Li&flAftr 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 28 A U 61 91 4 
 
 NORMAL , ILLINOIS . 
 
 BLOOMINGTON, ILL. : 
 PANTAGRAPH BOOK ROOMS. 
 
 I8 7 I. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2017 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates 
 
 https://archive.org/details/statenormaluniveOOilli 
 
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 3i.‘£~E i 
 
 The State Normal University was established in 1857, and went into 
 operation on the first Monday in October of that year. Its object is “to 
 qualify teachers for the common schools of this State, by imparting in- 
 struction in the art of teaching,” and in the various branches of study re- 
 quired in the different grades of our schools. Since its organization, 2,08-1 
 young persons, many of them graduates, have been connected with its 
 classes. The average time of attendance has been about one and a half 
 yoars. In the Model Schocl the total number from the beginning has 
 been 2,360, making for the grand total of different pupils, not counting 
 the present year, 4,444. 
 
 During the last term, there were in attendance in this institution in 
 the Normal Department, 
 
 Gentlemen, 112, 
 
 Ladies, 197, 
 
 Total, 309 
 
 lu the Model School, 
 
 Males, 109, 
 
 Females, 75, 
 
 148. 
 
 Total in the University, 493 
 
 In the Normal or Teachers’ Department, seventy of the counties of 
 Illinois are now represented. At some time, since the establishment of 
 the University, every county in the State, with a single exception, has had 
 representatives among its professional students. 
 
 The number in attendance in the Fall Term of 1862 was, in the 
 Normal Department 138. For the corresponding term in 1870, it was 
 309. 
 
 The first graduating class, in 1860, numbered 10. The last, in 1870, 
 numbered 27. 
 
PRESENT CONDITION AND PROSPECTS. 
 
 The University is now educating a larger number of teachers than 
 have before been under its tuition. The Model School is in a state of 
 the highest efficiency. Indisputable evidence exists that the services of 
 our students are valued by the people. One of these proofs is the con- 
 stant increase in the number of our pupils. During the present year 
 this has been more marked than in any previous year. At the Septem- 
 ber examinations, fifty applicants for admission were rejected, on account 
 of a raising of the standard, most of whom, in previous years, would have 
 been admitted. And yet the number in the Normal Department, at 
 the present time, exceeds by seven that of the highest corresponding pre- 
 vious term. 
 
 But we have a still more unerring proof of the same fact. By the 
 Sixth Deport of the Superintendent of Instruction, it appears that the 
 average wages per month of male teachers, throughout the State, for the 
 period covered by the report, was $38, and of female teachers $24. 
 In answer to a recent circular of the President of the University, 
 the amounts of three hundred and seventy-one different salaries, paid to 
 our graduates and students, have been returned. From these — all that 
 have been returned — it appears that our young men get, on an average, 
 $74.09 per month — nearly twice the general average of all male teachers; 
 and our young ladies, $40.07, also nearly twice the general average of 
 female teachers. It is undoubtedly true that, since the collation of the 
 facts in the sixth report, salaries have advanced in this State. But is it 
 likely that they have advanced one hundred per cent? If not. then the 
 people of Illinois have, of their own free will, exhibited their confidence 
 in the Normal University by paying a money premium on its wares. For 
 there is no law, save that of supply and demand, that compels our 
 people to pay Normal students higher wages than are paid to others. 
 And this consideration acquires double force when it is remembered 
 that the very highest places are, of necessity, as yet out of the reach of 
 most of our pupils. Only eight years have elapsed since the gradu- 
 ation of the first class. As things are usually measured, this is a period 
 far too brief for reaching the top rounds of the professional ladder. And 
 yet. among the salaries reported are two of $2,000, two of $1,800, six of 
 $1,500^ eleven of $1,200, one of $1,400, and seventeen of $1,000. These 
 figures were compiled two years ago. If taken now, the showing would be 
 more favorable. 
 
 Again, the same thing is indicated by another comparison. The 
 average wages of such pupils as could be reported, who had taught before 
 attending theTNormal and afterwards, were as follows : 
 
 BEFORE ATTENDING. 
 
 Young Ladies, $28 00 per month 
 
 Young Men. 41 08 per month. 
 
 AFTER ATTENDING. 
 
 Young Ladies, 
 Young Men,... 
 
 $39 23 per month. 
 01 28 per month. 
 
( 5 ) 
 
 Giving an increase in the case of young ladies of 40 per cent., and of 
 the young men of 47 per cent., as a result of a limited Normal training. 
 These reports were made concerning students who have returned to the 
 school, and whose incomplete work did not enable them to attain the 
 highest success. They will make a greater gain upon their former suc- 
 cess and former salaries when they have completed their work in Normal. 
 
