denomination

of $500 -each^ arid to run twenty 'years * and bear interest at t' V the rate of seven per cent per annum.

. In November, 1897, notice was given that proposals would be received for the erection of a school house in Saf­

ford. However, : by Dec ember another change had ,.taken place in

: ,V.-- their plans. The Board: of Trustees :had "decided td: annul'their : v ::o V:.,v.c - - -• : •' - - - I--- '•;: order •calling" for bids for the ;building of the. scHodr house. - 00 *- Instead "they -invited architects to draw up and submit plans

and specifications for a modern school house, two stories in

height, containing two rooms upstairs and two downstairs. It was to b e ’hot less than 24 b y 35* feet-inside, and all walls were to be of brick; ^The-cost was to be hot-more than 8 $5000;! •,

3> 1B96- 7. lEIdT.;Issue of August 21. 1896; 8. Ibid.« Issue of December 24, 1897♦ 39

In January, 1898, a s econd notice appeared a string for sealed proposals for"the erection of a school and the fur­ nishing of all materials. By February it -was thought that the new school would be ready for occupancy by the following

August 20. The trustees had awarded the contract for the building to R. A. Smith, Jr., and John Morris. Its con­ struction was to begin immediately. Pride in the new struc­ ture was evident: ......

MThis house, when finished, will be by far the most imposing school structure in the county and one that is badly needed. It also shows the liberal and progressive spirit of our people. Ihere you find good school houses, with good schools maintained within them, you will always find a progressive, wide-awake community.

A school election was to be held in March, 1898, in

Safford. Considerable intwest was evident:

“The new school house is now in the course of construction and those who are chosen tomorrow as trustees should not only be men who will work for the welfare of the schools, but also guard carefully the funds to be expended. It has been the purpose of the old board to grade the schools as soon as the new house is completed and make them second to none in the Territory.” 10

In regard to the reference to “guard carefully the . . " . - _ '• • • • • • v ; : • : - ...... ; ' . -/ ( •. . . • •" funds"!* we;may note that the Spanish-American War was

being fought at this time. It is also evident that a step

forward was being made in education in the grading of

SChOOlS. .'!l' :s

Issue of February iti. 1898. 10. Ibid. Issue of March 25, 1898, ' • •• , ; . . 40

By September the new school had been completed with the exception of a few details. It had been inspected and accepted by the trustees. The walls were of brick, and the outside measurement was thirty-eight by sixty-five feet. It contained four rooms, two downstairs and two up, each . . ; ; . x V „v: ■ • " ■ : ■■■ ' ■ ; - : vj.r twenty-four by thirty-five feet, inside measurement. A large blackboard was placed in each. The building had a seating capacity of about 250. The total cost was $5004.20.

The Teachers Institute was to be held in the new build­ ing in the fall. Its dedication was to be during the insti­ tute. On the Friday following a house warming was to be held in it for the purpose of raising funds for the purchase of a large bell.

School opened Monday, October 1, in the new building, with an enrollment of 167 pupils. By the next Monday the 12 enrollment had increased to 195* The plan for grading the school was carried out:

»It is the purpose of the teachers to follow the course of grading as nearly as it can be done. After our school has become graded we may reasonably expect a pupil who leaves our school while doing fifth grade work to enter the same grade in any city school, or a pupil who has finished our eighth grade to be ready for the high school on leaving for other schools." *3

The school in Pima was to close for the year In Feb-

ruary, 1891 i; Mr. David Weech says of this period in Pima $ Vv• v . : X: : v . 1 yj- ^

11. Ibid.. Issue of September 9, 1#98. ^ 12. Ibid.f Issue of October 19, 1900. 13* Ibid. Issue of October 19, 1900. 14. Interview with David Weecn in Pima, June, 1950. 41

"About 1892 the school house then in use had be­ come too small and so another brick structure of one room was built. It was about the same size and shape as the first white stone building. It was built be­ tween the present site of the Southern Pacific Depot and the cotton gin. The children in the west part of the town went to the white rock structure, and those in the east part went to the brick school. In 1898 a larger four-room brick structure was built, the^white rock and the brick building having become too small. This building was erected where the Pima High School stands today. It faced west. Two grades were held In each room, the school now being graded, and all eight grades being held. This was used until 1937, when it was torn down."

In 1893 three public schools opened in Pima, Mr. L.

V. Rosser was principal of the grammar school, and Mr. San­ ford and Mrs. A. R. Jeeter were in charge of the primary department. The attendance the first week in the three 15 schools was about 200. In October M r, Sanford resigned and W. W, Wilds filled the vacancy.

Four schools were opened In Pima in September, 1896, with an average attendance of thirty-five each. - John Nash was principal, with Miss Nellie Culver, Miss Alla Hdmesley and Miss Bertha White as primary teachers. Mr. Nash was ai 16 graduate of the Academy at Provo and the 17 ladies were all graduates of the territorial normal school.

In May, 1897, notice was given to the taxpayers of

School District No. 6 , Pima, of an election to be held •

11?. Graham County Bulletin, issue of September 29T 189%. lo. The forerunner cf the Brigham Young University. 17. Graham County Guardian. Issue of September 25, 1896. 42 for the purpose of bonding the district to build a school 18 house. The amount of bonding desired was $7,500.

In Marchi 1891, the Solomonvllle School District was without funds;They hoped to hold school two months longer, in spite of this fact. However, the school closed April 3,

1891• The cost of the new building had been greater than anticipated and the extra money needed was taken from the 19 teachers* fund.

In August, 1891, Miss Alice Hunter was hired as prin­ cipal at $70 per month and John W, Kolb was. hired as pri­ mary teacher at a salary of $60 per month. School was to open on the first Monday in October and was to continue for 20 six months. By October there were seventy pupils enrolled,

'Miss Clara Salkeld and Miss Lulii Olney were hired in

August, 1894, to teach the coming term in Solomonville, '

In December, 1891, W, M, Whipple was teaching in the school at Layton, A movement was on foot, in 1895, to unite the Safford and Layton districts for the purpose of building a new school. However, this was not accomplished until about 1914. ; .1

In May, 1899, the clerk of the board of the Layton

School District was ordered to post notices in the Layton

District submitting to the qualified voters four proposl-

1%. Ibid.« Issue of May 14. i W . 19* Graham County Bulletin. Issue of March 13, 1891. 20. Graham County Guardian. Issue of December 6, 1895* 43 tions* They were, first, to change the school house location; or second, to enlarge the present school house; third, to 21 issue school bonds; and fourth, to levy a special tax* & meeting of voters and taxpayers of the district was held in the school house on May 15> 1899* After discussing the four propositions, the proposition to enlarge the school house and vote a special tax to complete the addition was adopted*

The new building was to be 24 by 40 feet, outside measure­ ments. The Board of Trustees was instructed to proceed with the purchase of material and to enter into contracts for the 22 construction of the building.

The formation of the Lone Star School District was effected in September, 1892. (See map following page 133.)

A petition from nine heads of families in the area petition­ ed the Board of Supervisors to form the district. It was formed from parts of Solomonville School District No. 5 and

Layton No. 14, with boundaries as follows*

“Commencing at the Southwest corner of the North­ west # of the Northeast £ of Section 20 Township 7 South of Range 26 Bast; running thence East to the West line of Section 31? thence North to the Center line of Section 16; thence East to the West line of Section 14; thence South to the South line of Sect­ ion 27; thence West.to the Center line of Section 29; thence North along Center line to the point of begin­ ning. The boundaries of Solomonville and Layton School Districts are hereby changed to correspond to the boundaries of the new district.*' 23

21. Minutes of Layton School District Number 14, May 5» 1899. 22. Ibid., May 19, 1899. 23* Graham County Bulletin. Issue of September 2. 1892. 44

24 Mrs. Sarah Allred Hunt taught in 1896 and 1897 tn the

Graham School, She rode horseback from Thatcher across the

Gila River to Graham-and back each day. There were about

forty-five pupils, which included grades one to eight. Mrs.

Van Sicklin had taught in Graham the year before and James

Duke taught there the following year.

In July, I893, the Aravalpa School District Number 13 was reactivated, a petition for its reactivation having been

received by the Board of Supervisors. The district had lap- 25 sed due to sickness and other unavoidable causes.

In Fort Thomas, Miss Allie Hunter was teaching in Oc- 26 tober, 1893, with a "large number" of pupils. The term end­

ed, in March, 1894.

The people of the Matthews School District were pre­

paring to build a new school house in July, 1896. It was 27 to be ready for use in the fall,

Mrs. Sarah Allred Hunt taught in Bryce in about 1900,

She rode a horse from Pima on Monday and back on Friday,

each week. It was one-room school and there were about 28 forty-five children. * :r" -

In October, 1893, the school in Bryce began with Miss

BnmaC. Eastman of Los Angeles, as teacher*

24. interview with Sarab Allred Hunt In Thatcher, June, 1950. 25. Graham County Bulletin. Issue of July 28, 1893. . 2b, Ibid.. Issue of October 6, 1893. 27. Graham County Guardian. Issue of July 24, 1896. 28. Interview with Sarah Allred Hunt in Thatcher, June, 1950. 45

The school district of Geronlmo was formed in July,

1896, (See map following page 1J3.)

MA petition was presented by residents of School District Number 15 praying that a school district com­ prising all of section 14 and 11 in township 6 south range, 24 east Gila and Salt River Meridian and lying on the south side of the G U a River be formed $ it is ordered that the said sections described be made a PQ school district to be known as District Number 25.

In 1893 the Morenci school *s average daily attendance was forty-five. No school was being held in the neighboring town of Metcalf. This was very apparent to passers-by, who could observe many children of school age playing in the streets. ' ■

In 1894, Miss Harriet Gillespie was in charge of the

Morenci school, with about seventy scholars in attendance.

The Bonita School District had lapsed but was re-estab- 31 lished by the Board of Supervisors in July, 1896.

In San Jose, Mr. E. K. Healey had charge of the school in 1894. There were twenty-seven pupils in attendance.

The Central School opened in September, 1894, with forty-five pupils attending. Miss Josephine Cluff was again serving as teacher. In 1896, the school opened on

September 15, with Miss Cluff again in charge as principal.

Increased attendance made it necessary to employ an assistant * 32 for the primary grade.

29. Graham Countv Guardian. Issue of July 1. 1896. 30. Graham County Bulletin. Issue of December 1. 1893, 31. Graham County Guardian. Issue of July 17, 1896. 12. Ibid.. Issue of September 25. 1896. 46

Miss Allie Hunter opened the school in Clifton in 33 1894, with about seventy scholars.

In October. 1894. the first school started in Metcalf,

Mrs. Gibson was the teacher.

In 1895 a new public school house had just been complet­ ed at Thatcher. In 1896 Mr. J. A. Woods was principal of the school, James Duke had the intermediate department, and 32 Miss McRae the primary department. The grammar department was held in the new school house and the intermediate and primary departments were held in the Academy building. _ - 36 There were 185 pupils in attendance.

In 1898 an election was to be held for the purpose of voting bonds for building a new-school for the Thatcher

District. In April of that year the Board of Trustees ad­ vertised for sealed proposals to be submitted for the erec- 37 tion of a school house and furnishing all materials.

The first kindergarten in Graham County opened in June of 1899 at Thatcher.

MThe Academy Kindergarten was opened last Monday at Thatcher by Mrs. Lillian Maeser, with an attendance of thirty little tots. This is the first Kindergarten ever conducted in Graham County and should receive a liberal patronage for the training the young children receive therein is of such value it cannot be estimated. Mrs. Maeser is a graduate in Kindergarten work...... H 3o

33. Graham County Bulletin, issue of October 9f 1894. 34. Ibid.. Issue of October 9, 1894. 32. Grffismraham County ‘ ------Guardian. Issue of October 2, I 896. 36. Ibid.bid.. . juaauv Issue V*of VVOctober VU UBJL 23, , 1896. J.V7 37. Ibid.. Issue of April 28, 1899. 38. ibid.. Issue of June 30, 1899 47

The citizens of Thatcher were proud of their new school:

“The new school house since the tower was completed is a fine-appearing house and is commod­ ious and well appointed. The people of the district feel justly proud of their new house, and the trustees deserve credit for their untiring efforts in its erection,“ ™

The teachers of Graham County in 1891 and the districts in which they taught are given in the following table,

TABLE II

TEACHERS AND DISTRICTS OF GRAHAM COUNTY 1891

Teachers District Taught in

Alice E. Hunter— -— -— -Safford Nellie A* Hilton— — — — Duncan - A. E. Adair— — ------Clifton : ; Wealthy A, jD avis-— —— — Morencl Seth C, Jones--- — -— — Thatcher .. • Mrs, A, V* Kelly------— Solomonville , Mollie Murphy------Solomonville Mrs, A, R, Jeeter— — —— Pima ; Mrs, Rhoda E. Foster------Pima Wm» M, Whipple—— — — ——Pima Maud Croy— -— -— -— — — Ft, Thomas H. G. Boyle— — — — — — Graham Orpheus R. Durkee— — — -Ft, Grant J, H» Vaughn— — — -— — San Jose Fred Webb-— — — — ------Curtis(Eden) Josephine Cluff———————————Central - Imogens Van Sicklin— — Aravaipa J, L, Dunford— — — — Layton Leslie Webb--- — ------Matthews Pedro Michelena———— —— ———Mejia John Feldhaw------Bryce . Cora Stark— -----—— ---- Stockton Pass

In August, 1891, the County School Superintendent reported that the funds available for the schools proved

19. Ibid.. Issue of January 5. 1900. 40, Graham County Bulletin. Issue of February 6, 1891* 48 somewhat limited for the best educational results, A large percentage of children had not been enrolled in school. It was hoped that the compulsory school law which had recently been passed by the legislature^ and which had become effec­ tive April 2, 1899, would remedy this situation. The new law required that all children -between the ages of eight and fourteen must attend a public school twelve weeks dur- ,... >1 ing every year.

The County School Superintendent‘s Report of September 42 1891, to the Superintendent of Public Instruction shows that twenty-two schools were maintained in the county dur­ ing the preceding school year. There was one grammar school and twenty-one primary schools. The total number of children enrolled was 988, with an average daily attendance of 717e

The number of children between the ages of six and eighteen was 1514, showing that a great number of boys and girls of school age were receiving no education from the schools.

The average school term in the county was just under seven months. There were ten men and twelve ladies employed as teachers. Eight had first grade certificates and fourteen had second grade certificates. The average monthly salary paid teachers was $76,59* The highest salary paid was $105 per month at Thatcher and the lowest paid was $50 per month

41. ibid.. Issue of August 21. 1891. 42, Ibid.. Issue of September 4, 1891, 49 at Aravaipa; The total expenditure for schools for all pur­ poses was $15»472.0*>. Of this amount $9,882.55 «as spent for teachers1 salaries; $ 2,828.90 was spent for rents, repairs, and fuel; $545.00 was spent for school apparatus; and

$ 12,965*00 was spent for sites, buildings, and furniture.

School libraries were valued at $434.00; school apparatus was valued at $1 ,703.00. School property had a total val­ uation of $15,062.00.

Two new districts were organized in the county in 1891 and three new school houses were erected. The rate of school tax levied for that year in the county was fifty cents on the $100 of assessed valuation^ The board of supervisors continued the same rate for the next year, 1892. '

In 1891 the subjects taught in the schools included

Spelling, Reading, Writing, Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography, and Physiology.

The cost of education in the school districts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, are given below.

fv TABLE III T- COST OF 'EDUCATION IN SCHOOL/DISTRICTS OF GRAHAM COUNTY FOR ;FISCAL^YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1892 ' ■■ V‘'L V;: -,:T : Number DistrictExpenses, Number District Expenses 1 Safford--— ---$ 751.34 San Jose— — $ 703.00 2 Curtis (Eden)— " ‘cS f ton-----i-- 1 4 0 1 7 1 Central-— ---.^ S : 8 Thatcher------874.34 Aravalpa— — 359.69.6< Solomonyille— .1078.92 Layton— — — 1234.75 I Pima------Matthews— ---- 520.93 Ft. Thomas—— - 593*77 Graham— -— " o53*50' Ft. Grant————— 261.50

4^. Ibid.. Issue of August 12, I8v h . 50

The table shows that each district spent only an average of $706,20, This was only about ,7 per cent of the assessed valuation of the county. The assessed valuation of Graham

County in 1891 was $1 ,633>467.80; in 1893 it was $1,743,068,00.

Graham County’s population in 1893 was about 6500 persons, - living mostly in the Gila Valley,

In November, 1893, Mr. W. W. Damron, the County School • 45 Superintendent, visited six of the county schools. In

Solomonville he found Miss Hunter had the larger students, with twenty-one enrolled. She was conducting seventeen rec­ itations per day, while Mr. Kolb was holding ten class rec­ itations per day in the primary department. In Safford Miss

Clara Salkeld had charge of the larger students with fifty enrolled. She held seventeen class recitations each day; four reading classes, two of history, three of arithmetic, two of grammar, three of geography, two of spelling, and one physiology class. In Layton, Mr. John J. Birdno had charge of the larger students with twenty-nine girls and five boys enrolled. His school was organized with fifteen classes with the recitations lasting from fifteen to thirty minutes.

In Thatcher Mr. J. A. Woods had forty-eight boys and fifty- two girls enrolled. His school was well supplied with books and school apparatus. He also visited the school at Central, taught by Miss Josephine Cluff. The average daily attendance

44. ' Ibid.* I Issue of September 8 , 1893. 45. U S .+ I Issue of November 3, 1893. 51 was fifty. Miss Cluff held seventeen class recitations daily* The County Superintendent was of the opinion that

Wwe have as-good schools as can he found in Arizona.M

The Graham County Teachers Institute was held in 1893 47 on December 7 and 8. On Kiursday the meeting was called to order by County Superintendent, W. W. Damron. Reports were read on “How to Teach Morality and Patriotism,” “How to

Teach Language Lessons,” and “How to Teach the Four Funda­ mental Rules of Arithmetic.”

On Friday papers were read on "Physiology and Hygiene,”

“Physical Exercise,” “How to Teach United States History,”

“Teaching Geography,” “How to Teach Fractions," "Percen­ tage,” “English Grammar,” “How to Command the Attention of a Class During Recitation," and “Teaching Spelling and Chart

Exercise.”

In August, 1895, the County School Superintendent asked for $14,700 for school purposes for the following school year.

With this amount, each district could maintain school for eight months. The Superintendent reported^

"In this new country parents have to work so hard and continuously that the home education is neglected. This necessitates a greater interest being taken in selecting teachers and prolonging the school term.” 40 ; : '

% l H d . 4 *Ibidt, Issue of December 15, 1893. % County Guardian. Issue of August 23, 1895* 52

In August, 1897, there were thirty-two public schools in Graham County, every settlement being supplied. The total number of census children was 2408, The average length of the school term was seven months. The teachers were about equally divided between male and female. The . . .. . V.. 49 average salary paid to teachers was $75 per month.

The Pima School had the largest number of school chil­ dren in the county and employed four teachers. Next came

Solomonville and Thatcher, each employing three teachers.

The districts were all practically out of debt and the ave­ rage length of the school term was expected to increase, as a result. As a rule, competent teachers were employed, though there were exceptions to the rule, A county teachers institute was held annually. Teachers were required by law to attend and were paid for the time. Most of the districts in the county were provided with comfortable school houses.

The people were always liberal in all matters looking to the 50 betterment of the public schools^ -;

TheiTeachers Institute of 1897 was to be held in Pima, in November; The announcement saidx

"The men and women who have the grave responsi­ bility of instilling in the youthful mind the first principles of education will meet at Pima on the foll­ owing Monday and continue in session three days. These institutes are essential to the upbuilding of SfcSK Ja> Issue of August, 1&97, 53

our schools* The teachers exchange Ideas and their theories and practices are well ventilated* False principles that^are taught are sure to come out and be corrected*" 91

The census and average daily attendance of the thirty school districts operating in Graham County in 1899 is 52 ' ' shown in the following table*

TABLE IV

CENSUS AND AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE OF GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS IN 1899 \ ' District Census A.D.A* District Censu* A.D.

1 Ssf f 037(3 •*e*e*e,e,*eiwe*— 8^-— 72 l6 Bonita— —— 36— • 10 2 78«— - 27 17 Bryce— — — 37-- 3 Clifton---— — — — 298— — 72 18 Morenci— — 329*"* • 45 4 Thatcher— — -269— l8l 19 Metcalf-— ll6-- • 24 f Solomonvillo-— 165— - 82 20 tone - S ta r — *>9— . 28 6 PIbis*-—— w-*e-231"*w*l69# 5 21 C a rte r—— 38— 1 7 F t e Thomas----- 39-—— 23 22 Blue River— 4^— : 11 8 Graham— — — — ^2— — 29 23 Sanchez— 41— . 18 9 Goodwin------3O— — 24- 24 Shiloh— —* 32— • 25 10 San Jose— 36 2^ Geronimo— ^ 34— • 17 11 Curtis (Ed ©n)— 57— — 29 2o Hubbard— 19— • 19 12 Central— ------oO——— 44 27 Franklin— 47— ► 14 13 Aravaipa— — 21— - 9 28 Coon——— ——— 30—*- 18 14 I»sytott— — — 95***" 82 29 Lamb— 21*—', 14

15 Matthews— ---— 27——— 18 30 Day———————— 41— -• 11

It is evident from this table that a large per cent of the children were not enrolled or attending the schools*

In 1900 the Teachers Institute was to be held in August on lofty Mounty Graham, among the towering pines* This was surely.a daring venture for the educators of that day* For the site where it was to be held was accessible only over a tortuous wagon road winding up a canyon of the mountain*

<1* Graham County Guardian. Issue of.November 12 ’ lAov. 52* School Matters from 1882 to 1887* • 54

An announcement of the institute said:

“Everything is now in readiness for the Teachers Institute to be held August first to eleventh, inclus­ ive, on the summit of Mount Graham, a beautiful summer resort among the lofty pines, beautiful flowers and sparkling springs of a primeval forest.11 53 The institute was held at Columbine, summer resort on the mountain, and Professor Brimhall gave daily lectures along the lines of educational topics of the day*

5371 Issue of July 31, 1900* CHAPTER VI

CONSTRUCTION OF /NET SCHOOL; BUILDINGS •-AND: BEGINNINGS SZCxv Tj- - C O F SECONDARY'EDUCATION/ : OXTiC'.:

The thirty-four school districts operating in Graham

County for the term of 1900-1901 are shown in Table V*

TABLET

SCHOOL DISTRICTS' IN OPERATION IN GRAHAM COUNTY FOB SCHOOL YEAR OF 1900-1901

Safford Central Shiloh Duncan t Aravaipa Geronimo Clifton Layton Hubbard Thatcher Matthews Franklin Solomonville Bonltv Coon Pima Bryce - Lamb Ft. Thomas Morenci Day Graham Metcalf Emery Goodwin Lone star York San Jose Carter Benton Eden Blue River Lee Sanchez

The Safford School opened on September 2, 1901, with • 2 X: ; an enrollment of 135 pupils* A new well had been dug on the school ground. New window shades had been provided for the entire building. A very welcome addition of slate black­ boards were put in each room* By October the enrollment had increased to loO, which was the highest for that year. The teachers were Miss Caruthers, seventh and eighth grades; Miss

1, Graham County Guardian. Issue of March 15f 1901. 2, Ibid;" Issue'or October 4, 1901 3, IbTd.. Issue of November 28, 1901 56

Tuttle, fourth and fifth grades; Miss Tipton, second and third grades; and Miss Covert, *h© taught the first grade and the chart class.

The Safford School closed in April, 1902, with exer­ cises held In Todd’s Hall. The exercises consisted @# songs, . - ' . ■ 4 recitations, marches, and declamations, Safford boasted of one of the best schools in the county, and her progress in the matter of education and educational facilities in the past few years had been very marked. The school building, while quite large and commodious^ was fast becoming too small to meet the requirements of the community, and it was

evident that it would soon be necessary to make an addition to 'it. ■’ - ' ^ ;v

In August, 1902, the first preparations for giving

secondary instruction in Graham County are noted. The trustees of the Safford School announced that a ninth grade would be organized and taught that year, provided suffi­ cient pupils of that grade were present on the first day of . . ■ . - 6 school to justify such action.

The Safford School opened September 1, 1902, with an

enrollment of 142, which had increased to 151 by the end of

the week. The first month of school was largely a review 4

4. Ibid., Issue of April 25, 1902.

6. Ibid.. Issue of August 8. 1902. 57

of the work o f ; the previous year. This seems to have been

the common practice of the schools at that time. The review

helped those pupils who had dropped out early the year before,

A small class had enrolled in the ninth grade. Miss Fismer 7 was to have.charge of the drawing ami music in all grades.

In October, the ninth grade in its work in literature

was studying the life and works of Washington Irving,

Graduation exercises of the Safford Public School were

held May 1, 1903. There were four graduates and they were

the first to receive diplomas from the Safford School; The

program consisted of dehlamatldns^byi'the/.^pils-t ?'The @reat.

WestH; and "Home History", Following the presentation of 9 diplomas, a Ribbon Drill was given by the seventh grade.

The Safford Public School opened in the fall, September

17, with 172 enrolled. The teachers wer e Elizabeth Carm-

thers, principal; Miss Maud Hord, intermediate$ Miss Cath­

erine B. Rudd, second primary; and Miss Faueett, primary.

All of the teachers were graduates of Normal Schools, The

compulsory school law was to be enforced. Those boys seen 10 on the streets of Safford in the past must go to school.

By the end of September the enrollment had increased to

219, which was the largest it had been any opening month*

7. Ibid.. Issue 0^ September 5, 1902. 8. Ibid.. Issue of, October 10, 1902._ 9. ;• > Issue of April 24, 1903. 10. > > Issue of September 11, 1903. This wasdue partly to the fact that the school had been opened to children from surrounding districts, who were duly transferred, taytoh had transferred all pupils of the higher 11 grades to Safford*

.In 1905 the Safford School closed in March, Its early closing was a matter of regret to all its patrons-as the school had progressed so well that term. The County School

Superintendent gave Safford credit for having the most thor­ oughly}' graded public school in Graham County. Three years previously the Safford School had been the first in the county to have graduation exercises in which pupils from the eighth grade were given certificates showing they had finished the grammar grades, and which admitted the holders to admittance to high school. Grading schools in Arison® was not an easy task owing to the transient character of a large part of the population. The irregular length of the school terms was another obstacle. The Course of Study . furnished by the Territorial School Superintendent called for eight months work, but this was the exception rather, than the rule. In May, 1904, joint graduation exercises for those schools who wished to participate* were held in

Safford. This year, 1905^ they were to be held in Pima, the evening of March 31. The graduating class from Safford

11. Ibid.. Issue of October 9, 190%. 12. lEI*., Issue of March 31, 1905. 59 was composed of Mary Houck, Essie Houck, Lillie Jacobson, and Maggie McLaughlin*

In September, 1905* the trustees of Safford expressed a desire that all children of school age attend the public school. The school laws provided compulsory attendance for pupils between the ages of eight and fourteen, inclusive.

