Newspaper Page Text
4
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
AND EDUCATION.
The Pub’ic School, The University of lhe
Common People and Most Democratic
of American Institutions.
What Roue Offers in Way of
Education.
Io City In Georgia Affords Fecilities For
Primary and Secondary Education
Superior to This City.
WELL ATTENDED; ABLY COnDUCTED .
Rome Has One of the Finest Colleges
For Girls In the South—Oth e/
Schools of the Hill City.
The public school is the most demo
cratic of American institutions. It is
the university of the common people
in which the boys and girls destined
to become voters and mothers of the
Republic receive their training for
the grave duties and responsibilities
of citizenship. Georgia is a sort of
transplanted Massachusetts, preserv
ing the virtues and rejecting the faults
of the mother commonwealth. It
was, therefore, natural and rea
sonable that public education should
have been a matter of deep concern to
the early settlers of the state who
came here during the colonial days and
who took care to establish what were
known as old field schools and which
were really the root or foundation of
the present system of schools enjoyed
by the populace at large. Those 1
schools were sustained and strength
ened and improved as they became
the property of municipal govern
ment with the result that no state in
the South today enjoys a broader or
more liberal system of public educa
tion or efficient means for the educa
tion of all the children.
Certainly nothing is more indicative
of the intelligence and advanced civili
zation of a community that i - s interest
in popular education, and the facilities
which it has provided for communicat
ing knowledge to the masses. Measured
by this standard, Rome enjoys an
enviable position among the leading
municipalities of the state.
Only those who have studied and
watched closely the advancement made
in educational affairs can fully appre
ciate the grand and rapid progress that
has been made within the past few
few years. The progress has been real
progress, not merely changed from some
thing old and long established to some
thing new. The progress consists first,
in the increased efficiency of teachers
second, in enlarged school accommoda
tions, and greatly improved equipment;
third, in the nominal cost of education,
and fourth, in the grading of pupils and
uniformity in school books.
No city in Georgia affords facilities
for primary and secondary education
superior, and in few are they equaled.
The course of instruction is thorough,
and the teachers expt fenced and com
petent, the expenditures liberal, and as
a consequence the schools rank with the
best. The best systems in the country
have been carefully examined, and the
course of study so arranged as to adopt
the best thought of the new education to
the solid requirements of the essential
studies. The course of study has
—1 . - '■ —
J| 'Tj-
- *
PROF. J. 0. HARRIS.
always been looked to by superintend
ents and principals in other cities as a
guide which could be safely conserva
tive. Much care has beerj bestowed on
the course of study, as its importance
demands, with the result that the
present system will compare favora-
b’y with the best schoo's in America.
It includes careful and thorough
training in the essential branches of
elementary education —reading, spell
ing, writing, arithmetic, grammar,
geography, history, etc. Music and
drawing are taught in a systematic
way in the various grades. The course
of study in the high school is on the
plan of the best schools in the South.
Its course of study embraces, Latin
scientific, English scientific and a gen
eral course which broadens out into
a fuller study of English literature,
science, etc.
Rome expends annually about $15,-
000 for the maintenance of its schools
wbich sum is derived from a local school
tax for school purposes, and from the
school , fund of the state. The schools
are in charge of a board of education of
five members, viz: J. K. Williamson,
president; Judge Max Meyerhart, N,
H, Bass, Joel Branham, and W. H.
Steele, secretary, all of whom have
served for a number of years, and take
a pronounced interest ia educati mal af
fairs. They give much time and
thought to the organization and man
agement of the schools, selection of
teachers and ths other manifold and
perplexing duties incident to the con
duct of so large and excellent a system
of schools.
The immediate management of the
city school system is entrusted by the
board to a superintendent, and Rome
has been fortunate in having profited
by the work of some of the best educa
tors in the South in this office. But as
valuable as has been the work of the
board and of the several superintend
ents, they must have failed without the
intelligent co operation and invaluable
services of the teachers who have been
selected, and it has always been the
policy of the board to retain good teach
ers as long as they were willing to stay.
This admirably and noteworthy
method has been strictly adhered to
since the establishment of the public
schools in 1883 and through its means
a highly efficient and capable corps of
teachers have been employed.
The public school system is divided
into eight grades and euery one with
the exception of the eigth grade sub
divided into two or more grades.
Graduates from the schools of Rome
are prepared to enter business well
equipped for the ordinary demands
of a business life, or they can enter
Freshman class at the State Univerl
sity on graduation, and admitted to
college on certificate without exami
nation.
The colored school is composed of
six grades, and likewise subdivided.