 It seems from these two comparisons that the young men have made 
 greater gains in salary by their attendance upon the University than the 
 young ladies This is easy of explanation. From four hundred and thirty- 
 four returns made to circulars, it appears that our young men remain 
 with us, on an average, four and three-quarters terms, and the young ladies 
 four and one-quarter terms This makes for the former an average of 
 more than a year and a half, and for the latter of nearly a year and a half 
 Now, remembering that many of our students are teachers of experience 
 before entering the Normal, it will be manifest to all that great benefit 
 may be conferred upon them by instruction covering the length of time 
 here indicated. They come with a clear apprehension of their own wants, 
 and are therefore prepared to use to the very best advantage the opportu- 
 nities presented to them. Of those now in school, 47 per cent, have had 
 more or less experience as teachers. And at this time in the 3 r ear, the 
 percentage of experienced teachers among the pupils is the least. In the 
 spring term it is the largest. At that time the young men come in from 
 their winter schools, and it usually happens that almost every member of 
 the new class pays his way with the money just earned in the school-room. 
 
 This institution has been in existence thirteen years. During that 
 time it has given instruction, in the Normal Department, for a longer 
 or shorter period, amounting on an average to one and a half years 
 each, to 2084 young persons, not counting those admitted this year. 
 Most of these are now probably teaching in the schools of the State. Of 
 this number 145 have received the highest honors of the institution in 
 that Department, and besides these, 15 have graduated in the High 
 School. Of the Normal graduates, 29 only are not teaching, and of 
 these, 6 arc deceased and IB are ladies who have married after doing a 
 reasonable amount of teaching. This leaves 10, who have deliberately 
 left the profession, or less than 7 per cent, of the whole number of Nor- 
 mal graduates And eveu of these, there were none who did no teaching, 
 and some taught for a number of years. In the Model School, instruction 
 has been given to 2,360 pupils, of whom, as above stated, 15 have re- 
 ceived the diploma of the High School. \Vc have no means of 
 definitely ascertaining the precise number of our students now teaching 
 in the State. Two years ago it was estimated at 800. Perhaps the ad- 
 ditions since made would amount to 100 for each year in excess of 
 the withdrawals, thus leaving now in the field as teachers one thousand 
 persons from the Normal Department, who enjoyed the advantages of 
 the University for an average period of one and a half years. 
 
 But the influence of the institution as a teaching force is by no 
 jpeans limited to the Normal Department. 31 any teachers go forth 
 
from the Model School. An investigation of the facts discloses the 
 somewhat unexpected result that 25 per cent, of the students of the 
 High School, and 33^ percent, of those in the Grammar School, en- 
 gage in teaching 
 
 The truth is, that the teaching spirit has taken stronger hold of 
 all our pupils in these later years than formerly. They have a high 
 appreciation of the dignity and importance of the profession. Young 
 men, able to take distinguished positions in any occupation, choose 
 teaching, and enter upon it with enthusiasm. The feeling becomes, con- 
 tagious, and all experience it. Among other manifestations of it is 
 this : I have received a number of applications already, for permission 
 to take classes next term. In the olden time it required much 
 urging, and some more positive dealing, to induce pupils to take classes 
 at all. 
 
 Another circumstance may be mentioned as an indication of the con- 
 fidence of the public in the character of the institution, and that is 
 that the demand for our pupils and graduates for teachers is constantly 
 on the increase. This year we have scarcely been able to supply a 
 tenth part of the calls made upon us. 
 
 FINANCES. 
 
 The finances of the University are in asound and healthy condition. 
 Our expenses have been kept within the limit of our appropriations 
 and other means. This year, for the first time, we have been able to 
 pay our instructors with almost entire regularity. The salaries have 
 been paid once a month ; and at this moment, with something of a bal- 
 ance iu the treasury, there is less than one month’s pay due to any 
 member of the corps. To secure this result, rigid economy has been 
 practise!. Many things, much to be desired, have not been purchased. 
 The apparatus room and the library are but meagerly furnished, con- 
 sidering the character of the institution. And in all departments, the 
 expenditures have been kept at the lowest possible limit. As a result 
 of this, we go before the legislature, only with a call for the means of 
 future usefulness. We have no deficiency to make up. Th s institu- 
 tion has not plunged the State into debt, thus enforcing from the Leg- 
 islature a larger appropriation than the merit of the case demands. 
 And we offer our past history as a guaranty that whatever appropria- 
 tions may be .made to us will be judiciously and economically expended. 
 