The trustees stated it was their intention to enforce the law. Parents or guardians were to call upon the trusteest if their-children.were not attending, in order that the children might legally?be excused from attendance*

The date of closing of the Safford School in 1906 was

April 20* Because of the irregularity in dates of closing the various schools that year, no effort was made to hold 14 joint graduation exercises*

Miss Emma - Faucett, who had taught for two years in the primary room in the Safford School, was engaged for the year,1906-1907, as a teacher in the training department of . ' 15 ' “ the Tempo Normal School.

Graduation exercises for the eight graduates were held

May 8, 1907* President Andrew Kimball gave the graduation 16 address* : v ■ :r '

In May, 1907, the trustees of Safford asked parents

13* ibid.. Issue of September 22. 1905. 14. Ibid.. Issue of March'31, 1906. ; 15# Ibid.. Issue of August 2, 1907. 16. I W d ., Issue of May 3, 1907. 60

and guardians to make application as to the number of pupils

they would send to the ninth end tenth grades the next Sept­

ember. The board desired to make a beginning in high school work, but did not want to hire an extra teacher unless there 17 were enough applicants to make a class in either grade. In 18 June they decided to establish a ninth grade*

The Safford School opened in 1908 on September ?♦ The

teachers were Miss Gillie Archer, primary and first grade;

Mrs. J. N, Stratton, substitute for second and third grades;

Miss Rosabel Surerus, fourth and fifth grades; Miss Mabel

Westerman, sixth and seventh grades; and Miss Lucy H. Purdum was to teach grade eight, and nine and ten of the high 19 school. However, no tenth grade was established* Ih March 1909 the County School Superintendent sent a

check for $1035 In payment of gold bonds Humber One and Two

of the Safford School District No* 1* This was the first

payment on the bonded indebtedness incurred in 1897 by the

district. At that time eleven bonds were sold, valued at

$500 each with interest. Since then nothing had been paid

on the indebtedness, except the interest, which amounted to 20 $35 on each bond. At that time the district was confront­

ed with the problem of how to find room for the increasing

17* Ibid.. Issue of May 24. 1967, lo. Ibid.. Issue of June 7, 1907. 19. TBfd.. Issue of September 11, 1908. 20, ibid.. Issue of March 12, 1909. 61 attendance of school children. The school building, with its four rooms, would not accomodate the different grades.

It was evident that new quarters were needed. It was sugg­ ested that by a special tax levy of $1.50 per $100, the in- 21 dehtedhess of $4^00 could be wiped out in one payment.

- At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Safford

District in April, 1909, a ruling was adopted that in the employment of new teachers, only those applicants showing the highest grade of training and experience would be employed. The trustees had received twenty applications for teaching positions.

The question of providing additional school room was taken up. The steady increase in attendance of pupilsj especially in the primary grades^ had caused a condition of overcrowding to exist. To alleviate this situation, a frame building was leased on Tenth Street and fitted up as a school-room-for the primary and first grade children*

The matter Of providing additional school room was discuss­ ed. -The plan of calling for an election to levy a special tax for the purpose of paying off the bonded indebtedness was not considered feasible due to the fact that it would re­ quire fully three months to levy and collect a special tax.

It.would require a much longer time to rebond and realise money on the sale of bends to build an addition to the school building. Therefore, it was decided to place before

21. Ibid.. Issue of March 26. 1909. "" 62

the taxpayers the proposition of levying a special tax to raise funds to build two additionalrooms to the school

building. If the proposition carried, then the two rooms

could be ready for the hew school term. When the district was out of debtj^such building facilities as were required,

could be added*

• Accordingly, a special electiocr was called for May 8,

1909, for the purpose of levying a tax to raise funds to

build the two additional rooms to the school building* It was argued that the arrangement of securing more school room 23 outside the school was not only unsatisfactory but expensive*

The election carried, and notice was given to bidders -that

bids would be received for construction of the two rooms on 24 June 10* The contract was let in June and werk started 25 immediately. It was to be finished by October 1*

In September, 1909, the Safford School opened with an

enrollment of 218. The largest increase was in the primary

grade with seventy-one children enrolled* By October the

number had increased to ninety-six and the trustees were:

forced to elect an additional primary teacher. The teachers

were Mrs* A. IU Goldman, Chart class and first grade; Miss

Marie V/ingate, second and third grades; Miss Margaret Hunter,

62. Ibid. r Issue of April 16, 1909* ” S: sr» oi ... 25* Ipid.T Issue of June 2>, 1909# 63 fourth and fifth grades; Miss Gillie Archer* sixth and seventh grades; and Miss Lucy H.Purdum, Principal, and eighth and ninth grades* Professor %a, M* Claydon was to teach vocal music. In the ninth grade the subjects Included 26 Algebra, Ancient History, Literature, Rhetoric, and Latin*

At this period the practice was widespread: of holding two examinations per, year, one at mid-term and the other near the end of the school year* Those who failed the mid­ term examination were put back a grade and those who failed the other were not promoted* This was done "to maintain 27 the perfect grading of the school."

In May, 1910, Doctor Kendrick C. Babcock, President of the university of Arizona visited theSafford Public School.

He expressed himself as highly pleased with the showing made by the school, especially the eighth grade* The work in this grade was highly satisfactory, so that pupils finishing the required eighth grade course would be entered without exam­ ination to the work of the prepatory department of the

University. A number of Safford students expected to enter 28 the university in the fall* : : :

The school closed on Thursday, May 19. There were : nineteen graduates that year*

In May, 1907, a bond election was called for Central

26. Ibid.. Issue of October 1%, 1904. 27. ibid., Issue of January 28, 1910. 28. Ibid*. Issue of May 13, 1910. 64

School District No. 12, to vote on the qoestion of issuing bonds for the purpose of building and furnishing a newschool house in the district* The amount of the bonds was to be 29 $2800. The election was to be held in June, 1907. The election was favorable for Issuing the bonds. & special school tax election was held March 28, for the purpose of raising an additional $1300 to be added to the amount of the bonds, so that a larger school building could be erect­ ed. The election for this additional amount was also favor- 30 able. A bid was let and work begun immediately.

By the first week of January, 1909, school was being . - . : held in the new building, although it was not entirely fin­ ished • The dedication of the building took place on January

14, at a program to which all the taxpayers, friends* and patrons of the school had been invited^ The dedicatory prayer was offered by Bishop A. S. Porter.. After the pro- 31 gram basketball and baseball games were played.

In Pima the school opened on September 2, 1901. Since the terms had been short, strenuous efforts were to be made to keep the school in session for seven or eight months.

Three teachers had been engaged from the "Salt River coun- 32 try." The term closed March 28, 1902, after a term of

seven months. : ^

29. Ibid., Issue of May 17. 1907. 30. Ibid.« Issue of April 3, 1908. 31. Ibid*) Issue of January 22, 1909. 32. ibid.. Issue of September 6, 1901. 65

An election was held in the Pima School District No.

6 on June 17, 1903, for the purpose of voting on the quest­ ion of bonding the district to build a new school house, 33 The amount of the bonds was to be $3500, However, these bonds were never issued, but new bonds for the amount of

$3800 were voted, and in April, 1904, the trustees called for proposals for building the new school, and work was soon started. The amount realized from the bonds proved insufficient, and in 1909 the people of Pima School DisV trict held an election to decide the question of levying a special tax to pay off a debt of about $2000 owed on their -• ■■■ . . ,, - . . 34. new school house. The vote favored the special tax.

The Pima School closed a successful term of eight months in April, 1910. There were nineteen members in the graduating class which, according to County Superintendent

Woods, was the largest class ever graduated from any Gra­ ham County school.

In July, 1907, the Shilon (Rediand) School District having lapsed, was joined to the Ft. Thomas District. (See map following page 133.)

A n election was held May 17, 1909 in the Ft; Thomas

School District to decide the question of issuing bonds to build a school, furnish it, and Improve the school grounds.

33* Ibid., Issue of May 29, 1903# 34. 2bi&., Issue of November 19, 1909. 35. Ibid.. Issue of July 12, 1907. 66

The amount of the bonds was to be four per eent of the value of the taxable property of the district. This was estimated 36 to bevabout $1000. The election was favorable, the bonds were Issued and sold, and work was soon begun. Graduation exercises for the eighth grade elass were held in the new building June 3, 1910. Although this was the first graduat­ ing class in the history of Ft. Thomas, the class was Nsec- ond to none in Graham County.M .

On April 26,.1909 the Lone Star School District No. 20 held a bond election to decide the question of issuing bonds in the amount of $2500 for building and furnishing a new school. The vote was favorable for issuing of the bonds, and in August of 1909, the lumber school house in Lone Star was sold. , ■. , ...... - .

In the Duncan School District an election was held

November 9, 1907, for the purpose of voting on a bond issue.

The vote was unanimously in favor of the Issue of bonds, but a defect was found in the proceedings for bonding the dis- trict^and the petition was referred back for further ac­ tion. A new election was held March 7, 1908, for issuing of bonds in the amount of $5,400. The election carried.

The district advertised in June for bids for building of

a four-room two story school. It was to be either of brick

367 Ibid., Issue of May 7, 1909. Ibid., Issue of June 10, 1910. I k Ibid., Issue of April 9, 1909. 39. Ibid., Issue of December 6 , 1907. 40. Ibid., Issue of February 21, 1908. or of cement blocks.

In Clifton, in 1905, two public schools were open on

Chase Creek. One was under-the management of the trustees of District No. 38, and the other under the management of the trustees of District No, 3* There was considerable - • " - ■■ ■:. • ■- ■ . 41 friction in school matters, and it was steadily increasing.

The trustees of North Clifton School District No. 3 refused to obey the order of the Board of Supervisors consolidating that district with the South Clifton School District No. 38, and called a special election for November 4, to decide the question of consolidation. "It's an ugly fight and is hurt- 42 ...... , . ing education in these parts."

The result of the election showed 496 opposed to con­ solidation with South Clifton, and twenty-four favoring con­ solidation. It was charged that*

"None but those residing in District No. 3 were allowed to vote. All Mexicans in the employ of the company were filed into the polls by companies, and in most cases their ballots were handed them already filled out. There was much loud talk and ugly threats but peace was finally restored without bloodshed."

In December of 1900, Morenci School District was adver­ tising for bids for the building of a modern brick school house. : - ;

In 1905 the County Teachers Institute was held in Mor­ enci,from January 3 to 6. It was well attended, there being

41. ibid., Issue of October 1%, 190*). 42. Ibid.. Issue of November 3* 1903. 43. ibid., Issue of Nobember ly, 1905. about sixty teachers present. The teachers were escorted 44 through the Ryerson mine and «seemed to enjoy it very much.”

The Artesla School District No. 4 0 was established

July 6, 1903, withboundaries as follows*

"Beginning at the northwest corner of Section 30, Township 8 , south of range 26 east of Gila and Salt River Meridian, thence running east four miles to the northeast corner of Section 27, Township 8, range 26, thence running south to the south line of Township 9, south of range 26, thence running west along said line to the southwest corner of Township 9, south of 26 east, Gila and Salt River Meridian, thence running north to point of beginning.” The County School Superintendent's Annual Report of

July, 1901, to the Territorial School Superintendent showed the schools of Graham County to be in ”exceptionally healthy condition.” The total number of census children in the county was 4030. The total number enrolled the preceding year was 2743. The average attendance has 1656. Fifty- ' •- ' . . • ■-» ... "• - « * ■ . • ' . ' four teachers had been employed in the county. The average

salary for male teachers was $64.09. For female teachers

it was $£)8.7£?s The average term for school in the. county was six months. There was a surplus of funds,left which .

could have kept every,school in the county for a term of two months longer. If school was not to be kept long enough to

use the money the Board of Supervisors would undoubtedly cut

down the appropriation. The schools closed at the end of

44. Ibid.; Issue of January 6. 1905. 45. Ibid.. Issue of July 10, 1903. 46. S M . , Issue of July 19, 1901. 69

six months because of the decrease in attendance. The

County Superintendent advised the districts to begin earlier

in the fall. The Board of Supervisors had just formed two new school districts in the county, one on the Blue River,

named Dix, and one south of Thatcher, named Provo.

The Teachers Institute and Summer Formal was held at 48 Montierth's Grove from August 20 to August 30, 1901. Prof­

essor R. H. H. Blome, of the Territorial Normal was instruc­

tor. Lectures were delivered on Psychology; The stream of

consciousness, The child as a behaving organism, Education

and behavior, Impressions and reactions, Native and acquired

reactions, What native reactions are, The laws of habit, The

association of ideas, Attention, Interest, Memory, The aeqi-

sition of ideas, The will-The perfect type-toe balky will.

Also on united States History and Civics* Early dis-

coveries-The influence of the Spanish Armada, Settlement of

Virginia and Massachusetts, Representative Government-Tax­

ation, The French Wars, The War of the Revolution-Causes,

Campaign of the War of the Revolution, The Articles of Con­

federation and the Constitution, The English Constitution

Contrasted with that of the United States, Nomination and

Election of the President, Washington1s Cabinet-Hamiltoa,

Reading and Literature-Composition, Methods of Teaching

47. Ibid. ~ ~~ ' — — — 48. A large grove of cottonwood trees located about half way between Safford and Thatcher. 70

Readihg-What to write-How to read, Composition-How to teach

it, Composition and Grammar, Composition and Geography,

Composition and History, Composition and Literature, Com­

position as a Means of Expression^ Composition and Spelling,

"Beginners Round Table"$ Qualifications and responsibilities

of the teacher, Preliminaries to securing a position, The

beginning work, Course of study and dally program, Detailed

hints on conducting a recitation, Beginner’s problems.

School records and reports, Problems in organization and

managing, Specific cases in discipline, and Responsibility 49 of beginners,

: The Graham County Teachers Association had been organ­

ized with Professor John H. Hash, as president. This or­

ganization met October 5, 1901, and were addressed by Pro­

fessor Emil Maeseron the subject of "Work of Teachers in

Ungraded Schools," The purpose of the meeting was to com­

plete the organization of the association and to adopt rules

to govern a circulating library. It had been the consensus

of opinion at the Teachers’ Institute held in August, that

a teachers circulating library be established. The library

was to be kept in the County Superintendent’s office* Mem­

bership fees were set at one dollar. The books put-in the

library were to be on subjects such as Theory and Practice

w . iian. Issue of July 26. 1901. ■ ■ n of Teaching, School Management, School Ec School Ar­ chitecture, Mental and Moral Philosophy, Political Economy, " '- - 50 Philosophy of Taste, and Science of the Beautiful,

In July the County Superintendent chided the schools because a number of the districts had closed school with a large surplus of cash on hand* The trustees closed school at the end of six months^ as soon as attendance began to fall in the spring. The purpose was to enable them to show a larger attendance for the year. The superintendent asked that all the money be used in conducting the schools, and that all districts hold school for eight months. Every school in the county should begin the first Monday in Sep­ tember, hold eight months of school, and dismiss near the 51 first of May.

The Graham County Teachers1 Institute was held in 52- August, 1902, in the Layton Church, which had been deco­ rated with national colors consisting of flags and bunting*

Professor Everett Shepardson of Los Angeles spoke on "Nine

Talks on Principles of Method of Teaching.M Other talks were given on "School Management," and [email protected] Pro­ fessor P. Yale Adams of the University of Arizona spoke on history, civics, professional teaching, and the Indi^

Vidual methqd.

*>0. Ibid.. Issue of October iW? 1901. 51. - Ibid.« Issue of July 4. 1902. 52. Ibid.. Issue of August 22. 1902. 72

In August, 1902, the County School Superintendent es­

timated the minimum amounts which would be required to main­

tain the schools of Graham County from July 1, 1902, to 53 June 30, 1903. The amounts are given in Table VI*

TABLE VI

AMOUNTS ESTIMATED BY COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RE SQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE SCHOOLS OF GRAHAM COUNTY FROM JULY 1, 1902, TO JUNE 30, 1903.

Amount District Average District Needed Census Attendance

# 1 Safford------$2960------2 Duncan--- — — 760------——- 3 Clifton------2820------4- Thatcher— —— — 4340————————— — 5 Solomonville— 2000———————————— o pima—————————— 286O———————————— 7 Ft, Thomas---- 500-— -— ---- 8 Graham------— 660— ------9 Goodwin——————— 400———————————— 10 San Jose— ———— 980———————————— 11 Eden—————————— 106O———————————— 12 Central——————— 1140— —————————— 13 Aravaipa— ———— 500———————————— 14 Layton——————— 1400———————————— 15 Matthews—————— 500———————————— lo Bonita——— ———— 500———————————— 17 Bryce-— -— -— 700------18 Morenci——————— 4140———————————— 19 Metcalf— ————— 1120———————————— 20 Lone Star----- 500------21 Carter— — —— 680------22 Blue River—— — 500————————— —— 23 Sanchez— -— 500————————— —— 24 Shiloh———————— 500———————————— 25 Geronimo— — — 400— — ———————— 2o Hubbard— — — 780———————————— 27 Franklin— — 860———————————— 28 Coon------— 500------— 29 Lamb------500------30 Day------500------31 Emery------500------32 York------500------33 Benton———————— 500———————————— 34 Lee------500------35 Dix------500------36 Provo------500------— __

53. Ibid., Issue or August 15, 1902. 73

In August, 1903, the County School Superintendent estimated that it would require $41,060 to maintain the county schools for the school year 1903-1904. The amount 54 for each district is shown in Table VII.

TABLE VII

AMOUNTS ESTIMATED TO MAINTAIN GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1903-1904

Amount District Average District Receivable Census Attendance rt 1 Safford------$ 25>60— 2 Duncan-— — — - 580— 3 Clifton— :------5620-— 4 Thatcher— -— -- 4060— 5 Solomonville— - 1800———1 6 Pima— — — ------2800——— 7 Ft. Thomas— — - 500— 0 Graham------— - 620— 9 Goodwin— --- - 10 San lose— -— -- 820— 11 Eden— ------960— 12 Central— ---— - o20**—— 13 Aravaipa— — «* 500— 14 Layton------1660--- 15 Matthews------lo Bonita------$00----- 17 Bryce— — ----- — o20— — 18 Morenci— — 19 Metcalf— — — 1060— — 20 Lone Star— — — - ■ $20**weeM 21 Carter— 78O— 22 Blue River— $60——— 23 Sanchez— — — w $ 0 0 www4 24 Shiloh------— $00"~*""" 25 Geronimo------$00----- 26 Hubbard------,w 7 8 0 - — 27 Franklin— 8 2 0 —- - 28 Coon-— — — -— — $oo*~—* 29 Lamb— ------_ $00— 30 Day— — ---- - $00----- 31 M e r y ------iw $oo*»—•* 32 York— ------$ 0 0 - - 33 Benton------— — $00"*— 34 Lee— ----- _ 240— 35 Dix— ------$00--- 36 Provo------— $00— 37 Gutherie— ---- — $00****** 38 Hill— — — - 680— 39 Coronado------400--- 40 Artesla-----— 4 0 0 - - Totals $ 4 1 /0 6 0 4453 loBl

547 Issue of August 28, 1903# The Grahaa County Teachers* Institute was held December

21 to 23) 1903) in Thatcher* Reports were given oh, "Work of Principals|^ "Preventing Children From Using Improper language," "Laying Foundations for Good Reading," "Language and Primary Reading," "How to Overcome Obstacles to Success­ ful Results with Mexican Children*" "School Libraries,"

"School Yard Discipline)" "Humber Work,* "Mature study,"

"Geography of Arizona," and "Geography in the Primary Grades."

The subject of joint graduation exercises for pupils who fin­ ished the eighth grade, was discussed.

Of the teachers of Graham County in attendance, twenty- i five were from Arizona, four from Hew Mexico, one from Ohio, three from Nebraska, three from Iowa, six from California, three from Michigan, one from Hew York, eight from Texas, three from Kentucky, one from Arkansas, one from Missouri, one from Alabama, one from Mississippi, three from Colorado, and two from Kansas. Of the twenty-five from Arizona, nlne- teen were from Graham County.

At the Institute it was decided to hold joint graduation 56 exercises. Accordingly, on April 22, 1904, graduation ex­ ercises for all the public schools of the western part of

Graham County were held in Safford. Similar exercises were held in Clifton for schools in the eastern part of the county.

Joint exercises were again held in Pima on March 31$

55* X W d . , Issue of January 1$, 1904. “ 56. Ibid., Issue of April 15, 1904. 7f

1905, Thirty boys and girls from the public schools of the

Valley marched on the:stage and took their seats by schools, preparatory to receiving certificates showing they had com­ pleted the work of the eighth grade. The girls were dressed in pure white and adorned with their school colors. The stage, which was decorated with flowers, reflected credit on Miss Douglas, the principal of the Pima School. The opening song was by the Dayton School, which was followed by the-invocation. The welcome address was given by Albert

Sims of the Pima School. Elllie Jacobson then read an essay on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Leonora Layton of Thatcher gave a piano solo. Arza Judd of Pima School.did himself and his school credit by a paper on "Good Government.n One of the most enjoyable numbers of the program was the song "The 57 Arabic Ride," by the Thatcher class. _ Pay Montierth of the

Layton School delighted the audience by a humorous recita­ tion on a modern Maud Muller, who met the judge on the high­ way, as they stopped to repair their ”bikes.M A piano solo was played by Alice Birdno. Essie Houck of Safford gave a recitation, NHow Ruby Played the Plano.*

The Solomonville School had not been able to reach

Pima owing to the inclemency of the weather.

Professor Larson of the Academy gave the address to the graduates. He emphasized the advantages the educated

5?* The writer’s sister. : : ■ - " Man o p woman has over the uneducated. Superintendent Moody then delivered the diplomas, calling thr pupils to the front by schools. As they returned to their places, two little flower girls, gave a bouquet of lilies to each pupil. The exercises closed with a song by the Pima School, ©f the graduates, four were from Safford, eight from Thatcher, nine from Pima, six from layton, and two from Lone Star,

The certificates given to the pupils entitled them to admission without examination to the territorial normal school, to the University, and:to the high schools.

The graduates were Essie Houck, Mary Houck, Maggie Mc­

Laughlin, Lillie Jacobson, Katie Biaszard, Ima Jones, James

John, Edward Hoopes, Leonora Layton, Minnie Layton, Nellie

Hash, Jettie Nichols, Mary Rose, Dan McKenzie, Hazel Collins

Johnnie Shivers, Lucy Adams, Roy Collins, Roy Green, Haney

Sims, Arza Judd, Mabel Allen, Nora Anderson, Mattie Haynie,

Alice Birdno, Charles Rogers, Alice Nuttal, Leola McFate,

Albert Sims, Ervin Rollins, Irene Morris, Pearl Montierth, 58 59 Pay Montierth, Lola Fonda, and Walter Tidwell.

In 1905 there was much agitation for the joining of school districts in order to secure a high schooli That a high school was much needed was apparent to all. It was: . thought that the population and wealth of the area of the

G H a Valley was great enough to support such a school.

5B. the writer ^ s sisters. “ ■ 59* Graham County Guardian. Issue of April 7, 1905. 77

The Safford and Layton distriets together had a population greater than 1000, and hy joining with them the districts of 60 Graham and Lone Star, the population would exceed 2000, The trustees of the various distriets were urged to push the mat­ ter without further delay* It was argued that it would be necessary to send the graduates from the eighth grade away from home to complete their education at an expense of at 61 least $25 each, per month# and many parents were not able to meet this expense.

It was thought that Gaff©rd, Layton, Lone Star, and

Graham districts, being contiguous, should join together to

establish and maintain a high school. The pupils of these

districts could then receive higher instruction at home, and

at less cost, than if they had to go away from home to school*

The school could also serve pupils from other surrounding dis- 62 tricts. ,

The assessed valuation of Graham County was $6,000#000, which was ample to support a county high school* The schools

of the county were hy that time so thoroughly graded, that,

entrance of their graduates into the high school would have

posed no difficulties. Some of the families of the Gila

Valley had moved to California and other locations on account

of the fact that the Valley had no facilities for the higher

education of their children. Those in authority were asked

> , Issue of May 26, 1$>$. j&., Issue of May 26. 1905. IP Ibid.. Issue of June 16, 1905* to push the matter toasuccessfulconclusion*

Accordingly, a meeting of the trustees of the Graham,

Safford, Layton, and Lone Star school districts was called for July 15, to discuss the proposition of a union high 64 school* The matter was thoroughly discussed at the meeting*

But it was decided to postpone any further action except to circulate a petition to the effect that County Superinten­ dent Moody be asked to order an election of the four dis­ tricts named, for the purpose of combining for the establish­ ment of a high school. Any definite action was postponed in order that Solomonville could join in the petition as rep­ resentative men of that town wished to aid such laudable enterprise. It was thought the matter would be carried to 6 5 ■' ■ ' ■■■ V ! an early consummation.

In August petitions were being circulated in Safford,

Layton, and Lone Star districts asking the County Superin­ tendent to call an election to vote on the question of -■ - ' : ' 66 ; establishing a high school in these districts. The matter seems to have ended there, for the erection of a high school — - • - . 67 , - : building was not effected until several years later. It is evident that a commendable effort was made to accomplish the worthy enterprise.

Issue of July 9, 196^* ■ - - Issue of July 21, 1905. Issue of August 4, 1905. gh School Building in Safford was built in 1913-1914 n 68 In July, 1907, the County School Superintendentr s Re­ port to the territorial educational authorities shows the following totals for the year 1906-1907 for Graham County:

1906 1907

Enrollment—————————— 3 ,968v———————— 35638 Average Attendance— 2,193— --- — — 2,223 Census—— — — — — 4,384--- 4,971

Money Expended—*■— —$48,076— ———— —— $52,088 .• Receipts— -- — — $7,908— ---- — 69,090 Balance— ------— — 9,832— — — 17,001 Value of Property 92,4$4------; 92,709

The enrollment In the county schools had Increased sev­ enty over the preceding year, and the average dally atten­ dance showed an Increase of seventy* The census report showed a large Increase, especially in the eastern section of the county. The schools were in good financial eondi-

- ' : ■ . ... .: ' - . -■ ' ■■ ' : - '• " ■ • tion. On June 30, 1907 there was an expended balance of

$17,001*37 as compared to $9,833.19 on June 30, 1906. The amount expended for school purposes for the year ending

June 30, 1907 was $54,993.95 as compared to $$0,427.06 ex- ' 69 ' : pended for the year ending June 30, 1906*

During the year just ended Hill School District No. 38 had been created* Clifton had built a $15,000 school build­ ing, and Ft. Thomas, Central, Duncan, and York had built new

school buildings* Morenci and Bryce were in the process of

enlarging their present buildings. Many districts had buildings which were inadequate for their needs*

68. Graham County Guardian. Issue of July 19. 190^. 69. Ibtd. - : 8©

The County Superintendent recommended that the general school fund be devoted exclusively to the payment of teach­ ers. In some Instances forty per cent of the total received by the districts was used for contingent expenses. The aver­ age amount used for contingent expenses had been twenty-one per cent. A little over four per cent had been devoted to purchase of school apparatus and for library purposes. The

Superintendent recommended that teachers be paid better sal- 70 aries, so that better talent could be obtained.