The schools of Rome are open to the
children of every bona fide resident
of the city, and to those living out
side of the city, to whom a small tu
ition fee is charg. d, viz: First and
second grades, $1 00 per month; third
and fourth grades, $1.50 per month;
fifth and sixth grades, $2 00 per
month; eighth grade, $3 50per month.
The same rates apply in the colored
school, except that the seventh grade
is $2.00 per month.
There are usually quite a number
from the surrounding towns.
There are employed in the white
schools nineteen teachers, not includ
ing the superintendent and in the
colored schools eight teachers making
a total of twenty-seven in all
The teachers of the various grades
in the school for whites are:
Superintendent—J. C. Harris.
Principal and Teacher of the Eighth
Grade—E. M. Gammon.
Seventh Grade A—Miss Helen Om
berg.
Seventh Grade B—Miss Laura Hume.
Sixth Grade A—Miss Marry Wil
liamson.
Sixth Grade B—Miss Georgia Pep
per.
Fifth Grade A—Miss Minnie Byrd.
Fifth Grade B—Miss Annie Perkins.
Fourth Grade A—Mrs. Mary Shrop
shire.
Fourth Grade B—Miss Lutha Moss.
Third Grade A—Miss B ittie Shrop
shire.
Third Grade B—Miss Mamie Jones.
Third Grade C—Miss Minnie Rowell.
Second Grade A—Miss Floy Bailey.
Second Grade B—Miss Ada Jenkins.
Second Grade C —Miss Hattie Bass.
First Grade A—Miss Zoe Eastman.
First G>ade B-Miss Ruth Norton.
First Grade C—Miss Callie Spullook.
Music and Drawing, Miss May Clarke,
Those of the colored schools.
THE ROME TRIBUNE, SOUVENIR AND TRADE EDITION,
T. M. Dent. Piinc'pal.
S x’h G a-’e—Lucille S unutds.
Fifth Gr.de—Augusta Williams.
F urth Gr.-de—Eula Ray.
Third Grade—Estel'e Taylor.
Second Grade A—Fannie L. Taylor.
Second Grade B—Clara B. Barrett.
First Grade A—Ell* C. Barnett.
The people of R ime take great pride
in their system of public schools and
make most generous provisions for their
maintenance, reoogn zing that the com
mon schools are the hope of the repnt
-Ic, and that the education of the chil
dren of the masses is the surest safe
guard against the dangers that threaten
the stability of democratic government.
It is, therefore not saying too ranch to
claim that no city in the country of
equal size has better schools.
The buildings, apparatus, the
teachers, all these fill the full measure
of what it- takes to have excellent
schools, and generations yet to come
will these schools bless. And in con
clusion The Tribune gives full and
but just credit for the success of the
public schools to the judicious man
agement of the board of education, to
I '
L J
PROF. J. KING.
the superintendent so wisely chosen
by this board, and the hearty co oper
ation of the teachers under him.-
Other School.
Besides this splendid system of pub
lic instruction, Rome enjoys numer
ous other educational advantages.
Shorter College is the pride of North
Georgia. The buildings are magnifi
cent; the equipment is perfect 1 the
location is the most picturesque and
beautiful in all the South. This col
lege is the pride and ornament of
Rome and has been the means of draw
ing to the city many desirable citizens
THE KING BUILDING,
who have come here that their daugh
ters could have the advantage of this
superb institution In addition there
is a boy’s high grade school, two con
servatories of music, one business col
lege, and a number of kindergartens,
and private schools.
With all these advantages of an
education is it then any wonder that
Rome is a truly moral city!
Prof, J, C, Harris,
The success and progress of the pub
lie schools of Rome are due largely to
the untiring efforts of Superintendent
J. C. Harris. Just five years ago be was
called to that work. Under his admin,
istration much natural advancement has
been made, with the result that the
schools today rank with the best in the
South.
Professor Harris was born in North
Carolina in 1858, but was reared princi
pally in Georgia. His whole life has
been devoted to educational work in
this state and many young men who
have risen to prominence owe their
early training to the professor. Tne
University of Georgia honored him
with Master of Art degree. He has
been teaching for the past twenty-one
years. Os these years a majority was
spent at Cedartown. He founded the
Boy’s high school at Marietta and has
taught most successfully several nor
mal institutes in Georgia.
Professor Harris came to Rome from
Cedartown, where he had for eleven
years been employed as superintendent
of the schools.
Since assum ng charge of the schools
at this point, he has devoted much time
and thought to the advancement ofpub
lic education with a result that must be
gratifying to all lovers of public educa
tion, public good, and public welfare.
