Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Early History of the Parent Teacher Association in Pelham


The early history of the organization that we think of today as the Pelham Parents Teachers Association is quite fascinating. The initial predecessor organization was known as the "Mothers' Club of the Pelham Heights SchooL' founded in 1908. According to one account, the initial "constitution" of the organization described its purpose as follows: "To foster closer association of teachers and parents and the promotion of all educational, social, and communal interests in our village."  I have written before about the predecessor organizations that evolved into the Pelham Parents Teachers Association.  See:  Mon., Dec. 25, 2006:  Early Organizations That Evolved Into the Pelham Parents Teachers Association (PTA).  

In the opening days of 1908, the kindergarten teacher at the tiny little school opened by real estate developer Benjamin L. Fairchild to serve a handful of school children who lived in Pelham Heights had an idea.  The teacher's name was Mrs. Moore.  She "realized that she could work more intelligently if she could reach the mothers and freely discuss school questions."  On January 14, 1908, Mrs. Moore held an organizational meeting and formed "The Mothers' Club of the Pelham Heights School."  Mrs. Harry Mulliken was elected the first president of the group.  Mrs. Moore was elected Secretary and Treasurer.

The concept of the club seems to have been modeled on the predecessor organization to today's National Parent Teacher Association.  That predecessor organization was the "National Congress of Mothers" founded by Alice McLellan on February 17, 1897 in Washington, D.C. -- only eleven years before the Mothers' Club of the Peham Heights School was organized.

Only about ten local mothers participated in early meetings of the new Mothers' Club of the Pelham Heights School.  Slowly, however, the group gained traction and grew as the Pelham Heights settlement grew.  In November, 1909, the group expanded its mission to encompass all schools within the Town of Pelham and, thus, changed its name to The Mothers' Club of Pelham.  

The club continued to grow.  It sponsored lectures, in-school art exhibitions, landscaping work at local schools and in local parks, and collaborative projects among Pelham teachers and the women of Pelham.  On October 11, 1911, the club changed its name again to "The Woman's Educational Club of Pelham."

By 1912 the club had grown to ninety members.  That year the club affiliated itself with the Housewives' League.  At about this time the business of the club became so pressing that it adopted a revised Constitution and began meeting twice a month rather than once a month.

Within a short time, the women of the Manor Club invited the Women's Educational Club of Pelham to join them.  According to one account:  "This invitation was at first declined but later accepted and in February 1915 the Women's Educational Club became a section of the Manor Club.  This alliance presented many problems and lasted only a year.  In 1916 the Women's Educational Club was again an independent club.  Another achievement of these active workers was securing the property right of way from Pelhamdale avenue to Siwanoy School."

Under the leadership of Mrs. Charles Bolte, President of the club, in 1923 the club voted to join the National and State Parent-Teacher Association and continues to this day doing its fine work in support of all Pelham school children.



*          *          *          *          * 

"Woman's Educational Club
-----

The success of the Woman's Educational Club of Pelham in its hearty cooperation with the teachers, has made it a helpful medium through which parents and teachers work out the problem they share in common -- the welfare of the child.

In 1908 when the Highbrook School was used for the children of Pelham Heights, there was a teacher, Mrs. Moore, who realized that she could work more intelligently if she could reach the mothers and freely discuss school questions.  Her suggestion to form a Mothers' Club was responded to.  The Mothers' Club was organized on January 14, 1908, and elected Mrs. Harry Mulliken, President, and Mrs. Moore, Secretary and Treasurer.

In reading the minutes of the club during the first year it is interesting to note that all the talks and lectures given at that time emphasized the important impulse in efficient school service -- intelligent co-operation.

It was the key-note upon which the work of the clerk was built and the note which still rings true.

The idea of intelligent co-operation for the better growth of the school was an appeal in such a broad sense to all women that it was deemed advisable to consider a change of name which would be comprehensive enough to embrace every public-spirited woman who saw the importance of school work.  On October 11, 1911, the name of Mothers' Club was changed to 'The Woman's Educational Club of Pelham.'

