Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/155

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OREGON NORMAL SCHOOLS 145

tions satisfactorily, the majority of school boards insist upon having men. Desirable positions in high schools, and super- intendencies, await those who will thoroughly prepare them- selves to occupy them. The salaries paid are from $800 to $2,000 a year."

The training departments are described as offering excel- lent opportunities for practice teaching. Weston made much of its kindergarten and manual training departments ; Ashland emphasized location, climate, and courses in agriculture and school gardening. Other things set forth to attract students are the high qualification of the faculties, social advantages, courses, accessibility, low living expenses, laboratories, gym- nasiums, modern buildings and equipment. Monmouth is described as

"a delightful little village of 500 people. It can be reached by the railway, or by boats plying the Willamette. One of its remarkable features is its healthfulness, fevers and agues being unknown. The sea breeze reaches it very gently, modi- fying the temperature, but producing no unfavorable effects. Saloons, gambling houses, and other dens of vice are strictly prohibited by town charter and ordinances."

On reading the flattering prospectus one is at a loss to under- stand the need for the prohibitory regulations mentioned on a preceding page.

Of Weston, the advertising matter circulated among pros- pective students said:

"Its elevation of 1800 feet above sea level, its proximity to the mountains, the pure water brought to the town from springs in the foothills, and its freedom from allurements and excitements of more populous cities, render this a most delightful, healthful, and desirable location for a school of this kind. . . . There has never been a single death at the East Oregon normal school but that of the late Presi- dent Martindale, and he came here a sick man. Students are seldom ill. No student has ever been hazed."

There are no complete reports showing the counties from