In 1909> the Graham County Teachers* Institute was held conjointly with the Territorial Teachers* Association meeting

In Phoenix November 8 to 12, inclusive. The sessions of the meeting closed at 12*30 P. M. thus giving the teachers an : 71 opportunity to attend the Territorial Fair In the afternoons.

The report of the County School Superintendent for the year ending June 30, 1910, states that the districts In the county (See Map Ho. 3 , page 84i) had been fortunate in se­ curing the, services of Successful and experienced teachers, many of whom were making teaching their life work, and■were attending school during t h e .summer preparing theftselves for greater usefulness. During the year five high, twenty-four grammar, and seventy-one primary schools.had been maintained.

There had been two manual training departments and special

W. Ibid. : 71^ iDld.. Issue of October 22. 1909. teachers had given instruction in Music, and Drawing and

Domestic Art in the most pupulous districts, thus making advancement along many educational lines*

Teachers' salaries compared favorably with those paid in the past, and the grade teaching force had been increas­ ed, by eleven teachers#

The total enrollment for the year was 4,950 which was an increase of 560 over the previous year* The average daily attendance was 3,010, which was an increase of 227 over the previous year, the average number enrolled being

3,245, an increase of 233* The school population was 5,949, which was an increase of 282. The per cent of enrollment of the school population had been greater for the past year than any other year* v .. -

The total receipts, including the balance from the prev­ ious year, was $99,546*39* - Expenditures for school mainten­ ance was $81,448.37, leaving an unexpended balance of

$18,098.02, which was $10,160.68 more than the previous year.

The amount of outstanding bonded indebtedness was $37,460*00 and the approximate value of property in the bonded districts 72 was $1,766,000.00.

During the period of 1900 to 1910 the practice of teach­ ing vocal music in the public schools became widespread. In

August, 1904, nine schools had contracted for vocal music to

7271 Issue of August 12,1910. 82 be taught in the school for the next term. Among the schools were Lebanon, Bayton, Pima, Matthews, Bryce, Hubbard, and

Graham. Lessons in these schools were to be given by William

Moore Claydon. At Safford the lessons were to be given by

Miss Fausett. At Thatcher they would be given by Professor

Frank Wightman, who also was to teach vocal and instrumental ‘ • . ' 73- music in the Academy.

In August, 1905, William Moore Claydon had contracted to give musical instruction in all of the six departments of the Thatcher Public School. He was also principal of the music department of the Academy. The pupils of the Layton

School were to have six lessons per week from him. The town of Layton was also to have a juvenile chorus of about thirty voices to meet every Saturday under Mr. Claydon’s direction#

Mr. Claydon met twice a week with the brass band for practice 74 and with the Layton Ward Choir every Thursday. Music was in­ deed becoming popular in Graham County. 75 The Gila Valley Parent and Teachers* Association met on the last Friday of each month, having been organized during this-period. It was the antecedent of the Parent-Teacher

Association which are organized in each of the larger schools of Graham County today.

Inter-school sports also started during this decade.

73. ibid.. Issue of August 1^T 1904. ' .. 74. Ibid., Issue of August 4, 190$. 75. Ibid. f Issue of February 11, 1910. 83

Baseball and basketball were the main games played, and were played by both boys and girls. The weekly paper,

The Graham County Guardian, published in Safford, con­ stantly reported the games played between the schools and their results. Considerable rivalry sprang up between the towns which has continued, in some cases, up to the pres­ ent. 84

4£!rs®w‘,/’1

Map No. 3 Graham County in 1911 Before Greenlee County Was Set Off CHAPTffi VII

THE FIRM ESTABLISHMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

The Safford Public School opened Monday^ September 5$

1910, with ah enrollment of 240 pupils, which far-exceed­ ed the enrollment of the previous year. The teaching staff consisted of Mrs. A. R. Goldman, first grade, Miss Ella '•

Bassist, second grada, Miss Bertha Brownlee, third and fourth grades, Miss Anna Pickles, fourth and fifth grades,

Miss Margaret Hunter, sixth and seventh grades, and Miss "

Lucy H. Piirdum, Principal, eighth arid ninth grades.

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Safford in

March, 19H, it was noted that the separation of Greenlee

County from Graham County on January 1, 1911, had made ■

Graham County a‘second class'county. Map No. 3> page 84, shows Greenlee County as part of Graham County. This would reduce the amount of th#'school fund so that there : : would not be sufficient funds to operate the schools of the county through an eight or nine months•term for the coming"school year. The board decided contracts made ' with teachers should be for six months or more instead of '

1. Graham County Guardian. Issue oi September 9. 1910. 86

eight or nine months as In the past*

The board hoped to devise some way to Increase the

school fund as It was deased deplorable to have the.child­

ren out of school six months during the year*

The Safford Public School opened on September 11, 19H, with 22? pupils enrolled. The teachers for the year were

C. W, B. Link, Principal, and teacher of the seventh and

eighth grades, Miss Anna R.liley, fifth and sixth grades,

Miss Maud Appel, fourth grade, Miss Anna Akerson, third

grade, Miss Ella Bassist, second grade, and Mrs, A, R, Gold­

man, first grade. Children who would attain the age of six

during the next four months were allowed to enter, otherwise

they had to wait until after the Christmas holidays to enter.

By the end of the first week the enrollment had reached 245,

even though only eight grades were carried, instead of nine, ' 4 as daring the previous year#

At a meeting of the Safford Board of Education on Sep­

tember 9, 1912, several applications for transfers from the \ Safford to the Layton School District were received. The

board resolved to issue no transfers during the school year

1912-1913 for pupils. They entered a protest with the County

School Superintendent against apportioning money to anyother

school district by reason of pupils attending any other dls-

2. Ibid.. Issue of March 31, 1911. 3e Ibid.. Issue of September 15,1911* 4. ibid. % Issue of September 22, 1911. 8? trict without transfers*

The matter of whether It would he feasible and advi­ sable to employ another teacher and put in the ninth grade 5 was discussed. Ho action was taken on the matter.

Graduation exercises were held Thursday, April 25, 1912, by the Safford School. There were fifteen graduates, each of whom gave an original essay, lasting from four to seven min­ utes* J. A. Woods, County School Superintendent, presented 6 the diplomas and the Weber medal, given for the highest schol- 7 arship record*

The matter of consolidating the Safford and Layton school districts had been discussed for a number of years, but no definite action had been taken* TJpon petition from residents of Safford and Layton school districts, County

School Superintendent Woods Issued notices in July, 1912, calling an election on August 3, 1912, with the object of 8 - consolidating the two school districts*

The issue of August 9, 1912, of the Graham County Guard­ ian reported that both districts voted in favor of consol­ idation and that the County School Superintendent had de­ clared consolidation complete, and had ordered an election

5. From the tiinute Book of School District Humber One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924. 6. John F. Weber was a business man of Safford* 7. Graham County Guardian. Issue of May 3, 1912* 8. Ibid.7 Issue of July 26, 1912. 88 for August 19 to elect a board of trustees. However, this; information is erroneous, as consolidation was not effected 10 until August, 1913•

In September, 1912, the Board of Trustees of Safford decided not to grant any transfers of Safford School child­ ren to any other district. For several years the district had been losing an average of $500 per year by allowing children living in the district to attend the Layton School.

The board wished to establish the ninth grade, but to do so meant more money would be needed to rent an outside building, buy school furniture and pay a teacher. By sav­ ing the money that had been going to the Layton School through attendance of Safford children at that school, and by expected donations from patrons, the board hoped to raise the^amount needed, and establish the ninth grade by October

1* On October 18, 1912, the board decided, due to the difficulties encountered, no further attempt would be made 12 to establish the ninth grade, for the year.

On April 5, 1913i the Safford school board elected Mr.

D. M. Hibner, of Basalt, Colorado, as principal of the Saf­ ford School. Mr. Hibner was a graduate of the Colorado 13 Teachers College.

9. Issue of August 9> 1912. ll.Ibld.Ilssue of September 13, 1912. 12*From the Minute Book of School District Humber One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924. 13.Graham County Guardian. Issue of April 18, 1913. 89

A public meeting was held in Brier's Hall in Safford, on August 1, I 913i for the purpose of taking some action relative to the proposed union high school for Safford, Lay- ton, Graham, and tone Star school districts. The meeting was poorly attended., . graham was represented by one tax­ payer, Layton by one, and the remainder were from Safford, making up a dozen persons#

• It was decided. that Safford would have to assume .the responsibility alone, of establishing the first hi^i school under the public school system in Graham County,

When the school building then in use in Safford had been built, the trustees had kept in mind the future growth of the townj and the building had. been planned so that addi~ tions could be built, which would preserve its architect- oral-beauty. With this knowledge in mind, the trustees several years before this, had built the first addition to the building, conforming, to the architectural lines, and; ? providing two rooms, one for the primary and the other for tb@ Giglith 2i*@d0# /

-The trustees now planned to build' the next unit, which would 5bevadded to the building on the south side, giving four more rooms and entrance on the-south.. The basement could be used for manual training. This would cost about

$8000, which could be raised by issuing bonds. With the

1 4 7 1 1 Issue of August 8 , 1913. high school added to its present school building, Safford would then be fully equipped to teach the higher grades and could also accept pupils from the surrounding school dis­ tricts. - ■ -.-v ' • ■ / / :-:

There was considerable controversy as to the manner in which higher education for the children of the district should be Institdted. ThWe wmre a nvmber of people who thought that the only way the high school could be success­ fully conducted at the least expense to the taxpayers, was to consolidate the Layton and Stafford districts into one school district, which would give the necessary financial l6 . ; support for its upkeep. Others Opposed the consolidation and believed that Safford should establish its own high

school, letting the eighth grade graduates of the Layton,

Lone star, Solomonvilie^^Graham, and Artesia districts attend the high school, • >

The question was argued of whether to consolidate the

Safford and Layton districts to build the high school, or whether to levy a special tax in the Safford district to 18 enlarge the school building and purchase more-school land.

The County School Superintendent’s records showed 'that the

Safford District had assessable property to the amount of 91

about $800,000, while the Layton district had about

$200,000. If the two consolidated, it would provide about •:.vV: ; •' : ■. ;v. ■ :vj ' : : / . I-:--. :->.r $1,000,000 of assessable property. The records also showed

that Layton district had about $2000 in cash on hand. Saf- ' ' • * . - - - " •• ’ ' •. ' i > * ' '' - ; ford had outstanding warrants to the amount of about $100, : . * ' - . " -IQ ' . and had a bonded indebtedness of $200Q.

It was further argued that ^ e n the high school should

be built, a sum sufficient to equip a modern manual training

and domestic science departments would be needed. That these

departments could be maintained at practically the same ex-

■pense with Safford and Layton combined, as they could with

Safford conducting them as a separate school district. The

location of the high school would be determined by the vote

of the people and, as a majority lived north of the rail­

road, they would be able to determine its location." The

idea that the building would be built on the Layton site

was foolish in view of the facts in the case. ^

The Safford Public School was to open Monday, Septem­

ber 8, 1913• A new corps of teachers from principal to

primary grade had]been engaged, and all came highly recom-

mended. Beginning this year the ninth grade, or first

grade of the high school would be taught. The principal,

Mr. Hibner, was to teach that grade, as well as the eighth. 92

He was to be assisted by Miss Frances DeWitt* ^ho would also teach the sixth and seventh grades. Miss DeWitt would be assistant principal and^ would interchange with. Mr. Hibney in teaching the ninth grade. Other members of the staff - were Miss Hazel Myers, of Cooksville, Illinois, fifth grade.

Miss Mary C. Brown, of Hamilton, Mis sour£, fourth grade,

Fern Graden, of Hokomis, Illinois, second and third grades. V'.: - 'n' ' ' . ' ' 21 and Miss Edwyna Davies of Greeley, Colorado, first grade.

In connection with the high school,srark, .Mr. Hibner was to establish classes in manual training. /The Methodist

Episcopal Church, South, which was then being, built opposite the school house, was to be used for the purpose.

By establishing the first grade of the high school this year, the trustees expected to accomplish the first steps toward higher education. This would lead to the other grades of the high school being taken up each year, so that by the end of the school year of 1915-1916, the four grades would 22 be established and ready for a high school building.

During this year free texts would, be furnished the pupils, so there was no excuse for parents keeping their children at home on account of not being able to purchase b 0 0 k S - . ’ ' v. r, : : With the beginning of regular high school work and a course in manual training, Safford Public School started out

WT, Issue of August 29, 1913* 22. IBlii) Issue of August 29, 1913. 93 that year better equipped than ever for, a successful school year* vv,:,.i- - - \ - By September 12, 1913, there were 260 pupils enrolled, seventeen of this number being in the ninth grade. The sub­ jects taught in the ninth grade were:Algebra, Ancient Hist­ ory, Physical Geography, Advanced Physiology, Manual Train­ ing, Bookkeeping, and Business English. This was standard work for the ninth grade. .

At a meeting of taxpayers held in Safford in December,

1913j the matter of an additional ;School building was dis­

cussed. The building then in use was overcrowded and it had been, necessary to rent two places,, one for .the primary grade,

and one .for; the manual training department. The next year

there would be two high school grades, the ninth and tenth,

and there would be no room for them, yet it was necessary

that they be. maintained, to the end that secondary education

be established.

The conclusion was reached that the people of the dis­

trict should provide an additional building large enough to

provide for the high school grades.and also for the primary

grades, A resolution was adopted at the meeting that an

additional school building be built and the district be bond- 24 ed to pay for such building,

23. Ibid.. Issue of September 12. 1 9 1 3 ; v 24. Ibid.. Issue of January 2, 1914. 94

A meeting of taxpayers was again held on fhnrsaay^ ...... 25 January 8, 1914. The object of the meeting was to con­ sider the proposition of bonding the district to build:an additional school house dr. high school. '

- Mr. Hibner was called on to address the meeting. He stated that a room for manual training was badly needed, and two school rooms, one for-the primary grade and an assembly room for the high school*

William Ellsworth of Layton stated he was in favor of anything for the improvement of the schools, ;

W. B. Chambers of Safford proposed two plans, one for a two-story building, with basement for manual training, and for .one-story building with basement.

W. B; Fonda of Layton, stated he -was' in favor of con­ solidating Safford and Layton districts for a high school, as there were not enough children in Safford alone for aV high" school* 1 '.v: .■ J;.;'-'.: .'K..-.'.. ■ . -

A committee of six from Safford was -appointed to meet with a'committee from Layton and discuss the present heeds

of the two districts and decide upon some plan that would be satisfactory to both districts for securing a high

school, v-r ;r. : ^ ‘i'-v .V'."

^ie-Safford committee was composed of Mayor Z. G;

25* J^ v ! y 9’ 1914, " Prlna, W, R. Chambers, T. T. Swift, F.L. Ginter, BeeJ.

Broshears,' arid Mrs, -W, D. French,

Layton committee^^is eompesed of Georg# H, Crbslqr, Jf,,

Melvin G. Montierth, Thomas Richards, John West, and George

Foote. " ■: - ^

The two committees were to meet and prepare a-report

for a public meeting to be held at the Methodist Episcopal

Church, Thursday evening^ January l?, r

The meeting was held January 15, with a large crowd in ...... - 27 attendance. The report of the committee recommended>

>1, That a petition for a high school be clrbulated in

the Safford School District and that a high school be voted

lit Safford School District, Humber One,

2. If the high school should carry in the Safford

School, District, it was recommended that an election for

the consolidation"of the Safford-and Layton school districts

which would mehn a consolidation Ifor both high school and

common!school purposes^ and recommended that such:Consoli­

dation be effected, • - - - r

3. That the Layton school site be-sold as soon as a

fair price could be obtainedJ

4. If the-high school and consolidation should carry,

then it was recommended that a suitable school site be pur-

55, The writer's father, “ 27, Graham County Guardian. Issue of January 16^ 1914. ; chased r with sufficient acreage to permit of agrlfiultpral tecperiaents, the site to be chosen later. . ;

: ;5# That after the high school should berestablished vend consolidationieffacted, that a bond election b e •called: for the,purpose of voting bonds in a sufficient amount to pur­ chase! a 'suitable school site and grounds and t o ;build a high school of sufficient capacity to accomodate a full high school with: dapartments:for manual training, domestic,science, and elementary agriculture, with the object: of fulfilling the requirements; of the State Board of Education:for a distri­ bution of state funds, and such that would accomodate at v<: leastifpur rooms, for grammar- grades* - > -J / .

v t A motion:that the report of the committee be adopted was carried unanimously. VA committee'was appointed to cir­ culate petitions; and take charge:of all formalities in put- 28 ting the- election:before: the people^ : : ; . • ; :

$he election :to .decide the question of establishing- a ; high school was;held in Safford District lo. 1 on January

31, 1914* A canvas of the returns showed that 119 votes were cast for the highnschool and sixteen votes were cast 29 against the high school. 1 This gave encouragement to those progressive people vdao wanted: to consolidate: the Safford : - and Layton school districts. • : ; : r ■ i:

28. ~ : 29* From the Minute Book of School District Humber One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924* ; ; Those in Safford opposed to the consolidation argaed that the Layton district had $ 1 ^ 0 in cash and the 8afford district was $2000 in debt* Bat Layton had no school house and Safford had n school house and gromads easily worth 30 $15,000 with these results: . :

Safford school building and grounds-— -$15#000*00 _ ^ ■ Bonded indebtedness— — ---- —— ----- 2.000.00 Het Value— -™-.*— — — $13,000.60 ; ^

Layton, Cash on hand— 1 ,5t^«00 School ground— ------— 1 ,000,00 Set value•; ; ; r $ 2,500.00

Set difference in favor of Safford-— - $10,500.00 .

Those opposed further maintained that the Layton people were trying to show that they were donating all they;had for the benefit of Safford. That Safford was donating to Layton one-half of $10^500 in property, absolutely free.

Further, that Safford School District had an assessed valuation:of about $800,000 and Layton had about $200,000.

Then Safford would pay four to one to build Layton a primary and grammar school house; That the people: of Safford should not tolerate; any - Such "outrageous? act as this, v . • 'i r

Those favoring consolidation argued that from an eco­ nomical standpoint, consolidation was more desirable as it would bring into existence a larger school district to main­ tain the high school. That the larger districtj with its

30. Graham 6ouniy Guardian. Issue of February 20. 1914. 98 inereased wealth by addition of property^ would give the fairest means of distributing the expense of^maintaining ^ the high school;^ v-" *;

The election in Safford and Layton districts t@ de­ cide the question of consolidation mas held on Saturday,

February: 21, 1914. - In Safford 2?4 votes mere cast, with

172 votes in favor - of consolidation j :and i0 2 :votes against.

In Layton 53 votes were cast, with $0 in.favor of cornsoli- 32 dation and 3 against. —

An election for the purpose of selecting a site for the high school was to be held February 28^ 1914. The selection of a site was necessary in order that the Board of Trustees would be authorized:at the bond election to purchase the particular site chosen by the people.

There were two good sites in the Safford District, the

Hampton Addition and the Beebe property. Both were ideally located for high school purposes. The Hampton Addition of fourteen and one-half acres with water rights, could be purchased for $4,650* The Beebe property of about fifteen acres and water rights, could be purchased for $4,500.

The Board of Supervisors and County School Superinten­ dent having canvassed the votes of the election for consol­

idation, declared^ that a. majority ,of ..the votes had. been, for. "Consolidation, Yes"*. The Safford and Layton school dis­ tricts were declared r consolidated as of Febrywry 26, 19L4, and thereafter: were to-be naaed.. and numbered, Saffoyd School

District Numberi One. v . • • ■■ > V • , ""T' s'. 'S ' - ■ • - . • - -■ ' ' * - . On March 14 three trustees were elected for the consel- 34 idated district* On March 17 the old> boards of Safford and • ■ * " ' . • - •• « • . . I ■ ' • r

Layton districts and the.new board for the consolidated dis­ trict met with the County Superintendent, J. A* Woods* The new trustees took the oathrof office and organized* An examination of the books showed that.the Layton district had on hand; in the general fund $2,201,65; in the building fund

$1,200.00; or a total of #3,401,65. ;;

The Safford district had on hand in the,general fund .

$199.54; in the bond fund, $500.00} or a total of $699*54.

Safford indebtedness showed for bonds, $2,000.00; teachers,

$610.00; rent, $197*50; miscellaneous, $215*45; or a total of $3,022.95; This made a net Indebtedness of $2,323.41.

" The consolidation of the two districts gave Safford; district^ ample funds to complete the - school year and to leave a balance„at,the end of the.year* It was conceded that the financial condition of the Layton District was better than represented, - : -,

33 $ 34. ibid** Issue of March 13* 1914. 35. From the Minute Book of School District Number One, Graham:County, Arizonai 1912 to 1924. 36. Graham County Guardian. Issue7of March 20, 1914. • r-7 1-7:. • ' - ' ""' " -' ''''' 5 281137 100

In April, 1914, the l®ar| of Imstees v £ M m Saffbrd

District signed a contract with Mrs«:Alice Beebe for an f option on the 14.68 acres in .the, Beebe property at a price of $4500.00, Its purchase was to be subject to the authori­ zation by the electors of the school district.at an election - 27 to be held within ninety days. The board also secured an 38 option on the Hampton Tract, the price toobe $4500, : .

At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on April

25, 1914, it was decided to call an election in the Saf ford:

District on May 25, for the purpose of voting on the question of whether bonds, in the amount of $40,000 should be issued and sold for the purpose-iof raising money for purchasing a

school lot and building a school house thereon, and furnish- . 39 ing it with furnitureiand apparatus,- . - ;• u;

' Plans for the high school and grammar grade building had been presented by Mr, Henry ti. Jaastad of Tucson, On April

27, the board met and decided that Mr. Jaastad1s plans met -

their requirements,iand he was.employed to furnish the plans

and.specifications and assist in lotting the contract.

Under the plan submitted by Mr. Jaastad, the high school -

building“was to -contain thirteen rooms; four for grammar V-:-up­

grades, an assembly room seating 200 pupils, four recitation

iV * From the Minute Book:of School District Number One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924. . 38; Graham County Guardian. Issue of May 8, 1914, 39, From the Minute Book of School District Number One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924. 101 rooms,-manual- training room, agricultural laboratory, domes­ tic science room," and library. It wottld -also be ^nipped with a heating plant, water fountains, toilets, and nacessary store rooms Vi'""' " -- '' V: --u.-V;'

At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of'the Saf- ford District held May 6, 1914, it was decided to put up to a vote of the school electors the question of whether "to purch­ ase by virtue of the exercise of the right of eminent domain

or at a price hot exceeding the sum of.$4$d0"n either the

Beebe Tract or the Hampton Tract, for'the purpose of building 4»X a high school "near the south side of the tract." : -

An election had been held February 28, 1914^ to settle on a site for the high school. But the board deemed it necessary to hold another election bn the question because the previous

election gave the trustees no authority to purchase any tract

of land. At the February-28 election the two tracts to be voted upon were not presented to the voters in a business-like manner*’ There had been many rumors, reports, and statements

concerning the price to be paid. Further, the election came

one week after*=consolidation and there was no board of trust­

ees authorized to act and there were no options held on either ... - . • ' - . , .... 42 tract. Now the trustees held options upon both tracts* v 4 0 # Gr@ficuss wwju&vjr an. issuejuaesae u*of aMay * / JL*1, 1914* 41. From the Minute Book of School Dlstrict Number One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924. 42. Graham County Guardian. Issue of May 15, 1914. 102

The Hampton Tract was thought to be better "than t h e ''

Beebe Tract because a•building could be located 4$0fe#t farther from the railroad tracks than oh the Beebe Tract* -

The pupils and teachers had noticed the annoyance of the trains, oh account of the •proximity of-the aehool to the railroad. - ; -ID-- 11-: -.rf .'.;• i;:,..-: , 43 Bitter opposition to the new election arose* It was charged that the pending election was illegal because only the County School Superintendent could call an election, and because an election had already been held and the Beebe !

Tract had been selected. ; It was charged that the proposed bond issue of $40,000 was four times as much as needed*

This groUp,. suggested that the proposed bond issue be voted down*and that a school be built in the south half of the district to be ready for the next:year* Then go ahead "as we see fit" to build a high school*

The election was held Monday, May 25, 1914* The re^* suits showed that 113 voted for "Bonds, Yes", and 46 voted for "Bonds, No". 248 voted for "Purchase and Build, Yes*. while 34 voted for "Purchase and Build, No," 97 voted’for 44 the Beebe ;Tract, While 203 voted for the Hampton Tract." - .

- On - June 13, the president of the school board was - i - authorized to purchase the Hampton Tract. The board also..

43. Ibid.. Issue of May 22. 1914* ” 44. ibid.. Issue of May 29. 1914. /•: v- .1 ;, : ? 1D3 authorized the architect to complete plans for the building of the school at an approximate cost of #3©,000* It was de­ cided to have the building near the southeast corner of the 45 Hampton Tract and it was to face south, • - . -

In January of I 915 bids were advertised for the new : school building, - On February 15, 1915, the bid -of Anton : ^

Jacobson was accepted by the board* On March 9, 1915, the location of the new building was laid out, with the assis- 46 tance of R. J, Young, a civil engineer, - The contractor had 4? agreed to complete the job by August 16, 1915* Work on the 48 building started Tuesday, March 9, 1915, It was completed - 49 and put into use in September of 1915* ■ •. . r :: •;;.

By the school year of 1918-1919 the Safford tSchool was again-becoming : ve r y much -overcrdWedi". To relieve the immed­ iate necessity, a portable building was purchased for $2547, 50 and installed on the school grounds!, ' : ; ' - ^ .

'‘After the opening of school in September, 1919, it was evident that more school rooms must be provided. A:public meeting was held in the high school auditorium in October,

The object of the meeting was to discuss the possibility and necessity^ and ways and means of providing: more school.room.

