Page:History of Southeast Missouri 1912 Volume 1.djvu/487

 HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 427 work of the school iu these early years that while it was established as a state institution and supported by state appropriation, it lacked one of the advantages which the State Normal schools now possess. There was no provision in the act establishing Normal schools within Missouri making the elemen- tary certificate or the Normal diploma a teacher's certificate. The students who com- pleted either of the two courses were required to pass an examination just as was done in the case of other persons before being granted license to teach. Arrangements were made with Dr. R. D. Shannon during his term as state superintendent for the conducting of examinations of students who completed courses of instruction. It was not, however, until 1887 that provision was made in the law by which the Normal certificate and Normal diploma became licenses to teach, one for a term of two years and the other for life. It is plainly evident that such a provision was a distinct inducement to stiidents to attend a Normal school, provided they expected to be- come teachers. Coupled with this provision was another which made as one of the condi- tions of entering, the taking of au obligation to become a teacher in the public schools of Missouri. President Norton severed his connection with the school by resignation in the spring of 1893. His successor was Willard D. Van- diver who had been for several years the pro- fessor of physics and chemistry. Under Mr. Vandiver's administration the school pro- gressed, but he remained for only four years, being succeeded at the end of his term by Professor J. S. McGhee. Professor McGhee had been connected with the school since 1880, being the head of the department of mathematics. He, too, held the position for two years. In 1899 the board elected as pres- ident Mr. W. S. Dearmont, at the time of his election superintendent of schools at Kirk- wood. President Dearmont is a graduate of the University of Missouri and had had a most successful experience as a teacher and as sup- erintendent. He entered upon the work of his position with great enthusiasm and soon came to have an understanding of the situation that enabled him to lay plans which have resvilted in the growth of the institution. On the night of April 2nd, 1902, the build- ing was destroyed by fire. The origin of the fire is not knowTi, but the loss was total, there being practically nothing saved from it. There were fears expressed that the destruc- tion of the old building would result in very great injiiry to the school and there were sug- gestions also that the school should be re- moved from Cape Girardeau. Prior to the de- struction of the building, the board of regents had determined to erect another building to be used as a science and training school build- ing. The general assembly had appropriated $20,000 for this purpose at its meeting in 1901 pud the board of regents had let the contract for its erection on September 9th, 1901. After the destruction of the old building of the school there was no cessation of the work, provision being made for the holding of the school in the court house and iu the churches of the town until Science Hall was completed. On its completion the school oc- cupied it as the sole building. The old build- ing had been insi;red and the funds paid by the insurance company were used by the board to erect a new stone building, which is now known as the Training School building. This was completed September 1st, 1903, and with Science Hall, offered comfortable and commodious quarters for the school. Perhaps the greatest service which Presi- dent Dearmont has rendered to the school