Death Takes Miss Dicken

RETIRED TEACHER DIES: Miss Carrie L. Dicken, who retired in 1934 after a half century of teaching in Michigan schools, died this morning at the age of 73 years.

Death Takes Miss Dicken

Teacher For Forty Years in Local Schools Had Retired In 1934

Miss Carrie L. Dicken, who, as a teacher in Ann Arbor public schools for 40 years and as a leader in the Americanization of aliens here, combined two distinct fields of service in an outstanding contribution to education and to this community, died early this morning.
Death- two days after her seventy-third birthday anniversary - resulted from hardening of the arteries and general physical impairments ending an unusually active life. Her home for many years was at 1109 Wells St.
Began Career in 1894
Miss Dicken began her career as a teacher in the public schools here in 1894. Her first year was spent at Bach school, after which she was assigned to the First ward school then located in Newberry hall, also known as West hall, on State St., as principal.
She worked with Junius E. Beal, Ottmar Eberbach and Nelson J. Kyer, a building committee of the board of education, in planning the new Perry school which was opened on Packard St. in 1902. She was principal of this school until her retirement in 1934.
In 1913, Miss Dicken established a night school designed to aid in the Americanization of aliens. Hundreds of aliens of that period learned the American language and ideals in this night school and this program inaugurated by Miss Dicken was widely copied. It was of great importance here during the World war period. For this work, she received the American Legion citizenship citation.
A huge reunion of all her former pupils was held in June of 1934, the year of her retirement as a teacher. She had continued an active interest in the public schools since her retirement.
Praised by Haisley
"Miss Dicken was one of Ann Arbor's outstanding public school teachers," Otto W. Haisley, superintendent of schools, commented today. "Socially minded and possessing a deep personal interest in and a sympathy for those who came under her supervision, she was a true friend and a wise counsellor.
"A skillful teacher, a prominent member of the Parent-Teacher movement, the organizer of Perry night school, a friend of the people, a forceful and powerful personality, Miss Dicken was truly one of Ann Arbor's outstanding citizens."
Born March 19, 1865, in Macomb county, she was educated in the Macomb school district, Romeo and Mt. Clemens High schools, graduating from Mt. Clemens in 1881. She began teaching school the next fall, spending a year in a rural school near Mt. Clemens and 10 years teaching in grades from the first through the tenth at Romeo.
Entered University
In 1893, she entered the University and after a year of study began teaching in the local school system. Through summer work at the University and Michigan State Normal College, she gained a life certificate. She also studied at Columbia university.
She was a member of First Methodist church and of various educational organizations.
She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Jessie Dicken Hosson of Detroit; and two nephews, Dickinson Dicken of Boyne City and H. Donald Reed, county auditor.
Funeral services will be held at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Dolph funeral home, where friends may call. Interment will be made later in Romeo.