 Sometime since, a circular letter was addressed by the President of 
 the University to the heads of the different Normal Schools in the coun- 
 try, asking for a statement of the amount of salaries paid in them respec- 
 tively, and also the number of students instructed. Answers have been 
 received as follows : 
 
In the State Normal School at Westfield, Mass, the average annual^cost 
 
 of instructions, per scholar, is 
 
 In the State Normal School at Plattville, Wisconsin, it is 87 
 
 In the State Normal School at Winona, Minnesota, it is 57 
 
 (Here they call loudly for additional appropriations.) 
 
 In the State Normal School at Emporia, Kansas, it is.. 84 
 
 In the City Normal School at St. Louis, Missouri, it is < 0 
 
 . o,. r > r i tt.- 59 
 
 In the State Normal University of Illinois, it is. 
 
 WANTS OF THE COMING TWO YEARS. 
 
 Salaries, including Janitoi 
 Books, as required by law, 
 k P rinting and Stationery, 
 
 Ordinary repairs. 
 
 Furniture, 
 
 Care of grounds, 
 
 Museum, 
 
 Freight, Express, Postage and Telegraph, per annum 
 
 Expense of Board of Education, per annum 
 
 Fuel, 
 
 Janitor’s supplies, “ 
 
 Chemicals and Apparatus, “ • 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 
 ’s, per annum 
 
 $22,000 00 
 
 
 u 
 
 2,0C0 00 - 
 
 
 1 ,<J& J u 
 
 1,000 00 — 
 
 / cnro 
 
 6) u 
 
 1,000 00 
 
 / crrr- 1? 
 
 13 ^ u 
 
 500 00 — 
 
 4~ir~u 
 
 .. 
 
 250 00 - 
 
 z. jhj 
 
 v 
 
 2,500 00 _ 
 
 
 600 
 
 500 
 
 750 
 
 120 
 
 500 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 ^ 6<~U 
 
 y j ~o 
 
 / 2 - a 
 
 lT<3T 0 
 
 Less, as heretofore, Income of College and Sem. Fund, 
 
 SPECIAL APPROPRIATION. 
 
 Fence around the grounds, (one mile,) 
 
 Heating and Ventilation, (new boiler,) 
 
 Trees for two years, 
 
 $31,720 00 
 ..12,444 99 
 
 $19,275 01 
 
 $10,000 00m 
 .. 4,000 00 -4- 
 .. 500 00 ■-*- 
 
 $14,500 00 
 
 DOES THE UNIVERSITY DO ITS WORK ? 
 
 In respect to this institution there is a question which the people of 
 Illinois are entitled to ask, and to which they may justly demand a satis- 
 factory answer. And that question is, whether its instrumentalities have 
 been efficiently used ; whether the institution is exerting an influence up- 
 on the cause of education, of such a degree and character as may be 
 reasonably expected of it. With a view ot ascertaining some facts that 
 might assist us in answering this question, the following circular was 
 addressed to gentlemen prominent in their own neighborhoods, and in 
 some instances throughout the State. These gentlemen were addressed 
 because of their well known familiarity with the facts to which they 
 testify, and also on account of their general knowledge of, and interest 
 in, educational affairs. The circular was sent to all localities in which 
 our pupils were known to be teaching. 
 
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 ^IjJU 
 
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( 8 ) 
 
 State Normal University, 
 
 Normal , 111,, Oct. 29, 1966. 
 
 Dear Sir : We desire an authentic statement concerning the success of such 
 graduates and pupils of our institution as have taught or are now teaching in your 
 portion of the State. Will you, to facilitate the attainment of this object, do us the 
 honor to answer by letter, and as soon as convenient, the following questions : 
 
 1 . Have any of the graduates or pupils of this institution been employed as 
 teachers in the schools of your vicinity? 
 
 2 . What degree of success has attended their labors in teachiug and in gov- 
 erning? 
 
 2 . In what repute is the University held by the people in your portion of the 
 State ? 
 
 4 . According to your best judgment, is the University a benefit to the State, 
 and is the outlay of money required to support it a judicious and profitable expendi- 
 ture? 
 
 By giving as full and explicit an answer to each of the above questions as your 
 knowledge of the facts will permit, and by transmitting the same at your earliest 
 leisure, y.ou will greatly oblige 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 RICHARD EDWARDS, President S.<N. U. 
 
 All the answers received to the above circular arc printed in full in 
 the lleport of the President, which is included in the Sixth Ilcport of the 
 State Superintendent of Instruction. To that report the reader is re- 
 ferred for full statements. In this pamphlet we can only give some char- 
 acteristic extracts from these letters. 
 