The history of the club reveals the same struggle and endeavor the individual experiences in attaining his ideal -- days when only faith in the usefulness of such organization saved it from dissolution.  But it has lived through those periods of depression and grown into a vital dominant factor in school affairs.

The work of the club has been broad and varied and through the interest of some of its most active members, talks and lectures by people of large experience have been given.

Mrs. Ashton Johnson, Mrs. Leo Meilziner, Dr. Leonard, Miss Cowing, Mr. Alexander Johnson, Dr. G. R. Pisek, Dr. Jacob R. Street, Mr. Lang and Mrs. McAfee are some of the lecturers who have taken an active interest in this club and contributed largely to its wider outlook.

The programs give accounts of the happy social gatherings -- the May Day tea, in 1911, the hallowe'en dance, tableaux for the school children and stereopticon entertainments.

One of the most thoroughly enjoyed entertainments of the club was the wonderful exhibition of etchings which was given through the courtesy of Frederick Keppel & Co. and attracted many lovers of good pictures.  This exhibition inspired a group of teachers to arrange another exhibition by the Elson Educational Art League, as a result of which some beautiful reproductions are now hanging in the school.

As the school is so closely allied to the interests of the home, a section on Domestic Science was the logical result of the talk given by Mrs. Julian Heath and Domestic Economics.

A discussion of sanitary questions brought to light conditions which were corrected by the concerted action of the committee on Civic Improvement whose work deserves even more than passing praise.  There were only a few women whose sense of civic responsibility actuated them to serve the community in such a generous way, but they won the admiration of the town officials and proved beyond doubt that any nuisance or unsanitary condition can be corrected if dealt with in a tactful, dignified way.

So that the two achievements of which the club may be proud, are the fine work done in connection with the Elson Art Exhibits and the 'clean-up' work by the civic committee.

The direct influence of the Woman's Educational Club on the school is difficult to measure or analyze.  It is safe to say, however, that the organization has brought beautiful pictures into the school, worked wisely with the teachers, encouraged a closer union of home and school interests, and is a great factor in helping to create the happy stimulating atmosphere which pervades our school.

'For the best interest of the school' is and always will be the motto of the Woman's Educational Club of Pelham, which, through its varied interests feel assured that this year work will find happy and willing cooperators and that only when every woman in this community helps in the work, will its ends be best served.

The following is the list of officers through whose diligence and earnest purpose the club has attained its present state of efficiency:

1908 -- President, Mrs. Harry Mulliken; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Moore.

1908-09 -- President, Mrs. Fisher; Vice-President, Mrs. Kingsland; Second Vice-President, Miss Beaudry.

1909-10 -- President, Mrs. Fisher; First Vice-President, Mrs. Kingsland; Second Vice-President, Miss Beaudry; Treasurer, Mrs. Holmes; Secretary, Mrs. Steinbach.

1910-11 -- President, Mrs. Kingsland; First Vice-President, Mrs. Gerry; Second Vice-President, Miss Granger; Treasurer, Mrs. Herndon; Secretary, Mrs. Whitenack.

1911-12 -- President, Mrs. Kingsland; Vice-President, Mrs. Ferguson; Treasurer, Mrs. Lyons; Secretary, Mrs. Whitenack.

1912-13 -- President, Mrs. Burnett; Vice-President, Mrs. Ferguson; Secretary, Mrs. Heath; Treasurer, Mrs. Emerson.

1913-14 -- President, Mrs. Burnett; Vice-President, Mrs. Ferguson; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Warner; Recording Secretary, Miss Beaudry; Treasurer, Mrs. Steward.

ELIZABETH E. GERRY."

Source:  Woman's Educational Club, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1913, p. 8, cols. 6-7.  

"PTA NEWS
-----
The Story of the Parent-Teacher Association in the Pelhams

This is the first in a series of three articles prepared by Mrs. Ben L. Fairchild, historian of the Parent-Teacher Association of the Pelhams, dealing with the history of the organization which is numbered among the most important in the community.