It was brought out in the meeting that a new grade building

45. From the Minnie;Book of School District Number One, ■ Graham County, Arizona, 19L2 to 1924. 46. Ibid. ' ' - - / 1.^ % 47. Graham County Guardian. Issue of.February 19. 1915* 48* Ibid.. Issue of March 12, 1915* 49. ibid., Issue of September 10, 1915. 50. From the Minute Book of School District Number One, Graham County, Arizona, 1912 to 1924. 104 was an absolute necessity. Pupil# In four grade rooms were improperly housed, while other grades were in the high school building, where the rooms were needed for hi#i school wort.

. A motion was carried requesting the board to call an election for a $ 50,000 bond issue for the purpose of erec­ ting a new building. Also to vote on allowing the indebted­ ness to exceed four per cent of the taxable property of the 51 school district.

The election was called for December 20, 1919. The 52 amount of the bonds was to be $50,000. There were five grammar grades in the high school building. The growth of high school attendance and grammar grade attendance had made it necessary to gradually push the grammar grades out of the high school building. The trustees had the old Methodist

Episcopal Church, South, across the road from the North Ward, rented, as well as having purchased the portable building.

Due to the high cost of building materials, it was thought that it would not be possible to erect a building to suit their needs, for less than $ 50,000.

The school bonds were defeated In the election by six votes. The defeat was deplored as a very poor adventure for 54 Safford.

51. Graham County Guardian.Issue of dctober 24, 1919. 52. Ibid., Issue of November 14, 1919. 53. Ibid.. Issue of December 12, 1919. 54. Ibid., Issue of December 26, 1919. The next"year a second:election mas called for April l6 j 1920.; The election was called to vdte on; the question

of whether or:not an indebtedness exceeding four per cent

of the value of the taxable property of the Safford School

District be authorised and whether bonds in the amount of-

$ 50,000 be issued for the purpose of buildingia school, house, for supplying it with furniture and apparatus, and . 55 improving the school grounds. • :v : - ■ ; %

f The election results sho*ed ninety-four votes cast for

issuing the:bonds, and fifty-five votes cast against issuing

them, A substantial grade building was soon to be built.

The Dayton Public School opened bn September 11, 1911* with 118 pupils enrolled. The .teachers were T. Colton Wans- lee, principal, Miss Edith Mason, intermediate grades, and

Mrs. W.H.Boachj primary grades.

About 7:30 P. M. on December 28, 1912, the Layton school 57 house burned to the ground. The trustees secured three

smaller buildings .in which to^conduct school until they

could erect another build ing, : 1 •• . -

The Layton District was consolidated with the Safford 59 District on February 26, 1 9 1 4 ' ' ; ; ■ -

Ibid.. Issue of March 12. 1920. “ ‘ ~ 56. p H . , Issue .of. April 23, 1920...... 57* From the Minute Book of School District Number.One, Graham C o v A y , Arizomi ,1912 to 1924, 58. Graham County Guardian, Issue of January 3> 1912. 59. Today Layton is part of the City of Safford. A bond election w s held in the Thatcher District «n ;

February 5» 1916, for the purpose of yoting on the question of issuing bonds in the amount of $40,000, for the purpose; . of purchasing a lot and building a school house, furnishing 60 it, and improving the school grounds; The vote was favor- able; there being thirty-five votes cast for issuing the 6l bonds, and six against. r b . ra: , y...

The board of trustees accepted the building plana fer ' ’ -71:,11: , : ' ’ l • 62 ...rr-. .-Vf v - . the new building on June 13, 1916, and ImmWlately adver-

^ ; 'v> :;l - . : ; v 7 - :--7 : . 7 ' ; l < •; '' 1 : ^

tisedl for-bids.-;:, i;:- , : I- ; - li;. .7 : V : : : 7 ' . v ■■■'.. vv:: l - 1: -'I'- - - i, :M:.> «; vrrounlr. ■ ly I-'-::.: The new building was:finished and opened for use on: m :-y. : . r 63 lo 1-, Tuesday morning, March:20, 1917. A large crowd;of parents ■ •'-,'1.--7> .1'-'' y;: c ^ :: -v ; : 1 -n : , were shown through the building by the trustees, at 9*00

o’clock*At .10*00 o*clock parents and pupils assembled out

in front, and all - sang " America*. : : 1 c

: 7John - Fv 1 ITash^ clerk of the board of trustees, read a

detailed report of the expenditures of the new building.

The total cost had been $28,411.25, for the building)alone. -7;: The addition of fountains,.lavatories, toilets, cement walks,

furniture, and -school ground play equipment, would bring the

total cost to $35»00^0. President Andrew Kimball made a short

address in:behalf of the * people.present, expr es singrgra11tud e

5(5.’ Grariam County Guardian. Issue of December io. 1915. 61. Ibid.. Issue of February 11, 1916* 62. S H . , Issue of June 16, 1916. 7 " 63. Ibid*. Issue of March 23,71917;7: 107 for the wise mansgeaent and econoey of the trustees. One of the trustees, W. W. Pace, expressed gratl^de-for the-work of the teachers. A photographer then took pictures of the build­ ing and the assembled parents, teachers, and pupils. ; -

An eighth grade student, BtheT D r W , wrote In December of 1914 the following, eoncerhlng the Pima schools '

; 7"’-"-':''r”0ur school house is a beautiful. large, two-story brick house, with all modern equipment, that an up-to- date school requires*'< Oh the north side of the main building is an additional building, affording two rooms for the first and second grades. Our school faces west. We have about 275 children, with six lady teachers as instructors, The school houses are in the western port­ ion of a large square, which is surrounded by a fence, fhe ground is very bare, on account of alkali rising; no shrubbery, trees, or grass will grow. Then to have many nice games and swings would give the children more enjoyment. Though the grounds are barren and clean, we love dearly our teachers and schoolmates."

In February, 1915, a petition signed by parents and citizens of the Pima District was presented to the Board of

Trustees asking them to furnish playground equipment for the school. The board responded by purchasing and installing swings, horizontal bars, and equipment for basketball, cro- 65 _ quet, tennis; and baseball. . . ^ ^ : 7 -

In May, 1921; a meeting was held in Glehbar for the pur­ pose of discussing the consolidation of the Glenbaf School :-

Dlstrict with the Pima District. Joseph Lines-and Harvey *

Mangum, trustees of the Pima District, and County School

64. Ibid., Issue" o f December T 8 , 1914. 65. Ibid.. Issue of February 12, 1915. ; y 1 - 7 ..- ^ ' : ' ' . ' C , Superintendent Heywood and John Nash were present. All spoke

in favor of consolidation* Hubbard, Bryce, and Cottonwood districts were also expected to consolidate with Pima,

The greatest obstacle to consolidation at this time, was

the matter of transportation for the pupils,,; Consolidation

reduced:the instructional cost per pupil, but the cost^f

transportation raised the cost up to or beyond the cost before

consolidation. However, the increased educational advantages

justified the additional cost, • i .

Retardation;of pupils in the rural schools was greater 67 than in the urban ; schools of the county, , ; \ ;

- A mass meeting was held in Pima on MoWay evening, May

23, 1921, to determine whether or not the people of the dis­

trict were willing for the adjacent school districts of Glen-

bar, Bryce, Hubbard, and Cottonwood to be. annexed; to Pima*

County Superintendent Heywood and John F, Nash, the

vocational teacher at Thatcher, were present.

After discussing the question, a motion was made and 1

unanimously Carried that the-petition of Glenbar District

Number 15 be favorably acted upon for annexation to-the Pima - ' " ' ' " f> District, It was alsoidecided that the county superintendent

should advise the adjacent districts they would be welcome to ' ■ ; . , ■ .■ : : - .,68 join the Pima District, if they desired.

66, Ibid., Issue of May 6. 1961. 67, Ibiq.. Issue of May 20, 1921. 68, I W . , Issue of May 27, 1921. 109

The Board of Trustees of the Pima District were making plans to hold the ninth grade during the 1921-1922 school term, for the first time in the distrietV

In 1915 there was considerable agitation for the eott- solidatidn of Redlands and Baery school districts with the

Port Thomas District, and few building a substantial school building at Fort Thomas, and transporting school children to the building. An efficiently graded school and superior facil ities'iwere expected as results of such consolidation.

A bond electiori was held on June 12, 1915s in Fort

Thomas for the purpose of voting oh the question of bonding the district in the amount of $10,000 for building a hew ' school. The election carried, and the Board of 'trustee* advertised for bids in September,1916;:" The building'wa* to be of,cement brick. Plans were being made to have dom­ estic science and manual training.departments in the new ^2 ' " * _■ " " " 1 " - - • w *■ - - - - ' ' - - - ; - ' : — ■ - School. v '; ' .'-..x o ' t v '

In May, 1914, the Board of Supervisors of Graham County received a petition praying that the name of the Shiloh

School District be changed to Redlands School District. The board approved the petition and the name was changed.

69. Ib|i., Issue of March 12, 1915. Issue of May 7, 1915* Issue of September 15, 1916. Issue of August 20. 1915* yj.I #JLBlsL* : 9 Issue of May 29, 1914. A bond election was held in the Redlands School Dist­ rict on June 30, .1915* to vote on the question of ^bonding the district in the amount, of $ 7,000 to erect and furnish a new school building. The election carried and bids were adver- ■ , V.' - - • ' : ■ - ‘ . > . - . . . . ^ r- m ~ ■ » - •• " •* * ’ ■ ■’ r.\\- tised for in M ay of 1916. The building was to be a three- room grade school. . By July, 1916, work was progressing rapidly on the new. building. ■ 1

In.May, 1918, the Alger School District was created, with boundaries as follows: ...... ,

y'i "Oommenclng at a point, where the Gila River inter­ sects the east section line of Section Three (3), Town­ ship Seven (7) South, Range Twenty-seven (27) East, Gila and S'alt River Meridan, thence running due north to the crest.of Gila ranger thence running in a west­ erly direction along the crest of Gila range to the northeast corner of boundary line, of Graham School.Dis­ trict No. 8 ; thence running due south to the Gila river ; to the southwest corner of the southeast ^ of Section 10, Township 7 South, Range 27 East, Gila and Salt River Meridian$-thence up the Gila river to the place : of beginning." 76

In November, 1914 the Board of Supervisors approved the

issuing of bonds by the Alger School District No. 14, an

election having been held. The amount was $4,000 for build­

ing and furnishing a new school. The Board of Trustees ad­ vertised for bids for the building in May, 1920.

In September, 1915* the Board of Supervisors sold the old county court house and grounds to the Soiomonville

74. 2&W., issue of June 2$, 1915. "™ 75. m d .. Issue of May 19, 1916. 76. 1 5 2 . , Issue of m y 24, 1918. 77* Ibid.. Issue of November 14,' 1919* Ill

78 Sch@dl District, 11 :: v;’ r V

■: v v a bond election vras held Septeniber 20, 1919, In Solomon-

vllle to vote on the question of leselng ’bonds In' the. amount *

of $ 50,000 for a new school, which wotflld he built on the old 79 court house site, if the election oerried. Issuing of the

bonds was approved"at the eleotion* : ::: c u ;

The old county court house was totally destroyed by fire

on Saturday hight, December 6,1919. Since the removal of the

county seat to Safftird, the court house had been used as a

public school. Since the brick school house*had burned:down

several - weeks prior, the court house had been fitted for use

by the;school, until a new school could be erected. The

Thatcher School had helped by loaning fmrnlture to the Sol-*

omohville, School* :" - - V : : . ;*:: ' 2 ■ • x Since this;was the second time,a school had burned down 80 in Solomonville,-it was thought to be the work of incendiaries.

Work oh the new school was started on March 1, 1920.? It

was built on the site of the old court house and faced east.

The walls were of brick and red tile was used for the roof- '■■■ • r-r,* , •;: 8i j: : -o- ing^: The total cost was about $53*000. : .• -1 2 V ; ;; • ; : ■ v;: ; ' i .' V-; - On May 14, 1921, a mass meeting was held in Sunset, in

the Bonita School District, to consider consolidation of the

78. , Issue of September 17, 1915* 'issue of September 12, 1919. Issue of October 31, 1919. !?: j > IS IsSue of March 26,* 1920. O • 112

four school districts of California, lumber 44, Ash Creek,

Number 47, Mountsinview Number 2, and High Creek, Number 18.

After discussion of the question, the majority voted to

proceed with consolidating the fotir districts. | Committees were elected to prepare and circulate petitions.

/ Graham County.was divided intb two counties and the 83; county of Greenlee was created as of January 1, 1911 • lap l - No.;4, page"113, shows Graham County in relation to the ;

other counties of the state. ; \ ' ! V . : V ..... I \j - ; The census of 1890 had:listed 5,670 persons living in

the county’} in 1900,..-14,162; and in 1910, before division,

23,999. : ': I ' I L \ 1 r- .""— ■; - i ; * l After the separation of Greenlee County theschooldls- ' i v- ' \ ; §5 i tricts in Graham County (See Map No. 4, page 113.) arellsted ' ' : i ■ : \ V'". • ; l in Table VIII. ; .■■x . TABLE VIII

SCHOOL DISTRICTS-IN GRAHAM COUNTY AFTER SEPARATION OF GREENLEE COUNTY _.„A j

# 1 Safford #14 Layton #31 Emery j 4 Thatcher , - 15 Matthews 3^ Lee ; 5 Solmonville lo Bonita 36 Provo ..6 Pima 17 Bryce ;c 40 Artesis 7 Fort Thomas 20 Lone Star ; U - 24 Shiloh I 8 Graham 21 Carter Ashton 9 Klondyke 23 Sanchez 43 Enterprise 10 San Jose 25 Geronlao 44 California 11 Eden 26 Hubbard . Copper Creek 12 Central 28 Coon 47 Ash Creek 13 Aravaipa 29 Russell Fairviewi

82. Ibid.. Issue of May 26. 1921. §3. IS$., Issue of April 9, 1915. Si* Ibid.. Issue of April 14, 1911. 85. THIH., Issue of June 16, 1911. 113 ttpftcH e ttpftcH

Map No. 4 arahaSnCou„tyfinhR,lation to the Other The County Saperintindent’s Report to the Superinten­ dent of Public- Instruction for the year- ending June 30,

1911, shows that during the year of 1910-1911 fifty-seven teachers employed in Graham County. Of this number forty-one were residents or property holders in the county. Three teachers held life diplomas, six held normal life diplomas, twenty-one held first grade certificates, and twenty-seven held second grade certificates.

The total enrollment for the year was 2,431, of which

1,21$ were boys and 1,216 were girls. The average daily attendance was 1,779,"or 91.74 per cent of the enrollment.

Of the enrollment seventeen were in the advanced grades; 762 were in the grammar grades, and 1,652 were in the primary grades. The average time for all schools to be in session had been a little less than seven months. - -

Most of the school districts were well supplied with - buildings, apparatus, and furniture, but few were well supplied with library books. Only $51.23 had been spent for that purpose during the year. The total expenditure for school maintenance was $42,337.13,of which $34,l6o.25 was paid to teachers and $314.05 for school furniture, the expenses for rents, repairs, fuel, and contingencies had been reduced to about twenty per cent, which was the lowest it had been in the history of the county; The total receipts

86. ibid.. Issue of August 4, 19ll. " n f we r e ;$55* 695* 00 :during the year which left a balance ef ;

$13i3?7»98 to the credit of the schools* ^ : y l :;

3 % vThe valuation-of lots, school houses and furniture was

$ 59,167,20; of school libraries $2 ,322*00; of sch^il appa­ ratus $2,801,70, or a total of $64,290.90, ,Safford and

Thatcher had each redeemed a $500.00 bond, ;

The aggregate valuation of the property in the bonded

districts was $1,131,000,00* The indebtedness of the bond­

ed distrlots was Safford,;$3000.00;;Thatcher, $3,000.00;

Solomonville,.$6000.00; Pima, $3,809; Fort Thomas, $1000.00;

Central, $2,800i00; Matthews, $1000.00; and Lone Star,

$ 2,460.00* . 3 ' vv\\ 3

: -i;The school population of the county was •2 ,761, of which

1,426 were boys and 1,335 Were girls, two of whom were color- . VO ed. Of the number, 2,273 were native born, of native parents;

206 were native born, with one parent foreign born; 229 were

native born, with both parents foreign born; and 53 were

foreign born, % y . ; " - . y . •,

; No new districts had been formed during the year, but

in the districts of California, Ash Creek, and Fairview,

patrons of the respective districts had erected substantial

buildings at private expense and donated the buildings and 87 school grounds to the county.

_ ’ The Teachers * Institute of . Greenlee, Graham, and Gila

Ibid.. ~ eduntles was held In Thatcher October 10 to 13, 1911.' The special lecturer for the Institute was Arthur Henry Chamber- lain, Pasadena^ California# Lectures were given on Taxpayer arid Teacher, 0 Western Wonderlandsj Text Books, leading,

Phonics, The Mechanics of Class Organization, Methods of

Classification and Standard ©f Promotions, Grade Essentials; in Arithmetic, Music in the Public Schools, and Moral In­ struction in the Public Schools. The enrollment showed twenty-seven teachers from Gila County, sixty-seven from -

Graham County, and thirty-eight from Greenlee County, making 88 a total: of 132. : v :i l: -

The state legislature passW a bill providing for free textbooks for the state. The bill became effective August 18 89 1912,^ but; no free texts were distributed for use in the 90 counties until the school year of 1913-1914. During that year $7,417.21 was spent to supply Graham County with the 91 free texts.

On Tuesday, May 29, 1915, an election was held In

Graham County to determine the location of the county seat.

At a meeting held Monday, July 12, 1915, the Board of Super­ visors proclaimed Safford to be the new county seat, as a result of the election. The county seat was moved from

88. Ibid.. Issue of October 1%. 1911. 89. Ibid.. Issue of June 14, 1912. 90. Ibid., Issue of August 29, 1913* 91. Ibid.. Issue of June 26, 1914, 117

Solomonville to Safford at once, the Riggs building In 92 Safford being used for county offices.

A severe epidemic of Influenza caused most of the schoolsnof Graham County, to close; during Ibyeaber .and De­ cember, of 1918. When the, school# r e o p e n # in February,

1919, most of them held school: every day in the week, In­

cluding Saturday* for the balance of the school term, in

order to make up the time lost during the epidemic. Thus 93 the pupils were .able to->be promoted at the , end of the. term.

The epidemic had been so severe that Graham County was

placed under quarantine on January 18, 1919. The public

schools, theatres, churches^,and. lodges were closed until

the quarantine was lifted. The quarantine of the public, . • - • ■ 95 - schools was lifted on February 10, 1919. - ■

ibid., issue of July 16, 191*>. 93. Ibid., Issue of December 27, 1918.:;" : * .. 94. Ibid.. Issue of January 24, 1919. 95* Ibid., Issue of February 7* 1919.• 1 CHAPTER VIII s . „ A PERIOD. OF SCHOOI, DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION . %

■ v In June of 1922 Mr* D, M* Hlbner was released from his contract'is'superintendent of the Safford School by the

Board of Trustees because he had "an opportunity to better himself professionally." During the years of his admin­ istration the school had grown, its offerings had been ex­ panded , and many improvements made under his leadership*

Mr, Grant Van Hoose was hired as superintendent of the school to take Mr. Hlbner’s;.place*

' : "Mrv George'S. Hansen was employed as superintendent of the Shffbrd School for the 1923-1924 term. The school open­ ed on September 10 of that year with an enrollment of 6$0 students"of which 165 were in high school* This large en- rollment taxed the facilities of the school. Classes were held"in the old Methodist Church building across the street south of the North Ward School building; also in the bunga­ low frame building located bn the High School grounds. On

, • ...... • - • - , ; :■ account of the crowded conditions existing in all buildings, . ' - .. -■ - - ■ .4 • /. : the trustees decided in January, 1924 to take steps to see whatncould be done to secure a new building for another year, 1234

1. From the Minute Book of Safford School District No. One, . ' 1912-1924;^ Minutes of June 3, 1922* i :: ^: X < V 2. Graham County Guardian. Issue of August 1, 1922. 3. Ibid;% Issue of September 12, 1923* 4. From the Minute Book of Safford School District No. One, 1912-1924; Minutes of January 10, 1924. 119

In September, 1924, they decided to take action toward the '' V - ' ' ’ • 1" • ••• -« - ' i launching of a. bond issne in the district for the purpose of erecting a grade building to be available for use by Septern- b.r of 1925. , ;V :

The courses offered in the Safford High School for the - - - : ' r:. ’: : 'Vi fV'. . v ' ' : '.':V . year 1924-1925 were:

First year-English, Algebra, Latin, Spanish, General

Science, Agriculture, Home Economics, Commercial.Arithmetic, and Manual Training* r •. -; Second year-English, Plane Geometry, Spanish, Modern . Ci History, Mechanical Drawing, Agriculture, Home Economics,

Bookkeeping, and. Commercial Geography. ; ... . V V V.i V'Vi, - V V . vlv Third year-English, American History, Advanced Algebra,

Spanish, Agriculture^ Home Economics, Bookkeeping, Typewri­

ting, Shorthand, and Manual Training*

Fourth year-English, Civics, Economics, Chemistry, Agri-

culture, Home Economics, Typewriting, Stenography, and Span-

ish. ..v , ■; - v- *. ■ : r , ■• - - ’ /* ;-r Vi -* ’ 4 - ' ' '- ■ . . ■ - ■ .■ * ^ ^ * ■' * - *. - , In addition two years of Latin were offered.

In January, 1925, the High School began evening classes

in Home Economics, Typewriting, and Shorthand. Classes were

open to any one free of charge. From this beginning^ night

classes were held for many years, the subjects offered chang-

- ' - ' ' ' r 1 • ' ."•■Vh v V : " ; ■. -yyl 5. From Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees, School District Ho. One, Safford, Arizona/ 1924-1941. . > Minutes of September 23, 1924. 6. Graham County Guardian. Issue of August 15, 1924. ing from time to tim@*

The realization of having a newgrade buildingwas

brought one step eldser when the Board of Trustees passed a

resolution in April, 1925, a-sking the County Board of Sup­

ervisors to call a special election for the purpose of vot­

ing on a $56,000 bond is sue for the construction and fm-nish-

ing of a grade school building. The bond election was set 8 for May 16, 1925. The school district Wuld have an out­

standing indebtedness of $96^000, if the bonds were approved.

The results of the election were favorable, 117 voting for

issuing the bonds, and 40 against Issuing them. Plans and

specifications for the new building were soon received and

approved by the Board of Trustees and were adopted by the

Board of Supervisors. The building was to contain eleven

rooms and was to be located on the High School grotmds. :

The Board of Supervisors entered into a building con­

tract on September 8, 1925, for the erection of the new

building. The total contract price for .the construction

. without plumbing and heating was $41,314.93* Construction

was begun at once; 1 v - ^ ■

• ’ ■ ■ ■ I' *■ ^ 1 ' *• ■J - ' '• .. : • . ~ • ■■ 1-. *-•••■ • ^ • * ■' . V ■ • ' * ' - - - - • * - - ' - ••• \ ■ ' -/ V.k .i > ! . ; , 7. From the Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees, School District Ho. 1, Safford, Arizona, 1924-1941, - Minutes of April 3i 1925. 8. Graham County Guardian. Issue of April 6. 1925* 9. Minute Book for ine Board of School Trustees, School - District, Ho. 1, Safford, Arizona, April 6, 1925. 10. Graham County Guardian. Issue of Mav 1, 1925. 121

In July of 1926 the Saff@rd School District was en­ larged by the annexation of the Dee School District Number

34, the school house of that district being located at 11 Lebanonv five miles to the south of Safford. The;Lee Dis­ trict may be seen on the map following page 133* -

On Sunday evening, May 1^, 1927, the baccalaureate services for the graduating class of the Safford high school were held in the auditorium of the high school. This was the first time that these religious exercises were held by the Safford High School. • ,

By 1928 conditions were again becoming crowded in the

Safford Schools. In order to alleviate this condition, the

Board of Trustees leased the old Methodist Church building just south of the North Ward for a term of five years. The increase is shown by these average daily attendance figures for the Safford Schools$ \

1923 1927 1928

High School 134.8 177.10 190.44 Elementary School 496.7 909.31 616.08 Total 991.5.' 682.41 : • 806.92

In 1928 a school for colored children was provided.

The Stafford School District rented a building, and the

County Superintendent paid the salary of the teacher. Other

11. bounty Superintendent's Minute Book, 1916-1926. In the County Superintendent’s Office in Safford. 12. Graham County Guardian. Issue of May 13. 1927. ; 13. ^ . " s a u e ' o f April 6, 1 928. : 122 districts made their own provision for transporting the . . . 14 colored children to the sehool, V'

Parents and teachers of the Safford School District"met in November, 1929, and discnssed the matter of organising a

Parent-Teacher Association in 8afford. In December The

Safford Parents and Teachers Association, a branch of the state association, was organized by the election of Mrs.

Spencer Kimball as presidents Mrs. tafe Nelson was elected

Vice-President; Mrs. W. T.’ Mendenhall, secretary; Mrs. Emma

Jane Robbins, treasurer^ State officers were present to assist in the organization. Regular meetings were to be . 15 , ... - held on the third Monday night in each month. ; ...... 16 . Preparations had been made for the erection of a build­ ing for music and girls1 shower rooms. The contract was let in January, 1930, for $3348.00* and work was begun immedi­ ately. The site was directly east of the High School build- ing.; - V'V-' " ' ■ ; • - ■ > - - ■■■■■'

; A report by the superintendent of the Safford School ; . for the 1929-1930 term showed that the activities of the school had been considerably enlarged. -Among the activities" offered were physical-education, which included basketball

14. From the Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees, School District No. One, Safford, Arizona, 1924-1941, Minutes of September 3, 1928. 15. Graham County Guardlan.^Issue of-November 29. 1929.- 16. From the Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees, School District No. One, Safford, Arizona, 1924-1941. Minutes of November 14, 1929. 17. Ibid., Minutes of January 9, 1930. 123 and baseball, football, track and field sports for the bnys, arid a similar program of physical education for the girls.

The music program was an important activity of the school and included band, orchestra, glee clubs; dramatics, art, vocational education, which included manual training, mech­ anical and industrial arts for the boys, and home economics for the girls, ; V • ; "

Among the' needs of the school was a suitable auditor­ ium, a better and more up-to-date library, and facilities 18 for regular gymnasium work*

The enrollment in the High School for the 1929-1930 term was 268 with an average daily attendance of 218.52.

In the elementary school the enrollment was 863 with ah average daily attendance of 631.32. There were 31 grad­ uates in the High School- at the end of the term.

