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Wisconsin Education, Schools and Universities |
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From: Handbook of Wisconsin by S. Silas, 1855 pg. 19-22 UNIVERSITIES. Two Townships or seventy-two sections of land were granted by Congress, for the purpose of endowing a State University. These lands have been selected in the various counties, sold, and the proceeds applied in erecting the University Building at Madison. Two buildings are already finished, and the College in successful operation. Besides this, a College is established at Beloit, Rock County, under the charge of the Presbyterians and Congregationalists united, and is in a flourishing condition. Brockway College, at Ripon, Fond du Lac Co., is incorporated, but is yet in its infancy. A good building is already erected. Lawrence University at Appleton, established principally through the munificence of Mr. Lawrence, of Boston, and under the charge of the Episcopal Methodists, is one of the most energetic and thriving institutions in the State. Carroll College, at Waukesha, under the charge of the Presbyterians, has a stone building erected, and is under efficient management, and bids fair to take its place in the foremost rank of Collegiate Institutions. The Baptist denomination have just made arrangement for establishing a College at Beaver Dam, and a building will shortly be erected. Sinsinewa Mound College, Grant County, is under the charge of the Roman Catholics. COMMON SCHOOLS. For the support of Common Schools, Congress donates each 16th section in every township or one thirty-sixth part of the whole State, as a fund. These lands are thrown into market by the State, and meet with a ready sale, as only 10 per cent. of the amount is to be paid at the time of entry, the remainder being on interest at 7 per cent. The proceeds of these sales are put into the Treasury, and the interest only divided pro rata to the different counties. The land thus reserved, if sold at Government prices only would give a fund of over $1,200,000. The general superintendance of the schools of the State, is in the hands of a State Superintendant, who is chosen at the same time as the Governor and other State officers, and holds his office for two years. There is also a town superintendant, and a town committee for the management of local schools. NORMAL SCHOOLS A normal school or teachers college is an educational institution for training teachers. Its purpose is to establish teaching standards or norms, hence its name. La Crosse Milwaukee Oshkosh Platteville River Falls Stevens Point Superior Whitewater | ||||
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