Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 19.djvu/31

This page needs to be proofread.

UMPQUA ACADEMY 21 sions was now erected:. The upper part was used as a dormi- tory and the lower floor for the advanced grades. The pri- mary and intermediate grades were continued in the older building. The new structure finished in 1868 and first oc- cupied under the principalship of Professor Deardorff, came to be known as the "New Building." Prof. James G. Deardorff was next in order as principal. He served two years and was assisted by his wife, Rev. J. H. Skidmore and W. H. Byars. Of the old days at least these were the very best in point of attendance and in intensive work and accomplishment. Prof. J. A. Jackson was elected principal in 1870, but re- signed at mid-year and was succeeded by Prof. I. G. Herron, who continued until the close of the year 1873-4. His assist- ants were Mrs. Herron, Angie Grubbe, M. E. Chapman, Mrs. C. W. Todd and Mrs. S. H. Todd. In 1873, the "New Building" burned. The old building the first academy building early outgrown, now by no means met the needs. Thereupon it was decided by the trustees to change the location of the school buildings and a new site was purchased about one-half mile to the west near the center of the village. The ground, 58.43 acres that had been donated by Father Wilbur and that long served as the academy campus, was sold in 1877 for $410 to J. T. Cooper and the old historic building was sold for $300 to D. R. B. Winniford, March 9, 1878. His note, with F. R. Hill as security, was accepted in payment. On the new site selected and purchased! the last academy building was erected in 1874. The contract for the carpenter work was let by competitive bid 1 to R. and D. R. B. Winniford, February 20, 1874. It was accepted, subject to certain alter- ations and additions, on December 4, 1874. The new building, the last in line of succession, the new location and apparently a newer generation of men were now upon the scenes and a splendid interest attached. Prof. Edward D. Curtis was elected principal and served for two years, ending in 1876.