THE STORY OF AN INSPIRING PAST

 

Historical Sketch of the San Jose State Teachers College

From 1862 to 1928

with an

Alphabetical List of Matriculates and Record of Graduates by Classes

Compiled by

Mrs. ESTELLE GREATHEAD

 

 

San Jose, California

San Jose State Teachers College

1928.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pages 115-143

 

PERSONALITIES

 

This history would not be complete without a friendly resume of the outstanding personalities who, in their own special line have contributed to the comfort and safety of Faculty and Students.

 

 

It will not be the endeavor to mention these public servitors chronologically but in a rambling fashion to call to mind the association of faculty and students with some of the men who cared for our grounds, those whose tools were the dust pan and the brush, and others who did their part to make the "wheels go 'round."

 

A look into the past brings to mind Bill MORRIS, the efficient gardener, who reveled in the big beds of Canna and whose hot-house was filled with small promises of future bloom. Bill always had a ready Irish tongue, and it is to be regretted that his witty "mots" have not been preserved for inclusion here. He still lives in San Jose, in a cottage with an immaculate garden, which indicates that he has not yet lost his skill with growing things.

 

Mr. ASHWORTH, the janitor, in the old wooden building, who was living in the basement at the time of the fire and did valiant service in removing to safety many valuable records, will be remembered by a few - and his successors and assistants John LITTLER and Enoch CROOK.

 

Perhaps there are a few who remember Mr. GILBRATH, the watchman, but many will recall Mr. EMSER, an old soldier, infirm of body but stout of soul. No marauder ever succeeded in slipping through his peremptory, if somewhat profane challenge, and when he laid down his menacing club for the last time there were tender thoughts of his faithful and efficient service.

 

Mr. John ECKHART, engineer for many years, was always ready to respond to a call for more heat. He was a familiar figure about the grounds and buildings until ill health compelled him to retire, and his death occurred some years later. For some years, his assistant Mike, was a notable character, one not to be forgotten. Mr. PIERCE, his successors, is happily remembered as an upstanding, intelligent and expert manipulator of the engine technique.

 

Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH, head gardener, and Mr. JUAREZ, his assistant, and now his successor, will be remembered by their generous contribution of flowers to the offices and the various-fetes and pageants which they were called upon to beautify. Mr. JUAREZ still propels old Dobbin across the lawn, which is kept so immaculately close and green.

 

pg. 116

 

Rosie is a whole story in herself and deserves a Roy COHEN to recount her exceptionally keen and timely aphorisms - a little darkey woman, dusting and scrubbing all day, unable to read or write, Rose had an uncanny sense of foibles and hypocricies of human nature. Professor DAILEY was in her eyes without flaw, a god whom she humbly worshiped, but there was not a member of the faculty whose frailties of character she was unable to diagnose correctly. "Don't always carry your coffin around with you", was one of her epigrams which indicated a happy philosophy.

 

"Joe STILLWELL", custodian and superintendent of the grounds, still keeps a penetrating eye on supplies but is always most willing and ready to accommodate a needy applicant for stationary and other articles in his storeroom.

 

"Charlie", whose unusual musical gifts are an accompaniment to his broom and scrub brush, must never be omitted from this history. Charlie has other accomplishments besides singing and scrubbing.

 

This picture would not be complete without Mr. MULHOLLAND, for a number of years the little carpenter, and if only his twangful voice and distinctive dialect could be reproduced, his individuality would stand out as it deserves.

 

Then there is Mr. WILLSON, the watchman, (an omnivorous (sic) reader of the best literature) who still goes about with his pointed stick on which he impales every recalcitrant bit of paper that dares encumber the beautiful grounds and well-kept walks.

 

These are a few of the many personalities which might be mentioned that have contributed to this institution. The thread of each life has been irrevocably woven into the warp and woof and has helped to make the fabric strong and beautiful and colorful.

 

 

CHARLES H. ALLEN

The Man of the Hour.

By Lucy M. Washburn.

 

Charles H. Allen was the man for the epoch in the educational growth of California. Under his principalship the Normal School developed rapidly into a power for the whole Pacific Coast.

 

After a varied educational career in the east, including the presidency of the first Normal School in Wisconsin, he was called to the California State Normal School, newly removed from San Francisco to permanent situation in San Jose.

 

His careful and wise selection built up a memorable faculty, of which his strong personality, sound methods, and sane, broad vision kept him the vigorous head. Especially he sought widely and was remarkably successful in filling the two most influential positions, those of Associate Institute Lecturer and of Preceptress, or, as the position is now termed, Dean of Women.

 

A born teacher and lecturer, whether in his classes, or in the briefer sessions of county institutes throughout the state. Mr. Allen never failed to communicate his own enthusiasm for teaching, and discrimination as to real values in education. The State Normal School and the quality of its training were thus personally extended throughout the state, and attracted to

 

pg. 117

 

the course of study the most earnest and ambitious young teachers, leaders in a remarkable body of students rapidly increasing in numbers.

 

Like all true educators, back of his success was his personality. In him a granite strength was played over by the brightness of sympathy, appreciation and humor. Unswerving in the right, his buoyant, sunny optimism was based on faith in God and in human possibilities. He loved little children; he touched the springs of purpose in the young men and women developing under his charge; earnest students struggling against poverty or other limitations received his special encouragement and generous, practical help.

 

An outdoor man who loved nature and its inspiration, he climbed California's great mountains and tramped its primeval forests in joyous company with John MUIR, his friend and former pupil, and brought into the school room, too often pent and confined, a fresher air and broader outlook.

 

He set the key of his school days with the eternal verities. His tall figure, his noble head and features, the power of his glance and the deep tones of his voice as he read naturally and impressively some inspiring portion of the Bible, the reverent chanting of the Lord's prayer, and then the strong chorus that followed, - these were a revelation of the man and his ideals, and became an abiding memory with thousands of his students who had found through him "education for life."

 

 

JOHN HYDE BRALY.

Business man, Social Worker, Educator.

By Cornelia Walker.

 

None who knew him well could fail to love this Christian educator, this loyally devoted friend.

 

John Hyde Braly, born in Missouri of Scotch ancestry, came with his parents by the Oregon Trail to Whitman's Mission, Oregon, leaving on account of his mother's premonition of coming calamity, ten days before the historic Indian massacre there. The Bralys reached California in 1849, and John began his belated college studies at the University of the Pacific, six years later graduating, valedictorian from Cumberland University, Tennessee. He taught eleven years in Academies and public schools of California, was Superintendent and Normal Trustee in Santa Clara County, and for two years substituted as pastor in his father's church.

 

In 1883 he resigned from the Normal School to enter banking and realty business in southern California. A keen and far-sighted business man, full of initiative and optimistic courage, he rallied quickly from sorrows and crushing defeats, with increasing courage and zeal.

 

Altogether he founded or reorganized upon stable foundations six banks, and started the first school savings department in California. A twelve-story building, the first sky-scraper in Los Angeles, stands as a monument to his enterprising spirit.

 

In 1906, with ample competence, he retired from business, to devote the remainder of his days to social and civic betterment, world-wise travel and the writing of his "Memory Pictures" - an autobiography, so modestly simple, but graphically portraying his eventful time and career, as to make it of real historic value.

 

pg. 118

 

In Southern California he became known as the "Father of Woman's Suffrage", for he fanned into the renewed life is expiring embers, and gave generously of his time, social influence and means to that and other worthy causes.

