Waterville Central High School - Academic Union Yearbook (Waterville, NY)

Page 14 text:

QACADEMIC U IO districts were as follows: Numbers 1, 7, 12 and 13 of Sangerfield, 5 and 6 of San- gerfield and Marshall, 2 and 9 of Sangertield and Madison, 5 of Marshall, 4 of Mad- ison, and our own Union Free School District, number 11 of Sangerfleld and Mar- shall. A petition was sent out to the families of these districts and it was evident that the idea was favorable. ln October, 1928, the State Commissioner of Educa- tion declared us the Central School District, Number 1, of the towns of Sangerfield and Marshall, Oneida County, and Madison, Madison County, under Article 6-B of the State Education Law. A meeting of the newly organized district was called at which the necessary plans of procedure were discussed. The Central School District as laid out by the Commissioner was voted on and adopted, 111 for and 35 against. A new board was elected consisting of the following members: Dr. Randall, presi- dent, John P. Heckert, P. Newell Lewis, Harold l.. Fuess, Orrin Terry. Then the subject of a new building was brought before the people. lt was very evident that a new and larger building with a provision for more extensive courses of study would be necessary. A place to build it was the next difficulty. Three sites presented themselves favorably at first, they were: the present site, the Prior house and H. li. Addington's garage, and the two building lots this side of the north entrance, on Babbott avenue, to the Babbott Field. An inspector came from Albany to look over the sites and immediately suggested the two building lots on the east side of the playground, just north of the creek. Until then no one had thought of this, but it soon became obvious that this was by far the most feasible. Public sen- timent ran high and there were many different opinions on this subject. Another meeting was called on March 1, 1929, at which time it was voted to issue bonds to the amount of 55225,000 for the purpose of erecting and equipping a modern school building. The Stafford avenue site adjoining Babbott Field was selected and an- other lot added to the original plan. After these preliminary matters were completed the most important one of build- ing was taken up. Architects were notified of the fact and then interviewed. It was very difficult to decide which one was best, but after much discussion Cordon Wright of Syracuse was chosen. He has proved very efficient and with the able assistance of his daughter has built a school such as we never dreamed would be in our posses- sion. They both deserve all the credit we can give them. Now began the real work of building. Bids were advertised for and after as much discussion as the selection of the architect received, the ,lohnson City Construc- tion Company, the low bidder, was chosen. ln June, 1929, the first ground was broken and since then the work has been continuous. First there was the extensive excavation, then the building itself, with its huge steel framework. The work pro- gressed rapidly, the building took shape, 1 c ' ' ' ' C fairly completed. Then came the business of making the inside presentable. All during the winter months meetings were called frequently to talk with one agent or another for all kinds of equipment. Only the best was selected, and this fall we will enter one of the finest equipped schools in the state. The auditorium, library, and gymnasium are probably the finest rooms in the building. George Eastman, the Kodak King, who was born only a short distance from the new school, played the great benefactor again and gave 850,000 in memory of his parents, who were born and bred near Waterville. This sum was to be used for the erecting and equipping of the '4Eastman Auditoriumf, The library has been made extremely handsome through the generous gift of some fine oak paneling and a heavy oak door, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Earl B. Putnam, who spend their summers in Waterville. Our gymnasium, which will be one of the best in this terri-

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QACADEMIC U IO TI-IE WATERVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL The history of the Waterxfille Central School is very interesting to me and quite surprisingly lengthy for an enterprise so youthful. ln the early part of 1923, there was considerable discussion about the building of an auditorium for the public of our town. Though this was not the first time this subject had been brought up, it was the first time that it looked very promising. Several generous organizations had given contributions. These gifts had been placed in a central fund which, it was hoped, would, in time, enable us to build an auditorium or a community house. However, it soon became apparent that this would be impossible for many years to come. At that time it was planned to build it as a part of the present school building, using part of it for the very nec- essary extra classrooms. This would have involved a great expenditure without making us much better off. Additions would have to be made frequently, so after much debate it was thought advisable to look for a better idea. The central school plan presented itself as the best. Orrin Terry and Dr. Randall, both members of the present Board of Education, went down to Albany to make inquiries into the matter. lt was found that a building such as was now in mind could be used as a public meeting place by all non exclusive organizations. This was indeed an answer to their problem. So in the quickest possible time a plan was formulated. Public sentiment was generally in favor of the idea. The Commissioner of Education laid out a map of the districts that would be invited to join the centralization. These

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QACADEMIC UNION OUR NEW GYMNASIU M tory, is outfitted with the best attainable fixtures. These rooms will be the scenes of many public activities in which all may take part and enjoy. While we are mentioning our benefactors I think we should pause to note the people who have founded prizes in our school. Most of these prizes were given some time ago and have become so well known we need not mention them. But through the centralization of our school another prize is added, that of Mrs. William Cary Sanger, who gave 351,000 for the Sangerfield school. When this school joined the new district, the money came under new jurisdiction. It was decided to found a new prize or prizes with this money. Wlith Mrs. Sangeris consent, a scholar- ship prize for each one of the four high school classes was founded, a first and a second prize in each class. I am sure there is not another school of our size which has as many prizes for scholarships, oratory, essays, and exceptional brilliancy in some one high school subject, as we have. We should consider ourselves very lucky. The school will be used for the graduation exercises this year and at some fu- ture date, not yet decided on, it will be dedicated. The senior ball will be held in the Gymnasium. Wfe hope that the alumni and townspeople will come to these func- tions in order that they may see the new school. However, I think that we of the Junior Class are the luckiest in having the privilege of being the first ones to be graduated from the school after a full year to enjoy its advantages. In closing, I Want to thank everyone who had any part in forwarding this project in behalf of all who will benefit from it. Rosalie Randall.