The cost per average dally attendance in the High School for the 1929-1930 term was $143.47, For the elementary school for the same period the cost was $70.85 per average , 19 ...... , ...... daily attendance.

In January, 1925, the Board of Trustees of the Lon® Star

School District and the citizens of the district met at the school and discussed the proposition of erecting a new build­ ing before the opening of school in the fall. There was an

18. Graham County Guardian. Issue of July 18. 19>30. 19. I W * : : \ : 124 imperative need for a new building and its comrfcrnotion was planned for* It was to have two rooms and an auditorium, 20 with heating plant and modern school: fornishings* .

A bond election.was held in the district on February .

21y The amount of the bonds voted bn was $13>000 for buying a school lot and building a new school* The results of the election showed- eighteen votes cast for the bonds and one 21 vote cast against them. : ; :

However, it was decided that the amount of $13,000 was not sufficient :for construction of the building desired and another bond election was held in the Lone Star District on

May 30, 1925* The amount voted on this time was $15,000 and 22 the election was. favorable to issuing the bonds.

The contract for the. new building was let on August 31, and work was begun, immediately. The work was completed near the end of December* and the building put into use at the beginning of the year. The auditorium was used as a com** - : 23 munity meeting place as well as for school purposes.

An application for annexation to the Safford School

District No. 1, by the people the Lee School District 1 8

No. 34 was filed in the office of the County Superintendent a in July of 1926. If annexation were accomplished, it would bring to the Safford grad e and high school between sixty and

20. Ibid. . Issue of January 9; 1923. : • " ■ . ' 21. Ibid.. Issue of. February 6, 1925. 22. Sraham County Guardian. Issue of May 8, 192$. 23. M l ; ; issue of May E, 1926. seventy students. They would be. conveyed ,to the Safford school by bus. ; . - .. . %. , ,

The application f o r annexation was approved and the 25 Lee District was annexed to the Stafford District. This dis­ trict covered.an extensive area to the.south of Safford which had a low assessed valuation. .

A contract was let on August 7* 1922. in the Artesia

School District for,the.construction of a new school. The amount of the contract was $6,400. . • ....

In February, 1923, the Solomonville School District was planning for the issuance of bonds for the amount of $ 20,000 to provide funds for building a four or five room addition to • - ■ • , • ' ' ^ • V ...... _ • • - . ■ t the school-building. The addition would provide room for man­ ual training and domestic art departments which were to be part of the school work as planned by the trustees.

On M a y .2, 1927, the Solomonville School District was enlarged by the consolidation of the San Jose School District

No. 10 with it. The San Jose District adjoined the Solomon­ ville District on the east.

The election for the issuing of therbonds planned for in

1923 was held May.19, 1928, in the Solomonville District. The election resulted in the authorization for issuing the bonds

§4. Ibid. . Issue of July 2 t 1426. 25. From the County Superintendent’s Minute Book, 1916-1926, Minutes of July 15, 1926. On file in the office of the County Superintendent in Safford.

| | ^ r o p ^ | p 923?usust 8’ 1922-' t ' 124 for the amount of $20,000. The money iras used to build an addition ofslx new classrooms to the grammar school build- 29 Ing. ■ ■ • : - : ' - - - . . v

' In April, 1925, the Board of Supervisors approved an

election for the Thatcher School District to vote on the

question of whether or not the school district could incur

an indebtedness exceeding four per cent of the value of the

taxable property of the district. They also approved an

election for the question of issuing bonds for the amount of 30 $44,500. : x. . -..i' U-:.,: - -v. ■ ' ■■■-. :....

The vote was favorable for the issuing of the bonds,

there being 160 votes cast for the bonds and 43 against them.

The new building would be erected on the school grounds near

the building then in use.

The contract was let on July 27, 1925* for the construc­

tion of the Thatcher Junior High School building. Besides

classrooms, it was to have an auditorium capable Of seating

300 people. The work on the building progressed very rap­

idly after the letting of the contract. • ^ ;

The building was dedicated ott Arbor Day in 1926, that

day being Friday, May 8. The general public was invited to

an all-day program. In the morning the students cleared the

grounds and planted more shrubs and trees. At three o!clock

in the afternoon flag-raising exercises were held on the

Ibid., Issue of August 10, 1928, 30. Ibid., Issue of April 24, 1925. campus* : Ttie -dedicatory exercises Were held at 7%3# in the evening. The program consisted of the song MAmericaMV followed by musical selections. Then a welcome address by-

Frank Tyler, This was followed by responses by E. M. daridge of the County Board of Supervisors, Mrs, Alice Worden*1 County

School Superintendent, and V/. "W, * Pace,- of the Board of Trus­ tees, Superintendent Martin Mortenseh gave a financial re­ port of the building. The dedicatory prayer was offered by 32 John F, Nash, :

: In May, 1929, a petition was filed with the County School

Superintendent asking that ah election be called in the That­ cher District for the purpose of voting on the question of whether a high school should be established with boundaries to be coterminous with those of Thatcher School District No,4, 33 The election was held June 1, 1929> with the result that there were thirty-four votes cast for forming the dis­ trict and hone against its formation. As a-result of the election the Thatcher High School District was established in July, 1929, with boundaries coterminous with the Thatcher 34- School1 District No. 4, It was to be known as the Valley

High School when completed, • . -- V

In the Pima School DistrictLan election was held on

3l, Ibid.. Issue of January 29, 19^6. 12. Ibid.^ Issue of February 12,;1926. 33. Tbld.. Issue of May 23, 1929. 1 14. Ibid.r Issue of June 2, 1929. - V i - . ■ - . : -v. •; - • ' ' • - • 128

August 1922, to decide the question of bonding the dis­ trict for $ 50,000:for the purpose of building and equipping 35 / a new school house. : However, it was thought that the sum of $50,000 was more than was neededi Another election was 36 held on April 28, 1923,: in the Pima District. At this : election the amount voted on was $30,000. The election was favorable for the issuing:of the bonds but no action was taken. , ■, : : -- - - ■: : . - : 1 37 A bond election was again held October 20, 1923, in the Pima District; The amount voted on was $30,000. The vote was favorable for issuing the bonds and the Board of 38 Supervisors approved their Issuance on Hovember 5, 1923*

The new building was started in February, 1924*

Both the Pima Junior High School and the grade school opened September 7, 1925, in the new building, which had been completed at a cost of $ 30,000.< The construction was of red brick. I t ,was modern in every,particular and equipp­ ed,with all the up-to-date school furnishings. It contained six class rooms, an auditorium, fifty by eighty feet, teach­ ers rooms, principal1s room, library, store room, lavatories manual training and home economics rooms. Tennis:courts and 39 ball grounds were to be provided; / a .; • c’

^5. Ibid.. Issue of July 18. 1922. 36. Ibid., .Issue of May 2,^1923. ____ 37. Ibid., Issue of September 26, 1923. 38. Ibid., Issue of December 14, 1923. . vl : ^ V. 39. Ibid., Issue of September li, 1925. : i - 129

: : Three, districts had- failed to maintain a public school during the .1922-1923 $era and were declared lapsed and Join­ ed to the Pima School District in June, 1923• The lapsed districts were Matthews, Ho. 1?} Carter, Ho. 21; and Cotton- 40 wood, No. 19* These changes are shown on the map following page 133. - : V-;

The Bryce School District No. 17 was enlarged on June

2, 1924, when the Enterprise School District So. 43 was 41 annexed to it, (See map following.page .133.3 An election was held two:years later on June 12, 1926, in the Bryce Dis­ trict for the purpose of voting on the question-of issuing

bonds for $15,000 to purchase additional school grounds and build a new school* ; . -. • . •

The results of the election Were favorable to issuing

the bonds, there being twenty-five votes cast in favor of. 42 the bonds and one cast against them. The contract for the

new school was let in September, 1926, and work was begun 43 soon after. The fine structure which was built is in use

today in the Bryce District; o . ..

■On June 16, 1923, .an election was held for the estab­

lishment of the Fort Thomas Union High School. All votes

cast were in favor of its establishment. The Union High

School District included' Baery, No. 31; Fort Thomas, No.7;

1 6 . Ibid.. Issue of June 20. 19&3. — - 41. County Superintendent’s Minute Book, 1916-1926. On file in County Superintendent’ s- Office, Safford* ; 7'‘c; 42, Graham County Guardian. Issue of July 9, 1926* 43* Ibid.. Issue of September 17, 1926, ; 130

44 Sunnyside,* No. 49; and Coon, No. 28. the Nedland District had petitioned but did not hold the election as provided by law, so was not included in the Fort Thomas ttaion High School

District. These districts are shown on the map following page 133. ' • ;;v ■

In June, 1923, the electors of Geronimo School District

No. 25, petitioned for annexation to the Fort Thomas School •

District No. 7,‘ and the district was declared annexed as of

May 21, 1923, by the Board of Supervisors.

These annexations crowded the school facilities of the

Fort Thomas District and a meeting was held February i ,

1924, by the people of Fort Thomas, at which time the ques­ tion of erecting a high school building for the district was considered. Nearly every citizen of the district was at the meeting and all were in^favor of issuing bonds for this pur­ pose. r - :: 5 ' ' ' ' ' ' -

About three years previous it had become apparent that a high school was'needed; but it was believed at that time that the high school -courses could be given in the grade building. The-number of high school students had'Increased to such an extent that the need of a'separaterbuilding had"r become a certainty. . ^ . r :

The clerk of the School Board was instructed to com­ municate with... architects to have plans submitted and spec-

- . % r, ■' ; ■■ •■- -. - -■'■••• - ■ ; . :. 44. County Superintendent1s Minute Book. 1916-1926. On file in County Superintendent's Office, Safford. 45* Graham County Guardian. Issue of June 20, 1923* ifications. J. A. Woods, the County School Superintendent,

addressed the group# He told of ways and means of securing

funds and the necessity of providing facilities for the high­

er education of the children as they left the grade school#

L. E. Westermeyer, principal of the Fort Thomas School, also 46 gave an address on education#

When the F'ort Thomas District school opened in the fan,

of 1924, the building had been remodeled so that it had five

classrooms, besides an assembly room and library. An outdoor

cement basketball floor had been added#

There were four teachers for the High School. The cours­

es offered in the high school weret For the first year, Eng­

lish, Algebra, Spanish, General.Science, and Agriculture.

For the second year, English, Plane Geometry, Spanish, His­

tory, Bookkeeping, and Business Administration. For the

third and fourth years, Business, English, Botany, Plane ' + J * 1 ***.-■' % 1 * - • .*■ .v V *. r 4 ^ -- - r Geometry, Physics, Typewriting, and Public Speaking# Also 47 offered were Music and Athletics. • . -

The bond election was held in the Fort Thomas District

on September 23, 1924. The amount voted on,was $50,000#

The election was favorable,for issuing the bonds.- The con­

tract was let for the high school building and work was be­

gun on it in March, 1925#

id., Issue of February B, 1924# ., Issue of August 29, 1924. ., Issue of September 19, 1924# 132

School opened on September 7* 1925, in the beautiful 49 new building. Five teachers were engaged to teach in the

High School, and new courses had been added to the curr­ iculum.

The building was formally dedicated on Saturday even­ ing December 19, 1925, with dedicatory exercises.1 After a number by the high school orchestra, a reading was given by

Wendell Smith, "The Building of the Ship". H. L. Colvin briefly gave the history of the school. Dr. Paschal, in­ spector of secondary schools for the University of Arizona, : 50 • : ; . :: y : delivered the dedicatory address.

An addition to the high school building was completed in September, 1927* It was thirty by fifty-five feet and was to be used for the Manual Training and Domestic Science 51 departments of the school. _

The Bonita School District No. 16 held an election on

May 26, 1923, to decide the question of Issuing bonds in the amount of $7,000 for building a new school house. Bonita had been operating two schools about twelve miles apart, in order to serve the outlying area of the district. In

Bonita, proper, an accomodation school was established. The bond election was for the purpose of building a permanent

49. Ibid., Issue of September 4, 1925. 50. Ibid.. Issue of December 18, 1925* 51. Ibid., Issue of September 23, 1927. 52. Ibid., Issue bf September lb, 1921. district school house at Bonita*

The election was favorable to the Issuing of rthe bonds*

The building was finished and put in use in the fall of

1925.

The schools in operation in Graham County (See map following page 133.) for the 1920-1921 term are shown in 53 r - 1 ■■ ' ' r- . Table IX.

'c .; t a b l e t x .

r SCHOOLS IN OPERATION IN GR&B&M. COUNTY 1920-1921 TERM

Name of . Name of /' -Name of' : No. District No. District No. Distriet

1 Safford 13 Aravaipa ■2l:V0©on. ' 2 Mountsinview 14 Alger 3 Watson 15 Matthews 4 Thatcher 16 Bonita : g p 11 5 Soldiaonville 17 Bryce 6 Pima ; . 18 High Creek Fort Thomas 19 Cottonwood Graham 20 Lone Star I U s 9 Klondyke 21 Carter 47 Ash 6r## 10 San Jose 23 Sanchez 49 sunnyside 11 Eden 24 Ranger 50 Lompoc 12 Central 25 Geronimo 51 Goodwin 26 Hubbard

During the decade which followed 1 9 2 0 many of these districts were consolidated so that the number in operation ' . . ■ 54 was reduced. Seven districts had consolidated in 1921*

The map found between pages 133 and 134 is a photo­

graphic copy of an old map found in the County School Super­

intendent’s Office in Safford, Arizona. It will be found

53* Ibid., issue of January 23, 1920. 54. Ibid., Issue of September 2, 1921. 0 7 T h I t //? T o u l T t v, l l TTz. School DistncTs. -\ * \ /w o Inches = -Tniilesy

-x

/ A/o 49. h nv k / / v m a

- Eft"

1 n;

Sfyer/V +M S c • - ^ __ -.-.PFT , ;ij9 i ,- t T co u n fy • ■ -£~*p/ono/;o/>- I 3Aey r * - ^ ' I

|— X/ondvMe NoS*{\

%

-ava/fa /Vo. /j |'j 13*

Invaluable by the reader as It shows many sehool districts of Graham County which have lor^ since -been forgotten. Many of "the districts shown on the map have lapsed^ or have been annexed or consolidated, or have ceased to exist. The map also shows many districts which are still in existence today. -: : - % -

- In Graham County in July, 1921, preparations were being made for grade work above grammar school in a number of dis­ tricts, especially the smaller-ones which were at such a distance from any high school that they could not easily send their children to high school. At the normal age for the ninth grade, people were of the opinion that their chil- 5$ dren were rather young to be sent away from home to school.

School children were to be transportated from six dif~ 56 ferent points in the county either by car or by wagon.

Those furnishing transportation were required to enter-into a contract with the county school superintendent. Transpor­ tation officers were paid from the reserve school fund.

The Ranger School District No. 24, lapsed in 1923 and the area embraced by it was attached to Klondyke School Dis- 57 trict No, 9, on June 4, 1923. This change may be seen on the map following page 133, -

55. Ibid., Issue of July 1, 1921. 56. I b H . , Issue of August 12, 1921, 57. Ibid.. Issue of June 20, 1923. 1#

In August, 1924, the county school superintendent re- 58 ported that two high schools had been maintained during the previous school tera, with eleven teachers employed, nine

In the Safford High School and two in the Fort Thomas Union

High School. The total enrollment In the high schools had been 215 with an average.dally attendance of 165.06, at a per capita cost of $122.58 for the year. /The total expen­ ditures for all purposes was $26,3?6»08 for high schools*

There were twenty-four high school graduates.

The total enrollment for the grade-schools was 2,664.

The total cost of maintenance for the year had been

$150,500.63, a per capita cost of $56.53. The average daily attendance has 2,068.64. There had been 169 students who completed the work of the eighth grade.

During the year school bonds in the amount of $8,500 were redeemed, together with interest paid on school bonds in the amount of $8,574.79, making a grand total of

$194,031.50 paid for schools during the year.

Nine school districts had consolidated with others at

the first of the year. - Two other districts were annexed

for the year 1924-1925.

Two new school buildings were in the course of con­

struction at this time, 1924, one at Pima School District

5B. Ibid.. Issue of August 29, 1924. . 59. Ibid. 136

No. 6, at a cost of $30,000, and the other at Bonita School

District No. 16, at a cost of $7,000^ both of which were to

be ready for occupancy in September.

The cost per student for the term of 1927-1928 for the

county as compiled by the County School Superintendent, Mr. 6l Safe Nelson, are given in the following table. The fig­

ures include the cost of transportation of pupils to and

from schools in the consolidated districts and were for both

the grade and high schools, -

The amount for each school is given in Table X.

TABLE X

COST PER STUDENT FOR THE TERM OF 1927-1928 IN THE SCHOOLS OF GRAHAM COUNTY

Number and Name Per Capita Cost of District

Safford High School------—— -$187.25 Ft. Thomas Union High School--- 1 Safford------—— : 4 Thatcher— -— ------78.44 5 Solomonville— ------73.77 6 Pima— — ------————— - 91.50 7 Fort Thomas------— ---- - 98.13 8 Graham— — — — — r~ -----:-- 150.71 9 Klondyke— — — ----—— - 121.66 10 San Jose------______- 67.29 11 Eden------— 12 Central------— ■: 13 Aravaipa-— ------111.13 14 Alger-— ---- -— ------— ■ - 99.91 •t 16 Bonita------—-—-— - 108.44 17 Bryce— ------— ------81.63 20 Lone Star— — --- ______- 86.36 23 Sanchez— ----- — ------104.15 31 Emery— — — — ------— - 80.08 40 Artesia------—— - 92.48 41 Redland------______---- - 117.35 44 California-— — ---- -———- 49 Sunny side— ------——-—- : m3 60. thid. ' " 61. Ibid., Issue of October 7, 1927. 13?

The greatest cost of $357.46 was In the Fort Thomas

Union High School District. This was due to the small num­ ber of pupils attending. The California School District

No. 44 was next with a per capita cost of $303.88, due also to the small number of pupils in the district. The Califor­ nia District lay across the Gila river from Fort Thomas, but on account of high water in the river during the winter, con- solidation with the Fort Thomas District was not feasible. The San Jose district with a per capita cost of $67.29 had the smallest expense of any district in the county. These districts may be seen on the map following page 133*

Acschool for the colored children,of the county, opened in Safford on September 9, 1929, for the second year. Mrs,

T. C. Martin was the new teacher. The school occupied the

Old Guardian office on Sixth Street.

During the-decade ending in 1930 inter-school compe­ tition had assumed a place of great importance. The prac­ tice of playing games between schools located at some dis- tance from each other became common. This was made pos­ sible.by. the advent of improved roads between the cities of the state; ; r CHAPTSR IX

^ RETRENCHMENT AND RECOVERY

The depression which began in 1929 was soon felt by the f£'. i* • •*'* ' •• • * schools of Graham County* Ways and means of effecting great­ er economy of operation were sought by the boards of trustees*

In Safford the services of the school physician were dis­ pensed with for the year 1931-1932 in order to curtail ex- penses* In all schools teaching staffs were reduced or salaries were cut, or both, in order to reduce expenses.

In March of 1932 the Board of Trustees of the Safford

Schools made several moves for economy for the next year*

Rigid economizing was put into operation in securing supplies and equipment. The salary schedule was reduced twenty per cent. These economies were expected to result in a net re­ duction of about $25»000 in the operating costs of the schools for the next year. V

In spite of these reductions, further economies were found to be necessary, in view of economic conditions. In

March, 1933 the Safford board of trustees decided to discon­ tinue Home Economics and Spanish in the high school for the

1. From the Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees, School District No. One, Safford, Arizona, 1924-1941. Minutes of August 11, 1931. 2. Graham County Guardian. Issue of March 18, 1932. 131 next year, to abolish the kindergarten, and to diseontinne one of the special rooms for Spanish-Aaerican children in the elementary school. Theseichildren mere to be absorbed in the regular da s ses, In the high: school: the, work of

Mathematics and Social Science were to be taken over by : „ other teachers. . : i , ::

The Superintendent of Safford schools, George S. Hansen, — decided to place the elementary schools under the Platoon

Plan of organization for the coming year, provided the teach­ ers approved the plan* The purpose for this was to give the 4 maximum of education at a minimum of cost to the district.

The cost* of. operating the schools of Safford had been reduced from $77,000 in 1929-1930 to $62,000 for 1932-1933.

It was to:be reduced another twenty per cent below this for the year 1933-1934. The per pupil cost in the elementary school for 1929-1930 was $69.40, while for 1932-1933 it was reduced to $54.67. The per pupil cost:for the high school for 1929-1930 was $146.00* This, was reduced to $99.50 .for the year 1932-1933. : "l : ' ^

Due to overcrowding, additional rooms were, needed, and

in December of 1933, an application was made by the 3afford

board of trustees to the Public Works Administration for the

i r j * I Issue of March 31, 1933. .T J. t Issue of May 19. 1933. Issue of June 30, 1933. 146

. , .. ' ... . 6 construction of- four rooms ©n the Soutji Ward Bullying, M - loan of $12,000 was requested, 30 per cent of which would be an outright grant* A special bond election was called in connection with the application for the loan. The amount of the bonds:was to be $9,000. The election was held on January 20, 1934-, and the issue carried with 86 votes in favor of the bonds and 26 opposed to thee. The loan was ... . . 7 approved in April, 1934, for the sum of $12,000^

The Safford Schools opened in the fall of 1934 with additional teachers added and the teaching of Spanish re­ sumed in the high school. George S; Hansen was superinten- dent, J. Harold Mitchell was-principal of the high school,

and Lowell Ballard was principal of the elementary school.

The enrollment showed a decrease due to boys of high school 8 age being enrolled in Civilian Conservation Corps camps.

In January, 1935, Mr.Harisen tendered his resignation

as superintendent to the board of trustees to take effect

February first. Mr. Hansen had been employed as superin­

tendent for the safford schools for about twelve years*

Mr. Lafe Nelson^ who had served eight-years as superinten­

dent of schools^in Graham County, was employed to take Mr.

Hansen’s place. ,, . :-l:;:

6* From the Minute Book ior the Board of School Trustees, School District No. One;:Safford, Arizona, Minutes of December 12, 1933.» 7. Graham County Guardian. Issue of April 17, 1934. 8. Ibid., Issue of August 17,1934. : 9. Ibid., Issue of January 18, 193$. 141

In July, 1 9 3 5 1 exeavatlng wag begun;tinier the north end of the high school auditorium for the purpose of Installing a kitchen for the preparation of school lunches# Also, In

July, the bid was let for $12,460, for the addition of four rooms; to? the grade building# ; . ; . . i ; . 10 A certificate .granting full accrediting in the North

Central Association of.Colleges and Secondary Schools -for the year 1935-1936 was Received;; from Dr# 0# K. Garret son, state high school: Inspector, of the University of Arizona,

An election was called in the Safford School District 11 for December 29, 1936 for the purpose of voting on the question of issuing $2*> jOOO in bonds. The proceeds of the bonds were to be used in making additions and improvements to the Safford school buildings and plant. :The high school auditorium was too small for the enrollment and it was planned to add fifty feet to the north end so that it might be used as a gymnasium as well as auditorium# It was also

•planned to build a shop:for the teaching of shopwerk, and to build concrete tennis courts# : .

The following February the bond election was declared 12 to be void because the time limit for redemption of bonds had been set at twenty-five years and the legal limit was

• " ' • ■ " ’ ■ ‘ • •• v-.; ... ‘ " ■’ , . ' ; - - ';-: • - \ - " ■ • 10. Issue of July 12, 1935. 11. Ibid.. Issue of December 4, 1936# 12# From the Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees, School District No# One, Safford, Arizona,. 1924.-1941.. .. Minutes of February 9, 1937. : , , ' - 143 found to be twenty years. The Board of Trustees decided to proceed with the building program from balance on hand and to dispense with another bond election^ The laying of con­ crete tennis courts began at once* • :

^Notice was received early -In April, 1937, ^from Gover­ nor Stanford's office that a grant of $2G>000 had been made to aid the building program of the 8afford School District.

The contract was let April 26, 1937, for the addition to the high school auditorium, and the building of six new classrooms. These new additions were dedicated '’dctober "18,

Two;months later, in December, a building to house the manual training department of the high school was being con­ structed , at a cost of $5,200. This was built as a National

Youth Administration project, supplying part-time employment for those on the National Youth Association unemployment * 14 rolls. V'- : >^;'V ru ■■■:

In January^ 1938, the Layton school lot was sold * and

in June of that year, the Lone Star school lot and building were sold.

Kindergarten work was added to the school program for

the 1938-1939 term. It remained a part of the regular pro­

gram until the "1948-1949 term, after which it was discon­

tinued, due to the cost involved. r - - -

December 31, 1937, 14# l An election was held January, 28, 1939, In the Safford school district to vote on the question of selling the Hortb

Ward school property. The vote was favorable for selling the property. It was hoped to use the proeeWm; from the sale of the property toward the eenstruotlon of a new elementary school building. , The property was sold to the City ef Safford

In 19A0# - , r -••••.'- . -- #> ... ■- * ...... -

An election was held April 15, 1939, for the purpose of voting on the question of Issuing bonds in the amount of

$30,000 for the construotIon of a stadium for the football field, as a Works Progress Administration project. Also to be constructed was a new ten room elementary school*. The election carried with forty-four votes favoring the prep- / .. ... ’ ... 15 ' ‘ ‘ ©sition and twenty opposed* ^

Construction of the stadium was begun immediately. It was built at a cost of $18,700, of heav^y reinforce con­ crete, 156 feet in length, and to accomodate 1000 people.

The dedicatory exercises were held April.26, 1940, and the

structure named "Baker Stadium", after Danny Baker, pres­

ident of the Safford high school student body association, . , 16 at the time of his death .January,4, 1938. , >

Soon after the dedication of the stadium, construction

of a Home Economics.building. Just.east of the.high school ' ' : ' • - r , ■. ^ W . - » .L. ■ V ■ . . . '■ i . ' . . -

15* From the Minute Book for the-Board of School Trustees, School District Wo. one, Safford, Arizona, Minutes of April 22, 1939. 16. Graham County Guardiap, Issue of April 26, 1940. was begun, as a Rational Youth Administration project.