 

At the age of eighty-seven he motored from Glendale to San Francisco to reason with powerful political acquaintances in behalf of better law enforcement throughout the state.

 

A slight accident, ignored for a time, led to the end of the long, long trail of eighty-nine years so marked by kind deeds and noble work, and still courageously smiling through, he passed on October 6, 1923 to his new field of labor beyond.

 

 

HENRY BRACE NORTON.

Teacher, Pastor and Friend.

Excerpts from a tribute written for this volume by Mrs. Anna Catherine Markham (Mrs. Edwin Markham).

 

Only the last ten years of Henry Brace Norton's life were spent in California, but they were great and outgiving years, profoundly moving all within the sway of his magnetic personality. As neighbor, teacher, pastor, he was a genius in loving and doing, dispensing a dynamic influence passed on in turn by receivers of his inspiration.

 

Struggling in his youth against ill health, poverty, how did this slender quiet man grow to be for so many a tower of strength, a treasury of wisdom, and a pivot of fate.?

 

The outer facts of his early life are those of hundreds of old American families. Through the gates of gift at birth he came with a New England inheritance of ideality and intelligence, with a sense of duty and with fortitude to back his convictions.

 

In the Normal University at Bloomington, young Norton, poor, ill-dressed, retiring, not caring for place and honors, still took first rank as a student, leading in the scientific lines he enjoyed so well as in the mathematical lines which he only endured.

 

His first important assignment was at Emporia, Kansas, his keen influence going far beyond the school walls with friends rising everywhere and loving the earth, he went alone into Indian Territory. One year he lived entirely isolated among the tribes. The Indians honored his honor as he theirs. They shared their food with him, cared for him when he was ill, and showed him their most secret and sacred ceremonials. Cut off from civilization, free from all problems, close to rich, wild beauty, healing by and by came to his body, and he came back to his waiting work and his family. In that long pondering in the quiet, there came a strengthening of all his powers of the spirit and of the flesh. As in the light of eternity, he there reviewed all his learning and meditated on the meaning of life and time and destiny. He emerged with a firmer understanding of values, as well as a deeper love and tenderness for humanity.

 

Page 119

 

Soon now occurred his Pentacostal coming to California, called to the San Jose Normal School because rumor of his wonderful work had preceded him. Here, for another ten years he left only blessing dispensed freely as sunlight.

 

Not since Thomas Starr KING, “the foremost citizen of California,” known in lumber camp, mining camp, farm or city, did any new-comer in the far west win a place so large, or a power so far-reaching, as did Henry Brace Norton. In a decade the whole state seemed to become this stranger's larger home.

 

Though Professor Norton ever kept firm foot-hold on our earth, there was for him a charm in peering into that dim, debatable borderland between heaven and earth. Sometimes he seemed half a seer. “Surely” wrote one friend, “the human veil which hid his soul from ours was at times almost transparent”. Once he wrote to me, “The Celts have the thin shells that let occult wonders through.”

 

At one teachers institute, I, a mountain-born, mountain-taught young teacher, had been asked to prepare an address. I had chose a large inclusive theme, - “Words and Books.” There were good passages in the ambitious pages, for I had involved many quotations from great writers, from Montaigne down to Emerson, and counsel was safe. He must have been amused by the temerity and the crudity, but he gave the most courteous attention, and arose, approving certain points and supplementing others. Afterwards he had several little conferences with me, asking about my education and my reading, and of my preparation for teaching and my plans. He urged me to come to the Normal School to make ready for higher work. I made my decision and promised to arrive as soon as I could save money to go. I was in many of his classes, each a joy and a blessing. There was no shirking, no skimping. There seemed to be no haste in the class room; there was time for discourse and parable.

 

I was too inexperienced in living, then, to realize how vastly superior he was to other teachers held by perfunctory routine, teachers parsimonious of self. There seemed to him no task but only happy adventure, with great thoughts and themes. How many tracks of thought he started; how many great books he opened for us!

 

I happened to be in San Francisco that mid-summer day when the sun was darkened by the news of his sudden death. The incredible, the impossible had happened. The irreplaceable had gone forever; and this holds true throughout the years for all who really knew Henry Brace Norton.

 

Many sorrowing students, the shocked and saddened Faculty, and other grieving friends, from far and near, gathered for that outdoor service at his leafy mountain home, Skyland. I can do no better than to quote in closing the little verse he often quoted from Paul Hamilton HAYBE, words typical of the spiritual yearning of a great soul.

 

 

From the ravage of life and its riot,

What marvel I yearn for the quiet,

Which bides in the harbor at last;

For the lights with their welcoming quiver,

That throb o'er the sanctified river

Which girdles the harbor at last -

The heavenly harbor at last.

 

 

 

 

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ELIZA W. HOUGHTON.

By Mrs. Mary W. George

 

It seems peculiarly fitting that the first scholarship offered to the students of the San Jose State Normal School should be a memorial to one of the most honored and beloved teachers in the long list of noble men and women who, during the last fifty years, have composed the teaching force of this institution.

 

Eliza W. Houghton, in honor of whom this scholarship is founded, became a member of the Normal faculty in 1864, when the school was entering on its third year with only three teachers and an attendance of less than one hundred students. It was pioneer work, but Miss Houghton had the best training American could boast, for she was a graduate of the famous Mt. Holyoke Seminary and brought to the Pacific Coast the high ideals of America's greatest woman teacher, Mary LYON. In those early days, when conditions in California were unsettled and somewhat crude, this culture was invaluable in the training of teachers.

 

I think I have never seen any other woman who was always so suitably dressed and in such perfect harmony. Tall and graceful in carriage, with a beautiful well-modulated voice, she was faultless in speech and manners, and the students admired and imitated her. But back of these externals, upon which all her students love to dwell, was a sound scholarship and skill in teaching, which won their admiration and respect.

 

As preceptress, Miss Houghton was a sympathetic friend to all the girls, never hesitating to correct their faults, but sharing their joys and sorrows like a mother. Who can measure the influence of such a woman?

 

In 1877 failing health led to Miss Houghton's resignation, but for fourteen years longer she made her home in San Jose, always a warm friend of faculty and school.

 

About 1891, Miss Houghton returned to the family home at Waltham, Massachusetts, and there, in the home where she was born, she passed the last years of her life, passing to the other side in 1905, but leaving with us all that was most lovely and beautiful in her character, the imperishable part of any life.

 

She had two brothers on this coast, General J. F. HOUGHTON, of Oakland, a member of the first Normal School Board of Trustees, and Cornelius B. HOUGHTON of Benicia, who was particularly dear to her and whose home she always considered her own. His wife was her girlhood companion and best beloved friend, and no record of Miss Houghton's life would be complete without mention of this abiding friendship of which the present memorial is the latest expression.

 

 

HELEN S. WRIGHT.

Lover of Humanity.

By Mary W. George.

 

Among the talented men and women who, in pioneer days, laid the foundations and established the ideals of our beloved college, Helen S. Wright holds a unique place. A lovely gracious woman, she brought to us the

 

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scholarship, culture and idealism of the best eastern institutions of learning and at once became a leader, not only in the school, but also in the community.

 

Her enthusiasm for California was unbounded and won all our hearts. She loved the mountains and the sea, the forests and the flowers, and sought out many almost unknown beauty spots. From her many excursions she brought back collections of rare plants and curious specimens of the sea life along out coast.

