Newburgh Free Academy - Graduate Yearbook (Newburgh, NY)

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The aiemg QZZ. I Occasionally is heard this question, 4' What has become of the old Academy Bell P I always endeavor, by a stroke or two, to inform the in- terrogator of the lziglz position that I occupy in the New Academy. I remember when I was exchanged for an old Queen Anne Bell of the Palatines, which had done service for nearly one-hundred years. I have served fifty-seven years already, and the outlook indicates that I will still serve a little while longer. ' I often return in my thoughts to the Old Academy. That building was not one that you would call beautiful, but it was simple and plain. But that quaint old edifice, so dear to the hearts of many, is no more. On its foundation a new Academy has been erected, which, I have heard peo- ple say, is a memorial of the intelligent generosity of the city of Newburgh. I am sure that I was very thankful to be placed at the top of this fine building, for I had some misgivings as to my future when the old build- ing was torn down. I have witnessed many things in my day, some of which have never been and will never be recorded. I watched the scholars of earlier years come and go until Icould almost call them by name. They have all departed to their various occupations, and are 'distinguished by more or less active careers. Many returned from the late war, having achieved honor and glory. But some who enlisted on the side ofthe old flag never returned, and the garlands of victory adorn only their silent rest- ing places. ' .' Proud am I to-day to think that once in obedience to my call came boys and girls who are now men and women nobly filling stations in all ranks of life. Did I not instruct, too? Did I not teach obedience and punctuality P - Through the long Summer vacations' I review the past again and again, and if I muse on the probabilities of the future, it is to wonder what will 1.121

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till 1883 that the Committee on Buildings were instructed to procure pre- liminary plans and estimates for a new building that would provide ac- commodations for both grammar and academic classes. On the 1 ith of August, 1884, Mr. F. A. Wright, of Rossiter 8a Wright, architects, of New York City, was employed to prepare plans and specifications for the present Academy. It is a matter of satisfaction to know that the archi- tect of the N New Academyll was a graduate of the f'Old. The plans were submitted to the Board and adopted july rst, 1885. The contract was awarded to Mr. Thomas Dobbin, a prominent builder of this city, and he agreed to complete the building according to the plans for the sum of 353,933 The total cost of the New Academy, including all expenses, was over ?p7o,ooo. The question whether this was a wise expenditure can be answered by any one viewing. the present building, but an especially favorable answer is given by us who have ,enjoyed its advantages for the last four years. And, later, when we have grown to manhood and woman- hood, and looking back on the building in which we received our early training for our sphere in life, will we never deny that '4 Our Academy 7' has been a success? 4... Q ,gg 'Q -L, ' ' , 4 I

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be the destinies of those who have just passed for the last time, as pupils, under the portals of our Alma Mater. I speculate as to the probable number of lawyers, physicians, authors, etc., that will come forth from their ranks and carve for themselves names that shall be synonyms of fame and honor, and as I call to each class for the last time, I always try to say, ' Redeem the time, redeem the timell' QM QW are 713.-.