- A contract was let in January^ 1941, for the construc­

tion of a hew.ten room elementary school buiiaing. It was

constructed as a one-story structure with the rooms meas­

uring twenty feet by thirty feet,' a twelve foot inside

corridor , toilets, principal1s office, janitors 'supply room,

and office quarters for the school nurse. This made a net

addition of four rooms siflce the six rooms of the North Ward

-• V ' had become the property of the City of Safford, It was

built at a cost of $ 28,000 to house about 350 elementary 17 school pupils of the primary grades, i- ; i '

The Soldmonville Public School, with Harold Q. Clark

as principal, added a ninth grade for the' first time, to its curriculum:for the year 1935-193^* Previously the Sol-

omonville ninth grade stxtients were brought to Safford, &

junior high school division, composed of the seventh, eighth,

and ninth grades,, was organized, 1 - ; ;

The Parent Teacher Association had occupied one of the

classrooms, using it for a cafeteria, but a preliminary

survey was being made for the construction of a new cafeteria, 18 The average attendance for: the 1934-1935 term had been 410, In December, 1936,' the .principal, Harold G. Clar hav­ ing been selected by Congressman John R.-Murdock: to be his

■V-' 17. ______uardlan. Issue of July 23. 1941. 18, Ibid,r Issue of 14? private secretary, left to assume his new duties.. A re- - ' organization of the faculty in January, 1937, placed

Darvil B; McBride; a teacher in the school for several 19 ,, . years, in the prinoipalshlp.

The children of Alger School District H®. 1* were

transported -to Solofflonville ‘beginning with the 1938-1939 term. The Alger District, located on the north side of

the Gila River east’ of Solomonville, was annexed to the 20 Solomonville District Humber 5 In July, 1938. (See map

following page 148.) *••-'• < ;

' The Thatcher Schools opened September 1,1931, with

Paul E. Guitteau as superintendent and J. Harvey Mangum

as principal of the elementary grades and teacher of the

sixth grade. Mangum was succeded in 1934 by Jack ■

Daley, as principal1 of-the elementary school. :

i , Work on the new Valley high sehobl gymnasium in That­

cher was begun on February 16," 1936; The structure was 6 $

by 128 feet, with tamped concrete walls. It was a Works

Progress Administration project and was paid for partly

by the schooltandi partly by the federal government and

state.i; :The cost was about $16,500 of which $8000 came from

the Works Progress Administration funds, $3,500 from the

19. D)ld. t Issue of January 8. 1917. - 20. County Superintendent * s File.Book, 1927-1941, - - in .County Superintendent's Office, Safford, Arizona, Minutes of September 15, 1938.; 14# governor’s relief fund, and the balance from the school dis- trict* : "• . ; :. y ' : ‘ L: , ... ; • ' ■ :..V.

The Thatcher high school closing exercises were held

May 13,-1937, There were no graduates as the high school was to become a four year institution the next term. 22 - Dedication exercises were, held September 16, 1937$ for the new gymnasium, following an inspection of the structure by Works Progress Administration officials. :

The Pima Schools opened September 7, 1931$ with the 23 largest enrollment in the history of the school. A new , school bus had been purchased to make the Glenbar run.

Students fpom Eden, Bryce, Central, Ash Creek, and Cotton-, . wood were • brought, by bus to the. Pljaa school for secondary work, although, no high school district had been established.

A special election was held in Pima on November 28,

1931$ for the purpose of deciding what to do with the school property in Glenbar belonging to the Pima School District. .

The district voted to sell the property to the Matthews Ward 24 of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. .. ’

: With H.L. Allen as superintendent, the work of the ninth and tenth grades was given during the 1932-1933 term, and the.work of-the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades was offered in the 1933-1934 term.

______I s s u B ^ 1937» Issue of September 10, 1937. Issue of August 28, 1931* -. r Issue of December 4, 1931. l+f

An election •was held in the Pima District on May 12,

1934, to vote on the issue of organizing a high school dis­ trict, Students from Pima attempting to enter other schools found that the schools hesitated to accept them, because - _ 25 state records showed Pima to be only an elementary school.

This condition was rectified with 57 votes cast in favor of

establishing the high school district with none in the neg­

ative. The boundaries of the high school district were

coterminus with those of the Pima elementary school district.

H. L. Allen was succeded by Orlando S.* McBride as sup­

erintendent of Pima schools in 193$*

A new high school building was planned for Pima by the

Board of Trustees. It was planned to secure a Public Works

Administration grant to finance the structure, with the bal­

ance to be raised by a proposed bond issue. The grant was

approved in July, 1937, for the sum of $37,571. The bond

election was held October 2, with 133 favorable votes cast.

The district furnished $20,172 through the bond issue. An

estimated $15,000 worth of materials from the old school

building were used in the new structure. It was built of

cement brick, with eight classrooms and a gymnasium, and 27 was completed in March, 1939. The first annual graduation

55.; Ibid., Issue of May 11, 1934. 26. County Superintendent’s File Book, 1927-1941, in County Superintendent’s Office, Safford, Arizona, Minutes of April 26, 1934. 27. Graham County Guardian. Issue of March 17, 1939. V V - » 148 exercises of the Pima High School; were held M ay 18, with i : the graduation address delivered by Life NtiLson, superin­ tendent of the S'afford School* I

Wright} at Pima, H. L. Alien; at Ft. Thomas;High School,

B. B. Smith; at the grade school there, Clara A. Willis;

at Graham, Val Curtis; at KLondyke, Mabel Morgan; at Eden,

Jeff Perkins; at Central, Wilford Hamblin; at Aravaipa,

Lon Hyde; at Alger, Margaret Bently; at Bonita, L. E.

Matten; at Bryce, Silas Jarvis; at Lone Star, 0. B. Clark,

at Sanchez, Condido Tellez; at Emery, Marjorie McEuen; at

Artesia, Alex Perkins; at Ashurst, Fred Talley; and at

Sunnyside, Lillian Knowles, (See map following page 133*)

28. Ibid.. Issue of August 2d, 1911.

149

The average attendance for the schools of the-county for the previous year were given by County Superintendent 29 tafe Nelson. This is given in Table XI.

TABLE XI

AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE FOR THE SCHOOLS OF.GRAHAM COUNTY FOR THE YEAR 1930-1931

District A. D. A. District A. D. A.

Safford, Grade— — -— 666.93 Graham— — -— — 22.60 Safford, High— — — — 235.45 mondyke— — 35.00 Thatcher, Grade------262.70 Eden------60,00 Thatcher. High— — 162.70 Central— ----- — 79.98 Solomonville, Grade— 288.28 Afavaipa— — — 16.00 Pitta-— — — --— -382.3° Alger— — — — 14.00. Ft., Thomas, Grade-— - 62.23 Bonita------38.65 Ft. Thomas, High———— 71.40 Bryce— ——— ———————40.54 Lone Star— — — 26.22 Sunset— — — — 23.92 Sanchez——————————— ——— 35.59 ' Sunnyside————————— 9.^0 Emery------— 20.67 Night Schools— 10.So Artesia— — ------19.80 Total Average— 2616^42 Ashurst— --- — ------29.66

The County Superintendent, at the request of school v ;;::0 - . : ' . : 3 ° officials and other interested persons, called a meeting of school trustees and school superintendents in the vari­ ous schools of the county to discuss suggestions for re­ ducing the cost of operating the schools. The depression made this action imperative.

County Superintendent Nelson presided at the meeting which was held January 19» 1932. It was brought out that the cost of operation and maintenance of the common and high

schools of Graham county for the year 1930-1931* paid for by

30! Ibid!. Issue of January 1, 1932.

t 150 a direct tax on county property was $232,667.64. This: did not include the money from the state school fund, nor for bond interest and redemption. With these items included, the cost for education in the county had been $335,343•78*

It was stated that there was a reduced capacity of the tax­ payers to pay, while there was no reduction whatever in the amount of the cost of education annually. Of the total amount spent in 1930-1931 for education in Graham county, more than half of the amount was paid for salaries, this amount being $168,246; The superintendent of the Safford schools, George S; Hansen,: stated that a reduction in'tax­ ation could hot be taken from the schools, that other de­ partments of: state must also b© called upon-to retrench.

He advised" finding new sources of revenue Such as income, 31 sales; luxury, and corporation taxes, , : ; -

«In the spring of 1932, most county teachers were em­ ployed for the'next term at a reduction of ten pef-cent in 32 salaries; ' - " V;: : ■ - .

In March, 1933 it was announced by the County Super­ intendent,-Mr .Eafe Kelson, that the cost of operating the schools-in Graham county the next term would be reduced v from $215,000'to $162^000. The county levy that year would be $35 as compared to $45 for -the previous year. The state

- ' r ■ ...- - - , ■ 31. i l M . , Issue of January 26, 1932. — ~ r 32. ihld.; Issue of April 19. 1932. apportionment would be $20 as compared:to $2? for the pre~ vlous year. This would make - a;total apportionment of $55- per student as compared to-$70 previously, :

.v:$he reduction in the county school reserve fund, made mandatory by the state legislature, would0be about $9,5p0 as compared to $19,^00 for last year. The reserve fund was used for transportation^and accomodation schools. The only accomodation school in Graham County was at Tanque.

The various school'districts were preparing to adjust

school expenditures;to'meet; their budgets.. v fl" i ' "

The school trustees agreed that it would, be difficult to operate all schools]under-thersame regulations^ They , • decided to operate their schools nine months if their funds would, permit. Radical curtailments would be made to cut expenditures such as reducing salaries, eliminating various dapartments, and consolidating classes. The recent enact­ ment of the legislature did not permit truant officers under county expense^ nor: night schools for adults. : -r

The-Sunnyside:School District Ho. 49 had failed to = operate for three months and was lapsed and■annexed to the 35 Fort Thomas School District Ho. 7, in January, 1934. (See maps following, pages 133: and 148.) : ; v v.}':

53. ibid., Issue of March-24, 1933*

35. County Superintendent’s File Book, 1927-1941. in County Superintendent's Office, Safford, Arizona, Minutes of January 20, 1934. ‘ ' ... ' 152

In May, 193^» the County Superintendent, MPvLafe Nel­ son announced that h® would not be a candidate for the of- flee'of County School Superintendent, He was succeeded in

January, 1935, by Mr. J. Harvey Mangum. r

• The per capita levy of the state school apportionment was raised from $20 to $25 by- the" legislature in 1935* The salaries*of teachers*employed- for the 1936-1937‘term showed increases. v'- " \ -

The County School Superintendent, to*.: Harvey Mangum, died on August 16, 1938* His unexplred term was filled by his wife, Mrs. Charlotte Mangum. She was elected to the office of. County School Superintendent in the fall elections ■37 of 1938.

A number of changes were made In the school districts

of Graham County. The Graham School District No. 8 was 38 annexed to the Safford District No. 1, on July 1, 1939*

The California School District No. 44 had an average daily

attendance of less than eight pupils for the year 1939-1940

and was lapsed. It was annexed to Bonita District No. 16 in 39 June, 1940. These changes may be seen on the map following

page 148,

Graham County School Districts as of July 1, 1939, may

36. Graham County Guardian. Issue of August 19. 1938. 37. Jbi&., Issue" of September, 1938. . ..— _____ 3o. County Superintendent* s File Book, 1927-1941. in County Superintendent’s Office, Safford, Arizona, Minutes of March 2, 1939. 39. Ibid.. Minutes of July 31, 1940. 153 be seen on the map following page 148. This is a photo­ graphic copy of a map in the County School Superintendent1s

Office in Safford, Arizona. Only two changes have been made in the school districts since this map was drawn. The Calif­ ornia School District No. 44 was annexed to Bonita District

No. 16 in June, 1940, as noted above, and the Artesia Dis­ trict No. 40 was annexed to Safford District No. 1, in 1944*

Early in 1941 the Safford School began classes In vo- cational training as part of the National Defense program.

"'V-

I

40. Graham County Guardian. Issue of February. 14f 1941. •' ' ::"v ‘V:' ■ :: CHAPTHt X -'-T "V::

... ' CONTIKUED-GROWTH 'OF.’SCHOOLSVOF GRAHAM COUNTY

In 1941, the plant of the Safford School District con­ sisted of the high school building, the elementary and junior high school building, the new primary grades building which had just been completed, the music cottage, home economics building, band and shop buildings, tennis court, football field, the track, and Baker Stadium, and garages. The value of all the school property in the district amounted to ' • $ 154,500. ' Vrav.;- .v--;::.:

National Defense Classes were being held in the high : school during the regular term arid also during the summer.

Courses such as arc and acetylene welding^ elementary Car­ pentry, and woodwork, were offered^ : - 2 In July, 1942, Mr. Lafe Nelson was voted a leave of absence by the Board of Trustees to take ah appointment with the War Relocation Authority. Mr. J, Harold Mitchell was selected to act as superintendent. Mr. Cecil H. Samuel - succeeded Mr. Mitchell as high school principal.

The Artesia School-District No. 40.desired to annex . 12

1. From the Minutes of the. Board of Trustees, Safford School District Number One, Safford, Arizona, March, 1941 to December, 1948. Minutes of August 13, 1941. 2. Ibid.. Minutes of July 9, 1942. ’ 155 itself to the Safford District, but the Board of Trustees of the Safford District voted in July, 1942 to reject the request of the Artesia School District. Arrangements were made, however, whereby the Artesia school children were brought to the Swift Trail Junction and picked up there by

Safford buses and brought to school in Safford. The Artesia

School District was annexed to the Safford School District in 1944.(See map following page 148.) The school property a.; ' nr : ' : - . vn-. was sold in December, 1945.

As everywhere, there was a shortage of labor in Graham

County, caused by the demands of the war on manpower. This shortage was felt by the farmers of the Gila Valley whose cott°n crop was in danger of being lost in the fall of 1942, due to the shortage of cotton pickers. To alleviate this situation, the schools of Safford, as in other towns of the

Gila Valley, dismissed those pupils who desired to pick cotton, at 2x30 each afternoon. These pupils picked from twenty to twenty-four thousand pounds of cotton each evening.

It was estimated, when the practice was discontinued after

Thanksgiving, that pupils had picked about 700,000 pounds of cotton and earned about $20,000.

3. : Road junction, about six miles south of Safford, where the roadway up Mount Graham takes off from the Bowie Highway. 4. From the Minutes of the Board of Trustees,..Safford-School- District Number One, Safford. Arizona, March, 1941 to December, 1948. Minutes of September 7 , 1942. ... 5. Ibid.. Minutes of December 7, 1942. * , 1*J

On July.1, 1947, Mr. Lafe Nelson again became superin­ tendent of the Safford Schools, after having served as superintendent of the Kingman City Schools for four years*

.The Board of Trustees of,the Safford Schools had de­ cided in February, 1946, to proceed with plans for a new gymnasium for the Safford Schools* Several changes were made in the plans from time to time. In March, 1948, the — \ ■i.v- ...... y Board,of Trustees recommended:

CD Partition of the high school gymnasium into a two story classroom department, to be occupied by the junior v high school.

(2) Construction of a gymnasium on the northeast corner of the campus......

(3) Improvement of the tennis courts.

(4) Addition of.bleachers on the south .side of the foot­ ball field for 1700 spectators*

It was thought that should the high schools of the county decide to consolidate in the next few years, the expanded plant would ..adequately house them. There were 645 high school stud- ents in the c o u n t y a t that time.

In April, 1948, Mr. George A. Burrell was appointed to succeed Martin Tate as the Safford elementary school princi­ pal. , Mr. Burrell had been a junior high school faculty mem-

S, Tiie Safford- High School Auditorium was serving the dual - purpose of auditorium and gymnasium. Graham County Guardian; Issue of March 14, 1948. 8. Ibid., Issue of March 19, 1948. 1*7 bar, Mr. Tate, who had served for a number of years, re­ signed to become principal of the Grant School in Phoenix.

By May, 1948, the Board of Trustees had decided to re- model and refinish the gymnasium into a modern auditorium instead of converting it to classrooms.' They decided to provide six new classrooms by the construction of a new J building. The basic idea of the trustees was to concentrate :• -• ■ r’ " , " ' ' J J \ ■' V : •"' . 'V- ' - * - ' ^ • - - - . , the high school on the present campus and to gradually trane- fer the lower elementary grade pupils to suitable locations about the city. This would eliminate traffic hazards as well as the crossing of a canal and railroad tracks.

For this improvement and expansion of the Safford public school system, an election was called for May 22, 1948; to determine if the voters would approve dr disapprove the rec­ ommendations of the board of education. Bonds were to be voted on in the amount of $275,000. The net valuation of the school district was $2,758,752. Thus the proposed bond issue amounted to ten per cent of the assessed valuation of the district. The cost to taxpayers would be about 670 per

$100 of taxable property.

By a vote of 115 to 47 the" taxpayers of the district approved the bond issue for the amount" of $ 275,000. ‘

For the year 1948 the Safford school tax rate was $1.85

9. Ibid., issue of May7l4,.1948. ^ 10.Ibid.. Issue of April 23, 1948. 11.Ibid.. Issue of May 28, 1948.

v m per $100 of-valuation. The school tax rate for the next year , baseelon . anticipated needs, was expected to be about

$3«50 per $100. Teacher and staff salaries had been in-

• ''' creased. The average salary of all classroom teachers in the Safford School was $3*320. Salaries ranged from:$2500 to $4300, The average salary of maintenance employees was

$2420. . The average salary for elementary teachers was 7 , »

$3348. Deep concern, was felt over mounting school costs. : ■

The only solution for these rapidly mounting costs was thought to be in securing more financial'aid from county, state, and federal sources.• - -

In October, 1948 three frame buildings were secured' from the Fort Huachuca Military Reservation. •.These were moved to Safford and erected on the school grounds; for emer­ gency classrooms. - ;'7, '

By November, bleachers for seating 2500 persons were installed on the south side of the football field. The con­ struction of six new classrooms was,begun just:north and east of the high school auditorium.

, The contract for building the new gymnasium was let in

February, 1949, for the sum of $161,458; The size of the gymnasium was 110 by 134 feet, with a seating capacity of

1750. The,board of trustees had, in April, 1948, decided

12. ibid.. Issue of June 11.1948. 13. Ibid.. Issue: of-February 25, 1949. ; 7 1 159

to locate the structure: between the high school and the el­

ementary building MA % ; It was to be recessed and facing

S O U t h # - ; • V ■. ■ ■ - 1 - .,- X'^ r' ' ' ' ■ - The dedication of the gymnasium and. new six-classroom

unit was held Thursday, November 10, 194-9. Jesse A. Udall, - president of the Saint Joseph Stake of the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints, offered the dedicatory prayer, .

Dr. Grady Gammage, President of the Arizona State College at

Tempe, gave the address of the evening. The six-class-room

unit had been constructed at a cost of $66,000. ,

The kindergarten was dispensed with for the regular :

school term in 1949-1950 in the ^afford School due to the

shortage of classroom space and increasing-school costs.

This resulted in a saving of. about $10,000 to the local tax­

payers. In place of the regular-kindergarten a two-months

session of kindergarten is held each summer. The first

summer kindergarten opened on June 5j 1950,

The need of the Safford Schools for additional class­

rooms continued to grow. In order to plan to meet this con- 16 tingency, a public meeting was held March 5» 1951> at which

there were about 100 citizens present. This group voted un­

animously to approve.the proposal of the Safford Board of

Education to purchase the county fairgrounds located three

15. Ibid.. Issue of November 4, 1949. “ 16, Minutes of the Board of Trustees, Safford School Dis­ trict Number One, Safford, Arizona, from January, 1948. 160 blocks west of the school campusf ; - ^

An election will"be held In June, 1951, to ask the people to approve the purchase of the comity fairgrounds comprising 26 acres, to construct a hew classroom building thereon, and to convert the old gymnasium of the high school into a modern auditorium.

The proposed project is expected to cost about $220,000, and this is the amount the board will ask the people to approve. This bond issue amortized over a 20 year period will cost about 41 cents per $100 of assessed valuation per year. The present local school tax is $3.85. Of this amount, $3.15 is for current operating costs and 60 cents , is for new school buildings. Thus it may be seen that the great problem in the matter of school taxes in Safford-is, and will continue to be, the annual cost of operating the program. ' : v ......

17. Graham County Guardian. Issue of April 2?. 195l. The curriculum of the Safford High School has under - gone many changes from year to year; 'It has been constantly revised to meet the changing needs of the students. The subjects offered in the curriculum for the term of 195*0-

1951 are given in Table XII. :' - :

" - TABLE XII " ’■ '

CURRICULUM OF SAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOR TERM OF 1950-1951

Freshman Year Sophomore Year

English I • - English II ' General Mathematics Home Economics II . General Science Spanish II = Home Economics I . Plane Geometry . Spanish I Vocational Agriculture II Algebra Shop II Vocational Agriculture I Biology Shop I . , Mechanical Drawing I and II World History • Physical Education

Junior and Senior Years

English III Sociology ...... Chemistry ‘ Advanced Algebra American Government. . Vocational Agriculture III Typing I and II Trigonometry Shorthand I and II Bookkeeping Photography - Band English IV . .... Mixed Glee Home Economics III Girls1 Glee Public Speaking Boys’ Glee ... , Physics Art American History .....Physical Education Journalism Dramatics

During the years of the war the schools of Graham County were affected by the war effort. The schools held air raid drills in preparation for any eventuality. At a meeting of

18. Ibid.. Issue of January 13, 1942. 162 the Eastern Arizona Interscholastie Association InJanuary,

1942, the program of high school events held during late winter and early spring was cancelled for the balance of the year, because ofthe-war emergency. Courses essential, to national defense were offered in the high schools of the county. School children participated in Victory Parades/

The teachers of Graham County register^ all families for sugar rationing, May 4 to 7f 1942. . . • ;

Schools had ’’schools at war" committees to aid in cor ordinating and making more effective the various projects conducted by ..the school to aid in the war effort. " ' r

In 1942, the schools of the Gila Valley dismissed early to allow children to help in harvesting the cotton crop, be­ cause of a. lack of pickers. The school children were cred­ ited with saving the major portion of the cotton crop, ,

"Victory gardens" were grown by school children through­ out the county to release canned goods for the armed forces.

During the war years the larger schools of the county had little trouble getting qualified personnel for their teaching staffs; But the smaller schools were fortunate if they could secure teachers with"emergency certificates; ' ‘ ... 1 •; ♦ ’ I In March, 1945, Mr. Paul E. Guitteau, superintendent of the Thatcher Public Schools, announced his resignation from that position. Mr. Jack Daley, principal of the- elementary school; succeeded Mr. Guitteau as'superintendent;"Mr; Guitteau had served as superintendent at Thatcher for 14 years. V. -> 163

19 He had been outstanding in civic and community activities.^

An election was held in the-Thatcher School District

Ho. 4, on March 10, 19^1» for the purpose of voting on the question of issuing- bohds for $ 50,000, to build four new . elementary classrooms and a dressing room on the present gymnasium. The issue carried with a vote of 74 to 1. The four new classrooms will be built as an addition on the . present elementary school building. Two rooms will be added on the north side of each of the two wings. Work is to be

■ 20 started soon after the bids are let on June 8, 1951w

The average daily attendance for the highest six months in the schools of the county for the term of 1945-1946 are

21 ' ! given in Table XIII. : . :

~ ■ •; ; TABLE XIII :

AVERAGE DAILY. ATTENDANCE HIGHEST SIX MONTHS OF GRAHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR THE TffiM OF 1945-1946 ;

District Number 1 Elementary High School

Safford ' 1 'x 876.414 295.129 Thatcher 4 371.854 137.804 S olomonville(9th Gr. ) 5 302.68? 19.872 Pima 6 , 317.446 - 97.908 Ft. Thomas : 123.735 33.130 : Central 12 83.040 Eden " - -■ : -:- 11 • 47.559 Sanchez 23 29.904 Bonita 16 30.759 KLondyke • 1 9 11.017 Aravaipa , 13 13.653 The average daily attendance for the county during the

Issue of March.9, 1945. — — — ^Ma^^^l^Bf^ Daley, Superintendent of Thatcher From An&uar Summary and Certificate of Attendance in Office of County School Superintendent, Safford, Arizona. 164 highest six months of this term was 2208.069 for the elemen­ tary schools, and 583.753 for the high schools.

The average daily attendance for the highest six months of the 1949-1950 term for the schools of the county is given

22 ' " in Table XIV.

. . TABLE XIV

AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE HIGHEST SIX MONTHS OF GRAHAM'COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR THE TERM OF 1949-1950

District Number Elementary High School

Safford 1 936.710 359.556 Thatcher 4 418.130 147.956 S olomon(Solomonville) 5 257.430 Pima 6 345.539 100.555 Ft. Thomas 155.450 51.802 Central 12 77.460 Eden 11 43.490 Sanchez 23 18.720 Bonita: 16 29.830 Xlondyke 9 27.133 Colored Accommodation 43•040 - . . • -

The total average daily attendance for the county for this term for the highest six months was 2353.351 for.the r

elementary schools and was 659.869 for the high schools. For the elementary schools this was a gain of 145.282 over the

1945-1946 term and for the high schools was a gain of 76*116

over the 1945-1946 term. The schools of Graham^Cpunty con-.

tlnue to grow. • .

22. Ibid. CHAPTER XI

EASTERN. ARIZONA JUNIOR COLLEGE AT THATCHER

"...... This kind of school is a good place for Mor­ mon children. -...... No liquor or tobacco, abstinence from all stimulants, clean language, no blasphemy, a training.that will not only educate as the world edu­ cates, but will build character, establish manhood and womanhood, elevate morals, cultivate industry and train the child not only to be self-supporting and capable of meeting all natural conditions of life, but prepare him­ self to be a benefactor of his fellows and eventually earn a salvation and be permitted to go back in the presence of his maker, our Father in Heaven,

These words spoken by Andrew Kimball, president of the board of education, about the Latter-day Saint Academy,; in

June 1908, illustrate the high regard which the people who founded the Saint Joseph Stake Academy, had for schools and

education, ’ _

The institution, now known as Eastern Arizona Junior

College, at Thatcher, Arizona, had a rather humble begin-- ning. On June 8, 1888, President Christopher Layton was

authorised by the General Board of Education of the Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to establish a stake

academy in the-Saint Joseph Stake. Accordingly, a stake

1. Graham County Guardian^ Issue of June 19* 1908; 2. He was president of the Saint Joseph Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presidency of- a stake consists, of a :president and two counselors. Board of Education was organized, consisting of Stake Pres­ ident, Christopher Layton, William D. Johnson, Henry H. Mer- rell, H. N. Chlarson, William Packer, J. R> Welker, Joseph

Foster, Isaac P. Robinson, and George W, Williams, Sr, Due to a lack of the means to open the Academy, instruction did ' '4 ' . ' • "" " not begin until January, 1890, in the meeting house at Cenr tral, Arizona. Joy_ W. Dunyon, of Utah, was the first prin­ cipal, with Eva Rogers and Hulda Blair as his assistants.