 

She was an artist as well as a scientist, and through her we were led to a deeper appreciation of our familiar environment.

 

But over and above her scholarship and culture was her love for humanity and her faith in mankind. To her the ignoble did not exist. Every life expressed something of the divine, and there was always a radiance in her face as if she had an insight into spiritual depths hidden from others eyes. We went to her for sympathy and inspiration and she never failed us.

 

No wonder that her memory is cherished by all who felt her influence and that we can say that Helen S. Wright holds a unique place in the history of this College.

 

 

ALICE FELKER.

By Gertrude P. Shelley (Miss Gertrude O'Connell)

 

Brightly outstanding amidst the memories of old “Normal School Days” are those concerning graduation. In connection with these I shall ever remember with pleasure the helpful hints given her students by Miss Felker as she spoke cheerily with us about our future work and told us how best to handle and control our pupils. The suggestions she gave us I found to be of untold value to me as I confronted my first class.

 

 

A. H. RANDALL.

 

Professor A. H. Randall, who was an instructor in physics and geometry from 1884 until he assumed the presidency upon the resignation of C. W. CHILDS, was a typical college professor according to the standards of the eighties and nineties. By this is meant, he possessed a seriousness and dignity, a benevolence and high-souled stateliness that seemed to mark a man of his educational qualifications.

 

A man of quiet poise, free from all pretense or self-esteem, he commanded the respect of all students and faculty, carrying on the traditions and standards of the school according to the pathway already marked out, antagonizing no one, and carrying all with him because of his innate rightness and because of a deep Christian foundational character.

 

One thinks of Professor Randall as an educator rather than an executive, but the three years of his administration were years of steady, faithful development, free from aggressive excursions into experimental pathways. He was sane and safe.

 

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FANNY MAY ESTABROOK YARD.

By Jennie DeLameter Enfight.

 

Fanny May Estabrook (Mrs. Fanny May Estrabrook Yard) – teacher of Elocution, Oratory and Delsarte – is well remembered by faculty and students of the State Normal School from 1884 to 1890 when she was one of the school's efficient instructors.

 

She possessed a forceful personality and untiring patience in instructing and guiding in voice use, body grace and poise. As she appeared with rapid glancing, sparkling eyes that keenly observed and expressed deep interest, humor and understanding, and with firmly set lips enunciating each word clearly and perfectly in well placed modulated voice, she is vividly remembered and made a lasting impression upon her pupils.

 

Miss Estrabrook was a noteworthy part of the State Normal School in those early days.

 

 

R. S. HOLWAY.

Tribute from a Friend.

George R. Kleeberger.

 

Mr. Holway's early education was received in Iowa where he was born, but after coming to California in 1884, where he spent the remainder of his life in educational work, he took his Bachelor's Degree (in Geology) from Stanford University and his M. S. Degree (in Geography) from the University of California.

 

Mr. Holway was an enthusiastic and profound student along his special lines or research – Geology and Geography – and attained high standing among American Scientists. His thorough knowledge of subjects, his keen insight into pedagogical principles and methods, his deep sympathy with all students, and his estimable qualities of mind and heart made him one of California's most popular and successful educators.

 

 

LIZZIE P. SARGENT (Mrs. Wilson)

 

No one who knew Lizzie P. Sargent could associate her with death. Her perennial response to joy and happiness belonged to life. The laughter that bubbled up in her heart and overflowed upon her face was the expression of her aliveness, and so it seemed impossible that the long illness which she bravely fought should at last conquer her.

 

She left a precious memory to those who knew and loved her, and to the training school she so ably administered.

 

 

TRIBUTE TO IRA MOORE.

By Jessica Thompson Washburn.

 

Before coming west, Professor Moore had had large experience in several normal schools both as principal and teacher.

 

As a teacher he inspired in his pupils a desire for higher attainment in scholarship and clean independent thinking. As a man, broad, just and tolerant, he gave his pupils a living example of true culture, and of a rare personality which quickened their ideals for all time.

 

He was a high minded man whose unconscious influence knew no bounds, and when the call came for one of the San Jose faculty to organize the second normal school of California, he was unhesitatingly chosen, and his main California record is to be found in his development of that great school.

 

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JESSICA ALLEN (Mrs. PASCOE.)

 

Jessie Allen was one of few people free from all pretense. She possessed very marked characteristics and made no attempt to pose as other than herself. One knew exactly where to find her. One knew that whatever she said she sincerely meant. There was no effort whatever to veneer, or camouflage or smooth over.

 

That was Jessie, and with this directness and sincerity there was as stout and valiant heart as ever breathed in a human breast.

 

Faced with grievous physical affliction in her later years, she never failed to present a gallant face to the world. She was of the heroic type, never admitting defeat.

 

 

MARY E. B. NORTON.

By Myrtle Hudson Wagner.

 

Tall, dignified, cultured, gentle, the very embodiment of our ideals of what a woman could be, so sweet it seemed as if Elizabeth Barrett Browning herself had suddenly appeared among us! Her lustrous hair just touched with grey, the curl that strayed almost lovingly beside her neck, the dreamy eyes deep in thought and tenderness, strength in every feature, and a poise that indicated mastery, not alone of herself, but of the highest living – this was Mary Norton. The gracious presence, the ripe scholarship, the reverent scientific spirit that could interpret nature, and the meaning of life, drew us with irresistible charm to be eager learners together with her.

 

 

                                            “So others shall

Take patience, labor to their heart and hand

From thy hand, and thy heart, and thy brave cheer,

And God's grace fructify through thee to all.”

                                      Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

 

 

 

 

LAURA BETHELL – A Beloved Friend.

By Gertrude Payne Bridgford.

 

Laura Bethell was my friend. Our friendship extended over many years, and the tie grew stronger with the passage of time.

 

Hers was a rare spirit. The rasping cares and irritations of human contact with the world seemed not to exist for her. Her serenity of spirit in a little world of her own, with her music, her books, her thoughts and her Bible, seemed to suffice her; although she longed for the companionship of those she loved.

 

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Her love for children and beautiful influence with them came to my knowledge and appreciation only in recent years. She seemed inspired with them, and they adored her. Surely a crown of glory!

 

In these last years the spirit moved her to write poetry and music, and she left many compositions that are worthy of publication.

 

Refinement in its truest sense and highest significance was her predominant trait. Her thoughts were not allowed to dwell upon the ignoble, and in her friendships she recognized only the best qualities.

 

Her passing was a loss to me. Her memory is and ever shall be fragrant and precious.

 

 

A TRIBUTE TO J. H. ELLWOOD.

 

Small of stature, Professor Ellwood was a man of such dynamic personality that no one thought of him in terms of physical limitations.

 

His whole life grouped itself about music, and every faculty of his being was concentrated upon the task of drawing music from the material gathered before him in his classes.

 

He had not, however, one of those artistically over-balanced minds, lacking practicality in every day emergencies, and his coolness and poise, his quick response to a critical situation was manifested upon the occasion of one of the early graduating programs.

