Newburgh Free Academy - Graduate Yearbook (Newburgh, NY)

Page 15 text:

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.-.

Page 14 text:

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

Page 16 text:

rrlirlurr lrl ill lfhlilltl., The Trustees of the old Newburgh Academy are entitled to the credit of inaugurating the first public library in Newburgh by the purchase of 77 volumes for that purpose, 75 years ago. At a meeting of the Board, held March 3d, 1815, the teacher, Luther Halsey, proposedthe propriety of granting premiums to the scholars and the necessity of procuring a library of useful books for the Academy. Four dollars and fifty cents was appropriated for premiums, and Sroo for books, and Rev. John Johnston, Jonas Storey and Solomon Sleight were appointed a committee to prucure the books. At the next meeting the Rev. john Johnston reported the purchase of 77 volumes. In 1816 335 volumes were purchased, and during the next 35 years 135 more were added, making a total of 547. In 1852 but 418 of these remained, and they were transferred to the Board of Education and formed the foundation of the Newburgh Free Library. fTwo hundred and fifty- one of the books purchased for the Academy in 1815-16 are now in the Newburgh Free Library, and still in good cond.ition.j In 1816 the Newburgh Library Society was incorporated and continued in existence until 1821. There are no records to show what disposition was made of its books. In April, 183 5, the Newburgh Library Associa- tion was organized, and in September, 1847, united with the Mechanics' Library Association, which had been organized in 1838, andin 'I842 had purchased the books belonging to the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society. N In 1839 tlie first books were purchased for the High School Library and in 1843 the Glebe school Library was commenced. During the thirty years between 1814 and 1844 seven public libraries were instituted in Newburgh, and, after fulfilling their mission, passed away, and the books of six of them ultimately became the property of the Board of Education, and aided in the establishment and growth of the Newburgh Free Li- brary. At a meeting of the Board of Education held Sept. 7th, 1852, on T14-i