It opened under the name of Saint Joseph Stake Academy, -

The instruction was more on the elementary level than 5 secondary. The subjects taught were: Intermediate Theology,

Preparatory Theology, Grammar, Graded English, Graded Com- - position, Elementary English Grammar, Elementary Composition,

Arithmetic Class in Percentage, Arithmetic Classes B, C, and

D, Third, Fourth; and Fifth Reader Classes,.Geography Classes

A and B, History Class, Physiology Class,and Orthography * ,

Classes A, B, and C,

The teachers of these classes were J. W. Dunyon, Eva

Rogers, T,ulu Cluff, and Huld a Blair. .

At the beginning of school there were forty-fiye;stud­

ents. This number increased to eighty, by .the close of the . term. The students paid tuition. The Saint-Joseph Stake paid the costs of operating theiinstitution, except the

graham County Guardian. Issue of December 22, 1911.

5. From the Weekly Register-of Studies, pages 2 to 9, in the office of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona. 16? salaries of the instructors*

Mr; Dunyon, aided by student assistants, carried on under great difficulties. The students brought slates, the benches having no tops on which to write. The exercises were begun each day with song and prayer. The students were divid­ ed into "primary" and "intermediate" groups, though no doubt there was provision for more advanced work.

At intervals of several weeks the school held some event, such as a picnic. A "social ball" was given every five weeks.

The first academic year ended May 22, 1892,

At the opening of the second school yearj the Academy was moved to Thatcher, where it occupied the old adobe meet- 7 ing house, Joy Dunyon continued as principal for ten weeks', with Josephine Cluff as assistant. Having outgrown its adobe house quarters, the school moved into the Tithing Building which was later added to, and served as the home of the in­

stitution for many years. • ■ ;

After the removal to its new quarters in the Tithing ~

Building, George Cluff, from Provo, Utah, became its prin­

cipal, with George H. Birdno, Peter H. McBride, Ella* Cluff,

and John J. Birdno, as assistants. There was little change

in the curriculum for the second year. Two new courses,

penmanship and elocution, were offered. The students were

again divided- into primary and intermediate groups. ; - -

6. Graham Countv Guardian. Issue of May 3. 1901. 7. B i g . The;school having outgrown its accomodations, the t, board of education:began the construction of two additional 8 rooms. , . .v :

. L During the third term, George Cluff was aided by his sister, Ella Cluff Birdno, and John J. Birdno, as assis­ tants. New subjects offered: were drawing, natural science, and bookkeeping. i ; ’ ■ , , ‘

During the fourth year,1893-1894, students of ages seven and eight were admitted to the Saint: Joseph Stake :

Academy. Financial troubles were ever present. Hay, grain, vegetablesi and anything that could be used by the faculty was accepted in payment; for tuition; The constantly in­ creasing roll now reached 109 pupils:and the school was be- , 9 coming very crowded. The two rooms which were begun during the.previous term were ready by Christmas. : ■ . v v

At the;opening of the fifth year, Wallace W. Wild'and

Sarah Allred were assistants.to George Cluff, with 85,pupils enrolled. In connection with theology, the prime purpose:of church schools, a Sunday school normal class was organized.

In the elections of 1894, George Cluff was elected Probate

Judge;. He left the Academy and was succeeded by Thomas ; ■3,

Williams,, as principal. He reorganized the school into 3 primary, preparatory, and intermediate departments. School 169 continued favorably until the winter holidays, when, on account of contagious diseases in the Gila Valley, it was closed for three.or four weeks* After an unsuccessful. ; attempt to reopen, the school finally closed in February, 10 1896* • : ' - V;;,

During the two years that followed efforts were made to reopen the school, but to no avail. This was a time of. . settlement. Many of the people v/ere proving up on their homesteads. They were hard up and needed their boys, on the farm. Products of the farm could be had, but money to pay tuition was scarce* : .

President Christopher Layton, in failing health, asked to be released from his official duties. In November, 1897,

Elder Andrew Kimball, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received a call from the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to succeed President Layton. On Jan­ uary 22, 1898, he was installed as president of the Saint

Joseph Stake and.thereby became the president of the Board of Education of the Saint Joseph Stake Academy.- That same day the Board of Education of the Academy was dissolved.

On Monday, January 31, 1898, a new board was appointed, consisting of Andrew Kimball, William D. Johnson, Charles M.

Layton, the stake presidency, together with Joseph G. Allred,

Hyrum Weech, James T. Owens, and S. John Sims.

10. Ibid. 11. M l . 170

Th® new board began at once the construction of the north ’ « * - - J," *' ' ' . ' . v» > s . • #m12 r addition of four rooms to the Acadeny building.

On September 19, I898, the S'aint Joseph Stake Academy reopened with Emil Maeser as principal, assisted by John F.

Hash, Mrs. Lillian Maeser, Mary McRae, Lillie Curtis, and

William Moore Claydon. The public was encouraged in.eyery way to send their children to the Academy. In the announce­ ment of the opening the aims of the school were set forth,

"To teach the principles and doctrines of the Latter-day .

Saints, the principles of morality and the arts and sciences • * • ’ ' ••' • ^ 4 . . ^ ' -■ If •• ‘#X- . V • , - • t . - ; , -4 ; - . t . 'i - - ■ ' - ." • • •• •• v V' ^ J ■ " .' . usually given in high schools, " ^ ...: - .

On March 13, 1899, after completion of the north ad- : dition, the Saint Joseph Stake Academy was dedicated, and the name of the institution was changed to that of the

Latter-day Saints Academy. Dr. Karl G. Maeser, General Super­ intendent of the church schools, offered the dedicatory prayer. Through his recommendation the school was granted an academic charter.

In November, 1900, President Maeser announced that plans were under way for the construction of a new and modern 15 Academy building in Thatcher.

In 1901, a measure was passed by the Twenty-first 'Legls-'

111 iBl^I - - : -- ^ ^ : - : : ^ 14. Ibid. 15» Graham County Guardian, Issue ofSeptember 28, 1900. n n lature of the state of Arizona, which provided for the organ-

, , - ’ * , ... . . “ .v ization and maintenance of a national guard unit at Thatcher, under the supervision of the Academy. The unit was designated as Company ’’A” . ... . r

As to the social activities of the academy in 1901i we find the following description of a dance held that year in the March 15, 1901, issue of the Graham County Guardian.

MIn"the evening attended a social dance given under the auspices of the Academy. These dances are given monthly. Preceding the dancing a prayer was offered by the bishop.■L/Thls is the regular custom. Theh followed a social entertainment of an extraordinarily high stan­ dard. There was no unruly conduct. The bishop, the teachers and parents were there as instructors and chap­ erones. The young people were guided, not spied upon. They were taught by precept and example of their parents and friends." . .... - >

The Academy opened in September, 1903, with John F.

Nash as principal. He served as principal for two years and was assisted by J, W. Welsh, A. C. Peterson, J. H. Larson,

Frank Wightman, and Josephine Cluff, as teachers. After two years as principal John Nash took a.furlough and went on a mission to Australia, for the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day-Saints. He was succeeded as principal by Andrew

C. Peterson, ...... ■ ..... ,

For the 1905"1906,terra, an efficient instructor in dress­ making and needle work was employed for .the Academy; All young ladies entering the school were required to take at lb. Ibid., Issue of October. 10, 1902. 17, The bishop, with two counselors, presides over a ward• Id. Graham County Guardian. Issue of September 4, 1903.

h * - 172

least two hours per week In dressmaking land needle work, ;;

"that they may be prepared for the duties of life." The ..... boys were required to itake two hours; per week In shopwork. ;

The Academy did not desire to interfere in any way with

the district schools, "Graduate from them before you enter

the Academy," prospective students .were advised. Some young

people had outgrown the district schools but were not pre­

pared to enter the high school course. To meet this need the

Academy offered a sub-high school course and welcomed all . 20 ' such young men and ladies to it, ^ : l

On July 21, 1906, the Academy secured deeds for the 21 block.west of the church house, A new building for the

Academy was to be built on this site. The building would

in later years serve as the administration building for the ,

college. , . XL rVV: MV-

The Academy opened for the 1906-1907 term with Andrew

C. Peterson as principal and J. W. Welsh, J. H, Larson, Jo­

sephine Cluff, William Moore Claydon, and Mrs. Mae Welsh,

as teachers. Samuel Baird was custodian,

Entering students who presented a certificate of grad­

uation from the eighth grade of the district schools, were .

admitted without examination to the normal or industrial

arts course. Others were required to pass an examination

19. Ibid.% Issue of September 1. 1905. ' 20. ibid. : - ; :. : 21. Ibid.. Issue of July 27, 1906. In all subjects of the eighth grade. Students entering the preparatory department-were required to give evidence by ex- 22 amination of their ability to do eighth grade work. There was no tuition fee. The entrance fee was $5 per: semester.

John Nash, having returned from his mission, again be­ came a member of the faculty in 1908.. As a member of the stake presidency of Saint Joseph Stake, he 'was also;a mem­ ber of the Board of Education. ? z:

, ’ In April, 1908, at a meeting of the Board of Education, a resolution was passed to begin plans for building of the 23 hew Academy. The school had been crowded-the previous two terms. ■- " - , : '

On June 6 , 1908, the first soil was turned for the ex­ cavation of the new building. On September 18, of that year, the cornerstone was laid by President William D. Johnson, the surviving pioneer member of the old Board of Education. A' large crowd of enthusiastic spectators were in attendance.

Within the cornerstone were placed copies of the various ^ periodicals and newspapers of the day, church works, photo­ graphs,' and a list of the donors up to the date of the cere­ mony. The architects and contractors were Watson'and Williams

The building was*under the *immediate supervision of *;" ^

President Andrew Kimball*. It was ready for the opening of

£2. Ibid., Issue of August 9, 1907. 23. Ibid.. Issue of May 1, 1908, - 17# school in 1909.

; President Andrew Kimball stated in June,_1908:

"To be a church school teacher means more than is required of teachers elsewhere. Ho teacher has any place in a church school whose life in private and public is not consistent with that of a true Latter-day Saint, To be such a character means vir­ tue, honesty, integrity, truthfulness, (and) to lead a temperate and industrious, life." _

The new building, constructed at a cost of $60,000 was dedicated December lf>, 1911, by Elder George Albert

Smith, and the name of the institution was changed from , 25 that of Latter-day Saints Academy to the Gila Academy,

The institution had become a regular four year high school, offering, a four year high school course, and a two year

- - . y commercial course., A preparatory department was maintain­ ed for students not prepared to enter the high school or commercial department. Credits from the school were accepted by"the University of Arizona and the normal schools of Arizona, ' ■ ' - - . • " • . - At the opening of the term in 1913, Spencer Kimball was I elected president of the student body; Vera Brown was elected vice-president; and; Alma Tate, secretary. Uniform dress was

considered ethical and economical for both boys and girls, though not.compulsory.. A uniform of blue serge was chosen

for the girls,

/ " ' - ______• . - < ■ - - ~ 24. Ibid.. Issue of June 19, 1908. — .. 25. Ibid.. Issue of December 22, 1911. 26. Ibid.. Issue of August 23, 1912. 175

In 1917 the academy was admitted to membership in the

National Collegiate Association of Secondary Schools and

Colleges,' '" ' .

Each year the Gila Academy scheduled a "work day", on which each student contributed one day’s work to‘ the insti­ tution. The day was used for improving the school campus, or other worthwhile activity. In 1919, the academy held its work day in November. Two cement tennis courts and an out­ door volleyball court were started. The girl students pre­ pared and served "a lunch. A tug of war across the large € canal ended the day’s activities. ’’Lessons may have suf­ fered somewhat, but the day* as a whole, was a booming suc- 2? cess, ’’stated President A. C. Peterson, : -

Mr. A. C. :Peterson left the Gila" Academy in 1920 after

17 years of service to the institution." He was president longer than any other man.':;:v ; . r; ; r

In 1921, in addition to the four year high school work, a junior college was established, and first year college 28 .. . courses offered. These college courses Included English I,

Life of Christ, Sociology I, Political Science I, Psychology

I, Education I and II, and Current History. L. H. Greer was president of the institution. -

In 1922, the name of the institution was changed by the

27. Ibid.. Issue of November 7. 1919. 28. iHd.. Issue of May 9, 1922. v - ■ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day,Saints from Gila ~ -

Academy: to Gila Normal College* ■ ‘ - : ; : / ' ; ^-y

In 1924, the school offered: three courses in the high

school department and one in the college department. The preparatory course in-the high school department was in­ tended to prepare the student for. entrance into college.

The general high school course was designed to satisfy the needs of students who did not‘intend to continue their "-

school work beyond high school. The business course in the high school offered the fundamentals for business training

and prepared the student for vocational work in that field*

The arts and science course in the college department

included 90 quarter hours of regular college work prepara­

tory to the degree of bachelor of arts or science in a un­

iversity, The courses offered by the college includedi

Religion and Ethics^ Educational Psychology, Principles of

Education, Classroom Management, Behavioristic Psychology,

Educational Measurements, Educational Administration^ Com- ' •

position and Rhetoric, Shakespeare,-Browning, American Lit­

erature, European History (1815 to 1900), European History

(1900 to 1924), English History, Government of the United

States, Colonial History, History of the Trans-Mississippi ;

West, History of the Southwest, American History Since the

Civil War* General Sociology, Chorus, Glee-Club, Orchestra,

Home Management, Household Economy, Interior Decoration, 177

Advanced Foods, Advanced Dressmaking, Art needlework, College

Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, General Chemistry,

Qualitative Analysis, Geology^ Spanish I, II and III, Preven­ tative Medicine, Physical Education, Commercial Law, Econ- 29 omlcs, and'Salesmanship®

For:the school term beginning In September, 1923> the -

Gila Junior College, as It was now called, did not offer

first year high school courses® Only the three upper years 30 of high school work-were offered® ; ‘

Ross S. Bean succeeded L. H« Greer and was: president

of the.Glia Junior College for the 1924-1925 term. He was

then succeeded by Eugene Hilton, who became president of *

the institution at the opening of the 1925-1926 tera® ^ :L:

On May 18, 1925, ground was broken, with appropriate

exercises, for a.-new.gymnasium for Gila College, as it was

how called® Its dimensions were to be 127 feet long by 62

feet wide. Officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-

day Saints from Salt Lake City participated in the ceremonies.

It was to cost between twelve and thirteen thousand dollars.

The members of the Latter-day Saints Church living in Graham

County were asked to raise $5,000 toward "its construction®. :

The Thatcher Ward of the church was assigned to raise $2,000,

Layton Ward was to raise $1,000, and Pima Ward was to-raise

29. Ibid®, Issue of August 22, 1924. 30. Ibid.. Issue of August 21, 1925. 31® ■Ibid. ® Issue of May 15, 1925. 178

$500. Other wards were assigned various sues. The balance of the amount heeded was.to be given by the General Board of

Education of the church at Salt Lake City, The plans includ­ ed all features of a modern and up-to-date gymnasium. It was to be built on the college grounds on the south side of the 32 Union Canal, It was - completed and put into use in October,

1925. ■ ' :-T'- '"V.'.: ; :: ", - - ^ •

In 1926, the University of Arizona accredited Gila Col­ lege for two years of college work and the;course of study at the college, was reorganized to correlate with the freshman and sophomore courses given at the University.

In 1927) the college opened in September, with Harvey L,

Taylor of Ogden, Utah, as president. He had succeeded Eugene 34 Hilton to that position. •: 35 The Graham County Guardian said concerning the opening in 1927; ;

"That year students had a faster way to. travel (down the banisters), better teachers, handsomer boys, more shapely girls, shorter skirts, higher prices for books, better dramas (The Goose Hangs High), parties ■where everybody has fun, closer cane patches for Hal-.. lowe’en raids, (and) a president who can chop wood as well as preach a sermon on sluffing." .

.One of the many activities of the college that term was the presentation of the Indian opera, "Lelawallah", which was

3%. Ibid.. Issue of June 12. 1925. ~ "

11: - ...... 35* Ibid.. Issue of November 18, 1927. 179

staged in March, at an outdoor theater known as the Red ’•

Knolls. The theater, located about fifteen miles northwest

of the college at Ashurst, Arizona, possesses marvelous

acoustical qualities'. About 2,000 persons witnessed this : production* \ 11 : :;v ■' ■;

In July of 1927, Mr. Taylor announced that 150 acres

of land comprising the Red Kholls had been leased by the

college for five years. ; : :: -

In April, 1929v the college presented the pageant, :

•’Pirates of Penzance”; in April, 1930, the pageant, "The

House of Rimmon”, was presented* '■ v

On May 10, 1928, at an Alumni Association banquet and 36 ball, a movement was launched to purchase a large athletic field and present to the Gila College as" a gift. Pledges

of financial support were given, and before the evening was over, more than $700. had been- pledged. By July, the

Heywood Block, located north of the college” block had been purchased by the Alumni Association and presented to the - 37 college for an athletic field.: . •

At the annual Alumni Association banquet held May l5j 38 1930, Harvey L. Taylor,- president of the Gila College, ■

announced that the time was approaching when the adminis­

tration of the college would no longer be under the author- -

36. E M , , issue of May 11, 1928. .... 37. lEId., Issue of July 13. 1928. 38. Ibid., Issue of May 16, 1930. 180 ity of, the Church; of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church authorities had decided to retire from the education­ al field. . The church felt that In the early days when public educational Institutions were scarce in the western country, church schools and colleges were established, as a matter of necessity. Within two or three years Gila College would no longer be a church Institution. ; ^ i:-

The 400 guests at the banquet voted in favor of working out a plan whereby Gila College would be.continued as a jun­ ior college. . , . • :

In.July, .1930, by action of the Board of Education of

Gila College, and with the approval of the general board of education at.Salt Lake City, the name of Gila College was again officially changed to Gila Junior College. It had begun as the Saint Joseph Stake Academy, later was known as

Latter-day Saints Academy, Gila Academy, Gila Junior College, 39 Gila College, and now again as Gila Junior College, 40 At a meeting of several business men and the newly elec­ ted representative of Graham County, the future of Gila Jun­ ior College was discussed. Harry L. Payne served as chair­ man of the meeting. Several plans relative to the state or county assuming responsibility for the school were discussed and committees were appointed to work out tentative plans for

19. Ibid.. Issue of July 4. 1930; " ~ :--- ~ 40, Ibid.. Issue of December 19> 1930. 1 % securing such action. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints had announced the date of its retirement from the 41 field of secular education as June 30, 1933* •

Senate Bill Number 77i which had been passed by the state legislature, provided a way for the founding of union or county junior colleges, ' - ; : ,

The Red Knolls'Pageant entitled "Joan of Arc" was pre­ sented by the college in April, 1931* Three thousand per­ sons witnessed the presentation, In 1932 "The Prodigal Son" was presented. In May, 1933, the "Prince of Egypt", with the script written by Mrs, Bertha Kleinmah, of Mesa, Arizona, was presented. In May, 1934, "Los Conquistadores" was given.

In October, 1931, the new music cottage, recently fin­ ished at Gila Junior College, was dedicated by the presen­ tation of a musical program by the music department of the 42 college, . !

On May 31, 1932, a second meeting of school patrons was held to take action toward continuing the Gila Junior College, 43 It was held in the Court House at Safford, and was presided over by Mr. Lafe Nelson, County School Superintendent. A motion by Spencer Kimball, that the proposition of contin-

\ .. uing the college be submitted to a vote of the people, was passed. The entire property of buildings and campus, valued

41. Ibid.. Issue of January 9, 1931*. """ 42. - Ibid,, Issue of October 9, 193^*, • - - - - * . ^ . 43. ibid,, Issue of June 3 , 1932.

> y-i 182 at $ 150,000 would be deeded over to the county or state as an outright gift from the Church of Jesus Christ of.Latter- day Saints, should either decide to continue the school. The church would also, contribute $10,000 toward the maintenance of the school for the first year. The campus consisted of nine acres between.Main Street and Second South Street in Thatcher.

The college library.contained about 6,000 volumes,

- Gila Junior-College opened its last year as a church in­ stitution on Monday September 5* 1932.

The next spring on March 25, 1933, au election was held in Graham County to form a junior college, district in the county. The results of the election showed 1618 votes favor­ ing the establishing of the junior college district and 309 votes opposed.,The,county assumed control of the institution ...... : 44 ...... '.... ' at the ...... close of • - the - term in .1933 w w w * - .... . The new Board of Trustees for the college were Reece

Green, Jesse Udall, Louis F. Long, Lawrence Fuller, and C. V.

Massey. Mr. Udall was elected president of the board. ;

Harvey L. Taylor announced he would not be an applicant

for the position of president of the.college for the coming

year. He had served as president of Gila for six years.

E. Edgar Fuller succeeded Mr. Taylor as president._ He had

been superintendent and teacher in the schools of Verdin,

Hew Mexico.

44. Ibid.. Issue of Maj’ch 10. 1933* 183

"The Desert Song", a pageant under the direction of

William C. Kauffman, was presented at the Red Knolls theater on May 10,- 1935. ' '

' The department of physical education was restored to the college in September, 1935. It had been abolished three years previously as an economy measure. The rein- statement of the department was made possible by a cash gift of $2^00 from the general board of education of the

Latter-day Saints Church* ;

An application by the Gila Junior College to the Public

Works Administration of the federal government for funds to build a recreational center on the north football field, was approved. It Involved the construction of a seven foot wall of native stone around the football field and 150 feet of stone bleachers. The stone used was quarried in a canyon about five miles south of Thatcher, The federal government grant was for $6868, while the college payed $790, Also approved was a grant for renovation of buildings and school grounds beautification. The" federal grant for this purpose 46 was $3,080, while the college furnished $976,

In February, 1936, the Board of Education of Gila Junior

College made the decision to omit the production of the pag­ eant at the Red Knolls desert theater for that year. This

45, Ibid.«Issue of June 21, 1935. 46. Ibid.. Issue of August 9j 1935. 18>

action was taken through the recommendation of the college 4? faculty. Factors influencing the decision were the risk

of financial loss and the interference with the regular

school work* This decision- may have been meant to be only

temporary, but proved to be permanent, for the pageant has not been again produced since that time. The college retain­

ed its lease on: the desert* theater. Productions in the Gila

Little, Theater replaced the pageants. ; . - ;

On May 21, 1936,- four past presidents of Gila Junior ;

College, along with; President E. Edgar Fuller, were honored

at the annual Alumni Day. They were Mr. John F. Nash of Mess,

oldest living president, who served in that capacity_from

1903 to 190J>j Mr. A. C. Peter son: of Flagstaff, president

from 1905 to 1920; Hr. Leland H. Creer of Ogden, Utah, pres­

ident from 1920 to 1924; Mr. Harvey L. Taylor of Mesa, Ariz­

ona, president from 1920 to 1927.

As a result of cooperation of the college board of ed­

ucation, the Alumni Association, and Works Progress Admin­

istration, lights were installed for the football field in

the summer of 1936*

In 1936, the oratorio, "The Messiah”, was presented

under the auspices of the Gila Junior College. Rollin Pease

and other singers were guest soloists from the University of

Arizona. The oratorio has been presented each year since

4?. Ibid.. Issue of February 7, 1936. 185

then, a short time before each Christmas. It is produced

each year under the direction of the college music depart­ ment and uses musical talent from all over the Gila Valley,

All tuition to the college fo^ residents of Arizona was

eliminated beginning with the opening of the fall term in 48

1937. - u , ;- ' . v -r; ... -

The Institute of Religion was established at Gila

Junior College byvthe Church of Jesus" Christ of latter-day 49 Saints for the term beginning in 1937. It was provided for 50 the teaching of religious courses to students of the Mormon faith.and; others desiring to avail themselves of this oppor­

tunity. The Institute has since been maintained and each

spring holds graduation exercises for students who have fin­

ished the prescribed courses, ;> ... : ; : > ; i . • .

The high school department of the Gila Junior: College 51 was .eliminated: beginning: with the 1938-1939 term. ; This was

the first time since' high school work was introduced over

forty years before that nr work on this level was offered.

The elimination of high school classes permitted the expan­

sion : of college work. 1;., v: V. ' : : l: i.:'.

In.December,1.1938, the recently finished Pace Memorial

40. Ibid.. Issue of August 27. 1937. 49. iHd.. Issue of May 17. 1946. " :: • - 50. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... :: : ' ^ ; 51. Graham County Guardian. Issue of April 22, 1938. 186

Homemakihg Cottage, located on the campus on Depot Street, was dedicated. It was a modern, three-room brick stucco building. Besides housing the homemaking courses, the cottage provided for a school cafeteria which was operated daily. ' ;

At the end of the term in 1939, E. Edgar Fuller was ' granted a leave by the college board of education to work on his doctors degree in education. Mr. Monroe H. d a r k took his place as acting president. Mr. Fuller resigned in June, 1940 to accept a lectureship in the graduate col­ lege of education in Harvard University. Mr. Clark, having served one year as acting president, was then appointed as president. - ^ •'

In 1942 work was begun on a 52-man doraitcry at the

Gila Junior College, which was for the housing of enrollees in defense courses, civilian pilot trainees, and regular college students. It was a two-story brick stucture-located on the west-side of the campus. It was completed in July,

1942. : " : -

During World War II, Naval Aviation Cadets Were trained at the Gila Junior College. This training program was term­ inated in July, 1944. ■ ;;; - ’ :

Beginning in 1941, a civil pilot training program was given by the college. Courses given included Navigation, - ,

52. ibid.. Issue of December 9< 193&* T"" Meteorology, and Civil Air Regulations, \ :

Also, during the war years, summer courses were given by the college to train personnel for wartime Jobs. Courses in

Shorthand, Typing, and other allied-courses were offered.

In May, 1944, Monroe H. Clark resigned his position as 53 president of Gila Junior College, He had been with the col­ lege for nineteen years, the last five as president, : He had seen Gila Junior College grow from a one-building institution to one with seven structures on its campus. In July, Mr,

William H. Harless was.named as president of Gila Junior Col- - ' ' - lege. Mr, Harless had graduated from the college twenty-two years before, . \t .

President Harless was granted a leave of absence fro#., his position as president by the board of education,- begin­ ning with the second semester in 1947, in order to attend

Stanford University to complete his studies for a doctors degree. Mr. Delbert J. Jerome, guidance director, acted as president during Mr; Harless* absence. Assisting Mr. Jerome was Wesley Taylor, Dean of the College. . , ^

In January, 1947, Miss Ettie Lee set up a trust fund for the erection of a library at Gila Junior College, to which she agreed to donate, over a period of time, the sum of 55 $15,000. At present, the fund, has grown to $9,000. : .

53. Ibid.. Issue of May 12, 1944. 54. Ibid.. Issue of July 7, 1944. 55. Interview with President Harless, June, 1951...... 188

The library, when built, is to be known as the David Lee

Memorial Library, to commemorate the memory of Miss Lee's father. David Lee, her father, came to Thatcher in 1900 and

established a home. All of his children attended Gila. ..