The Parent-Teacher Association of the Pelhams has a membership today of over 1100.  The tiny acorn from which this great oak grew was planted just thirty years ago, when about a dozen women organized on January 14, 1908, The Mothers Club of the Pelham Heights School.  The object of this club was to foster a closer association between parents and teachers.  At the first meeting, Mrs. Harry Mulliken, who now resides in Pelham Manor, was elected President, and Mrs. Moore, the kindergarten teacher in the Highbrook avenue school was the secretary-treasurer.  From the very beginning they were splendidly organized and appreciated that success rested upon the mutual sharing of activities by parents and teachers.  At the second meeting the minutes state a speaker, Miss E. Thornton of New Rochelle, spoke on 'Children's Literature.'  Here began the adult education movement in Pelham.  The club grew rapidly and in June, 1908 they evidently felt the need of increasing the number of officers from two to five, and at the same meeting they elected a program committee.  In October, 1909 the program for the current year was read and the president announced that it had been printed.  In November, 1909 they changed the name to The Mothers Club of Pelham, thus including the other two villages in their organization.

The women who served so faithfully in this pioneer movement may well be proud of their record and achievement.  They surely knew what they wanted and accomplished their desires and we Pelhamites of today are indebted to them for advantages we accept casually.  In reading the minutes of the meetings of this club one must continually look to the top of the page to convince oneself what Pelham women were doing in 1908 not 1938.  This club carried on its 'educational, social and communal interests' until October, 1911 when they became the Women's Educational Club of Pelham.  The president at the time was Mrs. E. Kingsland, who still resides in Pelham Heights.

MRS. BEN L. FAIRCHILD"

Source:  PTA NEWS -- The Story of the Parent-Teacher Association in the Pelhams, The Pelham Sun, Feb. 11, 1938, p. 7, col. 4.  

"PTA NEWS
-----
THE HISTORY OF THE P. T. A.

This is the second in a series of three articles concerned with the history of the P. T. A. in Pelham prepared by Mrs. Ben L. Fairchild, historian of the association.  The first installment appeared last week.

Women's Educational Club

The Women's Educational Club was an organization of which Pelham may well be proud.  The records indicate that the meetings were interesting and instructive as well as social and that the members were active in civic improvements.  In 1912 the club affiliated itself with the Housewives' League.  Mrs. E. F. Burnett was the President at this time.  Membership had grown and ninety are recorded at a meeting instead of ten as formerly.  November, 1912 the revised Constitution was adopted and the club was so active it was found necessary to hold bi-monthly meetings.  The spring of 1913 found them sponsoring a clean-up of Pelham Heights.  Mrs. W. W. Warner was chairman of this committee.  One seeing Pelham Heights today can hardly believe it could have once been in such disorder that 'over fifty cart loads of rubbish had been removed.'  Lots were cleared, and the park property near the station was weeded, planted and generally improved.  A goodly sum was received for this work by contribution and the village paid the balance.  Mrs. Irving Ferguson succeeded Mrs. Burnett.

The Manor Club invited the Women's Educational Club to join them.  This invitation was at first declined but later accepted and in February 1915 the Women's Educational Club became a section of the Manor Club.  This alliance presented many problems and lasted only a year.  In 1916 the Women's Educational Club was again an independent club.  Another achievement of these active workers was securing the property right of way from Pelhamdale avenue to Siwanoy School.

Other presidents were Mrs. Felix Hughes, Mrs. James Longley, Mrs. J. Migel, Mrs. W. H. Rose, and Mrs. Charles Bolte.  Under the leadership of Mrs. Bolte in 1923 the club voted to join the National and State Parent-Teacher Association.

MRS. BEN L. FAIRCHILD,
Historian, P. T. A. of Pelham"

Source:  PTA NEWS -- THE HISTORY OF THE P. T. A., The Pelham Sun, Feb. 18, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 46, p. 7, cols. 1-2.  

