Greene Street School

The Marietta Register, September 2, 1875

The schools all began Monday, but Greene Street Grammar School didn't. Reason - no teacher. It will soon become a matter of public policy and public concern, and if the Board are forever to stand a set-off, the reasons should be given, fully and explicitly to the public when we venture one party or the other will feel disposed to change the base.

It is not our purpose to give any advice in these remarks, but possibly to reflect the status at present writing. Everybody knows the Board stand three for Mr. Phillips or nobody, and other three for anybody of good qualifications but Mr. Phillips. The first argue that he has been tried and found superior, why not keep him? See resolutions and they are supported by a large petition of good citizens. The others state that he has been guilt of grave misdemeanors, which they charge and stand ready to prove, and they cannot and will not consent that he again go into the public schools.

We know what these charges are and know they are serious, but we do not know whether they are true or false. These members are also supported by a petition of good citizens. Three stand for Mr. Phillips, and three not for any particular applicant, but offer to put in any one of several.

The feeling is intense and bitter with many. There are citizens who say to both parties to stand firm, although it would seem to be unnecessary advice.

There are other citizens who have no particular choice in teachers, and they argue that school should go on. They have nothing against Mr. Phillips, have not investigated the charges, and don't propose to But admitting he is able as his friends claim, it does not argue that nobody else can fill his place.

If this dead-lock continues, there will not likely be any school before January.

There are others again who suggest that the entire Board resign, while again it is said this is a child's play, and it is their duty to agree on someone and start the school. They are supreme in the matter, and whether it be devotion to principle or personal spite, the public are the sufferers.

John Dean Phillips, 1832-1888

[Ed. note] J. D. Phillips was born on a farm near Marietta in 1832, son of Joseph and Margaret Phillips, and graduated from Marietta College with the Class of 1854. He immediately engaged in teaching, taking posts at the Greene Street Grammar School and Harmar Grammar School, among others. He taught for 34 years, and over 3,000 pupils received instruction from him. In 1879, Phillips accepted the superintendency of the Harmar Public Schools and also continued teaching. After becoming ill during the summer of 1888, he resigned from his position and died August 15 of that year.