Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/87

Rh to the carrying on of a graded school and extending the facilities in such a manner that the people of Lane County may know that they have a perpetual school at their county seat, where they may arrange to send their pupils to a model school at home among relatives and friends at a much less expense than must follow their going off to attend boarding school to places of much less notoriety in everything else except the interests of education than Eugene.

"A high school will evidently soon spring up near this place, and the town first securing the building and educational interests will thereby secure incalculable advantages over any rival. The people must either build themselves a high school, or pay tribute to some sectarian denomination; for a school is demanded and must be, in these parts, of such a nature that its pupils may take out their degrees of graduation with all the honors that attend such efforts in other places. Some interest already seems to be manifested in that direction by the citizens of this place, and history will warrant us in saying that, although $40,000 may cause a railroad to veer from its course and come puffing through the town, nothing will improve it like a nourishing high school, with its doors thrown open equally to all.

"The first question asked by immigrants almost invariably is, 'What are your facilities for schooling?' 'Well, we haven't much now, but are going to make some after awhile.' The interrogator understands that too well, so drives along with his family in search of other localities where he may be within reach of a good school."

During the week closing August 17, 1872, the State Teachers' Association held its annual meeting at Eugene. It was attended by a number of notable teachers and friends of education. Among them were Doctor Atkinson and Reverend Mr. Eliot, of Portland, Professor Camp-