Jamestown High School - Red and Green Yearbook (Jamestown, NY)

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MR. MILTON J. FLETCHER Principal of J. H. S. from September 1898 to June, 1919 Superintendent of Schools from 1919 to 1932 While Mr. Fletcher was superintendent, the schools became highly organized. He started an extensive building program, including the three Junior high schools, the Samuel Love School, additions to five of the grade schools, and the Admin- istration Building. It was his dream to climax this program with two new Senior high schools in the northern and southern parts of the city. He bought land in Poland and started the School Forest Incorporated. When he retired, he was con- sidered the most universally beloved schoolmaster the city has known and his influence is far-reaching. MR. MERTON P. CORWIN Principal of J. H. S. since September, 1920 Head of the Mathematics Department and Assistant Principal 1913 to 1920 Mr. Corwin is a natural organizer and as the author of the Jamestown adaptation of the platoon system, has with admir- able facility, pulled the high school through two extremely crowded periods. During his administration, also, the music de- partment has expanded and the famed band and orchestra of J. H. S. has been founded. Through his co-operation with Mr. Fletcher, the School Forest, Inc., has been developed and Hnanced. Both Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Corwin have honored Jamestown by serving as chairman of the New York State Association of Academic Superintendents and Principals. Mr. Corwin has also been active in civic affairs, being at present a member of the training school committee of the General Hospital and president of the Rotary Club. He is highly esteemed by the students for his fairness and sympathetic understanding of human nature. LIST OF PRINCIPALS 1868-1871 Samuel G. Love, Superin- 1890-97 tendent and Principal 1897-99 1871-76 Samuel H. Albrou 1899-1919 1876-79 A. Frank Jenks 1919-20 1879-81 William H. Truesdale 1920-34 1881-90 Rovillus R. Rogers 9 Frank S. Thorpe Almon N. Taylor Milton J. Fletcher Morton C. Helm Merton P. Corwin

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Mr. Samuel G. Love, the first principal of the early portion of the building now known as the Jamestown High School, was a notable educator. He was the first organ- izer of the public school system in New York State. He organized the school known as J. U. S. and C. I. and served as its principal from 1868-1869, its principal and superin- tendent from 1869-1871 and served as superintendent of schools until 1890. He was the first superintendent to establish Industrial Arts and the commercial course and to make practical physical education in the schools. His name is written high in the annals of education as well as in the hearts of Jamestown's early alumni. Mr. Rovillus R. Rogers, the second superintendent of Jamestown public schools, was also a principal of J. H. S. for nine years. K During his superintendency of thirty years, he, too, became known throughout the state as a notable educator. He was the first to establish here in Jamestown, the night school, the summer schools, free text-books, the public school kindergarten, and playgrounds for children. Many of the grade school buildings were built during his administration, among them, the Falconer Street, Newland Avenue, Charles Street, Sher' man Street, and Fairmount Avenue schools. The school park or Hundred Acre Lot was also purchased during his administration. Dr. Rogers was one of the six American educators sent to England as exchange visiting inspectors of schools. He was also presented two honorary degrees, an M.A. from Oberlin College and an L.L.D. from Berea College. Dr. Rogers also served twice as chairman of the New York Association of Academic Superintendents and Principals. The present superintendent of schools, Mr. George A. Persell, although he was never the principal of J. H. S., served as principal of the Junior Department from 1902 until 1920, when he became assistant superintendent. Though Mr. Persell has been superin- tendent for only two years, he has the distinction of having the new high school building to his credit. 10