Sunday, May 5, 2024

Bit of History - August 16, 2023

The first Ridgeway Public school was built in 1881.  It was a two story, 26’ by 44” building and the first principal was Mr. Harrison.  Seventy-five pupils started in that school on September 26, 1881 and public education began in Ridgeway. (Blythedale Clipper, Sept 1, 1881 and October 8, 1881).


For families that wanted a school that offered something different, Professor H. S. Burgin, formerly of Lorraine, started a school in the upper story of one of Ridgeway’s buildings in 1882.  The school was named the “Ridge Academic & Commercial School” and was “devoted to Science, Drawing, Music, Literature and Commerce” and included subjects such as drawing, higher mathematics, vocal music, natural sciences, philosophy, commercial business, Greek and Latin and with free use of the organ, music books and extensive apparatus.  Students could purchase their books at wholesale prices from the school and non-residents could “board with the best families at very reasonable terms”.


Tuition was $2 per month ($59.54 in today’s money — quite a bargain).  Classes began on November 6, 1882 and ended on March 30, 1883 with examinations on March 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.  The session closed with an exhibition on the last day of exams at 6:30 pm.  (Blythedale Clipper, Sept 14, 1882).  The school didn’t advertise again after 1882, so I can only guess that it was the only year that it was in session.