Boys High School - Red and Black Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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I4 The Red and Black. On November 1, 1892, the B. H. S. took possession of its new building. It numbered. at that time about fi've hundred and fifty pupils. To-day it has nearly twice that registry. In the mean time two new high schools have been opened, and all are crowded. On December 1, 1890, Brooklyn had no high school officially recognized. On the tirst of March, 1897, she had four high schools, with a registry of upwards of 4,300 pupils. Such, in brief, are the facts of history, and in the light of events we think we may safely claim that the experi- mental stage is past, and the struggle for existence ended with a glorious victory for the plain people. The B. H. S. has sent her graduates to twenty colleges-and they are honored in every one. Scores of our graduates pass directlyifrom the B. H. S. to the professional schools. A still larger number enter business life. All these of all classes are ever ready to unite for the honor and defense of our Alma Mater. HARRY F. TOWLE. ,ag . 4. ' .Q 4. , V- n ,, . ,AAV ' ., 15 K' 'f ' ::,. .1 , , .ap- ,WR-en.. Y J ,- I-Q 3 yi - lglwll 95?,,a. ,tl .if fff l f as .5 ll A I iii. l'. ff T , ., fl,Jl ,. It ., ' 770 ig- f f J. V ' 'HCP A .... 1'-9'75'i'i??r?Zi?f4fifiii, A 1 gre' , f 1 40 FX L ' V Axe.. idiot f fn S QE, V' X Jw.,- I 1 . -nh-dl H4 i 's ,','

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77ze Red and Black. I3 standard subjects, while Physics and Chemistry were taught to some extent. This condition of affairs continued until 1887, when the courses were changed and extended-the commercial to two years, and the general to three. Latin, German, and French were introduced, and the high school flavor became slightly more pronounced. Still the general course led nowhere, so far as further training was con- cerned, and those students who wished to prepare for college were forced to get their Greek outside the school. Furthermore, only one foreign language was allowed at one time, and thus preparation for scientific schools was practically impossible. But'better days were coming. The long and fierce opposition of school officers and well-meaning but de- luded citizens had worn away. The demand for high schools was loud and strong. Almost in spite of itself the Board of Education had become committed to their support. A. large building for the girls had been built, and the boys demanded equal privileges. In 1891, under the strong leadership of Dr. John Griffin, the Boys' High School was established, and Brooklyn, at last, had a high school, and called it by that name. A. G. McAllister was chosen as its principal, and long and faithfully did he labor that the B. H. S. might be housed in its present handsome building. A classical course of four years was established, as well as a scientilic course of three years, while the commercial was improved. The school now entered upon a career of wonderful,prosperity. Mem- bership in its ranks became an honor much appreciated. Athletics began to flourish. A High School boy was no longer an object of scorn anywhere. Our old-time rivals, the private schools, awoke from their haughty indiffer- ence to find a lively youngster among them, claiming and able to win honors upon the field and in scholastic achievements. I

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