 

The auditorium in the new wooden building not being quite completed, the graduation was held in what was known as the California theatre, located on South Second Street. It was an evening affair and the large hall was crowded to capacity. A large chorus had been drilled by Professor Ellwood and occupied seats just below the stage. In the middle of the program an alarm of fire was heard. The terrifying noise of hurrying fire engines, the cries of people in the street, caused consternation in the audience. The program was halted; people began to crowd; a panic was imminent, and the voice of President Charles Allen could not be heard in the din and the excitement. Suddenly at a quiet signal, the chorus rose to their feet; a piano was struck and there burst upon the ears of the frightened crowd a joyous rollicking tuneful song. Immediately the disorder ceased, the people resumed their seats, and the program was carried out.

 

From this time on, Professor Ellwood was stamped a man who was not only distinguished in his special art but as a man who knew how to turn his art to practical purposes in a critical emergency.

 

Such was Professor Ellwood, beloved teacher of music during more than a score of years.

 

 

TRIBUTE TO PROF. C. J. C. BENNETT.

By Alexander M. Cuthbertson.

 

Very well do I remember Prof. Bennett; he stands out as one of my favorite teachers. He aroused my interest in psychology, made the study of it attractive, and kept my interest alive throughout the course, which should be proof enough that he was a good teacher so far as I am concerned. Psychology and Prof. Bennett are twins in my memory; I never think of the one without the other.

 

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He was broad minded and generous in his criticisms. I heard him not only in his classes on week days but also on Sundays in his Sunday School class, and I can say that my impression has always been that he was a man of unusually high motive and exemplary conduct. He was always thoughtful of his aged mother, with whom he was then living, and interested in the members of his classes, which interest did not lag after they had left school.

 

Second only to one other, Prof. Volney RATTAN, do I remember the things he said and did which have given me pleasure in contemplation.

 

 

L. B. WILSON.

A Tribute of Love and Appreciation.

By Gertrude Rowell.

 

When thinking of life I like to think of it as a journey in which there are ever higher and higher mountains to be ascended. I like to find a place in which there is a view of the road traveled. Such a view is now before me, but it is not the road that holds my attention, but my fellow-traveler, Mr. Wilson.

 

I can never be grateful enough for the day our roads met and I had the privilege of his companionship. He was an ideal traveling companion. First of all he was thoughtful and competent, unpretentious and straightforward. You knew that he was sure of his purpose and of his road; so you had a feeling of safety and comfort in following the same path.

 

Then he was friendly and helpful, cheerful and sociable, kind and considerate; so you were always sure of good will, generous acts and courteous treatment no matter whether the traveling was good or bad.

 

Lastly he was a willing worker, patient and persevering no matter how heavy the burden was.

 

 

“............................with such a friend

We fain would travel to the journey's end. “

 

 

 

Mr. Wilson had those qualities which we all so much admire and which make for strength of character, - clear-headedness, warm-heartedness, firmness of will. All life was made better by his life, - even the great out-of-doors which he loved. Faculty and students loved him; fellow townsmen and neighbors respected and liked him; his family adored him. He practiced in his daily life the Golden Rule.

 

For over twenty years I traveled much on the same road with him, and not one unkind word or one unjust act can I recall. My memory is filled with good deeds and generous thoughts. His spirit lives in the lives of many people and is one of the richest heritages of our college life.

 

Thousands of others, who like myself, claim the San Jose Teachers College as their Alma Mater, bring their tribute and bow their heads in reverent thought, lift up their hearts with deepest gratitude, dearest love, and sincerest appreciation of the beautiful spirit and generous life of their kind friend and capable teacher L. B. Wilson.

 

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EFFIE IZAH HAWKINS.

By Agnes Howe

 

Effie Izah Hawkins was born in Indiana near Old Vincennes. Coming to California while a young girl, she graduated from the San Jose Normal in February, 1898, from Stanford, May, 1914, and won her M. A. degree from Stanford, January, 1923.

 

The above shows her preparation but tells nothing of the energy and determination with which she tackled problems as they presented themselves. Whether in her first school in the Salinas Valley it was dissecting lizards and snakes for nature study; in the Santa Cruz Mountains making her dingy little schoolroom a bower of beauty and her pupils enthusiastic seekers for the mysteries of plants and flowers; in Palo Alto as teacher and principal, meeting the music and other difficulties; in the high school at Berkeley with all the problems of adolescent; in the Junior College inspiring and directing – all were met in her sympathetic loving way.

 

As a student she was a joy to her teachers and professors, a devoted sister and daughter, a true friend, a social success with her ready wit and wide culture – in every relation she was loved.

 

Few knew the handicap under which she worked nor the sacrifices she made. Never very strong, her frail body succumbed and she gave way at the height of her usefulness at her post in the midst of the students she loved so well.

 

Results live after her. Had the San Jose Normal never done more than give California one such teacher, that would have been ample repayment for its entire cost.

 

An unusual teacher, woman, friend passed from the circles that knew her. Who shall dare say that her influence does not live on in the grateful remembrance of those whose privilege it was to know her and be touched by the love, sympathy, insight and understanding, which gave a new vision of endeavor and a new determination of purpose to each and all. Surely such a life was not lived in vain.

 

 

TRIBUTE TO CLARENCE URMY.

 

It is seldom that a distinctly artistic nature is combined with traits of pronounced exactitude and system, but such was the unusual combination in the make-up of Clarence Urmy, musician of rare talents, poet of note, and teacher par excellence.

 

His artistry was his most prominent trait, but his precise insistence upon accuracy went hand in hand with is creative output. There were no ragged edges to gather up, no slip-shod workmanship, no omissions, no last-minute flaws to rectify. Everything that passed through his capable hands had the stamp of punctilious and scrupulous attention, be the product a group of singers, who knew, from his instruction, how to follow all the little niceties of public appearance, or an exquisite lyric penned by him; all was in order.

 

Mr. Urmy was a man of rare spiritual gifts. He was devoutly religious in his thoughts, and his idealism was manifested in the volume of verse which he published, for it is in these melodious and rhythmical lyrics that Clarence Urmy's memory is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him best.

 

 

 

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A TRIBUTE TO DANIEL R. WOOD.

(Instructor of Nature Study)

 

Dear old Dan, big and bluff, blustering and breezy. With a heart as tender as a woman's, and as sensitive to suffering underneath a crust of brusquerie, which deceived no one, for those who knew him realized that he would harm no living creature and that his sympathies were always on the side of the weak, the old and the very young. Dan was a diamond in the rough. He loved birds and flowers and trees. He loved little children and was tender and thoughtful to old people. He loved young men and sought ways to help them. He invited the confidence and many a story of difficulty and of financial or domestic perplexities found in him a responsive interest and a ready and generous helping hand. Every one of his co-workers prized his friendship.

 

The women of the faculty ordered him about. The men exchanged a verbal witticisms with him and all loved him. He was not fashioned from a mold. There was no one just like Dan.

 

 

A TRIBUTE TO DR. E. R. SNYDER

From One Who Knew Him.

By Maude I. Murchie

 

To the educational institutions he served, he contributed a philosophy, practical in wisdom, liberal in scope and democratic in spirit, which will leave an impress for all time. He was a leader of recognized ability, hewing a path with a steadfast purpose to higher levels of human betterment.

 

To society he contributed high ideals of citizenship through his unselfish service to duty, his trust in his fellow man, his tolerance of the frailties of others, his loyalty to individuals and institutions and through his fine sense of justice.

 

To his family and friends who knew him best, he has left a heritage of memories. Through keen grey eyes there shone a noble and lovable soul. His loyalty to his family and friends was constant and expressed in unselfish service throughout the years. He looked for the good in everyone. In thought and deed he was tender, kind and charitable, for he harbored no malice in his heart.

