Whitesville High School - Wycenian Yearbook (Whitesville, NY)

Page 10 text:

THROUGH THE YEARS AT WCS About I4.O years ago, probably about 1918 or 1920, Mrs. Carrie E. Howe wrote an article on the history of the Whitesville school. Much of the material following has been selected from her own words. Fifty-one years ago the school privileges of Whitesville were con- fined to two small district schools. District No. 1 building being in the extreme eastern portion of the vill- age, and District No. 2 building in the extreme western end. A Directory of the Village of Whitesville published in 188 4. men- tions Whitesville Free Academy at the comer of University and Union Sts. The Academic Dept, was headed by Prof. E. B. Burdick, Principal, with L. C. Allen as Instructor in History, Math, and English Language. Miss Franc Henderson, Preceptress, had the Primary Dept. School District No. 2 was in West Main St. where teacher Ellis Day taught 27 scholars. In 1879 the inhabitants of Dlst. No. 1 agitated the subject of a Union Free School. On June 12th, a meeting of the voters was called and the bal- lots cast showed 32 ayes and 20 noes for and against the establishment of a Union Free School. In October of the same year, land was purchased from Alvah Wood and In the summer of l880 a two-story building was erected. The school had already outgrown the little district school-house and the primaries had been occupying the old Bartlett Shoe Shop. The inhabi- tants were very proud of the new and commodious building. The number of teachers was increased but the school continued ungraded until September, 18814. when Albert D. Howe, as principal and Miss Franc Henderson as assistant, organ- ized a system of grades—nine in all. Later a tenth grade was included and higher studies were introduced. Non-resident students began to enter for grade work. More assistant teachers were employed and in 1887, the tenth grade having completed the course of grade studies was graduated Each member of the class had passed the examinations with honor, and all Whitesville was proud of the first graduating class of the Union Free School. Albert D. Howe continued as principal of the school until 189$, having graduated six classes during his eleven years stay in the school. Miss Henderson continued her work for ten years, having charge of primary, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Ij-th, and 5th grades. Prof. Howe was assisted, too, by Mrs. Carrie Howe, instructor for 12 years. Pupils had been going to Wells- ville to take Regents Examinations until 1895 when our school was admitted to the University of the State of New York. Mainly through the efforts of Dr. M. B. Titus and Prof. Fred C. White, rapid strides of advancement marked the years 1895 and 1896. Our village had always been noted for its good schools--even before the establishment of the Union Free School. Taxpayers of the dis- trict had supported the school with good liberality and the introduction of the State Regents work seemed to be a crowning glory. The number of pupils increased rapidly until it was necessary to either build an addition to the old building or erect a new one. Our progressive community, being aware of future requirements, voted to erect a building which would be comparable to any similar Regents schools in the state. Districts 1 and 2 were united and a fine brick building was erected at the corner of Park Street and Commercial Avenue (Cow Palace Lane) during 1903 at a cost of $7,942 on a site valued at $500. The untiring efforts of J. M. Reed, principal for 5 years, and C. R Miller, principal for 5 years, raised the standard of our school until now it holds an enviable position among the Regents Schools of the State. The Booster, published by the Alleco. Printing Co. in October, 1913 stated: During the school year 1912 to 1913, 154 pupils were enrolled. $525 was appropriated by the State for general school purposes. For maintenance $4045«29 was expended. (cont'd) This entire page is sponsored by ROCKWELL'S STORE, WELLSVILLE

Page 9 text:

HISTORICAL OF OUR TOWN and SCENES SCHOOL FOREWORD The 1962 Wycenian Staff has selected a theme which we hope will be of Interest to all Whitesville residents, both young and old. Portraying this theme, Historical Scenes of Our Town and School, each division is Introduced with early or recent pictures. The unfamiliar pictures of former times have been Identified on page fifty. Because there was such a generous amount of pictures donated for our selection, it was most difficult to eliminate any. However, It was Impossible to use all; so after much consideration, we have chosen the pictures that may be seen on the following pages. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have so kindly loaned these valuable pictures to us, making our theme possible. 5

Page 11 text:

Of this sum $1 1 0 was paid as salary to each of the k teachers. The prin- cipal was paid $850. In 1926 the school building was doubled in size by an addition on the south side. In a letter from Alvin R. Dunbar, principal in 1926-1927 he says, We conducted school that year in the old Grange Hall for a month or so, waiting for the addition to be completed. There were about 150 pupils in the whole school at the time. I remember all the dissension of some of the townspeople when we decided to dedicate the new gymnasium by holding a dance in it. The idea of having a dance in the school was unheard of, but we had many more after that. Steadily the courses offered in the curriculum were increased. Sepa- rate Art and Music Departments were instituted in 1931. The Commercial Department was introduced in 1939, the Agriculture and Homemaking in 1942. We became a centralized school district in 19l 2 including parts of Independence, Willing, and West Union townships. Our modem elementary building was erected on the present location and dedicated in 1950. To this a fine high school addition was added in 1956 so that now in 1962 our 300 pupils enjoy very fine facilities. WCS is indeed a pleasant place in which to spend one's achool days. SOME OP OUR PRINCIPALS 1881 - 1895 Albert D. Howe 1895?- 1896? Tom Stuart 1896 - 1901 James M. Reed 1901 - 1902 Ployd Melvin 1902 - 1907 Carl L. Miller 1907 - Hayes M. Morse Earl L. Dey -I9I3- George E. Brinton -1917- W. G. Collier 1920 Lawrence Nelson 1920 - 1925 Glenn W. Biasdell 1925 - 1926 A. Harold Bagg 1926 - 1927 Alvin Dunbar 1927 - 1931 Jack Lahr 1931 - 1937 Forrest Pratt 1937 - 19 1 Charles G. May 19U1 - 19U6 Robert K. Howe 191 6 - 1950 Llewyn U. Thomas 1950 - 1951 Ray Wilcox 1951 - Edward Brewster FRED C. WHITE PRESIDENT SENDS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Fred C. White received birthday wishes from President John P. Kennedy Dec. 6, 1961 at a surprise party at Sun Inside, Monterey, Mass, marking Mr. White's 90th birthday. In a telegram the President stated: My very best wishes to you on your 90th birthday. May you enjoy happiness on your birthday and for many years to come. About 20 guests honored Mr. White, the elder statesman of the Berkshire Co. Democratic Committee in recog- nition of his untiring work for the Democratic party. Mr. White was principal at Whites- ville at the time the Regents Exams were started here, about 1895-6. Later he taught at Patterson, N. Y. and at Corawall-on-the-Hudson before going to New York City in the early 1900s. His field was American History and Civics. He was Vice-Principal of the Morris High School in the Bronx for several years and at the time of his retirement in 19l l was Acting Principal of the Pox St. Annex of Morris High. During World War II he taught Am. Hist, and Civics in the Navy R0TC pro- gram at Dickinson College at Carlisle, Penna, and stayed there for another year or two after the war. Since then he has lived In retirement at Monterey. He was a graduate of Alfred Uni- versity and did graduate work at Columbia University. He was Albany representative of the New York City Teachers Association many years—a clever lobbyist, according to many members of the Legislature. We are proud to take this oppor- tunity to cite his achievements. 7 This entire page is sponsored by KRAMER'S JEWEILRY AND INSURANCE