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Development of Chazy Central Rural School

by Mary Skulan-Toran, 2022 Joseph C Burke and Joan T. Burke Scholarship Recipient

Introduction to William H. Miner 

William Miner was a man with ties to both the big city and the countryside. He was born in a small town in Wisconsin, and after being orphaned at a young age, Miner was sent to live in Chazy with his Aunt and Uncle. Mr. Miner grew up in this rural community and graduated from a one-room schoolhouse. He then moved west to work as a bridge carpenter at the recommendation of his brother-in-law, John Mitchell. Eventually, Miner settled in Chicago with his wife, Alice, where he would build up his company, W.H. Miner Inc.

In 1903, Mr. Miner returned to Chazy to the family homestead bequeathed to him by his uncle, John Miner.

William H. Miner's family homestead. This would later become the nucleolus of Heart's Delight Cottage.
William H. Miner’s family homestead. This would later become the nucleolus of Heart’s Delight Cottage.

Soon thereafter he began to build up Heart’s Delight Farm. His hydroelectric dams powered the Heart’s Delight Farm’s principal buildings. By 1910, his hydroelectric system was capable enough to power the streetlights and churches of Chazy proper. Later hydroelectric projects also powered Chazy Central Rural School.

William Miner cared for Chazy. Much of his later life, and money, was spent improving the quality of life for those, both young and old, who still lived there. 

 

 

Development of Chazy Central Rural School and the Country Life Movement 

Front cover of the proposal for CCRS, published in October of 1915, written by George R. Mott
Front cover of the proposal for CCRS, published in October of 1915, written by George R. Mott

The Miners were large proponents of the Country Life movement, a turn-of-the-century phenomenon that strove to ensure the longevity of rural societies, like Chazy. Thomas Carver, a rural economist, stated that school was more important than the church if country life was to be saved. Thus, one of the main goals of this movement focused on the improvement of rural education, which had been suffering in the industrial age.

The Chazy Central Rural School, commonly abbreviated to CCRS, was the brainchild of Presbyterian minister, Reverend George R. Mott. He, like many within the Country Life movement, understood the positive impact a good education could have on a community. William Miner functioned as the financial backer and close advisor to Mott. 

By 1915 the pair were deep into plans for the creation of a state-of-the-art school, one which would consolidate the eleven one-room schoolhouses surrounding Chazy into one school. Their goal was to raise the standard of living in rural areas with sophisticated education for its youth. A centralized school would fix the issues with the one-room schoolhouse system: necessities such as sanitary facilities, an experienced teaching staff, and transportation were all provided. The students would learn practical skills in addition to classical classes. Practical courses would include sewing, cooking and general homemaking skills for girls. While boys would focus on machinery, woodworking, and agriculture. This was done to better prepare them for agricultural work, and, hopefully, keep them in Chazy and out of the big city.

The blueprint for the east elevation of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend of Illinois.
The blueprint for the east elevation of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend of Illinois.

The project was massive and exceedingly expensive. The school boasted five sprawling levels. The building was large enough to comfortably accommodate five hundred students. It had two dining rooms, each with its own kitchen. Two separate pools, one for boys and one for girls, accented with classical statues, two gymnasiums, and a clock tower. A fleet of buses and buggies, both horse-drawn and motorized transported the students to and from school.

The construction itself cost Mr. Miner around two million dollars in 1915, which now equates to well over thirty million. Yet it is evident why he did it. Mr. and Mrs. Miner both believed in the younger generation. The plaque in the original CCRS proves the Miner’s faith in the future generation:

It is our earnest hope that your inspirations-cradled in this building-and your association with your teachers, your books, and with one another, may impel you to make a diligent effort toward self-improvement whereby you may prepare yourselves to go forth into the world of opportunity, not alone to accomplish your own mental and spiritual development but to carry to all mankind a fruitful message of high purpose, patriotic example and practical helpfulness corresponding in the degree to the great and loving interest which we feel for you.

– Alice T. and W.H. Miner

The plaque hung in the original Chazy Central Rural School. It features a quote written by Alice and William Miner, directed to the students at the school.

 

The young were adaptable and open to the advancing technologies of a changing world. By constructing and funding the school, the Miners ensure Chazy youth would be well poised to meet the challenge.

 

View more images of Chazy Central Rural School

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Archive Items
Ballroom

The original Ballroom layout in the Alice T. Miner Museum. This room housed Alice’s vast collection of china.
The Alice T. Miner Museum

The Old Stone Store after its rebirth as the Alice T. Miner Museum. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.

Blueprint for the fifth floor of Chazy Central Rural School.
Fifth Floor Blueprint

The blueprint of the fifth floor of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.

Blueprint for the fourth floor of Chazy Central Rural School.
Fourth Floor Blueprint

The blueprint of the fourth floor of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.

Blueprint for the third of Chazy Central Rural School.
Third Floor Blueprint

The blueprint for the third floor of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.

Blueprint for the second floor of Chazy Central Rural School.
Second Floor Blueprint

The blueprint of the second floor of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.

