The History of Peoria County, Illinois; Containing a history of the Northwest--history of Illinois--history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 Excerpt: ...Strehlow, H. N. Peterson, Theo. Pfeiffer, Valentine Jobst, Otto Treibel, Henry Baider, and John Lutz, with power to take such steps as they might deem necessary towards the establishment of such a school. Two days thereafter the directors met and organized by electing Charles Feinse, president; Henry Baier, secretary, and Louis Green, treasurer. At this meeting teachers were selected, and in the latter part of the same month the school was opened in Bergen's hall, on South Washington Street. During its first term it was attended by 123 scholars. It may here be stated that the first German school in Peoria was opened and taught by Mr. Ruppelius in the year 1850, and in the year following several small schools sprang into existence. In April 1863 the association bought the lot on Second Street now occupied by their school, at a cost of $1,160, and shortly afterwards took steps for the erection of a building upon it. The contract for the same was let to Mr. Joseph Miller, for $4,698.14, and it cost when finished about $5,000. The corner-stone was laid August 6, 1863, and the building was opened and dedicated November 16'. of the same year, with appropriate ceremonies, the day being wound up with a grand ball in Parmley's hall, which netted the association the handsome sum of $416. It is located on Second Street, between Franklin and Monson, is of brick with stone trimmings; has four large rooms, and is capable of accommodating easily about 400 children. When the erection of the school was determined upon, the association issued stock in $25 shares, to the amount of $4,000, bearing interest at the rate of 6 per cent, and secured by mortgage on the building. These shares were eagerly taken, and were retired and paid by lot, whenever the funds of the association ...