 E. L. Wells, Esq., Superintendent of Schools for Ogle county, says; 
 
 “Six pupils of the Illinois State Normal University have been employed as teach- 
 ers in the schools of Ogle county. Two of these are graduates. Another graduate 
 has served one year as the County Superintendent of Schools. 
 
 “Several other graduates and pupils of the University, from Ogle county, have 
 been and are now teaching in the public schools of some of the large cities of this 
 and other States. 
 
 “Without an exception, these persons have shown themselves successful in teach- 
 ing and in governing. 
 
 “For its thoroughness, for its practical work, for the real success of the teachers 
 sent from it, the University is and must be considered, by every person acquainted 
 with it and its results, unsurpassed — and. unequaled by any other institution of 
 learning in Illinois. 
 
 “In this portion of the State the University has the highest repute wherever 
 known, and is fast gaining the universal good repute which it deserves. 
 
 “I believe the University has already been of untold benefit to the State, and the 
 outlay of money required to support it is the most judicious and profitable expendi- 
 ture that the Legislature can make for the State.” 
 
 Hon. W. II. Green, of Cairo, says : 
 
 “ I have no personal knowledge that any graduate of the University is teaching 
 in the lower part of Southern Illinois, except in Cairo. There are two Normal 
 graduates engaged in our public schools, and one who was two years a Oupil of the 
 University and intends returning to complete the Normal Course. The Principal of 
 Public Schools of this city, Mr. E. P. Burlingham, is not a graduate of the Univer- 
 sity, but had been, as you will bear witness, a most successful teacher jn lb? Model 
 Department, before his valuable services were secured by this city, 
 
( 9 ) . 
 
 “ All the teachers referred to have had complete success in their labors, and 
 have given almost universal satisfaction. 
 
 “ The amount of good being annually accomplished by the Normal University in 
 the cause of education is not generally known. All who have had opportunity to 
 observe its graduates, and compare them with teachers of equal experience who 
 have not had the benefit of a Normal training, are enthusiastic in expressing their 
 favorable opinion of the University. I know not of a single exception. 
 
 “In reply to your fourth inquiry, I say without hesitation, that, in my opinion, 
 the Normal University is a great benefit to the State. It is to the educational system 
 of the State what the West Point Military Academy is to the military system of the 
 Federal Government. And, as a graduate of West Point is better qualified than a 
 civilian to drill a battalion, so is the graduate of our Normal University better qual- 
 ified the day he graduates than a man of equal intellect and education without Nor- 
 mal training to discharge the duties of a teacher. There are very many most 
 excellent teachers who never attended a Normal school, as there have been many 
 good officers without a West Point education ; but the one class have learned at the 
 expence of their pupils, and the other at the expense of their troops. 
 
 “In your fourth inquiry you desire to know whether, in my opinion, ‘the outlay’ 
 of money required to support the Unversily is ‘a judicious and profitable expenditure.’ 
 Beyond controversy, it is both judicious and profitable. And, as you may not be ( 
 entirely familiar with all the facts connected with this ‘outlay’, please allow me 
 briefly to remark upon it : 
 
 “ The endowment of the Normal University by the Incorporating Act was not 
 a gift from the state. It was only a wise and, judicious disposition of a trust fund , 
 of ivhich the state was the trustee , and the youth of the state were the beneficiaries. 
 This endowment consists of the interest of the ‘University or College fund,’ and of 
 the ‘Seminary fund.’ The ‘University or College fund’ was created by the 
 act of Congress enabling the people of Illinois Territory ‘to form a Con- 
 stitution’, in which it is provided that a certain part of the proceeds of 
 the sales of public lands within the state ‘shall be exclusively bestowed on a 
 College or University’. The ‘Seminary Fund’ was created by another 
 section of the same act. At an early day in the history of the state, a deficiency in 
 the State Treasury induced the General Assembly to sell the ‘Seminary Township’ 
 and use the proceeds ; and subsequently to ‘borrow’ and use the entire ‘University 
 or College Fund.’ By an act approved Feb. 6th, 1835, this f un d, then de- 
 
 posited in the Branch Bank of the United States at St. Louis, was taken possession 
 of, placed in our State Treasury, and, in the language of the act, ‘applied to the pay- 
 ment of demands against the treasury in the same manner as money derived from the 
 ordinary sources of revenue.’ By the same act it was provided that the state should 
 be ‘chargeable with the interest on the same at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum.’ 
 By another act of the same session, this 6 per cent, was appropriated by the General 
 Assembly to the Common-School Fund. 
 
 Thus you will see, as appears by the legislation to which I have referred, that 
 the state appropriated and used the ‘University or College’ fund and the ‘Seminary’ 
 fund for over twenty years without right. 
 
