however, that many very interesting devices for
teaching children, many suggestive modifications of
kindergarten material and exercises, and many excellent
photographs showing classes at work, were executed
by women. The great skill and admirable system
attained by women teachers in the preparation
of material for teaching the sciences to children
were illustrated in a very graphic manner by the exhibits
of normal schools, such as those of Massachusetts and
the State Normal School of Rhode Island.
The third class of material named, i.e., that pertaining to school administration—chiefly in the form of statistical charts and reports—was the work of school superintendents and their clerical force, in which branch of the school service comparatively few women are engaged.
The mode of installation formed a striking feature in the case of many of the systems of public schools exhibited at St. Louis. The highest results were achieved where the plan of the exhibit had been carefully worked out with full regard to aesthetic effect and educational significance. In the formation of these plans women had very largely participated, and in one instance, namely, that of the Minnesota educational exhibit, the entire installation was planned and carried to a successful completion by a woman. This exhibit was ranked in the first class for the unity of its plan, the completeness with which it set forth the educational provision in every part of the State, and its aesthetic finish. In judging of exhibits, the person who planned and organized the exhibit was regarded as a collaborator, and to Miss S.E. Sirwell, the collaborator in this instance, the highest award allowable was adjudged by the jury of group 1, a distinction which was conferred upon very few individuals.
The exhibit of the public school system of the city of St. Louis, which was universally admired, owed its chief decorative effect to the artistic skill of Miss M.R. Garesche, who composed and executed a series of 16 transparent paintings representing a history of education. These pictures formed a succession of brilliant panels on the external side of the facade, and for this unique work a gold medal was awarded to Miss Garesche.
Mention should also be made of a very interesting series of paintings by Miss Florence Hedleston, of Oxford, Miss., representing all the wild flowers of that State, an exhibit which excited much attention both for its artistic excellence and its usefulness in teaching the native flora.
The exhibit of New York City afforded many striking examples of the ingenuity and progressive spirit of women teachers. The public school system of this city has had marked development on what may be called the sociologic or philanthropic side, and in this development, which was graphically illustrated in the educational exhibit, women teachers have borne a very important part.