"PTA NEWS
-----
THE HISTORY OF THE PELHAM P. T. A.
-----

This is the third and last article in a series of three prepared by Mrs. Ben L. Fairchild, historian of the Pelham Parent-Teacher Association, dealing with the early history of the organization in the Pelhams.

The National Parent-Teacher Association was founded as the National Congress of Mothers in 1897, only eleven years before Pelham women founded our local Parent-Teacher Association at the Mothers' Club of Pelham Heights.  In its early years, Pelham Heights did not have sufficient population to justify the Board of Education supporting a school there.  The only schools in Pelham were the Hutchinson School, and the Jackson Avenue School.  Either was too great a distance away for the children of the Heights, so in about 1900 Mr. Ben. L. Fairchild established in Pelham Heights a free school.

He furnished the house, equipment, supplies and teacher, until the increased population warranted the Board of Education taking over, and building the Highbrook Avenue School, which opened in 1905.  This new local school was dear to the hearts of the women.  They evidently took charge of the building as to maintenance because the minutes give a report of 'Mrs. McGuire, Chairman and Treasurer of Committee in charge of the Highbrook Avenue Building' in which appears such an item as '10 tons coal - $64.00,' as well as salaries to janitors and receipts for rental of hall. 

Also in the minutes one reads that two committees were appointed 'one to investigate a vacuum cleaner, with the idea of having the new school cleaned by that process and the other to see about a piano for the school.'  It was in this school within three years of its opening that the women laid the foundation of an association, the Constitution of which stated its object was 'to foster closer association of teachers and parents, and the promotion of all educational, social and communal interests in our villages.'  The firmness of their foundation can be guaged by the success of the movement.

There has been an unbroken line of service and achievement right through the years.  The annual reports, all on file in the High School, show high aims and purposes with splendid work accomplished.  The changing times brought changing problems but always a steadfast group to carry on.  The Presidents following Mrs. Bolte were Mrs. R. G. Adams, Mrs. C. H. Stewart, Mrs. C. T. Chenery, Mrs. H. Scott, Mrs. F. Anderson, Mrs. M. Hull and at present Mrs. Wm. R. Butler.

Our P. T. A. today still sponsors the welfare of our school children.  It functions under a Board of Directors comprising the President and five executive officers, the Chairman of each School Unit and the Chairman of each Standing Committee.  Each school unit is self-governing.  It has a Chairman and executive officers who are elected annually.  In co-operation with school officials three main projects are sponsored, and from 1933 to 1937 the money appropriated by the P. T. A. to these projects has been:  College Loan Fund, $2,400; Dental Clinics, $3,560; Orthopedics, $800.

The aim of the P. T. A. is that no Pelham child should be deprived of college assistance or dental service.  The association cooperates with the Board of Education in carrying out the health program.  It makes available studies in child psychology, and presents speakers of national reputation to the community.

ELINOR FAIRCHILD,
Historian, P. T. A. of Pelham."

Source:  PTA NEWS -- THE HISTORY OF THE PELHAM P. T. A., The Pelham Sun, Feb. 25, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 47, p. 7, cols. 1-2.  

"WOMEN OF PELHAMS HAD IMPORTANT PART IN PROGRESS OF EDUCATION
-----
Parent-Teacher Association Was Instituted in 1909 as ] by the Mothers' Club; Address by Robert A. Holmes in First Year of Club Shows His Great Education of Pelham Children.
-----

Women of the Pelhams have been deeply interested in matters of education, and the Parent-Teacher Association, which is the representative educational organization of the local school district recognized as one of the outstanding organizations of its kind in Westchester County.  The organization was established in 1909 [sic; actually 1908] when the local school district was in its infancy.

It was first known as the Mothers' Club, and later became the Women's Educational Club.  As the organization broadened its role to include both parents and teachers in the local schools, it became a branch of the national movement known as the Parent-Teacher Association.

