Muncy High School - Canusarago Yearbook (Muncy, PA)

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.X - X GRADUATES

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Education in Muncy I797 - 1954 In this year of 1954, we deem it highly appropriate to recall the past history of the public schools in Muncy, a history which is unique for it comprised more than thirty distinct educational institutions including: schools of art, music, painting, business and commerce, classical languages, boys' academies, girls' seminaries, a normal school for teachers, and a half dozen church schools. This variety of schools gave our borough a wide reputation as the seat of culture in the West Branch Valley. As once more the townspeople stand upon the threshold of undertaking the building of a new school, we sincerely believe that if they recognize and appreciate the accomplishments of their predecessors, it will put renewed strength, vigor, and hope into their plans for the erection of the proposed grade school. Now we would like you to visualize the home-made linen and linsey woolsey clad figures of our forefathers. THE TIME: 1797-1873 The lirst type of formal education we became acquainted with was the Family Schools. These schools were the association of two or more families and were held in a building owned privately or by an individual. They exist- ed from 1799 to 1806. The next school was the Water Street School located on the north side of East Water Street just a short distance from Main Street. The very limited data on this school revealed only that it existed between 1800 and 1806. The third institution was the Old Log School that was situated on the northeast corner of Main and New Streets. This school was in progress during 1800 to 1825, it was replaced by the Old Brick School, which was built between 1825 and 1830. The school which enjoyed one of the most eminent positions in our educational system was the Old Central School. It was located on the northwest corner of Market and Hi h Streets and was probably built between 1836 and 1840. It was this building which was officially designated as tlgie High School in 1855. The year 1855 marks the inception of free public secondary education in Muncy, thus the founding of the high school in Muncy stems from this date. The Central School functioned practically the year around, for the various instructors held Summer sessions of their own initiative in this building. We now have the era of the Gibson Girl and the Flappers of the roaring '20's. TIME: 1873-1932 An evergrowin student body made necessary the realization of the next school commonly known as the Union School, so cjled because it was an institution composed of three different houses. The Market Street School at the northeast corner of Market and High Streets, the Main Street School on the northwest corner of Main and High Streets, and the Masonic Rooms School on the second Hoor of the Masonic Building on Main Street define the components of this unit. It is interesting to note the fact that diplomas were first granted in 1881, during the era of this Union School. The span of time C1873-1932D in the history of this school was comparatively long. As in the past, however, the increase of the student body made necessary the planning, preparation, and finally the erection of another new school building. Designers revolutionized the fashion trends with the New Look and the controversial hemline. TIME: 1932-1954 The new school building, which is currently in use as our grade and high school, was built in 1931-32 on a plot of ground approximately 12 acres in extent situated on the south side of Penn Street between Sherman and Painter Streets and was purchased from one Neil Davis. Lawrie and Green were the architects for the construction, and the product of their labor was an ediHce ac- claimed by many to be one of the most beautiful structures in the surrounding territory. The cornerstone for this building was laid without ceremony on November 24, 1931. The dedication program was held on September 2, 1932. Our school is built of beautiful mountain stone and is divided into three wings with a total of fifty-six rooms. This last number includes practically every inclosure entered by means of a door. But this school too has become cramped for space and since the consolidation of Muncy Township with Muncy- Muncy Creek, the School Board has once more found it necessary to plan for the erection of another school. Upon the completion of this proposed school it will serve as the grade school, and our present school will be the junior and Senior High School. This brief history cannot and does not intend to cover all phases of our educational systemg it is merely meant to acquaint you with the fact that as times and fashions change, so do our schools. We must always strive for prog- ress since without it our entire way of life would be stifled and possibly even collapse. 14

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We wish to express a most heartfelt thanks to Mr. Robert S. Hughes, who for the past three years has been our class advisor. As a result of his encouragement, patience, and understanding, many of our seemingly crazy schemes became successful realizations. To us he became a friend and counsellor as well as a teacher. Through our association with this congenial man, We feel that we are better prepared to take our places in society. Once again we wish to express our deepest gratitude to you, Mr. Hughes. Our Advisor ROBERT S. HUGHES