In September, 1947, William H. Harless, president of

Gila Junior College, returned to resume his duties as admin­ istrator of the college,, after having completed writing a dissertation for his doctors degree at Leland Stanford Uni—

Yersity...... ' , ......

The tenth annual Music Festival, sponsored by Gila .

Junior College, was held April 6 and 7, 1948. The festival was started In 1935, and was held each spring since that time,

except during the war years. The festival draws those with musical talent from the music departments of the high schools ' ' . . . - - - . . . -- , - ' of eastern Arizona, Vocalists and Instrumentalists vie with

each other to win top honors in the festival...... : ■

In 1949, efforts were made by the Board of Education of

Gila Junior College to have the college changed to a state

institution. The six eastern counties of Arizona graduated

about 900 students each year. Only about one-third of these

graduates were receiving training beyond high school. This

proportion had been steadily increasing. In 1936, 7.6 per

cent of the students of Gila Junior College were from outside

Graham County. In 1941 .-1942,, the proportion of students from

56. Ibid.. Issue of September 12. 1947. 189 outside of Graham County who were attending Gila Junior

College increased to 22.99 per cent. In 1946-1947 this figure rose to 25.9 per cent. For the fall of 1947 the figure was 30.9 per cent. The state of Arizona began appro­ priating $15,000 annually in 1937, increasing the amount to

$30,000 in 1947. Additional funds came from Graham County students* fees and out-of-state tuition. Arizona students were admitted without payment of tuition but out-of-state 57 students paid $200 yearly tuition. In 1949, the legis­ lature of Arizona passed a bill raising the annual appro­ priation to the college from $30,000 annually to $75,000 annually. This brought relief to Graham County taxpayers 58 and helped in the further development of the institution.

For the 1949-1950 term Gila Junior College’s budget was raised to $143,149.50, an increase of $30,248 over the preceding year. The county rate, for Gila Junior College, dropped from 76 cents to 65 cents, 10 per cent of which con­ stituted a permanent building fund. This reduction came about primarily as a result of the increased state aid. The preceding year the county had paid $75,000 toward the mainten­ ance of the Gila Junior College. For 1949-1950, the county paid $55,800.

In anticipation of an increased enrollment at the college,

59. Ibid.. Issue of January 14, 1949. ^ - 58. I b H . . Issue of May 13, 1949. an act was passed by the Special Session of the Nineteenth

Legislature and signed by the governor, authorizing the board of education of the college to Issue bonds for the sum of •

$85,000 for building a girls dormitory. An election was held

May 13| 1950, at which time the voters approved the use of

$37,000 of the money in the accumulated building fund of the college, to remodel the homemaking building and construct a new cafeteria building.

The girls dormitory is to be built in the future. The^ bonds authorized by the legislature have not yet been sold.

A meeting of the Gila Junior College Alumni Association ;- was held March 10, 1950, for the purpose of considering a

change of name for Gila Junior College. This proposed change

in name was to be in keeping with the expanding status of

Gila Junior College in eastern Arizona. Alumni and legis­

lative groups had proposed the change in view of state aid -.

and of efforts being made to have the college serve all of

eastern Arizona. . -

On July 1. 1950, the name of Gila Junior College of .

Graham County was officially changed to Eastern Arizona . , 60 Junior College, The change of name was authorized by the

Board of Education in line with the expansion of the college,

and also as a possible opportunity to call attention of the

59. Interview with President Harless, #une, 19!)1. --- - 60. Graham County Guardian. Issue of June 30, 1950. i n whole state of Arizona to the advantages offered by the institution,

The expanding role of Eastern Arizona Junior College is demonstrated by the increased annual budgets as shown in 61 Table XV,

TABLE XV

EASTERN:ARIZONA" JUNIOR COLLEGE ANNUAL BUDGETS FROM 1944- to 1951

Building Fund State Ap­ Total Year County Levy Levy propriation

1944-1945 $31,700.00 $15,000.00 $97,600.00

1945-1946 50,400,00 15,000.00 91,147.38

1946-1947 76,800.00 $8,200.00 15,000.00 170,813.00

1947-1948 75,000.00 30,000.00 184,320.00

1948-1949 71,283.00 3 0 ,000.00 112,901.50

1949-1950 55,800.00 9,300.00 75,000.00 143,149.50

1950-1951 63,000.00 2,000.00 75,000.00 161,859.00

The expansion of Eastern Arizona Junior College is shown by the increased offerings of the curriculum. For the 1940-

1941 term the college offered courses in the fields of Engin­ eering, Law, Medicine, Business Administration, Music, Profes­ sional Agriculture, Vocational Agriculture, Teaching, Speech

(Dramatics), Home Economics, Vocational Homemaking, and Eng- 62 * lish,. ■ -

61, Taken from Annual Budgets, office of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona. 62, From Catalog of Gila Junior College, 1940-1941. 19t

For the 1944-1945 term changes and additions to the

curriculum Included the addition of a school of flight -

offering a Private Pilot Course, Commercial Pilot Course,

and Commercial Flight Instructor Course, Ground school

classes in Aeronautics Were offered. Dentistry and Nursing 63 were added to the curriculum in the field of medicine,.

Courses added for the 1948-1949 term to the curri­

culum are those from the field of Art, Forestry, Teaching, 64 Radio Production, and Distributive Education,

•For the 1950-1951 term courses were offered in the

fields of Accounting, Agriculture, Art, Business Admin- j

istration, Distributive Education, Elementary School Teach­

ing, Engineering, English Teaching, Forestry, Health and

Physical Education Teaching for men and women, Home Econ­

omics, Mathematics Teaching, Medicine and Dentistry, Music

Teaching, Pre-Law, Pre-Nursing, Pre-Occupational Therapy,

Science Teaching, Secretarial Training, Social Science Teach­

ing, Automotive Mechanics, Radio Broadcasting Engineering,

Radio Production, Home Economics, and General Business,

The curriculum at Eastern Arizona Junior College has been

greatly broadened and diversified to meet the changing needs

of the world in which we live,

63. From the Catalog of Gila Junior College, 1944-1945, 64. From the Catalog of Gila Junior College, ,1948-1949. 65. From the Catalog of Eastern Arizona Junior College, 1950-1951* 193

Eastern Arizona Junior College at^Thatcher can point with

pride to many of Its former students. Among them are Dr.

Henry Eyring, nationally known in the field of science; Elder

Spencer W. Kimball of the Church of Jesus Chflst of latter-day

Saints, nationally known religious leader;-Ettie Lee, noted

author, teacher, and philanthropist; and Dr. Edward Eyring,

President of Highlands University , Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Many of our state's noted lawyers received their early

training there, including such men as Judge Levi S. Udall,

Arizona Supreme Court Justice; Ralph Bilby, prominent attor­

ney; Judge Benjamin Blake, Graham County Superior Court Judge;

and Richard Harless, former representative in the Congress of

the United States,

Jess Mortensen and Floyd Millet will long be remembered

in the field of athletics, and Dr. Houston Hinton, in the

field of medicine,

A Rhodes Scholar, LeVan Kimball, son of Spencer W. Kim­

ball, became a professor of law in 1949, after attending

Oxford University. He is a former student of the college.

Those who have, down through the years, attended the

"Academy", or "Gila", or Eastern Arizona Junior College,

remember the institution with warm affection, because of

the friendliness always manifested there.

66. Graham County Guardian. Issue of August "26, 1949. 194

Harvey L. Taylor, a former president of Glia College, wrote the-following entitled "The Spirit of Gila":

"Up through the struggles of a pioneer people she rose, bringing with her the power to lift men and wom­ en to greater accomplishments through the inspiration of her leadership. Her halls, though humble, tell of deeds of service, friendships mellowed with sympathetic understanding and the worship of a divine Creator. She will live forever in the lives,of those who light their torches at her sacred altar." b .

67. From a bronze tablet on the campus of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona; written by Harvey ^ L. Taylor, former president of the college. CHAPTER XII

CONTRIBUTIONS OF EDUCATIONAL- LEADERS TO EDUCATION IN GRAHAM COUNTY

Some of the contributions of a few of- the many who have contributed to education in Graham County are found in this chapter,

John F. Nash, a pioneer teacher, was born in Grass

Valley, California, on May 24, 1865. When sixteen or seven­ teen years of age he came to the Gila Valley and lived in Sol- omonville for some time. Beginning in 1892, he attended the ' - : :v; ; r, : ■; -rr Or Brigham Young University at Provo, Utah, for two or three years. He also attended summer school at the University of

California at Berkely, the University of Utah, and the Univ- T . >- ' . -- , " .■ ,. r'-- ■ ■■ - •: ' • ■ -■ !. 1 - - * •, . v • j k - • , " • ersity of Arizona,

Mr. Nash taught in the St. Joseph Stake Academy at That-

^ ' -■ t ‘ *** -* ** ^ *■- \ I- .... . -V < Xj- ■ cher, Arizona, in 1898 and 1899, and in 1900 he became prin- cipal of the Normal Department, With the opening of the

Academy in 1903 he became president of the institution. In

1905 he took a furlough from his position as president and went on a mission to Australia for the Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints,

In 1908, Mr, Nash returned from his mission and-again

joined the faculty of -the Academy, He was a counselor to the 196

Stake President of St, -Joseph Stake* and because of his hold­ ing that office, was ex-pfficio a member of the Board of Edu­ cation of the. Academy,

Mr. Nash, in June, 1950, said: :-

’’They came after me to teach in the Academy at Thatcher. I told them I would teach Algebra until' they could find another teacher. But I stayed there to teach twenty years. Altogether I taught forty years.”

In 1916 Mr. Nash was president of the Trustees Associa­ tion of Graham County, and served in that position for two ■ : , 2 • " " . , ■ ; v" ' years. In 1917 he was serving as clerk of the Board of Edu-

cation of the Thatcher Public School.

In 1926, at the dedication of the new Junior High School

in Thatcher, John F. Nash offered the dedicatory prayer. In

1936, Mr. Nash was honored as the oldest living president of- the Gila College, in a program given May 21, at the college.

Mr. Nash lives in Mesa, Arizona, today, an honored and

respected citizen to whom we owe much.

J. Harvey Mangum was born February 4, i860, in a fort

near Springerville, Arizona. In 1888, his family moved to

Pima, Arizona. He graduated from the Gila Academy in 1904,

after attending elementary school in Pima. He later con­

tinued his studies at Tempe Normal College, and taught two

years in Pima, Arizona. After farming a number of years,

1. Interview with John F. Nash, June, 19!?0, Thatcher, Ariz- ona; . ■; ' , 2. Graham County Guardian. Issue of May 26, 1916, 3. Ibid.f Issue of March 23. 1917. 19f' he again taught in the public schools of Thatcher until

1934, when he resigned and became a candidate for County : 4 School Superintendent. : •

In 1921, Mr. Mangum was serving as a member of t h e . : ,

Board of Education of the Pima School District, in Pima. 2 Arizona. Later he served as principal of the elementary school in Thatcher, Arizona, for a number of years. a

• : In January, 1935, Mr. Mangum became County School Super- 6 " _ intendent, succeeding W . Lafe Nelson. Ih April, 1938, he was elected president of the Arizona County School Superin­ tendents Association at a meeting of this organization held 7 in Flagstaff, : ' ; A.

He died on August 16^ 1938, in El Paso, Texas, while still holding office as County School Superintendent.

Mr. Mangum served as County.Superintendent of Schools, during trying times while the effects of the financial de­ pression were still being felt by the schools. He was always deeply interested in the youth of the county, and ; - served as scout;commissioner for a number of ;years. ;

Harvey L. Taylor was born in Harrisville^ Utah, August

28, 1894. He received his early education in the public schools of Weber County, Utah, and the high schools of Weber

4. Ibid., Issue of August 19. 1938. ~ 5. Ibid.. Issue of May 6, 1921.------...... 6. Ibid.-. Issue of January 11, 1935* 7. Ibid.,-issue of April o, 1938. 1 0 and Ogden, Utah. He attended the University of Utah, grad­ uating In 1921, with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 192^, he graduated from Columbia University, Mew York City, with the degree of Master of Arts. His first position'was prin­ cipal of an elementary school, after which he became prin­ cipal of a Junior high school in Summit County, Utah. -He served three years as instructor in the Weber High-School, followed b y two years as instructor in Weber College. In 8 1927, he came to Arizona as president of Gila College, : He was cordial and friendly In manner, and keenly interested in the welfare of the students of the college. Fluent and force­ ful as a speaker, he was frequently called on for public ad- 9 dresses. He was very much interested in extra curricular acti­ vities and community problems. He was chairman of the Gra­ ham County Boy Scout court of honor for a number of years.

He served as president of the Gila College for six years.

Mr. Taylor says, in regard to his contributions to ed- 10 ucation in Graham County:

"Perhaps the most outstanding (contribution) was

the fact that we were able to get the County to keep

Gila College,11 ^ :

Mr. Taylor is now superintendent of schools in Mesa,

Arizona. - v - - - ■ ■. .'V '

8. Letter from Harvey L. Taylor, June, 1951. * 9. History of Arizona. Biographical, volume III, Record Publishing Company, Phoenix,'1930, p. 204. 10. Letter from Harvey L. Taylor, June, 1951* If®

Paul E. Gultteau.was born January 3» 1903> In:South •:r :

Bend, Indiana. He attended the Scott High'School in Toledo,

Ohio. In 1926, Mr. Gultteau graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He took:his

Master of Arts degree at the university'in 1936* . : : :

He taught in the Thatcher:High School in Thatcher, :

Arizona, for two years from 1929 to 1931, after which he became superintendent of the Thatcher. Schools. / . "

. At the time Mr. Gultteau became superintendent, the

Thatcher High School offered only the work of the ninth and tenth grades. Under his: supervision the High School became a four year institution, and a member of the Horth.Central

Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Hr. Gultteau was deeply interested in the youth of this area. He held practically every position in the Boy Scouts of America

organization, and was instrumental in forming the 3~G 11 Council, and was its president for the first two years of

its organization. Mr, Guitteau held various positions in local educational associations, as well as state and regional 12 associations. l: — -: .

• Mr. Guitteau says concerning his contributions to ed~

ucation In Graham County:^ : : ■ :

11. The 3~G Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves the counties of Graham, Greenlee, and Gila. 12. Letter from Paul E. Guitteau, August, 1950. 13. Ibid. 200

"Probably < (my) greatest; accomplishment wasrralsing'-

of three fine children in best community (Graham Co.)

in state." r V : r:;: ;‘-c

Mr. Guitteau resigned from his position ’as superinten­ dent of the Thatcher School in 194?, and has, since that time served as superintendent of the Amphitheater High School in Tucson, Arizona. : :

; . Mr. Lafe Nelson was born in Tombstone, Arizona, on Jan­ uary 16, 1898. He secured a Bachelor of Arts degree from- ■ the-Arizona State College at Flagstaff, and a Master of Arts 14 Degree from the University of Arizona. ; , v \ :

Mr. Nelson taught in the Ssfford High School in the

1926-1927 term and then served as the County School Super­ intendent of Graham;County from 1927 until 193?. It was during Mr. Nelson's service as County School^Superintendent,- that the country suffered from the effects of the great fi­ nancial depression /which began in 1929-1930, and lasted for several years. This was a trying time for the schools be­ cause of the economic conditions which prevailed. i Mr," . •

Nelson did a great deal during, these years ;to keep .the schools of,Graham County operating in a satisfactory condition. -

. In 193?, Mr. Nelson.became superintendent of the Safford

School,-and.served in this position?until 1942. He became

Director of Guidance in the State Department of Education in _ .. . A - .* -• -- - • ' ■ - * ' ' ' • • V - . ' ' '

14. Letter from Lafe Nelson, July, 19?0. ~~ 1942, and was superintendeAt of the Kingman School in Kingman,

Arizona, from 1943-to 1947* - / . 5 1; . • ;

In 1947, Mr. Nelson returned to the-Saffor^Schools as superintendent, and has served in that capacity'until the present. - "'■ V . v; : v.;■:

In November, 1936, Mr.-Nelson was elected president of the Arizona Education Association. He was the first pres­ ident of the association to be elected in the preceding ten years without an opposing • candidate1s name appearing on the 15 ballot. nv-' r;:0; ■' - ■: :.’v: : ' - L r.-:. v:.

Mr. Nelson also served as a member of the State Board of Education from 1937 * to 1945. " - H ’' - ■ . >: : ; n..; :h

Under Nelson's supervision, many advancements have : been made in the schools of Saffordi The building facilities have been expanded- and the curriculum standardized. A test­ ing program was instituted and the philosophy of the school was determined. A salary schedule was established and the morale of the school strengthened. A pre-school work shop - for teachers was established and the courses offered In-the

High School were revised. The student body government of - • 16 the High School was strengthened and more clearly defined. " ;

Mr. Nelson continues to serve as superintendent of. the

Safford Schools, in a very satisfactory manner, as the schools

1?3. Graham County Guardian. Issue of November 20, 1936. 16* Letter from ..Lafe ..Nelson,-July, ..1950•______202 of Safford continue to grow and progress.-'. - 9 - •

- William H. Harless was born Fetiruary. 14, 1902,' in Kel­ sey, Texas, He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the

University of Arizona in 1926, He took summer school work at the University of Southern California in 1933 and at the

University of Chicago in 1934• - From Stanford University, he received a Masters degree in 1938, and a Doctors decree, in 1948, ■ 9 iv : . :.vv:.

Dr, Harless came to Gila Junior College in 1944 as president and now holds that position at the Eastern Arizona < 17 Junior College, Gila Junior College's successor^

Under the supervision of Dr, Harless," as president, the junior college has made many strides forward. The curriculum has been greatly diversified.’ and many new subjects added in various fields of learning,: - . . . >

■ Dr. Harless did a great deal toward helping to put the college on a firm financial base through his efforts in securing greater state aid for the institution. This greater state aid, now $7^,000 per year, has not only lifted the bur­ den from the taxpayers of Graham County, but has made possible the growth arid development of the institution on a scale which was not possible before. Dr, Harless has made-every effort to have the Eastern Arizona;Junior College truly serve all of eastern Arizona. 9;.;^-;::; :V;':'32 ; a

:9.91 -c 9 ■■nl 9: 203

• The faculty, which has increased from 13, In 1944-1945. 18 to 23 in 1950-1951$: ; is: another indication of the increased services of Eastern Arizona Junior College under the super­ vision of Dr, Harless, as president, - . 1: : t v:

E, Edgar Fuller was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on

March 23, 1904, He attended Gila Junior. College at Thatcher from 1923;to 1925*- He graduated, from the Brigham Young Univ­

ersity at Provo, Utah, in 1927 with a Bachelor of: Arts •

Degree; from the University of Chicago in 1932 with the

degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence; and from Harvard Univer­

sity in 1940 with the degree of Doctor of Education,

Mr. Fuller became; president of; Gila, Junior College in •

1933 and seryed in that capacity until the end of the school

-term . -- in 1939, At that time - - he took a - • £ leave - ‘r- from - • his - - ■ duties

as president to attend the Harvard Graduate School of Edu-

cation during the 1939-1940 school yearf resigning as,pres­

ident of the college to accept a lectureship in the Graduate

College of Education at Harvard University, in June, 1940,

As president of the Gila Junior College, Mr, Fuller was

outstanding as an educational leader. He was friendly;;in

manner, winning the affection and respect of those with whom

he worked. He was always,ready to go, out of his way to help

any student who might heed: help. : . : ; l. - , y.----;■

Gila Junior College opened in 1933 as a public junior

in:-ibid.: 19* The writer attended Gila Junior College during the first year Mr. Fuller was president of tha institution. 204 college, having previously been supported by the Latter-day

Saints Church. During it’s first years as a public-supported institution, the college operated on a reduced budget. Under such condltiohs, Mr. Fuller, as president, was able to keep the institution operating in a commendable manner. A person of less courage and ability might have become discouraged under such conditions. Under Dr. Fuller’s guidance, the institution continued operating very satisfactorily, and made many strides forward, 20 Dr. Fuller’s contributions to education are many.

By writing and lobbying, he did much to secure the passage of the first junior college state aid law in Arizona, by the state legislature. During his tenure as president, the en­ rollment in the college was nearly doubled. He reorganized the curriculum, added terminal courses, and strengthened the academic position of the school. He continued the movement toward college work by eliminating third year high school work in 1933 and fourth year high school work at the end of the term in 1938, without loss in total enrollment.

Under Dr. Fuller’s supervision, a lighted football field and a homemaking cottage were constructed on the campus, and improvements were made in the main building of the college.

Dr, Fuller believes that perhaps his greatest service

20. Letter from Dr. E. Edgar Fuller, June , 1 9 £ U was in effecting the transition of Gila Junior College from a church-supported institution to a public junior 21 college. This change became official on July 1, 1933* but its effects were felt at the college for a number of years afterward.

21. Ibid. 206

BIBLIOGRAPHY

' - ..y " - v:.'.■ : % • ' Books . - '"

Parish, Thomas Edwin, History of Arizona. The Filmer Brothers Electrotype Co.* San"Francisco> 1916, ili»

History of Arizona. Biographical, Record Publishing Co. . Phoenix,-1930,:III,' By Special'Staff - of Writers. Editor, Richard E. Sloan.

McClintock, James H.« Arizona-The Youngest State. . The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co:., Chicago',-, 1916.t

McClintock, James H.. Mormon Settlement in Arizona. The Manufacturing Stationers, inc., Phoenix, 1921*

Newspapers

Clifton Clarion, Clifton, Arizona Published in Clifton, Arizona, from 1883 to 1889, when it was moved to Solomonville, Arizona, where it was published as the Valley Bulletin. " Incom­ plete files are in the library of the Arizona Pio­ neers Historical Society, Tucson, Arizona. - ~

Graham County Bulletin (Valley Bulletin) Started at Clifton under the name of The Clifton ? Clarion. About 1889 was moved * to Solomonville, Arizona, which was then the county seat. It was published there as the Valley Bulletin until 1890. when its name was changed to Graham County Bulletin.

Graham County Guardian ~ ' "— -T: Was established in 189^ and published weekly in Saf- ford, Arizona, since that time. Consolidated with the Gila Valley Farmer, May 2, 1923 as the Graham County Guardian and Gila Valley Farmer. Incomplete Files are in the Arizona Pioneers Historical Soci- ety, Tucson; incomplete files in library of Univer­ sity of Arizona, Tucson; incomplete bound copies in Gila Printing, and Publishing Company,* SaffordAri- ZOXlQ # . . '••• / 207

. " Pamphlets ’ : r. . ... v„ : :

Catalog of Gila Junior College« Thatcher, Arizona, for 1940-1941, 1944-1945, and 1948-1949. In office of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona.

Catalog of Eastern Arizona Junior College. Thatcher, Arl- zona, for 19^0-19^1. In office of Eastern Arizona '■ Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona. -

Unpublished Materials

Annual Budgets of Eastern Arizona Junior College, 1944 to to 1951. In office of Eastern Arizona Junior Col­ lege, Thatcher, Arizona.

County Superintendentrs File Book. 1927-1941. In office of County School Superintendent, Safford, Arizona.

County Superintendent's Minute Book. 1916-1926. In the County School Superintendent’s office, Safford, Arizona, : V. :■ - , .. ; •

Minute Book of Layton School District Uumberl4.~ From April 26, 1899, to November 18, 1913* In”office of Superintendent of Safford Schools, Safford, Arizona.

Minute Book of Safford School District Number One, Gra- Ham County, Arizona„ 1912 to 1924. In office of Superintendent of Safford Schools, Safford« Arizona.

Minute Book for the Board of School Trustees. School Dis­ trict Number One, Safford. A r i z o n a 1924-1941. ■ In : , office of Superintendent of Safford Schools, Safford, Arizona. -■

Minutes of the Board of Trustees. Safford School District Humber One, Safford, ArizonaJ March 1941 to December 1, 1948. In. office of .Superintend ent of Safford Schools, Safford, Arizona. ■ • ■ •• • " * • " * - ; . ‘ •• ■ ■■ • ■ ' . • • •' ' ' V K.I Pima Ward Record, in St. Joseph Stake House, Thatcher, - Arizona. - - v ^ :

School Matters from 18&2 to 1887. Handwritten ledger in office of County School School Superintendent, Safford, Arizona, Pages were not numbered. -• : ^ \ . ' • , ' S V: .1 . r - x.. 208

Weekly Register of Studies. In office of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona: %

Personal Interviews ' ; ; Daley, Jack, Superintendent of Thatcher Schools, Thatcher, Arizona. Interview held May, 1951j Thatcher, Arizona. Harless, William H., President of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona. Interview held in his office June, 1951• Hunt, Sarah (Allred). Interview held at her home in Thatcher, Arizona. June, 1950. She taught in the early schools of the Gila Valley.

Moore, Thomas 0. Interviewed in Safford and Solomon, Arizona, June, 1950. Mr. Moore attended school in Solomonville when it was the county seat of Graham county. ;

Nash, John F. Interview was held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Laveil Hoopes. In Thatcher, Arizona, June, 1951. Mr. Nash is a pioneer teacher, who taught in the early schools of the Gila Valley. He is now living in Mesa, Arizona.

Nelson. Lafo, Superintendent of Safford Schools, Inter­ view held in July, 1950. Mr. Nelson gave much assistance to the writer by making available many historical records contained in his office in the Safford High School, Safford, Arizona,

Weech, David. Interview held in his home in Pima, Arizona, June, 1950. He came to the Gila Valley with his father in 1880 and settled in Pima*

Correspondence

Fuller, E. Edgar, Executive Secretary of the National Coun­ cil of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D. C, Letter, June, 1951) in regard to his work as presi­ dent of Gila Junior College, Thatcher, Arizona, from 1933 to 1939.

Guitteau, Paul E., Superintendent of Amphitheater School, Tucson, Arizona. Letter, July, 1951 in regard to his work in education in the Thatcher Schools, Thatcher, Arizona. 209

Harless, William H., President of Eastern Arizona Junior College. Thatcher, Arizona. Letter, June, 195l> in regard ro his work as president of Eastern Arizona Junior College*

Hash, John P. Letter, June, 1951> in regard to his work in education in Graham County.

Helson, Lafe, Superintendent of Safford Schools, Safford, Arizona. Letter, June, 1950, in regard to his work in education in Graham County.

Taylor, Harvey L., Superintendent of Mesa Union High School, Mesa, Arizona. Letter. May 1951> in regard to his work as president of Gila College, Thatcher, Arizona.

Miscellaneous

Annual Summary and Certificate of Attendance for 1945- 1946 and 1949-1950. In office of County School Sup­ erintendent, Safford, Arizona.