Whitesville High School - Wycenian Yearbook (Whitesville, NY)

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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

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To Narda Billings and Vicki Seger, our smiling chums of days gone by, who live in our memories though they have gone ahead into that undiscovered world from whose bourn no travel- er returns we, the class of '62, their classmates, lovingly dedicate our book. DEDICATION 4

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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