 In 1857 the improved financial condition of the State enabled the General As- 
 sembly without embarrassment to execute the trust so long neglected. It was deemed 
 best by that body to continue its possession of the principal, and to endow a Normal 
 University with the accruing interest. In 1 86 1 an appropriation of $65,000 was 
 made for the benefit of the University ; but this was not a donation — it was a part of 
 the accumulated interest of the ‘ University' fund, which the State, as an honest trustee, 
 could not omit to pay to the new University. 
 
 “The magnificent, commodious, and convenient University building, constructed 
 at the cost of $182,000, and its extensive grounds worth $88,000, were not paid for 
 py the State, but by private subscription, 
 
( 10 ) 
 
 “The appropriation referred to was used to entirely relieve the University from 
 the unpaid balance of the debts contracted in the construction of the building, which 
 had exceeded the amount of the subscriptions collected. 
 
 “Our Supreme Court has held that the Noimal University is not. in a legal 
 sense, a State Institution. The General Assembly should make it so at once. It is 
 in fact a State Institution; it should be so in law. It is giving character to our State 
 at home and abroad, and will soon identify the State of Illinois as the educational 
 head of tiiis great sisterhood of States. Nothing will so much tend to make the youth 
 of the coming generations pr*ud that he is an Illinoisian as the Normal University.” 
 
 These statements, from Mr. Wells and Judge Green, may be taken as 
 representing the public sentiment in the northern and southern extremes 
 of the State. Judge (Ireen’s letter is specially valuable, in that it sets 
 forth the financial history of the institution, and shows how little the en- 
 terprise has cost the State . And its declarations on this point are all the 
 more trustworthy, from the fact that its author has been a member of the 
 Legislature, in one or the other of its branches, from the establishment of 
 the LTniversity to the present time. 
 
 The statements of the two letters above quoted are abundantly cor- 
 roborated by letters from the following gentlemen : 
 
 Hon. J. L. PICKARD, Supt. of Schools in Chicago. 
 
 Rev. S. H. STEVENSON, Supt. of Schools for Putnam Co. ■ 
 
 C. E. SMITH, Esq., “ “ Kane Co. 
 
 Prof. DANIEL WILKINS, “ “ McLean Co. 
 
 WM. H. GEST. Esq., “ “ Rock Island Co. 
 
 EDWARD LANE, Esq., of Hillsboro, Montgomery Co. 
 
 H. H. HILL, Esq., Supt. of Schools for Livingston Co. 
 
 Hon. C. R. GRIGGS, of Urbana, Member of the House of Representa- 
 tives. 
 
 WALTER M. HATCH, Esq., of Bloomington. 
 
 G. F. FOSTER, Esq., of Brighton. Macoupin Co. 
 
 Prof. A. J. ANDERSON, of Newark, Kendall Co. 
 
 WARREN WILKIE, Esq., of Aurora, . 
 
 HENRY B. DURFEE, Esq., of Decatur. 
 
 J. H. KNAPP, Esq., Supt. of Schools for Knox Co. 
 
 W. II. WELLS, Esq., formerly Supt. of Schools in Chicago. 
 
 W. II. HASKELL, Esq., formerly Supt, of Schools for Fulton Co. 
 WILLIAM ROBINSON, Esq., of Brimfield, Peoria Co. 
 
 N. E. WORTHINGTON, Esq., Supt. of Schools for Peoria Co. 
 WILLIAM A. PENNELL, Esq , late of Putnam Co. 
 
 W. A. JONES, Esq., of Aurora, 
 
 Rev. G. D. HENDERSON, of Monmouth. 
 
 Rev. WILLIAM G. PIERCE, of Elmwood, Peoria Co. 
 
 Dr. H. H. LITTLEFIELD, Beardstown, Cass Co. 
 
 S. F. CORRINGTON, Supt, of Schools for Green Co. 
 
 Rev. CHESTER COVELL, late Supt of Schools for Bureau Co. 
 
 E C. SMITH, Esq., Prin. High School, Dixon, Lee Co. 
 
 A. J. KINGMAN, Esq., Supt. of Schools for McHenry Co. 
 
 CHARLES H. SEYBT, Esq., of Highland, Madison Co. 
 
( 11 ) 
 
 JOHN F. EBERHART, Esq., Supt. of Schools for Cook Co. 
 
 E. A. PORTER, Esq., of DeKalb, DeKalb Co. 
 
 R. SMITH, Esq , of Elgin. 
 
 JOHN A. MALONE. Esq., Supt. of Schools, for Randolph Co. 
 
 JAMES M. GOW, Esq., Supt. of Schools in Rock Island. 
 