Prof, Palemon J. King
Long experience, ripe and scholarly
attainments, and strict disciplinary
methods, have peculiarly fitted Prof.
Palemon J. K ng for the work he is
now doing.
His high school for boys here is a
model preparatory institution. Prof.
King has prepared hundreds of boys
for colleges, and his pupils almost in
variably take a high stand. Many young
men from Rome have received their col
lege preparation under him, and his
school is limited to thirty pupils.
He was born in Taliaferro county,
August 22nd, 1838, and received his
early schooling in Green county. He
then entered Mercer University and
graduated with honors in 1860. He took
a post-graduated course of one year at
the University of Virginia, and then
entered the army. Four years he fol
lowed the fortunes of the Confederate
flag bravely.
Since then he has followed the avoca
tion of an educator, and has been emi
nently successful in preparing pupils for
college. He has taught in Cave Spring
and Summerville, and a few years since
removed to Rome. This city stood sorely
in need of just such a preparatory
school, and Prof. King’s great ability at
once won him many pupils. He is popu
lar with bis pupils. His state of knowl
edge is rich and inexh -ustible, and
comes of many years of study and re
search.
All pupils entering the school are re
quired to present satisfactory testimon
ials of studious habitsand good deport
ment.
S. s. KING £ CO
Imported and Domestic Groceries,
Fruits, Delicacies etc,
Unique and cosmopolitan is the
superb line of goods handled by 8. 8
King & Co. From the inception the
firm won its way to public favor and
confidence until today it maintains a
position second to none in its line in
North Georgia. The line of goods
carried embraces the very choicest
domestic articles and imports that
tickle the palate of the American and
would remind the foreigner of his
native home. Here displayed at the
disposal of the public are the choicest
delicacies of all climes including olives
from Spain, sardines of American and
foreign brands, imported and domestic
cheese. j*ms, pickles, sauces, etc , in
deed, not to weary the readers in
enumerations, we may say that here
may be found all sorts, kinds and
descriptions of the finest domestic and
imported groceries, table delicacies,,
relishes, condiments etc., that could
tempt a sated appetite, or astound an
uncultivated one with gastronomic
wonder. The ordinary lines of sta
ple groceries are also handled, and a
specialty is made of fine teas, coffees
and fruits in season. In all depart
of the business the facilities are of
the best, obtaining i‘s supplies direct
from importers and original sources,
and the prices will be found eminent
ly just and reasonable. Promptness
and courtesy also constitute leading
characteristics of the firm’s business
policy.
Ttie business of 8. 8. King & Co. is
one of long standing and has been in
successful operation for the past
twenty years. The individual mem
bers of the firm are Messrs. 8. 8. King
and John M. Graham. The first
named has had years of experience in
the grocery business and is one of the
best known men in North Georgia.
Mr. John M. Graham is a young man
well and favorably known in the
community, and previous to entering
the firm was engaged in merchandis
ing and brokerage business with his
father.
A general wholesale business in
fruits, produce and groceries is also
conducted and a large trade done
within the radius of one hundred
miles of Rome.
Every detail of the business is per
sonally supervised by the members of
the firm, who d-voted their entire
time to the busines*. The liberal bus
iness methods, prompt service in ad
dition to the quality and magnitude
of stock are features that have at
tracted trade from all directions.
SAMUEL L? GRAHAM, A, C
One of the Best Chemists and As z
sayers in the South,
It is always a pleasure to the writer to
chronicle the success of young men,
especially when this success is obtained
by their own labor and ingenuity, as is
the case with the young man under no
tice. True, he has had the advantage
of an excellent education, but of what
use would it have been to him unless
put to some practical use.
Mr. Graham, although but a young
man, enjoys a reputation as a chemist
and assayer that many strive a life time
i
S L. GRAHAM, A C.
to obtain, but so often fail. His work
has been highly commended, and his
analysis of ores have compared with
those of the best assayers, not only in
the South, but in America.
Mr. Samuel L. Graham was born,
reared and partially educated at Pine
wood, Tenn. Subsequently he attended
the University of the South, at Sewanee,
Tenn., where, in his senior years, he
took the medal for oratory and the Ln
high University, of Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated, after a three
years’ course in chemistry, etc., with
distinction, aud was awarded first prize
on bis essay on analysis of ores.
Shortly after bis graduation, be re
moved to Rome and for about one
year was chemist for the Rome Iron
company. He then removed to Bir
mingham Ala , and accepted a like
position with the Tennessee coal and
iron company. Two years later, he
again located in Rome and has since
followed his profession in this city.