Blueprint for the first floor of Chazy Central Rural School.
First Floor Blueprint

The blueprint of the first floor of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.

Blueprint of the roof plan for Chazy Central Rural School.
Roof Plan Blueprint

The blueprint for the roof plan of Chazy Central Rural School. Designed by Frederick B. Townsend.
Transportation Route Map

The transportation routes for Chazy Central Rural School. This map details the routes that the school’s fleet of buses and […]

Photograph of the Chazy Central Rural School auditorium.
School Auditorium

A photograph of the Chazy Central Rural School auditorium. This auditorium could hold over one thousand occupants. The stage featured […]

The nurse's office in Chazy Central Rural School.
Nurses Office

A photograph of the on-site nurse’s office inside Chazy Central Rural School. The school also employed an on-site dentist for […]

Projects created by the students at Chazy Central Rural School.
Student Projects

A photograph of the projects created by students at Chazy Central Rural School.

The shower room of Chazy Central Rural School.
Shower Room

A photograph of the showers adjoining the pool within Chazy Central Rural School.

Yearbook page detailing the Physical Education Department of Chazy Central Rural School.
Physical Education Department

A yearbook page detailing the Physical Education Department of Chazy Central Rural School. The school contained two pools separated by […]

The heating system within Chazy Central Rural School.
Furnace Room

The comfort and well-being of the students were paramount when planning Chazy Central Rural School. The school’s heating system, featured […]

Medical Department of Chazy Central Rural School. CCRS offered both physician and dental services to its students, courtesy of William H. Miner. This photograph was taken from the CCRS yearbook.
Dentist and Doctor’s Offices

Medical Department of Chazy Central Rural School. CCRS offered both physician and dental services to its students, courtesy of William […]

A young man in a woodshop class at Chazy Central Rural School.
Woodshop Class

A young man in a woodshop class at Chazy Central Rural School.

Situated in Chazy, this homestead originally belonged to Huldah and John Miner, William Miner's Aunt and Uncle. Mr. Miner grew up on this homestead after being orphaned at a young age. Years later, after Mr. Miner had established himself as a successful businessman, he returned to Chazy and bought the old homestead. Mr. Miner kept the structure intact and built up Heart's Delight Cottage around it.
Old Miner Homestead

William H. Miner’s family homestead. Situated in Chazy, this homestead originally belonged to Huldah and John Miner, William Miner’s Aunt […]

Students of Chazy Central Rural School practice theater in the school's auditorium.
Drama Class

Students of Chazy Central Rural School practice theater in the school’s auditorium.

The plaque hung in the original Chazy Central Rural School. It features a quote written by Alice and William Miner, directed to the students at the school.
Bronze Plaque

The bronze relief plaque hung in the original Chazy Central Rural School. It features a quote written by Alice and […]

This photograph features the Home Economics class at Chazy Central Rural School. Here, young ladies would learn to cook and sew, along with other practical household skills.
Home Economics

This photograph features the Home Economics class at Chazy Central Rural School. Here, young ladies would learn to cook and […]
The Chazy River

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Ferns

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Winter Sunshine

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Construction

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Flat Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Flat Rock Dam

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Flat Rock Dam

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Flat Rock Dam

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Flat Rock Dam

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Construction

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Hay Stacks

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Construction

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Café Martin

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Hay Stacks

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Sugar House

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Hay Stacks

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Wilson Cottage

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Winter Days

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Salutation Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Harrowing

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Plowing

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Fish Hatchery

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. Sunshine cottage and Happy Hours cottage are visible […]
The Entrance

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. Heart’s Delight Cottage, House Tower and the Main […]
Office Reception Room

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
Clover Blossoms

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Threshing

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Ox Team

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Horse Power

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Planting Corn

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Big George

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Attention!

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
White Leghorns

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Dairy Herd

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Quiet Grazing

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Flat Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Invitation Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Optimist Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
American Bison

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
American Bison

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
A Forest Beauty

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Elk Family

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
A Sun Bath

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Steam Plow

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Harvesting Oats

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Solitude

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Winter Sunshine

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Winter Days

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Chazy River

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Chazy River

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Deep Woods

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Birches

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
A Forest Avenue

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Farm House

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Library

To view the reverse side of the postcard click here.
Office Building

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Card and Billiard Room

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
The Stenographer’s Room

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
The Library

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
Farm Manager’s Office

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
Office Reception Room

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
Threshing

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Cantaloupe

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Clover Blossoms

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Occupation Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Invitation Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Salutation Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Verity Rock

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Dorset Sheep

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Holstein Cows

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Feeders

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
White Leghorns

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
Pigeon Loft

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums.
The Swans on Parade

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. The House Tower and barns are visible.
The Office Building

This postcard can be found in one of William H. Miner’s albums. To view the reverse side of the postcard […]
Altona Bridge

Bridge near McGregor power house and LaSell Dam, Altona
LaSell Power House and Pool

LaSell power house and pool, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
LaSell Power House

LaSell Power House, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
LaSell Dam Reservoir