 

The welfare and concern of his family was his constant concern to the last. Although not a ritualist, he was essentially a religious man in that he lived and practiced the standards of a spiritual life in his family and social relationships, and held an enduring faith in the destiny of man.

 

 

REBECCA F. ENGLISH – UNFAILING FRIEND)

Died August 27, 1924.

By Flora E. Beal.

 

Unselfish service expresses the chief trait of Rebecca F. English's character. Although in childhood the opportunity for an only daughter among five sons to develop such a trait must have been small, the time for that

 

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development came in later years in her intercourse with family and pupils and students.

 

The long period of professional work was marked by another strong impulse, the determination that whatever the teacher offered should be of the best. Neither outworn nor fairly good methods sufficed, no matter how great the expenditure of time and effort and money required in attaining later and better ones. Personal sacrifice never counted as against a friend's advantage. All who knew her for what she really was will cherish her memory with unfailing interest and lasting affection.

 

 

 

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PRESIDENTS.

 

AHIRA HOLMES.

Principal from July, 1862 to June, 1865.

 

Ahira Holmes, the first principal of the first Normal School established in California, was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1823, and received his primary educational training in the public schools of that historical and puritanical town. He entered the State Normal School of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1843, and taught in the public school of his native town during the winter months before graduating.

 

In the early part of 1852 Mr. Holmes came to California, and in the following June received from the Board of Education of San Francisco an appointment as principal of the Union Street public school.

 

In 1861 Mr. Holmes removed to Los Angeles where he was elected principal of the only grammar school then opened in that city. Here he continued one year, when in June, 1862, he received from the Board of Trustees of the State Normal School an appointment as principal of that institution.

 

After resigning his position in the State Normal School in 1865 Mr. Holmes was elected principal of the Mission Grammar School in San Francisco and labored in that capacity during two years.

 

Later he lived in retirement on a fruit farm in the suburbs of San Jose until his death in December, 1902.

 

An interesting fact in connection with Mr. Holmes' activities, and one that is not generally known is that during his residence in San Francisco in the early days of the state's history, he was a member of the famous vigilance committee.

 

 

GEORGE W. MINNS

Principal from June, 1865 to June, 1866.

 

George W. Minns was born in the city of Boston in 1813, and received his early education in a private primary school and in the public Grammar and English High School of that city. He was fitted, under private tuition, for Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1836. For two years he attended the Howard Dane Law School, receiving the degree of LL.B. He then entered the office of the Honorable Rufus CHOATE, where he remained for two years, and was admitted to practice in all the Courts of the State.

 

In 1854 he came to California, via Cape Horn, and was connected with the newly established High School in San Francisco about ten years – as long as both sexes attended. On the separation and the establishment of the Girls' High School, he was offered the choice of the Principalships, and chose that of the Boy's High School, being its first principal. After holding the position one year, he was called to the principalship of the State Normal school, then in San Francisco, but held the principalship only one year, when he returned to Boston, and for nearly fourteen years taught in the east.

 

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At the instance of John SWETT, his intimate friend, he was invited to a position in the Girls' High School of San Francisco in 1880. Thinking a change of climate might be beneficial to the health of his children, he accepted this position, which he held until 1888. During the latter part of this time he was visited by a serious calamity, viz., a cataract in each eye. An operation was preformed and both crystalline lenses removed. His eyes were afterwards so strong that he could read fine print.

 

His residence in the town bearing the distinguished name of Newton, Massachusetts, continued until his death.

 

 

HENRY P. CARLTON.

Principal from June, 1866 to July, 1867, and from February to May, 1868.

 

Henry P. Carlton was born in Andover, Massachusetts. His education up to the age of twenty was confined to the district school, which, after the manner of his time and place, was kept open only during the winter months. His work was that of a New England farmer's boy. For five or six winters, beginning with that of his eighteenth birthday, he taught a district school. He was twenty-one years old when he entered the South Andover High School, where he fitted for the classical course in the Vermont University.

 

On account of his ability as a writer and speaker, he was given at the close of the sophomore year, the place of honor on the program of the public exercises of his class. Ill health compelled him to leave college, never to return.

 

After a six months' sea voyage, he was engaged for several years in an insurance business in Philadelphia.

 

In 1853 he came “round the horn” to California, and in the fall of that year, was made principal of the North Beach Grammar School in San Francisco, and later of the Powell Street Grammar School. This position he resigned in 1861 to go east. Upon his return he accepted the offer of a deputyship in the office of John SWETT, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, where he remained until October 1863, when he was elected assistant in the State Normal School. Here he labored as vice-principal and principal until March, 1873. His special work in the school was Physiology, Natural History and Mental Philosophy, applied to teaching. While he was connected with the Normal School he made a collection of nearly all the then known species of land and fresh water shells of the Pacific Coast.

 

Mr. Carlton was awarded one of the first honorary degrees granted by the University of California for his work among the schools, and for his scholarly attainments. Later on he became associated in the publication and management of the “Pacific School and Home Journal,” and still later, editorially, with the San Francisco “Chronicle”.

 

He was largely instrumental in establishing the first Kindergarten in San Francisco with Mrs. Sarah B. COOPER; it was opened on Silver Street, and was taught by Kate Douglas WIGGIN.

 

His death occurred in Oakland, January 30, 1909.

 

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GEORGE TAIT

Principal from July 1867 to February 1868.

 

George Tait was born in 1831 in the city of New York, and was reared in the state of Virginia. He received his education in the University of Virginia, then in the most flourishing period of its history. He began his career as a teacher in Virginia before he was twenty-one, and in 1853 came to California, going into the French Bank of San Francisco and teaching in the evening. In 1857 he was appointed principal of the Denman School of San Francisco, and served until 1861 when he was elected City Superintendent of Schools.

 

During his term of office he advocated many reforms, particularly in the interest of the primary schools, which he thought should, in the character of their teachers, their buildings, and other appliances of education, rank first in every school department. In his efforts to better the conditions of the schools and to raise their standards, he sought inspiration in the wisdom and experience of the leading educators of the East, and in his views on the subject he was supported by the Board of Education.

 

He also was a warm advocate of religion in the school, and thought the banishment of all religious instruction from the class-room a slur on the morals of the community. He insisted strongly upon the moral effect of reading the Scriptures, though without comment on the part of the teacher. During the years of his incumbency the practice prevailed in New York and Boston and was made compulsory by the law; and in fact, prevailed in this State – at least in the schools of San Francisco, in 1852, but soon after fell into disuse.

 

He also believed in the American system of co-education, but at the same time, he advised the introduction of the European system into a certain number of schools, in view of the strong prejudice of our foreign element against the former system. He thought this concession necessary in order to extend to the greatest possible number the inestimable benefits of a common school education.

 

In 1867 he was appointed Principal of the State Normal School, then located in San Francisco. His connection with that institution, however, was brief, for stress of private business necessitated his resignation in 1868. He moved to Oakland intending to devote himself exclusively to business interests, but was prevailed upon by friends to undertake the task of organizing the schools of the young city. He was connected with Braytons' College School, and when the College of California became the University of California, he was made one of its professors. He resigned in 1873 and after traveling in Europe for many years, died suddenly in 1888 at Alameda, California.

 

 

DR. WILLIAM T. LUCKY.

Principal from May 1868 to August 1873.