His line consists of analyses of metal
lurgical products, iron and manganese
ores, beauxite, pyrites, phosphates
and fertilizers, coals, mineral waters
and industrial products generally,
and the assaying of gold, silver and
other ores. Firms, corporations or
individuals desiring any work in this
particular line could not employ-a
better or more efficient man to do the
work.
A SAFE BANKING HOUSE,
The First National Bank of Rome,
Ga„ and Its History,
The most important factor in the
commercial supremacy of any city are
its financial institutions which are the
hinges upon which the business world
hangs.
Rome is fortunate in possessing
one of the strongest and most liberal
banking institutions in the state in
the First National bank. The influ-'
ence of a bank of this kind on a com
munity cannot be over-estimated.
JOHN H. REYNOLDS.
Push and enterprise have always
characterized its movements and
operations. The bank is as solid as the
Rock of Gibraltar, and a very sue
cessful business is conducted.
The First National bank was estab
lished tn 1877 with J. H. Reynolds as
president and B. I. Hughes as cash
ier, both of whom still retain the same
positions, and to whose nntiring ef
forts and conservative methods the
bank is due it wonderful prosperity.
The first board of directors was com
posed of P. H. Hardin, T. F. H< vtl.
Alfred Shorter, Thomas Berry, W. B.
Reynolds, J. W. Bonesand J. H. Rey
nolds.
The present board is as follows; P.
H. Hardin, J. L. Camp, John Mont
gomery, Thompson Hiles, Alfred S.
Hamilton, B. 1. Hughes, and John H.
Reynolds.
Os the original board of direction
four are now dead, viz: Col. Alfred
Shorter, Mr. Thomas Berry, Mr. T
F. Howel and Mr. W. B. Reynolds
leaving only three members of that
board who are living.
Those who constitute the present
board are among the most successful
business men of Rome, and are far
and widely known tor their good citi
zenship and business qualification.
In the nature of its operations the
bank is metropolitan, transacting
every description of legitimate busi
ness, accounts and collections are
solicited, and any business connected
with lawful banking receives prompt
attention. The bank has every facility
for handling collections, and makes
prompt returns of business left in its
care.
The volume of business has kept pace
with the onward march of the city. The
bank has steadily increased its business
and extended its sphere of usefulness,
and in the relat’ons common between
banking houses of the community, it
has fully merited the complete confi
dence of mercantile circles. Safe bank
ing methods will only permit of the
most conservative methods yet in the
exercise of due prudence, a progressive
policy has been pursued with the result
of establishing a name synonymous
with enterprise and integrity.
Capt, W, A, Patton,
The end of the nineteenth century
finds the young man occupying the
center of the stage in the business and
political activity of the world.
Capt. William A. Patton is a strik
ing example of this truth. Full of
quick and nervous energy, and with
immense reserve forces, his success has
been strictly upon merit. Personally
he is a genial and polished gentleman,
and to know him is to be his friend.
His military career has been one of
constant successes,and no young man
in the volunteer service of Georgia
stands higher or is more popular than
1 he
| In 1882 he joined the Hill City Ca
!
Bk
CAPT. W. A. PATTON.
dets, which was then captained by
John C Printup. Foi six years he
was a faithful 'member of the organ
ization, and a natural aptitude for
the calling and quick perception
marked him as a man of unusual
ability.
About six years ago the Rome Light
. Guards were reorganized, and Mr. Pat
ton was elected second lieutenant with
H. A. Daniels as captain In 1893 he
was elected captain, and in November
of that year the Light Guards were ad
mitted to the state organization. Capt.
Patton still commands the Light Guards.
Last April be had a very distinguished
honor conferred on him by being ap
pointed a member of the court martial
in the trial of Capt. Kempton. He was
the youngest mem her of the board and
his appointment was a splendid tribute
to his judgement and ability.
William A. Patton was born in Nash
ville in April 1868. He went to the pub
lic schools of that city for seven years,
and received a splendid foundation for
future achievements. In 1880 he moved
to Rome and for three years went to
school to Prof. Bothwell Grahame.
He was in the First National bank
Jor five years, and the Merchants Na
tional two years. Here he received the
tra'n’ng that has made him a sound
and conservative business man.
Four years ago he associated himself
with J. J. and J. H. O’Neill in the lum
ber business under the firm name of the
O’Neil Manufacturing Company. To
this business he gave all his splendid
capacities, and has been a great factor
in making it one of the most prosperous
concerns in this section. He is secretary
and treasurer of the firm.
Rome and North Georgia is proud to
claim such men as Capt. William A.
Paton.