Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== ANNUAL REPORT of the LAKE CARRIERS' ASSOCIATION 1913 ============== Page 27 Assembly Room Schools During the winter season of 1912-13 our commis- sioner at Duluth inaugurated a school among the sea- men in the assembly rooms of that port for the teaching of spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic. The school was of an entirely informal character and the men were encouraged in their inquiries even upon subjects outside of the regular course of study. Professor C. E. Denfield, Superintendent of Schools at Duluth, became interested in the efforts of our commissioner and rendered valuable assistance, recommending text-books which he consid- ered best adapted to the conditions and preparing a suitable course of study. ---------------------------------------------------------- Page 28 At Marine City, Mr. Harry Stone, chief engineer of the steamer Joshua W. Rhodes, organized a class in our Seamen's Assembly Rooms and two evenings of each week, with an average attendance of about 20 members, 14 of whom were at all classes, gave lessons informally in arithmetic, algebra, natural philosophy, and principles of engineering. There were also some lessons given in the primary principles of navigation. Of these classes about half of the men were employed in the deck depart- ment and half of them in the engineer department of the vessels. The studies in navigation were more in the nature of practical talks upon the subject by the custo- dian of the assembly room. So much interest was shown by the men in the oppor- tunities which were thus offered to them in these two ports that the Welfare Plan Committee has determined during the present season to broaden the scope of this work and extend it upon more formal lines to the sea- men's assembly rooms at Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit. Textbooks have been selected and experienced teachers have been engaged. The course will include the elemen- tary studies and some attention will also be given to phy- siology and elementary civics. The public school offi- cials in the various cities have been interested in the movement and are giving time and thought to the assist- ance of the Association in this work. ===========================================================================