4G0 A SKETCH OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 



ill order tlmt thev might become still more efficient in their profession. 

 For this purpose he recommended the establishment of a Normal School. 

 Failiny- in this, he resolved to establish a summer teaclier's institute. 

 Through the liberality of the Peabody trustees, who furnished him a 

 thousand dollars, he organized the first 



STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE, 



in the City of Spartanburg, during the month of August, 1880. The 

 authorities of Wofford College tendered the use of their building and 

 apparatus, free of charge, and the Faculty of the College and the citizens 

 generally vied in their efforts to make the institute a success. 



Professor F. Louis Soldan, of St. Louis, an eminent educator, was made 

 principal of the institute, assisted by Prof. E. S. Joynes, of the University 

 of Tennessee, and several teachers of the State. The institute lasted 

 four weeks, and proved a most gratifying success. Lectures were de- 

 livered by most of the college presidents of the State, and by other dis- 

 tinguished gentlemen. The enrolled attendance was nearly two hundred, 

 from all parts of South Carolina, and on special occasions the attendance 

 was estimated at between five and six hundred. 



so GREAT WAS THE SUCCESS OF THIS 



Institute, that in the following August, a second institute Avas held in 

 Greenville, in the buildings of Furman University, which were gene- 

 rously tendered for the purpose. Prof. Soldan again presided, assisted 

 by the former faculty and by other teachers. The enrolled attendance 

 was three hundred. Lectures were delivered by General Eaton, United 

 States Commissioner ; Prof. W. T. Harris, of Concord, Mass. ; Rev. J. L. 

 M. Curry, and others. 

 In 1883 



A THIRD INSTITUTE 



was held in the buildings of the South Carolina College, in Columbia. 

 To the great regret of all his friends. Prof. Soldan was prevented by busi- 

 ness from again taking part ; but his place was ably filled by Dr. M. A. 

 Newell, the State Superintendent of Maryland. 



The Legislature had in the meantime passed an Act conferring au- 

 thority upon the Faculty of the Normal Institute to issue certificates and 

 diplomas, which are of the highest grade in the State. At the close of 

 the Institute in 1882 several teachers passed successful examinations and 

 received certificates. 