 

Dr. William T. Lucky was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, April 14, 1821. At the age of sixteen he went to McKendrie College, Lebandon, Illinois, from which he graduated with the honors of the class in August, 1842. On the same day on which he received his diploma, he was elected professor of mathematics in his Alma Mater, and after teaching two years his resignation was excepted with deep regret.

 

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In 1847 Dr. Lucky was ordained a regular minister in the Methodist church, but did not receive special appointments as a pastor.

 

After coming to California in 1861 he accepted the position of president in the Pacific Methodist College where he remained five years, and through many discouragements was successful in building up a fine school.

 

In 1868 he was elected principal of the State Normal School, of which he had charge five years, three years in San Francisco and two years after the school was moved to San Jose.

 

While living in San Francisco Dr. Lucky became interested in the moral and spiritual welfare of the many prisoners in San Quentin, and volunteered his services as chaplain for two Sabbaths in each month, and for two years he was faithful to his new post of duty, employing every means possible to cultivate the better principles of the prisoners, and induce them to reform their lives and become honest men. It was largely the result of his individual effort and labor that a chapel was built when the prison was enlarged, and quite a large library of books was donated by the different churches of the City.

 

After leaving the Normal School Dr. Lucky became principal of the High School in Los Angeles, and City Superintendent, in both of which positions he was successful and popular.

 

His death occurred in San Francisco August 21, 1876.

 

 

CHARLES H. ALLEN.

Principal from August 1873 to July 1889.

 

Charles H. Allen was born in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1828. He received his early education in the common schools. From Condersport Academy he went to Jamestown, New York with the idea of continuing his education, but illness made it necessary for him to give up all mental labor, and he entered a workshop and learned a trade. Being of a strongly mechanical turn he rapidly acquired skill in the various departments, and was soon an expert cutler. His taste for mechanics followed him all through his life, and a “workshop” was his principal place of amusement.

 

Mr. Allen taught in the common schools of western New York for several years, working at this trade during vacations.

 

His health failing from overwork, he became a land surveyor for a few years. He held the position of surveyor for the German Colony which settled upon the tract of land first purchased by Ole Bull for a Danish Colony.

 

At the invitation of Chancellor BARNARD he went to Wisconsin to take charge of several Teachers' Institutes. Tiring of the perpetual strain of this institute work, he opened a private Normal Class in Madison High School building. About this time he was made Superintendent of Schools. Before the expiration of a year he was invited by the Regents of the University to take charge of the Normal Department in the University. He accepted the position, and to him belongs the credit of opening the doors of the university to women. While holding the professorship in the university Mr. Allen raised a company of students, and went to Memphis as captain of the company. His company formed a part of the “hundred day men” of whom so much was said and written. Returning, honorably discharged he resumed his work, but again failing health compelled him for a time to give up teaching, until his

 

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strength returned, when he became president of the first Normal School in Wisconsin at Platteville.

 

A severe attack of bronchitis compelled him to seek the benefit of another climate, and after his health was restored in Portland, Oregon he returned to Wisconsin to resume his institute work, from which he was called to the Normal School in San Jose as professor of natural science. After serving one year he was elected in August, 1873, as principal of the school.

 

Of Mr. Allen's work in California, both as head of the Normal School and in Institutes, little need by said. His educational ability may be best estimated by a study of the growth of the school, and his method of work, by the extracts from his reports.

 

After his retirement from the school in 1889, Mr. Allen was for some years assistant postmaster of San Jose, and it was while serving in this capacity that he was taken ill, and died at his home on Third Street, September 11, 1904.

 

The resolutions passed by the Board of Trustees, when failing health compelled him to relinquish the educational work he loved, voiced sentiments of deep appreciation.

 

“California” they said, “Indeed, the whole Pacific Coast owes him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”

 

 

C. W. CHILDS.

Principal from July 1, 1889 to 1896.

 

C. W. Childs was born in 1844 in Geneseo, New York, and graduated from the Wauwatosa High School, Wisconsin in 1860. At the outbreak of the rebellion he served for a short time in the army. Subsequently he came to California, and began his life work of teaching at Cold Springs, El Dorado County. After teaching for several years he entered the Normal School and was graduated in 1867. He later took a commercial course in San Francisco and then became principal of the High School in Suisun, where he won a reputation as a brilliant educator and gained for the school the honor of being one of the best high schools in the state.

 

In recognition of his work he was made County Superintendent of Schools of Solano County, a position which he held for two successive terms almost without opposition. At the close of this term of office in 1878, Mr. Childs was elected to a position in the State Normal School in San Jose, and in 1886 was made vice-principal, becoming a principal in 1889 upon the resignation of Mr. Charles ALLEN.

 

Although not a college man, Mr. Childs was an untiring student and won esteem and confidence of faculty, students and citizens. He is the author of “Topical Outlines of History,” and “Topical Outlines of the Constitutions”, also the “Essentials of Bookkeeping”, three exceedingly valuable handbooks for the use of teacher and student.

 

He was genial, courteous, affable, modest and unassuming.

 

After severing his connection with the Normal School, Mr. Childs moved to Oakland, and was identified with the city school department which he served for a number of years until his death in May, 1922.

 

 

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A. H. RANDALL

Principal from 1896 to 1899

 

A. H. Randall was a native of Maine and was educated in Maine Wesleyan College and in the Maine Normal Schools. He was principal of the Stockton High School for about sixteen years, and in 1884 came to the San Jose State Normal School as a teacher of physics and geometry.

 

He was married in 1869 to Miss Fannie H. MOORE, a lady of much refinement and charm. They had no children.

 

Mr. Randall was a man of great personal dignity. Tall and bearded, he was a typical college professor and his handling of the school as principal endeared him to the student body who respected him as a man of high ideals and lofty purposes. He died not long after his retirement in 1900.

 

Kindness, gentleness and love were his prominent traits, and many of the students received not only his advice and council but financial aid which enabled them to complete their education.

 

In the memorial services which were held at the school September 18, 1900, Mr. Frank RUSSELL, City Superintendent of Schools, gave him this tribute:

“Professor Randall was a child of nature. He loved the woods, flowers and brooks, and it was when under the shade of the trees, or by the blazing campfire that those who knew him learned to know him best. It was then he opened his heart and poured forth the riches thereof in stories and reminiscences.”

 

 

JAMES MCNAUGHTON

President from 1899 to 1900

 

James McNaughton, who followed Professor Randall as president of the San Jose Normal School received his higher education in Allegheny College and in the University of Michigan. From these institutions he was given his master's degree, and also a degree as doctor of philosophy, and with this ample equipment he became superintendent of schools at Council Bluffs, Iowa, a position he held for about eight years.

 

The principalship of a North Dakota Normal School lured him to the great northwest where he remained for three years. From North Dakota he went to Tempe, Arizona, and took the presidency of the Arizona Normal School at this place. Dr. McNaughton had held this position for about four years when he was elected president of the San Jose State Normal School and remained from 1899 until the close of the school year in 1900.

 

He died some years ago in Arizona.

 

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MORRIS ELMER DAILEY.

President 1900-1919.

 

Morris Elmer Dailey was born in Warwick County, Indiana, on the 14th of April, 1867, the only child of Dr. William and Ann Dailey. He was deprived of a father's influence when a small child, and to his mother fell the responsibility of his education and up bringing.