Through the courtesy of Mrs. Robert A. Holmes, a former president of the Mother's Club, The Pelham Sun reprints an address made before the Club in 1910 by the late Robert A. Holmes who was president of the Board of Education at the time.  The address shows the great interest of Mr. Holmes in the affairs of the Pelhams and particularly the school district and also is a good ruler on which to judge the ad[illegible] of the local school system.  The address follows:

I accepted gladly your President's kind invitation to speak to you this afternoon because it has been my desire, ever since this group was organized to express to you personally, as a citizen of Pelham and officially as President of the Board of Education, my thanks for the interest you are showing in our public schools and my appreciation of the work which you are doing -- a work which cannot help but be farther reaching in its influence than your imagination or mine can conceive.

There is something peculiarly unsettling -- almost pathetic -- to me in this whole school work.  The guidance of these little minds into the right paths of thinking, learning [illegible] teaching them to recognize, when they come to the parting of the ways, the mile post which will point them toward the good; is a work which may make the strongest and wisest look with suspicion on their fitness for the task.  It is then natural and proper that the interest of the mothers of Pelham in the schools should be awakened and encouraged by such an organization as this, for

'Tis a mother's large affection
Hears with a mysterious sense
Breathings that escape detection,
Whisper faint, and fine inflection
Thrill in her with power intense,
Childhood's honeyed words untaught
Hiveth she in loving thought,
Tones that never thence depart;
For she listens -- with her heart.

In order to bring to any public business its fullest measure of [illegible] a live public interest must be aroused and kept alive -- and to my mind, may be best accomplished in this community through the medium of your club.  I remember one year just before the annual meeting a disturbed citizen came to me and said there was trouble ahead for the School Board.  It was reported that a teacher with whom the Board had had some differences and the results of her work was stirring the people up to come to the meeting and express their views to the members of the Board.  This well meaning informant told me that he was doing all he could to suppress it.

'Don't do that,' I said.  'Help him stir it up.  Anything in the world to get the people out to the annual meeting?'

[Illegible] P. T. Barnum did [illegible]

instilling in the youngster a desire to go to school but on the mother frequently falls the trouble of deciding whether or not it is a nine o'clock headache or whether a visit to the city is of sufficient importance to offset the loss of a day which can never be wholly made up.  The Board receives monthly a report of the attendance of each class in the district and sometimes it is a discouraging one.  I sincerely hope that this club can see its way clear to give to this important question of regular attendance the attention which it emphatically deserves.

'Again there should be cooperation between the parent and the Board of Education.  On the parents, father and mother alike, rests the great responsibility of the selection of men for this office and in them primarily should fall the blame for poor work, if through their neglect or indifference proper selections are not made.  I serve notice on you mothers today that the terms of office of three members of this board expire next August.

'Do not leave the selection of their successors to the chance of the meeting night, I pray you.  Let this mother's club look into the question far enough ahead to pick out the right men and see that they are elected.  You should co-operate with your School Board by holding up their hands when they are doing right and just as sincerely condemning them when they are wrong.  But you have no right to complain if you shirk the duty or ignore the privilege of taking part in their selection.  

'I believe that a great deal could be gained by a personal acquaintance with the men whom you delegate to carry on the school work in this town and the teachers who have charge of your children.  I know that it would do the Board good to know you.  I wish you might arrange some sort of a reception and invite the Board of Education and all of the teachers to meet you.  I want the Board to see for itself the Mother's Club.  I want it to appreciate and take a lively interest in, the work this club is doing.

'I must not impose too long on your patience nor wear out my welcome by too much talk but I do want to say a word about the new school which is soon to be erected.

(Editor's note -- This was the Siwanoy School).

'The bonds have been sold very satisfactorily to bear 4 per cent interest at a total premium of a little under $500.  The architects, a well known firm in New York, have been selected and affairs are shaping themselves rapidly.  We have a beautiful site and when the time comes I shall ask this club to appoint a committee to take under its charge the beautifying of the grounds and the encouragement of the children to keep them beautiful.  In the meantime I should like to have this club see the plans and express their opinion before they are finally accepted.

'I thank you for your courtesy in giving me this opportunity to speak to you and in closing I want to leave with you these words of Walter Savage Landor, which beautifully justify the existence of a Mother's Club.

