OREGON NORMAL SCHOOLS 105
on the question. Certainly their establishment was far from being a political issue. The Educational Monthly, published in Salem by W. P. Keady, in 1876 contained a brief editorial asking that normal institutes similar to those in eastern states be made compulsory in Oregon. Notwithstanding the popular apathy, the subject was introduced into state affairs in 1882, when a bill was brought into the state legislature designating Christian College at Monmouth, and Ashland Collegiate and Normal Institute at Ashland as state normals. Without ma- terial objection the bill became a law.
THE FIRST STATE NORMALS PERIOD OF PRIVATE SUPPORT 1882-1893
The plans for a Christian college in Oregon Territory were formulated in 1849 at the home of Tyrus Himes 9 in Lafay- ette, Stark County, Illinois. The occasion was a protracted meeting of the Disciples in Christ, and several members of the church from Monmouth, 111., were present. A map of the new country beyond the mountains was produced, and an approxi- mate location of the settlement and school indicated. In 1850, several who were present at the meeting in the Himes house crossed the plains and took up land near the present site of the town of Monmouth, 10 Oregon. A portion of the lands 11 filed upon were set aside as the nucleus of an endowment for a college, 12 and the first school was opened in 1855. Among those who helped organize the institution were Thomas H. Lucas, Elijah Davidson, Albert W. Lucas, Squire Whitman, Ira F. M. Butler, and James H. Roundtree. J. W. Cowls of McMinn- ville was the first teacher.
Meanwhile a rival institution, Bethel Collegiate Institute, had been started at Bethel, Polk County. The date of its
9 A meeting to discuss the same topic was also held at the home of Ira F. M. Butler, in Monmouth, Illinois.
10 One of the founders wrote: "Our surroundings are new and cruel here. We must control them: not let them control us."
The aim of the founders was to establish an institution of learning "where men and women alike may become schooled in the science of living, and in the fundamental principles of religion."
11 The town of Monmouth was surveyed in 1855 by T. H. Hutchinson. Two names were proposed for the town: Dover and Monmouth. The vote resulted in a tie, and Ira F. M. Butler, chairman of the committee, cast the deciding vote for Monmouth, he having come from Monmouth, Illinois.
12 There was 500 acres in the tract given to found the school, and it was donated by T. H. Lucas, S. S. Whitman, Elijah Davidson, Ira F. M. Butler, T. B. Smith, and John Harris.