 GEORGE MIXTER, Esq., of Rock Island. 
 
 NEWELL MATHEWS, Esq., of Peoria. 
 
 In the words of the Superintendent, these letters contain “a mass of 
 testimony that must be regarded as in the highest degree gratifying to the \ 
 friends of the University, and a satisfactory proof that it is achieving the 
 ends for which it was established ; ” He adds : “They are from every 
 portion of the State, and reflect the unbiased opinions of their various 
 writers, founded upon personal knowledge and observation. With a unan- 
 imity and emphasis that is certainly remarkable, they affirm the superior 
 ability, skill, enthusiasm and success of the graduates of the Normal Uni- 
 versity.” 
 
 Since the time of this correspondence, the influence and power of the 
 University have been greatly enlarged. Hundreds of young persons have 
 gone out to reinforce those concerning whom this testimony was given. 
 
 Two years after the date of this circular and these answers, another 
 was sent out, and the responses were, if anything, still more emphatically 
 favorable. 
 
 The University has furnished, in teachers, students, and graduates, 
 211 men for the national army. They ranked as follows : 
 
 Commissioned Officers (one of whom was a Brig. Gen.) 34 
 
 Non-commissioned Officers, 42 
 
 Privates, 89 
 
 Rank unknown 4G 
 
 Total 
 
 211 . 
 
( 12 ) 
 
 State Teachers’ Institute. 
 
 [From Dr. Bateman’s Report, 1867-8.] 
 
 Another auxiliary educational force, of great promise, has recently 
 been organized, under the above name. The history of “ The State 
 Teachers’ Institute” is as follows : 
 
 During the earlier part of the year 1863, it was suggested to Presi- 
 dent Edwards’ of the State Normal University, that it would be an excel- 
 lent thing for the teachers, and for the cause of education in the State, 
 to hold a teachers’ institute at the University, beginning in September, 
 and continuing as long as should be thought expedient. In accordance 
 with this suggestion, a circular was issued inviting all who could to meet, 
 September 14th, for the purpose chiefly of “ thorough drill in the philos- 
 ophy and methods of teaching the common branches of study.” About 
 fifteen teachers assembled under this call, and an institute of nearly four 
 weeks was held. 
 
 At the tenth annual meeting of the Illinois State Teachers’ Associa- 
 tion, resolutions were passed in favor of an institute at the Normal Uni- 
 versity during the month of August, and President Edwards issued, 
 May 1st, a circular stating that such an institute would be held, pro- 
 vided seventy five teachers would pledge themselves to attend. More 
 than the requisite number of names having been obtained, the institute 
 was advertised to meet August 1st, 1864. One hundred and twenty- 
 seven teachers became members. 
 
 This session of the institute continued four weeks, and its exercises 
 were conducted almost entirely by members of the Normal Faculty, 
 who rendered their services gratuitously. During the session, a con- 
 stitution was adopted, and officers elected under it, with the design of 
 rendering the institute a permanent thing. 
 
 However, no session was held in 1865 or 1866. Put in the Illinois 
 Teacher for May, 1867, a notice was inserted by President Edwards, 
 stating that a session would be lieid in July or August, if 100 
 teachers of the State would promise him their attendance be- 
 fore the next issue of the Teacher. A sufficient number having done 
 this, a session of the institute was advertised to begin August 5th, and 
 continue four ’weeks. Seventy-one were present the first day, and the 
 number was subsequently swelled to 255. Among the number present 
 at this session were some of the most prominent teachers of the State. 
 Not less than four county superintendents were members of the institute, 
 and were earnest workers in its exercises. All the male members of the 
 Normal Faculty took part in the instructions, together with Professor 
 Pillsbury and Miss Edith T. Johnson, of the Normal School ; as before, 
 their services were given without pay. During this session, the institute 
 passed a yofcc igviting the iri^tniOtors to. yfritq out a synopsis of $$ lessons 
 
they gave, for publication with the catalogue. This invitation was com- 
 plied with, and an edition of 500 copies was printed at the expense 
 of the institute. The book contained 194 pages, and was sold 
 for one dollar per copy. Members of the institute and man} other teach- 
 ers were so eager to obtain copies, that the whole edition was exhausted 
 in less than six months after the book appeared Several lectures were 
 given during the session by members of the faculty and others, four of 
 which were published with the report before mentioned. 
 
 Early in the summer of 1868, President Edwards published in the 
 Illinois Teacher a call for another session of the institute, to be held 
 at Normal in the following August. Later, however, the call was 
 countermanded, because it appeared that several members of the Nor- 
 mal faculty would be absent at the time of the proposed meeting. 
 But early in July President Edwards received such urgent requests 
 from teachers of the state for a Session of the institute that he renewed 
 the call, announcing a session of two weeks, to begin August 3d. 
 