'Children
Walter Savage Landor
-----

Children are what the mothers are.
No fondest father's care
Can fashion so the infant heart 
As those creative beams that dart, 
With all, their hopes and fears
fears upon
The cradle of a sleeping son.

His startled eyes with wonder see
A father near him on his knee, 
Who wishes all the while to trace
The mother in his future face;
But 'tis to her alone uprise
His wakening arms; to her those eyes
Open with joy and not surprise.'"

Source:  WOMEN OF PELHAMS HAD IMPORTANT PART IN PROGRESS OF EDUCATION -- Parent-Teacher Association Was Instituted in 1909 as ] by the Mothers' Club; Address by Robert A. Holmes in First Year of Club Shows His Great Education of Pelham ChildrenThe Pelham Sun, Jul. 31, 1931, p. 6, cols. 1-2.  


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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The Beginning of the Boy Scout Program in Pelham in 1910, Still Going Strong 104 Years Later


American newspaperman and entrepreneur W.D. Boyce, together with Edward S. Stewart and Stanley D. Willis, incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.  The legend behind the founding of the national Scouting organization is quite charming. 

The original “Boy Scout Association” was established by Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell in Britain in 1908.  According to legend, a short time later while W.D. Boyce was visiting London, he became lost in the fog on a London street.  An unknown scout approached Boyce, asked if he needed assistance, and guided him back to his destination.  When Boyce attempted to tip the young Scout for his trouble, the now famous “Unknown Scout” refused the tip and told Boyce that he was only doing his duty as a Boy Scout.  Boyce was so impressed that he reportedly returned to the United States and founded the Boy Scouts of America four months later.



Cover of The Saturday Evening Post, Sep. 2, 1911
at the Dawn of the Boy Scouts of America.

Pelham embraced the notion of Scouting immediately.  Within months community members began work and organized the first Troop of Boy Scouts in our Town.  Today’s Historic Pelham Blog posting details these efforts, describes the underlying story of the beginning of the Boy Scout program in our town, and transcribes a series of newspaper articles published in 1910 describing the establishment of the Boy Scout program in Pelham.

I have written of the origins of Pelham Scouting before, but have now added to that knowledge base with the materials transcribed below.  To read more about the history of the Boy Scout program in Pelham, see the list of links at the end of today’s posting. 

Excitement Over Scouting Builds and an Organizational Meeting is Held

Only months after the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in February, 1910, excitement about the new program began to grow throughout the nation.  The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America opened in the Fall of 1910.  During that same Fall season, parents, school officials, and church officials in Pelham began to organize Pelham’s own Boy Scout program and local council. 

Although the precise date is unknown, on about October 15, 1910 (the date is described as “two weeks ago” in a story published on October 29, 1910), a group of Pelham citizens met at the home of Mrs. Eugene G. Kremer, a lovely home located at 305 Pelhamdale Avenue that still stands.  A member of the School Board, Robert A. Holmes, presided over the meeting.   


305 Pelhamdale Avenue, the Birthplace of the Boy Scout Program in Pelham.
Was the Residence of Mrs. Eugene G. Kremer in October, 1910
When an Organizational Meeting was Held and a Committee Appointed
The Create the Boy Scout Program in Pelham.
Photo by the Author, 2007.

The purpose of the meeting was to formalize efforts to organize and official Boy Scout program in the Town of Pelham.  Informal efforts had already been underway for weeks.  It seems that most of the initial organizational effort came from residents of Pelham Heights (then known as the Village of North Pelham).  That neighborhood had collected expressions of interest from local boys and had even collected raised enough money from local residents and parents to get the organization started.  As one report put it, by the time of the organizational meeting:  “[a] number of boys have joined the movement and several representative citizens of the Heights have furnished a guaranty which assures the establishment of the Scouts and enables the committee to invite members from all Pelhams.” 

