From the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society (^ttHxn^ To the Educators of Michigan \ TiMP96-j07429 CLARENCE M. BURTON. DETROIT, PRESIDENT. Henry R. PATTENGILL, Lansing, Secretary. BENJAMIN F. DAVIS, Lansing, Treasurer. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DANIEL McCoy, Grand rapids. MARY C. Spencer, Lansing. George H. Cannon, Washington. iV sToU^RI^ PENjr5Ul.AMAMCENfly\ , ^^ Committee of Historians L. D. WATKINS, Manchester. JUDGE Edward CAHILL, Lansing. E W. BARBER. Jackson. Peter White, Marquette. JUNIUS E. BEAL, As A CORNER OF THE MUSEUM SHOWING THE PATRICK HENRY DESK AND CHAIRS OF TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS. CAPT. JOSEPH F. MARSAC, BAY CITY. Interpreter at Cass Treaty, 1819, History of the Society The Historical Society ot Michigan was organized in Detroit in 1828, and Lewis Cass was elected the first presi- dent and retained the oftlce for some years. Papers of historic value were read, and afterwards printed, by such noted persons as Gov. Lewis Cass, Henry R. Schoolcraft, Maj. Henry Whiting, Maj. John Biddle, and others. These individuals outgrew the confines ot their own state in ability and influence and were called to assist the National Govern- ment in different capacities. The Society languished and died after their removal. About 1853 vigorous efforts were made to resurrect the organization and much was accomplished by Judges Witherell and Walker, but few it any of their papers were preserved. In 1871 the Pioneer Society of Detroit, was properly launched, and in the winter of 1873 it received an appropriation from the legislature for publishing its manuscripts. In 1874 it took the name of Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society. ss^ State Gives Books to Schools Arrangements were perfected by which each school library in the State could receive gratuitously the annual books. At the present time there have been issued M volumes which can be obtained by any school library having 100 books of their own, upon application to Mrs. Mary C. Spencer, State Librarian. We urge upon the teachers more frequent study of and reference to the books. Much valuable information, particularly regarding the settlement and history of Michigan, is to be found in them. Pioneer Day We request the universal observance of Pioneer Day. The responsibility of the teacher towards all reforms is formidable if not appalling. Yet to them must we look for the proper cele- bration of this day — a memorial service to the pioneers who made our present Michigan possible. Gloster never depicted to his blind father a greater gulf than the one lying between the child of today and the settlers of the Peninsular State. How are we to bridge this chasm? The stories heard and studied of privations, sacrifices, sorrows and triumphs ex- perienced by the old people of your vicinity make a strong union with the progress and culture of pupils of today, and obtainable in no other way. Let this subject appeal to you as a duty by which you can discharge the debt you too owe the heroes of blazed trails and heroines of wheel and loom. The Department of Public Instruction, one of our strongest supporters, suggests topics, but you alone can put heart in this work and inspire the young with the reverence so largely lacking today among young Americans. Give reports of these anniversaries to the Department or the Moderator. Encourage the habit in your pupils of gathering- and reporting local historic events in your current topics times in school, and forwarding the choicest items to the State Society. SS^ 38> John D. Pierce Memorial It is not presumptions to ask you to remember the pledge given in your name by the Society last year of a memorial in the Capital City to Father Pierce. Few counties so far have responded. We did not remind you ot the education you obtained in the public schools, or of the well deserved income it has afforded you, and the obligation you thus in- directly owe this cause, but requested the small sum of ten cents per capita to place, in the hall of fame we hope to rear, a testimonial to the pioneer of education — upon whose noble foundation you are building today— surely no second call should ever be needed, but duty and pride should inspire you to honor yourselves in this tribute you thus pay to this prophet and priest of learning. Add a nickle to your gift for some teacher we shall be unable to reach. State Museum Sug-gest to your pupils the value of the State Museum, and what it would mean it each grade in the school would add one historic relic. 38^ S8> Manual Trainingr As we attempt to picture to the young the life of the early settlers, so we also desire to demonstrate to the self- satisfied pioneers that the old days are not the only days, and through exhibits sent by the several schools of manual training and domestic science point the pioneers to the practical, altruistic education now offered. We desire there- fore a choice loan, to be replaced every two years, from your best manual training exhibits. Greetinofs fe We congratulate you on the record you have assisted Michigan in making, hi pioneer days the blockhouses were places of refuge from dangerous foes. These have been re- placed by school houses devoted to rearing of citizens, and these peace victories are as dear and sacred as those of Bunker Hill and Gettysburg. If we can secure you as our allies it means advance and success in our work, and better justice to our great State. Count this Society as one of the best channels for en- couraging patriotism, and aid in every plan to pay tribute to the grand past opening towards our golden future. Henry R. Pattengill, Secretary. Lansing, December, 190^. 1 TRRftRY OF CONGRESS Hi