The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 DEVELOPMENT OF MARION COUNTY EDUCATION SYSTEM In the early development of Marion County education took its place with industry. The early schools of the county usually had one or two teachers, and began in the early 1800's. Many of the school houses were built of logs with a large fireplace in one end of the building. There were few if any windows. The seats for the pupils were benches or split logs with no backs. If a blackboard was used it was made by painting one end or side of the building with black wagon paint. Some had no floor except the hard packed soil. Many of the schools were taught in churches. These early schools usually ran for two months in the summer, when crops were laid by, and three months in the winter. The teachers were paid from fifteen to thirty dollars considered a high salary for a teacher. Teachers taught from 50 to 80 students in one room and the grades ranged from beginners through the seventh grade. One teacher reported that he had 32 recitation each day with 95 students. The older students sometimes helped in teaching the lower grades. The school day ran from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon. Most of the pupils enjoyed going to school and were eager to learn. Some of the early schools were: Thornhill, Smyrna, Shottsville, Bexar, Mt. Joy and Melville. Probably one of the first teachers institutes was held, Mr. John ARNOLD was superintendent in 1887. The Marion County News of that date gives an account of the licensing of teachers. Applicants appeared personally to the superintendent and he gave them an oral examination. Their grade of certificate was based upon their aptness in answering his questions. The practice of certification of teachers continued until, about 1900, when the legislature passed a uniform written examination law. The main texts used were the Blue Back Speller and Davies Arithmetic. Later McGuffy's Readers were used. Usually several institutes were held each year and teachers discussed current educational problems. Often at the close of the institute a debate was held. Some of the subjects of debate were: "How many angels could stand on the point of a needle," 'Which comes first the hen or the egg," "If a cannonball that could not be stopped hit a wall that could not be penetrated, what would happen," or "if a tree fell in an unaudible(sic) place, would it make a sound."