University of Massachusetts Lowell - Sojourn / Knoll Yearbook (Lowell, MA)

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v If jr f COBURN, FACULTY AND THE CLASS OF 1900

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Mr. Frank F. Coburn was the first Principal of the Lowell Normal School. In his educational background he had been principal of the Old Franklin Grammer School, junction of Middlesex and Branch Streets. He became a science teacher and later the principal of the Lowell High School. One of the former students of Lowell Normal School remem- bers Mr. Coburn in a wheel chair, in his office. Due to a fall on the ice, he had injured his spine and became paralyzed. When the girls passed his office he always had a smile and would wave to them. Sometimes the girls used to stop at the office to talk and visit with Mr. Coburn. Everyone who knew him loved and respected him, he was a friend to all. The original building which was first named the Lowell Normal School is now called the Coburn Building in his memory.

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Mr. Cyrus A. Durgin was promoted to the Principalship of the Normal School after the death of Mr. Coburn in 1907. Before the promo- tion he was the Princip al of the Bartlett Training School. He lived on Wannalancit Street, near the school. A retired teacher, who attended the Lowell Normal School remembered Mr. Durgin as a very nice person, he was more of the business type and very well dressed. In 1912 the two year program at the Normal School was expanded including a small third year major in music education. Six women stu- dents entered the first class. This was the first music education program in any public normal school in America. The Durgin Building, which is the new music building has been named in remembrance of Mr. Cyrus A. Durgin.