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The
Hannibal public schools were thoroughly reorganized in 1866, and
put in efficient working order. There are now six school
buildings, as follows:-
The
South school, in South Hannibal. The main building is of brick,
and was built in about 1870, at a cost of near $6,000. Mr
John W. Ayres has been for many years principal of this school.
The average attendance is about 350.
The
Central school, on Center, between Ninth and Tenth. The building,
of brick, was ereated in 1881, and cost $20,000. Prof. A. H.
Foreman has been principal of this school some years.
The
West School, in West Hannibal, has it frame building, put up in
1868. Miss Libbie Carleton is the principal.
The
North school building, corner of Rock and Sixth streets, was
erected in 1872, and cost $10,000. Miss Amelia Kaley, principal.
The
Grammar and High school building, corner of Sixth and North
streets was purchased in 1866. Prof. H. K. Warren is principal,
Miss Gertrude Ashmore, assistant principal. There, are five
teachers in this school. The average monthly attendance is 140,
The
Douglas school, for colored children, was built in about 1868, at
a cost of near $5,000. J. R. Pelham, principal. Average monthly
attcndance 252. This school is remarkable for its superior
character and successful career. Its principal is a man of
education and a very capable instructor. The course is complete
and identical with that of the white schools, and it is claimed
that nearly any class will average with one of a similar grade in
the white schools. Of ten colored schools in Missouri, visited by
the writer, this is certainly very much the best. No distinction
is shown in the advantages extended to both races.
The
board of education of the city has always been composed of a very
efficient body of men, who have served very capably and with much
interest. The present secretary, W. H. Ide, has served about ten
years. The records of his office are very complete, concise, and
carefully kept, and are models of their kind. From them has been
learned much of the information here set down.
The
enumeration of children of school age in the Hannibal school
district for 1866 was 2,338 ; in 1,870 it was 2,814; in 1875 it
was 8,241 ; in 1880 it was 3,796 ; in 1883 it was 3,805. In the
latter year this enumeration was composed of 1,469 white males,
1,507 white females, 420 colored males and 409 colored females.
Of
the 2,976 white children 1,711 were enrolled in the schools
nearly-- three-fifths. Of the 829 colored children 417 were
enrolled--nearly one-half. Average aggregate daily attendance,
1,332. The total number of teachers in the Hannibal schools is 33;
of these 5 are males and 6 are colored. Average salaries paid per
month, males, $79.10; females, $40.62.
The
average cost of tuition per scholar per annum was $13.43. The
total expenditures were $20,286.05; of this sum $2,138 was for
accrued debt and interest on debt outstanding. The estimated value
of' school property was $58,700. Assessed value taxable city
property, $58,700 ; rate of taxation for school purposes, .006.
Hannibal
College. - An institution called Hannibal College was founded in
1869 by R. F. Lakenan and others, and flourished for some years
under the supervision of Rev. Leo Baier. It had an endowment of
$10,000 worth of land. given by Mr. Lakenan, but a controversy
arising in the college this endowment was withdrawn, and soon
after the institution died. Up to 1875 Hannibal College had
instructed 650 students.
The
Academy St. Joseph. - In 1864. the Catholic Church of Hannibal,
with funds raised by subscription, purchased the building and of
the Hannibal Institute, an unsuccessful private school, and deeded
the property to the Sisters of St. Joseph, of Carondelet Mo., who
the next year opened a parochial school, which has grown into a
flourishing academy. Extensive improvements have been made, more
grounds added, until the property is valued at $30,000. The school
will accommodate 120 boarders and 300 pupils. In the same grounds
with the academy a flourishing parochial school is conducted. |
