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

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This book is a precious treasure--keep it safe and years truly ce this advice -

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In Memoriam FRIENDS SADDENED BY DEATH OF C. F. NELSON PRATT County commissioner and trustee C. F. Nelson Pratt of Saugus died suddenly at his home on election night, Tuesday, November 5, 1968. His sudden passing brought a feeling of deep loss to all his friends. THE ABOVE PHOTO of Commissioner Pratt was taken at the dedication of the New Distributive Education Cen- ter, November 3, 1968. He served as master of ceremonies for the dedication. The dean of Essex County officials, whose public service spanned more than 50 years, had served as a trustee at the Institute for 28 years . As a trustee, he became deeply involved in school programs and activities. His growing interest in vocational education, and the Agricultural School, brought him, with former Director Harold A. Mostrom, to Washington, D.C., and together they promoted and sponsored legislation which enabled the school to carry on a strong post- World War II program in on-farm training. This was accomplished through an amendment to P.L. 346, the Veterans Training Act, filed by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., which became known as the Lodge Amendment. He was very proud of this achievement, and continued to bring to bear his in- fluence on matters which related to the growth and advancement of vocational education in Massachusetts. It was Mr. Pratt who became the chief supporter of developments which brought about the expansion of programs and facilities at this Institute. On the Sunday preceding his death, he functioned as Master of Cere- monies at the dedication of the Distributive Education Center at the Institute. Mr. Pratt loved the Institute and devoted a substantial part of his time to participating in its affairs. He had a host of devoted friends, and was highly respected for his faithful and dedicated public service. Mr. Pratt was a native and lifelong resident of Saugus. Soon after graduation from Saugus High School he was obliged, following the death of his father, to postpone plans for further education. He entered employment in the shoe industry in Lynn, and later at General Electric, however, he never abandoned plans to obtain a higher education. Twenty years later, married and the father of four daughters, he attended night classes at the Boston University School of Law, and in 1934 at the age of 43, he attained his ambition when he was awarded a law degree. Mr. Pratt spent the greater part of his life in public service--holding office on state, county and local levels. His career began with his election to the Saugus School Committee and this was followed by service as a select- man and town moderator. He was elected to four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, from Saugus, before becoming county commissioner in 1938--a post he held for 28 years. Mr. Pratt was married to the former Florence A. Shorey of East Rochester, New Hampshire in 1916. He often related stories of his courtship days and how he traveled to New Hampshire, by motorcycle, over the dirt road which is now Route 1. In 1966, many staff members at the Institute attended their 50th Anniversary celebration. In recent years, Commissioner Pratt was beset by a variety of physical ailments, including a crippling attack of arthritis. However, he rarely complained and seldom did he miss a trustee's meeting, or school function, involving the students. Mr. Pratt was a gifted public speaker and had many favorite sayings familiar to county residents. Some were Dignity, decorum and dispatch. The initials C. F. stand for 'Cold Facts', 'You probably wish I had laryn- gitis instead of arthritis. The Institute has lost a true friend whose dedication and accomplishment will long be remembered. Friends of Mr. Pratt have established a scholarship fund in his memory, at the Institute. Our sincer » sympathy is extended to Mrs. Pratt and her family.

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ngs to the members of the Class of 1969 book, with its pictures and its accounts of life here, will bring to you, the years, many happy memories. oe of education, which combines oe experience In the ficid Raymond 2 Potter Educational Manager