Lancaster High School - Cayugan Yearbook (Lancaster, NY)

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HISTORY, continued Five members composed the first board of education: Mr. John Garrettsee, Mr. Jacob Gottschalk, Mr. Thomas Leary, Mr. John Leininger and Dr. John G. Miller. Until his death in 1934, Dr. Miller had been a member of the school board forty-two years, and its president for thirty-eight. His was the privilege of being influential in bring ing about many improvements in the school. The first superintendent appointed by the board of education was Mr. P. J. Zeilman. who officiated from 1920 to 1921. He was suc- ceeded in 1921 by Mr. Frank L. Smith, who still serves as superinten- dent of the Lancaster public schools. The village received its new superintendent and its new high school at about the same time, for in 1922 the modern high school building was constructed. The 1920's witnessed further progress in the field ofeducation: in the early years of that decade two Lancaster High students won scholarships, and in 1925 the first commercial diplomas were awarded. The year 1931 was a memorable one, for that was the first time caps and gowns were wprn, and booklet diplomas were issued. The increased enrollment at last necessitated, four years later, a remodeling and enlargement of the high school building.' To the already fine structure were added a modern cafeteria, recreation rooms in the basement and several classrooms. Throughout the years to the present time the activities at Lan- caster High School have increased considerably, with numerous social clubs adding to the students' enjoyment. The administration of the school has set the pace for its pro- gress. The names of Burt Farnsworth, W. H. Barr, L. C. Higley, P. J. Zeilman and Miss Nora Kinnicutt are familar ones to L. H. S. alumni who attended school here while these prominent local educators were principals. From 1931 to 1939 Mr. J. H. White was principal of the senior high school, followed by Francis J. Cosgrove. Since 1941 Mr. Milton Brown, whose efficiency and understanding are a delight to faculty members and-students both, has been our principal. The Junior High School principals have been Miss Mary Kennedy, and, at present, Mr. Herman W. Kling. The present teaching staff of the combined junior and senior high schools numbers thirty-five members, as compared with four teachers, who were sufficient in the early years of the school. Today's board of education consists of President Joseph R. Adolf, Mr. Lawrence Church, Mr. Ballard Clark, Mr. Harold Davis, Mr. Lyle Schoenthal, Mr. Frank Seeger, and Mr. Arthur Stutzman. As we review the past history of our school we are confident that the future will bring even greater progress to Lancaster High. 13 i

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HISTORY OF LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL ' The first school, known as Lancaster Union School, was located on School Street. In 1897, largely through the efforts of Thomas McGreavy, the University of the State of New York recognized the academic departf ment of that institution as a high school, governed by a board of educa- tion, and it was from the Lancaster High School that the first class, consisting of three members, graduated after completing the three-year high school course. In 1902 a new school was constructed. Small though it was, the school offered a variety of subjects Latin, English, German, history and civics, commercial geography, botany, zoology, algebra and geometry, drawing, bookkeeping, music, and physical education. The curriculum at this time aimed chiefly at preparing the the students for college, whereas the purpose of the present-day course of studies is preparation for vocational and life activities. Botany and zoology are now supplanted by physics and chemistry, and biology, French, health, home economics, and expanded programs in social studies, art, and the commercial subjects have been added. Physi- cal education has also been greatly expanded and now a team for almost every sport competes with other schools--and successfully, too, as.the numerous trophies ornamenting the main corridor indicate.

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