Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades - Mechanic Yearbook (Media, PA)

Page 12 text:

THE MECHANIC ISAIAH V. WILLIAMSON

Page 11 text:

J. HARVEY BYERS, 98 President of the VVilliamson Alumni Association To J. Harvey Byers, whose ambition and unceasing efforts, coupled with his benevolent spirit, have always aimed at a greater VVilliamson, we, the Class of l92l, are honored by respectfully dedicating this volume.

Page 13 text:

WILLIAMSON SCHOOL 9 TO gizaialq Hdllillizrmsun ANY persons of large means are philanthropic, but often their philanthropy is not productive of permanent good because they lack the power of foresight. It was not so with Mr. Williamson. He was a man of broad vision, and among other things he saw that the apprentice system in vogue in the mechanical trades was operated more for the advantage of the employer and journey- man than for the instruction of the apprentice. He determined to do all in his power to make it possible for the young mechanic to reap the benefit of his own efforts. With this purpose in view, he drew up his deed of 1888. endowing the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades. The work of the school is to instruct boys in the principles and methods of a number of trades in such a way that the advantage lies entirely with the apprentices. Ever since its founding, the school has been subjected to criticism. However, criticism did not hinder the work that our honored benefactor had started. The school maintained its standards and soon criticism was changed to praise. Mr. Williamson was marked by many admirable characteristics. He loved and desired to aid those in poor circumstances. He had the means at his disposal to carry out his desire and he used his means in an intelligent way. It is our fervent desire that the good work of Williamson may inspire other philanthropists to use their funds in just such a manner. Editor.