Volume 6, Number 10 - Winter 1979
Douglas County Normal School
Copied by John H. McDaniel
[by Author]
From Douglas Co. (MO) Herald in June, 1978
DOUGLAS COUNTY NORMAL SCHOOL
Located at
AVA, DOUGLAS COUNTY, MO.
Third term begins January 13, 1890.
A practical institution for live teachers and students.
Methods of teaching original and unique. A regular course of training is pursued, having in direct object the highest development of strength of mind and decision of character.
Tuition - Primary Department, per month $1.
Intermediate and High School, $2.
Good board in private families, from $6 to $8 per month. Hotel board $2 to $2.50 per week.
Graduates in the High School receive diplomas.
German taught at night session.
J.S. and R. Mercer
8/1/1889
Prof. J. S. MERCER is holding a preliminary session of the Douglas Co. Normal School in this city. The regular term will commence on Mon. 5th instant.
On Mon. the 5th, Prof. J. S. MERCER will commence the 1st term of the Douglas Co. Normal School of Ava, Mo. Prof. MERCER is an able and experienced teacher and will undoubtedly give the city of Ava a first class Normal School of which Douglas County can be proud and which will be of great advantage to the young ladies and gentlemen of Douglas and surrounding counties who are preparing themselves for the responsible position of teachers of public schools. As only a nominal tuition fee will be charged for pupils who are non-residents of this district, this will enable people of limited means to give their children the advantages of an education in the higher branches, thus fitting them for any position in life and at the same time encourage home enterprise.
Aug. 15, 1889
The Douglas Co. Normal School of Ava, under the supervision of Prof. MERCER, as principal, and Prof. Z. ROBERTS, as assistant, is making fine progress. There are something over one-hundred and twenty scholars in attendance, and both parents and scholars seem to be very much interested, and the scholars are rapidly advancing in their studies.
Oct. 31,1889
The first term of the Douglas Co. Normal School is drawing to a close and its patrons are well pleased with the progress made. Many applications have been received by Prof. MERCER for admission to the coming term and it is anticipated that it will open with a full attendance of pupils.
Nov. 7,1889
Ava Literary Star program - Declamation - by J. S. Mercer.
Nov. 15,1889
Prof. Mercer reports several new applications for admission to the Douglas Co. Normal School for the coming term.
Nov.21, 1889
The Ava Normal School, under the government of Prof. J.S. Mercer and Miss Maggie Wyatt, is progressing finely, and is the best school Ava ever had. Our citizens should do all that is in their power to assist the Professor in building up a good school here, as there is nothing that speaks better for a community than good schools and church houses. Put your shoulder to the wheel and help build up our town and county.
Dec. 5, 1889
The Douglas Co. Normal School closed on last Thursday until after the holidays. Prof. Mercer, of the Douglas Co. Normal School, was called to his home in Taney County on Friday by illness of his wife.
Jan. 16, 1890
The third term of the Douglas Co. Normal School, of Ava, commenced on Tuesday, the 13th. Prof. J.S. Mercer has secured the services of Prof. Z. Roberts in the primary department of the school.
Feb. 27, 1890
Prof. Mercer went to Taney County to visit his family on last Friday.
June 5. 1890
Profs. Mercer and Kay are teachers of wide reputation and under their able management, the Ava Normal will undoubtedly be a success.
Feb. 6, 1889
Copy of large display advertisement, which ran in every weekly issue, until (and including) Sept. 11, 1890 issue:
[14]
Aug. 21, 1890
Prof. Mercer is in town on business this week.
Aug. 28,1890
The Ava Normal School opens Sept. 1st, next Monday, under the most favorable circumstances. Proffs. Mercer and Kay are receiving numerous applications for admission to the Ava Normal School. The old schoolhouse is being repaired and furnished with patent seats for the accommodation of the increased patronage of the school.
Aug. 28, 1890
Program of Bible Literary: - Recitation by Prof. Mercer.
Sept.11, 1890
Last issue of above Normal School advertisement was run in paper.
Oct. 2, 1890
Same advertisement re-run, but with change of names: Mercer & Kay.
Oct.23
The Ava Normal has increased the number of its pupils to 135.
Oct. 23, 1890
Prof. MERCER has purchased the Ritter place, quarter north northeast of town, and expects to improve it by clearing and planting it in fruit trees.
Nov.20
Prof. MERCER, of the Ava Normal, has moved his family to this city.
Nov.27
Five new students were added to the membership of the Ava Normal School during the last week.
Dec.25
The Douglas Co. Normal, of this place, offers thorough instruction in all branches required for the different grades of County Certificates.
Dec.25
The third term of the Ava Normal School will commence on Monday, Jan. 5, 1891. A large attendance during the remainder of the scholastic year is anticipated.
Jan. 8, 1891
A new Normal School building is one of the things that Ava needs and must have. The Ava Normal opened on Monday, with a full attendance.
Jan. 15, 1891
The Ava Normal School is succeeding beyond the expectations of the sanguine. Nineteen new pupils were enrolled on Monday.
Jan. 15
"Why Attend the Ava Normal?" (31 reasons listed, of which are shown 3 here) Page 3, of excerpts, copied by John H. McDaniel in June, 1978 from the Douglas County (Mo.) Herald.
Jan. 15, 1891
Reason 8, Because the faculty is not surpassed in any school in the Southwest.
Reason 9, Because students will receive Private Help from the faculty when desired.
Reason 17, Because the Principal is Normally trained and has had over 20-years experience in school work.
[15]
This volume: Next Article | Table of Contents | Other Issues
Other Volumes | Keyword Search | White River Valley Quarterly Home | Local History Home
Copyright © White River Valley Historical Quarterly