 

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Her all enfolding love recognized no sacrifice too great, no work too heavy, no effort too wearisome if only her purpose could be accomplished of giving the boy the educational advantages she felt he should have in order to fit him for life. It is gratifying to know that she lived to enjoy his triumphs, and to watch with pardonable pride his position in the world of men. The strongest affection existed between Morris Elmer Dailey and his mother, and one of the most outstanding traits of his character was his loyalty to her and his oft voiced words of appreciation for her love and her sacrifices.

 

The press of poverty prevented his achieving his early ambition to become a lawyer, though the time spent in legal study he found was of inestimable value, later, in his life work. Teaching offering the surest and quickest path to independence, he found it so much to his liking that he fitted himself for this calling. A bachelor's degree from Simpson College, Indiana, and a master's degree from the University of Indiana were followed by a degree of LL.D. from Drake University in 1901. He entered the normal school as an instructor in mathematics in 1894, but accepted a call to the superintendentency of the city schools in Fresno until he was recalled to the San Jose Normal School to become its head in 1900. This position he held for nineteen years, and under his able direction the school grew steadily in power, influence and prestige until its standing as an educational institution for teacher training was recognized throughout the country as second to none.

 

Dr. Dailey was known, not only as an able educator whose abilities were acknowledged by all the leading men in the educational field, but also as essentially a man among men, and his advice was sought by men prominent in business and industrial pursuits. Many opportunities came to him, not only of high educational advancement but of a financial nature, to all of which he turned a deaf ear in order to continue his plans for the school he loved and whose interest he placed above personal gain.

 

As an administrator he was unexcelled. As an educator his rulings were never questioned. He was dominant, but never dominating. His decisions were quick, but invariably correct. He grasped the unknown quantity of every problem and held to it tenaciously until it was solved. If he needed expert advice he knew instinctively where to lay his hand upon it. Although there was not a department of the school that did not feel his touch, he left to the individual teacher the working of his or her specific plans. His personality was so strong that it permeated the school like a tangible substance. His cheer and his joyous optimism were contagious. When he was absent everything sagged. When he returned, the school's circulatory system responded with renewed life zest.

 

Dr. Dailey's loyalty to his friends was one of the outstanding traits of a well-rounded character. While not blind to his friend's faults he was indeed blind and deaf to any lure that might lead him away from the path of loyal affection. A big man in every sense of the word was Morris Elmer Dailey. When he fell so suddenly in his sleep on July 5, 1919, at Pacific Grove, he went down like Lincoln, “As when a kingly cedar green with boughs goes down with a great shout among the hills, and leaves a lonesome place against the sky.”

 

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Dr. Dailey's sudden death was felt to be an irreparable loss to the state. At the annual meeting of the State Board of Education and State Normal Presidents held in July at Santa Barbara , to which he was planning to go on the day of his death, the following resolution was passed by his colleagues who were shocked and saddened by the unbelievable news that this strong, vivid personality was to be no more among them;

“In the death of Dr. Morris Elmer Dailey, California has lost a leading educator, a splendid school administrator, a public servant with a stateman's vision.

 

With all the honors that came to him, both as an educator and as a citizen, Dr. Dailey was always democratic. He was a man among men, simple and unaffected in manner.

 

Morris Elmer Dailey has gone, but he lives in the hearts of thousands of persons whom he has helped in thousands of ways. He has fought the good fight, bravely, honestly, forcefully, joyfully, and left behind him a clean record of noble deeds.”

 

The Board of Trustees of the Normal School spread on their minutes the following tribute: Whereas Dr. Morris Elmer Dailey, President the State Normal School at San Jose, California, died on the 5th day of July, 1919 and Whereas the Board of Trustees of the Normal School desire that an expression of the high regard in which Dr. Dailey was universally held be made a part of the records of this institution, therefore be it,

Resolved that the Board of Trustees of the State Normal School at San Jose, California, feels keenly the loss of a true personal friend, a wise administrator, a leading educator and a splendid Christian man.

 

No one can estimate the service he has rendered to the citizenship of our State, not only through personal contact, but through the influence of normal graduates, who are, in their profession, reflecting his lofty ideals and his unselfish devotion to the training of future citizens.

Signed Thomas ADDISON

Will C. WOOD

F. W. HALL

C. F. CROTHERS

W. F. BLAKE

R. L. GREEN.

 

Dr. Dailey was married in 1912 to Frances O. JONES, a graduate of this school. Four beautiful children were born to them, Morris Elmer, Alice, Margaret, and Edith Ann.

 

It is hoped that this brief biographical sketch may give to those who love this college some clear conception of the man whose administration in point of time exceeded that of any other president, and that this imperfect silhouette of one of the strong, vital personalities which have made this college what it is today may stimulate those who read this sketch to lives of unselfish devotion.

 

It is cheering to think that there is, perhaps, not one of the thousands who passed through this institution between 1900 and 1919 who was not in some way influenced in greater or less degree by the personality of Morris Elmer Dailey.

 

 

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LEWIS B. WILSON

Acting President 1919-1920

 

Lewis B. Wilson (Louie Ben as he was affectionally called) took up the reins laid down by Dr. Dailey in 1919 and continued as acting president until the appointment of Dr. KEMP in June, 1920.

 

He was born in Pennsylvania and received his early education in that state. He later came to California and attended the San Jose Normal School from which he graduated in 1878, soon afterwards marrying one of his classmates, Alice BLYTHE. He taught in this county and was principal of one of the San Jose grammar schools. The principalship of the high school called him, and he held this position until he was elected as science teacher in the Normal School in 1895. Upon the retirement of R. C. HOLWAY in 1900, Mr. Wilson became vice-president, an office he held until he became acting president in 1919.

 

Although possessed of no college degree, Mr. Wilson was no laggard in educational progress and studied at Stanford and at the University of California, besides following the trend of scientific thought through extensive and thorough reading.

 

But aside from his work, and his official duties in connection with the school mechanism which he kept oiled and co-ordinated by his unfailing tact, it was the joyous spirit of the man, his kindness, his optimism, his ready and unfailing wit, his instant and cordial response to anyone in difficulties, his insight into the innate goodness of every human soul, and his refusal to see or to acknowledge the evil, which will be longest remembered by the thousands of young men and young women who passed through the San Jose Normal School and came under the influence of his genial and happy personality.

 

His death in May, 1924, followed an illness of several months, left a sadness and a void in the school where he labored so long and faithfully and so well.

 

 

WILLIAM WEBB KEMP.

President 1920-1923

 

William Webb Kemp is the only president of the Teachers College who has the distinction of being a native of California. He was born in Placerville and received his education in the schools of this state with the exception of his work at Columbia University which gave him his doctor's degree in 1912, and his research work in London during the summer of 1911. Stanford University gave him a bachelor's degree, and graduate work at Stanford and at the University of California were included in the thorough equipment he had for his educational career.

 

He has Phi Delta Kappa honors, and has been on the summer school staff of Stanford and of the University of California, and was at one time a member of the Board of Education of Berkeley. His educational qualifications have rendered his service helpful in various lines of research, and the concrete result of his labors in this direction have been the publication of the “Support of Schools in Colonial New York by the Society for the Propogation (sic) of the Gospel,” and the joint authorship of “Survey of Education in Hawaii.”

 

He was made president of the San Jose Normal School in 1920, and it was during his administration and largely by his efforts that the Normal School was given collegiate standing in 1921. In 1923 he resigned from the presidency of the Teachers College and has since been dean of education of the University of California.