 The result was a most successful session, attended by many who 
 had been present at previous sessions, together with many others nqt 
 less prominent or earnest. Notwithstanding the uncertainty which had 
 existed in respect to the meeting, and also the briefer length of the 
 session, 248 names were enrolled. The same teachers of the Univer- 
 sity, except Dr. Sewall and Prof. Metcalf, who were absent in New Eng- 
 land, gave instruction. They were aided by Prof. Reynolds, of Chicago, J. 
 II. Blodgett, Esq., of Rockford, and Mrs. Mary Howe Smith, of Oswego, N. 
 Y. Lectures were given by President Edwards, Dr. M. Gregory, and 
 the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
 
 One half-day and evening were given to the consideration of Sunday- 
 school teaching, including model lessons. This feature was regarded as 
 
 O' O o 
 
 highly interesting and profitable, both by the members of the institute, 
 and by the large number of citizens who were present. At this session, 
 the members of the institute united in inviting the faculty to re-issue the 
 synopsis of lessons published the previous year, together with such addi- 
 tions as they might choose to insert, and to offer the book to the teachers 
 of Illinois as a kind of manual of instruction. The invitation has been ac- 
 cepted, and the appearance of the book may be expected. 
 
 One curious fact is, that a majority of those at the session of 1864 
 were born out of the State, while more than half of those present in 1867 
 and 1868 were natives of Illinois. Such, in brief outline, is the history 
 of our State Teachers’ Institute. 
 
 The object at which the institute aimed is, perhaps, as well express- 
 ed as can be, by the resolutions passed at the previous session. The fol- 
 lowing is their language : 
 
 Resolved , That we are greatly strengthened and encouraged by our mutual inter- 
 course dnring the past two weeks ; that we feel our professional enthusiasm renew- 
 ed; and that we shall return to our respective fields of labor fdled with an ardent de- 
 sire to do good. 
 
 Resolved , That we recognize in the State Teachers’ Institute a powerful agent 
 for good, awakening, as it does, enthusiasm, enabling us to gain a clearer and higher 
 
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 view of our noble profession ; uniting us in our efforts to overcome ignorance and 
 vice, and making us feel the constant need of self-improvement, increased watchful- 
 ness, and untiring devotion to our work. 
 
 The object was to awaken professional enthusiasm, to present new 
 thoughts on teaching, or old thoughts in a new light, as well as actually 
 to bring the teachers under the direct tuition of those men who, by their 
 previous training and experience, are so well fitted to be the teachers in 
 our Normal University, standing, as it does, at the head of the free school 
 system of Illinois. The object has been fully justified by the results. 
 
 The resolutions just quoted are themselves the reiterated testimony 
 of the large and intelligent body of teachers who so heartily voted for 
 them, as to the results of the movement. Another excellent result has 
 been, that by the State Institute, the teachers of the State have been led 
 to appreciate, and sympathize with the Normal University, as they could in 
 no other way. Another resolution passed in 1867, and reaffirmed in 1868, 
 expresses this fact, in the words of the teachers themselves. The resolu- 
 tion is as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That in our State University we recognize a grand educational cen- 
 ter, from which radiates a healthy Christian culture ; that it is fulfilling its great mis- 
 sion ii£ affording thorough drill, mental discipline, and the best methods ®f instruc- 
 tion. 
 
 I can but observe, however, that the State Institute has had much to 
 do with the large increase in the attendance at the Normal University. 
 By referring to President Edwards’ report, marked B, in the appendix to 
 this report, it will be seen that, in the fall of ’63 and ’64, when the Insti- 
 tute held sessions, the attendance in the Normal School was much in 
 creased; that, in the two following years, when there was no session of the 
 Institute, the attendance fell off ; but, after the sessions of ’67 and ’68, the 
 increase is again very marked. Indeed, several of those who were present 
 at the Institute were induced by that fact, to enroll themselves as members 
 of the Normal School. 
 
 It seems clear to my mind, therefore, that the results of the Institute 
 have thus far been excellent, in all points of view, and to an eminent de- 
 gree. And, for these good results, the State is indebted chiefly to the 
 ability, energy and unflagging enthusiasm of President llichard Edwards, 
 seconded, as he has been so ably, by his worthy coadjutors. But what 
 does the Institute promise for the future ? 
 
