"In pursuance of a vote of the Portland School District, at their annual meeting, the directors have established a free school. The first term will commence on Monday, the fifteenth at the school house in this city, near the City Hotel, (John T. Outhouse) teacher."

From December 15, 1851 to March of 1853, Mr. Outhouse, as Oregon's first public school teacher, taught continuously at a salary of less than $100 per month. His students often numbered as many as 80 and came from as far away as Astoria to attend the free classes.