 

 

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ALEXANDER RICHARD HERON.

Acting President from July to September, 1923

 

A Canadian by birth, Mr. Heron was educated in the Southwestern University of Los Angeles, a school of commerce which bestowed upon him a degree of Bachelor of Commercial Science, together with a marvelous skill in dealing with the intricacies of finance.

 

He was assistant superintendent of Public Instruction under Mr. Will C. WOOD, and was deputy director of education in charge of the administration of state teachers colleges and special schools.

 

Mr. Heron is at present Director of Finance of the State of California, a position for which he is eminently fitted.

 

During the interim between the departure of Dr. KEMP and the administration of Dr. SNYDER, Mr. Heron conducted the summer session, and handled the various problems that called for immediate settlement with tact and skill.

 

 

EDWIN R. SNYDER.

President from 1923 to January, 1925

 

Edwin Reginald Snyder was a product of the “little red school house”. Born of Scotch-Irish parentage in Pennsylvania, his early education was received in that state, but in 1891 he went to the Teachers College of Greeley, Colorado, of which his brother, Z. X. Snyder was head, and after his graduation from this institution he for five years taught at Bald Mountain and New Winsor, Colorado, as principal.

 

When he came to California in 1900, he took charge of the industrial work in the Alameda schools and remained until 1902, when Dr. DAILEY secured his service for the Manual Arts Department of the Normal School. Feeling the need of higher training, Mr. Snyder enrolled at Stanford and in 1905 received his bachelor's degree. Graduate work followed, for his ambition was insatiable and his diligence won him a scholarship in education from Teachers College. While a student at Stanford he was also a special lecturer, and during the absence of Dr. CUBBERLEY carried his work in education. Ever reaching out for something better, Dr. Snyder accepted the vice-presidency of the Fresno Normal School, and was assistant superintendent of the Fresno City schools until he was called to the superintendentency of the Santa Barbara City schools. He had been in Santa Barbara but six months when he was offered the newly created position of commissioner of vocational education in 1914, a post he filled with distinction until he was called to the presidency of the San Jose State Teachers College in 1923.

 

This, in brief, is the story of Edwin R. Snyder, a lovable man, an ambitious man, and one who constantly fought against a rather frail physique. His aspirations always outran his strength. In spite of these physical limitations which might have discouraged a less valiant nature, Dr. Snyder's educational career challenged the attention of the leaders of educational thought throughout the state, and his power and force and vision were among the vital influences in reorganizing the state's educational concepts.

 

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After an illness of several weeks, which no one connected with the college allowed himself to think would have any but a favorable end, he died January 13, 1925.

 

During the two years he was president Dr. Snyder's work was constructive and far seeing. His connection with the state department of education, which extended over a period of nearly ten years, widened his vision of educational needs, and gave him a view point which was free from local and pusillanimous procedure. The stone which he built into the foundation of this school was enduring and strong.

 

 

H. F. MINSSEN.

Acting President, January 1925 – September 1927.

 

H. F. Minssen is a pleasing example of the newer generation. Young enough to be fully in sympathy with the modern point of view, he is old enough, and wise enough and sane enough to recognize the value of tradition, and it is this combination which made him the efficient head of this college after the death of Dr. SNYDER in 1925.

 

Mr. Minssen received his early education in Illinois. After graduating from De Kalb State Teachers' College he came to California and completed the work for his bachelor's and master's degree at Stanford. Dr. DAILEY, with his shrewd insight into personal values, found him to be an ideal man for the mathematics department of the Normal School, and persuaded him to come to this institution in 1916.

 

His spirit of loyalty has been a dominating trait during the entire period of his connection with this college. He has been loyal to the faculty, loyal to the students, loyal to the state, and loyal to his own best and truest instincts.

 

As business secretary Mr. Minssen was unfailingly accurate, and his wise disbursement of the state funds, while not always popular with those who had inflated ideas of the needs of some special department, were so wisely and so carefully administered that the higher praise was merited by state officials, who came to place implicit confidence in his judgment and his fairness.

 

The administrative workmanship of Mr. Minssen during his term as vice-president and assistant to Dr. SNYDER made him an ideal candidate for the position of acting president which he held for over two years with such distinct success that the machinery of the school functioned steadily and development and progress went forward.

 

 

THOMAS WILLIAM MACQUARRIE.

September 1927 -

 

Dr. MacQuarrie's life, although brief in the span of years is long when measured by activity and achievement. It may be his Scotch ancestry is in part responsible for the fulness and plenitude of his years, which began in Woodham, Ontario, between forty and fifty years ago.

 

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While he was still a small boy, the family moved to Wisconsin, and there he was educated, graduating in 1900 from a four year normal course.

 

He immediately entered upon the work of teaching, first in a rural school, afterwards in a graded city school where he became principal, and later assumed a more important position at the head of a boys' boarding school. Meantime his summers were spent in hard work at Columbia University until the great war gathered the best and brightest of the country's manhood and he enlisted as a student in the United States Army Corps at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, in May, 1917. Graduating as captain he went with the 88th Division, 350th Infantry, to Camp Dodge, Iowa. Here he became a major and was ordered to France in July, 1918. He was a student in the U. S. Army staff college at Langres, France, until the end of the year when he went on an inspection tour of the battlefields, as a member of the Inspection and Classification Board. He was also one of a group of American Army Students in British Universities and was assigned to the department of psychology in Kings College, London.

 

Upon his return to the United States, he received his discharge from the Service, August, 1919, in San Francisco, and joined the vast army of young men who had sacrificed their careers at the call of their country.

 

No immediate opening in his chosen profession of teaching being available, he worked as a carpenter in Glendale for a year, then became supervisor of vocational education in the U. S. Army schools at Camp Lewis until he entered Stanford University in 1921. His value to the educational department of the federal government was by this time so generally recognized that he was appointed co-ordinater of the Veteran's bureau during his enrollment at the university, and upon completing his course in 1924, with his bachelors', master's, and doctor's degrees honorably earned, he became assistant professor in the University of Southern California until the following year, when he was made full professor and director of the University College of the University of Southern California. However, the lure of southern California was not strong enough to hold him when he was called to the presidency of the San Jose State Teachers College, where he entered upon his duties in September, 1927.

 

Dr. MacQuarrie's special field of research is an interesting one, the nature and measurement of mechanical ability, and he is the author of a test in this line.

 

His marriage to Winifred DEAN of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, occurred in 1908, and three children, John L., William D., and Ruth, complete the family circle which has become a part of the life of this institution.

 

Unassuming, genuine, wholesome, and with a broad, far-seeing plan of the needs of this college, Dr. MacQuarrie, the sixteenth president, has entered upon his duties with the loyal support of the entire faculty and student body who are ready to follow his lead onward and upward.

 

Since taking the office of president in September, Dr. MacQuarrie has refused a highly attractive offer in a most desirable community, with every advantage of climate, congenial surroundings and a wealth of opportunity for service along educational lines, besides a financial reward far in excess of his present salary. A man whose evaluation of life is not measured by mere worldly standards is a safe guide to lead the destinies of this great school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Greathead, Mrs. Estelle, The Story of an Inspiring Past, Historical Sketch of the San Jose State Teachers College from 1862 to 1928.  Published by San Jose State Teachers College, 1928.

© 2014  Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

 






San Jose State Teachers College 1862-1928

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