Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute - Aggie / Maple Yearbook (Hathorne, MA)

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re % ee oe) Mr. Lake--Class Advisor Mr. Kester--Class Advisor

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The passing of Ellery E. Met- calf on December 25, 1966 sad- dened all of those who knew him, Mr. Metcalf's sterling character and gentle personality enriched the lives of his many friends which included his fellow teach- ers, students, business associ- ates and school alumni, and his loss is sincerely felt by all. A native of Saugus, Mr. Met- calf began his teaching career at Essex on September 1, 1918. He retired on June 30, 1965 after 47 years of dedicated service as an edu- cator. During those years he had many out- standing personal achievements that made sig- nificant contributions to vocational education and brought national recognition to the Institute. He created the White American and White Ace poultry breeds, and was presented a $500 award for this breed in national competition at the University of Arkansas by U. S. Vice President Barkley. In 1929 he attended the 7th World Poultry Congress in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was highly complimented by Secre- tary of Agriculture Henry Wallace for his ex- hibition demonstrating how he created this breed. Mr. Metcalf served as secretary- treasurer of the Essex County Poultry Associa- tion for many years. He also served as secretary of the Vegetable Growers' Association, and in 1945 developed Catskill strawberries through the Geneva Ex- periment Station. Catskill has been a leading variety for years. One of Ellery's favorite projects was his work with the Essex Chapter of Future Farm- ers of America. He was instrumental in es- tablishing the Chapter at Essex and served as advisor until his retirement. As coach of FFA parliamentary procedure, his teams won many State contests. He was expecially proud of the Essex FFA Chapter accomplishments and accompanied student members to the FFA National Convention in Kansas City, Mo., four times. He worked with other officials in establishing the Massachusetts Association of FFA Foundation, Inc., and served as president for eight years. He was a member of the Essex Agricultural Society for 50 years, and served as sec- retary of the Topsfield Fair, sponsored by the Society, for 16 years. An active member of the Essex County Farm Bureau, he also served as secretary for several years. Ellery had many other accomplishments and interests such as the fine driver educa- tion program he developed at the Institute for students; student transportation legislation which he worked on with our present Commissioner C. F. Nelson Pratt; and assisting in Setting up the unemployment gardens in the city of Lawrence during the depression days of 1930 and 1931. One of his hobbies was a beautiful wild and domestic flower garden at his home in Saugus. He shared this joy with hundreds of others who wanted to visit the gardens and see the rare wild flowers by conducting guided tours and explaining each flower. The Institute, vocational education, and the agricultural industry have lost a wise counsel and true friend whose contributions and admirable personal qualities will long be remembered. Our sincere sympathy is extended to Mrs. Metcalf and her Family. --by Frank McGee