LaSell Dam Reservoir, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
LaSell Dam

LaSell Dam, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
McGregor Dam Reservoir

McGregor Dam Reservoir, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
McGregor Dam

McGregor Dam, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
Altona Flat Rock Dam

Flat Rock Dam, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
Reservoir at Flat Rock Dam

Reservoir at Flat Rock Dam, July 1927. From: Book 49 – Farm Scenes-Delord House-Hospital-Dams-Cattle (1925-28)
LaSell Power House

LaSell Power House and pool with surge tank in background. Photo by Mr. W.H.W. Strafford. From: Book 46 – Farm […]
LaSell Power House

LaSell Power House and pool with surge tank in background. Photo by Mr. W.H.W. Strafford. From: Book 46 – Farm […]
Chazy Village Power House

Front view of Village Power House, 1901. Also known as Hillbrook Cottage. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water […]
Village Dam

Village Dam, 1909. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
Village Dam Pond

Chazy village dam pond, 1909. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
Village Dam Full

A full reservoir at the Chazy village dam, 1909. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
Lower Dam

Lower Dam, 1909. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
McGregor Dam

McGregor Dam. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
Middle Dam

Middle Dam and empty fore bay, 1908. Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
Lake Alice

Lake Alice with boat house in distance. From: Book 15- Dams and Power / Water Supply
Construction of Altona Dam

Workers upload lumber from a cart on the crest of the Altona Dam. September 1911. From: Book 14- Altona Dam […]
Construction of Dam Wall

Construction activity around dam wall, cribbing around structure, September 1911. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Frank Hart

Frank Hart at Altona Dam, April 1911. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Altona Dam Basin

Altona Dam Basin/Reservoir, September 1914. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Cement Road and Reservoir

Cement Road and Reservoir from north embankment/Cobblestone Hill, September 1913. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Extending the Cut Off Wall

Workers in trend to extend the cut off wall at Altona Dam, September 1913. From: (Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. […]
East Bank of Reservoir

Workers pour cement on east bank of reservoir, September 1913. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Dam Crest

Low angle photo from the top of the Altona Dam wall looking east before the wall turns north. From: Book […]
Construction on Cement Road

Laying rock for the edge of the Cement Road on Cobblestone Hill, September 1913. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. […]
Steam Shovel Trench

Steam Shovel Trench. Steam Shovel Trench adjacent to dam wall. From: Book 14 – Altona Dam Vol. 2
Cement Mixer

Workers add mix into cement mixer with a cart on tracks. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Spillway

Spillway. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Buttress Cross-section

Workers standing at a cross-section of the dam buttress, July 10, 1911. From: Book 14- Altona Dam Vol. 2
Buttresses

Dam buttresses. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Concrete Mixer

Workers man the concrete mixer. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Workers at Cement Mixer

Workers at Cement Mixer and man with fur coat walking down ramp. March 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. […]
Pipe on Wood Frame

Pipe on wood frame through construction area, June 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Construction of the Dam Wall

Close up of construction at the Altona Flat Rock dam wall near the spillway outlet. 1911. From: Book 13- Altona […]
Pile of Rocks

Pile of rocks, likely from Cobblestone Hill. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Steam Shovel

Work operating steam shovel and others on the ground. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Steam Shovel

Side view of steam shovel at Flat Rock. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Man With Wheel Barrow

Man pushing wheel barrow with other workers on rock pile in background, Altona Flat Rock Dam, March 1911. From: Book […]
Buttress Form

Side profile of buttress form Altona Dam. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Crane System

Crane system at the Altona Flat Rock Dam construction site. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Altona Dam Camp

Worker camp at Altona Flat Rock Dam construction site, January 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1.
Altona Dam Camp

Camp at Altona Flat Rock dam, looking south, January 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Stone Crusher

Altona Flat Rock Dam, April 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Digging at the Altona Dam

Workings digging the trench for the Cutoff Wall at the Altona Flat Rock Dam, May 1911. From: Book 13- Altona […]
Cribbing for the Cutoff Wall

Close-up of the cribbing foundation for the cutoff wall at the Altona Flat Rock Dam, April 1911. From: Book 13- […]
Altona Dam Construction

Looking north from Cobblestone Hill at the Altona Flat Rock Dam construction, May 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. […]
Altona Dam Construction

Looking west at the Altona Flat Rock Dam construction site, April 1911. From: Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1
Visitors at the Altona Dam

Visitors inspect the Altona Flat Rock Dam, August 1911. (Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1), Well-dressed ladies back right
Looking Northeast

Looking northeast during rebar installation at the Altona Dam, April 1911. From: “Book 13- Altona Dam Vol. 1”
Surveying At Tracy Brook

Surveying at Tracy Brook for the Lake Alice hydroelectric project, 1907. From: “Book 10 Panoramic Views Vol. 1”
At Tracy Brook

Men surveying at Tracy Brook for the Lake Alice hydroelectric project, 1907
McGregor Penstock

Penstock for the McGregor hydroelectric power project with power house construction in background

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