 At the session of 1868, it was voted to make the Institute perma- 
 nent; and a meeting for 1869 was ordered, to begin at Normal, on the 
 9th of next August, and to continue two weeks. The best energies of 
 the President and Faculty of the University are again promised to the 
 teachers of the State, “without money and without price.” And such 
 will doubtless be the case from year to year, at least, so long as the 
 chairs of the Normal University are tilled by their present incumbents 
 — probably longer. 
 
 Thus, we may say that our State Teachers’ Institute will probably 
 continue a permanent fountain of instruction and enthusiasm to the 
 
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 teachers of Illinois, and a perpetual bond of union between those who 
 are laboring, in the Normal University, to instruct teachers of the 
 State, and the teachers themselves, who are laboring here and there 
 over its broad area, to inciease and perpetuate its power and beneficence, 
 by the wise and Christian culture of its rising generation. 
 
 I am required by law to report to the Legislature, at its regular 
 sessions, the condition and expenditures of the Normal University, and 
 to communicate such further information as the State Board of Ed- 
 ucation or the'Legislature may direct. 
 
 The receipts and expenditures of that institution for the years 
 1867-8, have alreadv been given in this report; it remains to speak of 
 its general condition, progress, prospects and needs. But all these are 
 so fully and circumstantially stated in the reports of the State Board of 
 Education, and of the President of the University, which I am directed 
 to publish in this report, and which will be found in auother place, 
 that I need only refer to those documents for the information which it 
 would otherwise have been my duty to furnish. 
 
 This noble institution moves steadily on in its great work. It is a 
 distinct, positive, and acknowledged educational power in the State. 
 Its influence pervades and penetrates the whole school system, through 
 and through, and there is not a county in the State where its presence 
 is not felt. It has settled down, by a sort of loving adoption, into the 
 hearts of the people, as a. part of the inviolable heritage of themselves 
 and of their children forever. 
 
 It has grown so gradually, and yet so steadily and tenaciously 
 into the educational framework of the state, that it could not now be des- 
 troyed without rending asunder, or convulsing, the entire fabric of' which 
 it is a part. It is associated with all our thoughts and plans of public 
 education in the state. Suppose the act creating it were to be repealed, 
 or it should be overtaken by some sudden and destructive calamity, or 
 by some other catastrophe the Illinqis Normal University should be blot- 
 ted out — who would not realize, in the sincerity of his grief, how firmly 
 that school was anchored in his heart — how closely linked with his hopes 
 of the educational future of the state? 
 
 It has been fortunate in the men who have stood at its head. In the 
 beginning, when their was everything to be done and nothing to do with, 
 the indomitable, persistent, tenacious Hovey was. at the helm, beating 
 down opposition, laughing at the fears of the timid, reversing the motto. 
 ex nihilo , nihil , by pushing to completion the finest and best normal 
 building on the continent, without either money or credit. VVhen the 
 war broke out, and Hovey was called from the head of the University 
 which he had done so much to create, to the head of the regiment which 
 he had raised, the polished and scholarly Bass safely led the institution 
 across the interval of a year which intervened between the resignation 
 of the first principle and the installation of the third. Of President 
 Edwards I need not speak — the history of the University for the past 
 six years ; its condition to day, crowded with a thousand earnest, en- 
 
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 thusiastie students ; its grand pre-eminence among all its sisters in the 
 Republic; the echoes of living words of wisdom and eloquence that 
 linger in thousands of hearts all over the States — let these bear witness 
 of him and of his work, of his power as an educator and his worth as 
 a man. 
 
 The institution has been fortunate, too, from the first, in the abili- 
 ty, strength and devotion of its Faculty and Instructors. Its corps of 
 teachers has never been an ordinary one, never without names of mark 
 in the highest educational circles. Of its earlier instructors, one is now 
 at the head of an important college, another fills the chair of mathe- 
 matics in an institution of high repute in a neighboring State, and 
 others are in positions scarcely less honorable and responsible. Of the 
 present Faculty it is enough to say that its reputation for ability has been 
 repeatedly attested and its loyalty to the University tried, by the proffer 
 of temptingly large salaries and less laborious service in connection with 
 other institutions and enterprises in this and other States. But thus 
 far they have declined these offers, remaining steadfast to the interests 
 and fortunes of the institution with which some of them have been con- 
 nected from the first, in full faith that sacrifices cheerfully made for the 
 welfare of the University in the years of its infancy and weakness, 
 would be suitably recognized when its time of maturity and strength 
 should come. In this reasonable expectation they should not, and, l 
 believe, will not, be disappointed. Their views in respect to compensa- 
 tion are very moderate. There is not one of them who could not at auy 
 time receive in other positions a larger remuneration than that which 
 they have indicated their willingness to accept from the State Board of 
 Education.