At this organizational meeting, those present decided to appoint a committee described as the “Managing Committee of the Pelham Boy Scouts” to organize the Pelham Boy Scout program formally.  The committee chose Mrs. James F. Secor, the wife of another School Board member and a woman active in the local Manor Club as well as a wide variety of Pelham community affairs, to chair the new committee.  John Butler of Pelham Heights agreed to serve as treasurer of the program. 

The local School Board was closely involved in the organizational efforts.  In addition to the presence of two of its members on the organizational committee, the School Board created its own committee to work with the Managing Committee of the Pelham Boy Scouts.  The School Board also agreed to allow the Boy Scout program to use the elementary school on Highbrook Avenue as a meeting place and to install “modern gymnastic apparatus” in that school. 

The mission statement of the new program was brief, but forceful:

“The leading objects of the Boy Scouts are:  Recreation, camp fire camp life, self-government, woodcraft pursuits, honors by standards, personal decorations for personal achievements and a heroic ideal.  It gives physical health and development; it teaches energy, resourcefulness and handicrafts, it puts into the lad discipline, pluck, chivalry and patriotism; in a word, it develops 'character,' which is more essential than anything else to a lad making his way in life, and which is yet practically untaught in our schools.”

The newly-created Managing Committee of the Pelham Boy Scouts solicited “the assistance of all citizens of our beautiful villages in this movement to make the boys of the Pelhams capable men, good citizens and kind friends and brothers.”  It further designated Mrs. John Byers of 246 Corona Avenue and Mrs. Eugene G. Kremer of 305 Pelhamdale Avenue to receive applicants for membership.

A Permanent Organization is Created

Only two weeks after the organizational meeting, the plan to formalize a Boy Scout program had been fully implemented.  By November 11, 1910, a local Boy Scout Council had been created.  Captain Daniel Delehanty, U.S.N retired, was elected President of the Council.  Captain Delehanty was a longtime resident of Pelham who was married to Nannie M. Washington Delehanty.  The couple were members of St. Catharine’s.  Captain Delehanty worked with the Council for the next few years, but died on February 2, 1918.  See DIED . . . DELEHANTY, N.Y. Times, Feb. 3, 1918. 

By the time the Council was formed, Pelham clergy were closely involved in the organization as well.  According to a headline in the local newspaper that appeared on November 11, 1910, “much interest” had been “aroused” in the Town.  Indeed, the same report noted that the “modern gymnastic apparatus” that the Scout organization had promised had already been ordered and would be installed soon in the  Highbrook Avenue School where the Scouts would hold their meetings.

The Council announced that on the evening of Monday, November 14, 1910, it planned to hold a meeting at the Highbrook Avenue School at which all interested Pelham residents would be welcome.  At that meeting, John L. Alexander, General Secretary of the Boy Scouts of America, would address the gathering and answer questions about the Boy Scout program.  John L. Alexander was a lifelong worker with boys who later served as the Superintendent of the Teen Age Division of the National Sunday School Association.  He was the author of several works on teen age boys and the problems they face.  He came to the United States from Scotland and was considered a visionary.  In addition to being the first General Secretary of the Boy Scouts of America, he directed boys’ work at the Philadelphia YMCA, and was a founder and the first Executive Director of the American Youth Foundation.  He served as the Executive Director of AYF from 1925 until his death in 1932. 

The General Secretary of the Boy Scouts of America Meets with Pelham Residents

On November 14, 1910, John L. Alexander gave a rousing address about the benefits of Scouting to a large audience of Pelham residents.  The meeting was attended by a host of Pelham luminaries including Captain Daniel Delehanty, John Butler, Eugene Kremer, Rev. Lewis Gaston Leary (pastor of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church), Rev. Donald MacKay (pastor of the Church of the Covenant, Congregational), Seth T. Lyman (owner of Lyman’s Drugstore), William R. Montgomery (later, Town Historian), local physicians John Byers and Augustine C. McGuire (who also served as President of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the First District Fire Department), and many others. 

Mr. Delehanty spoke of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America and then-current theories for improving the development and growth of adolescent boys.  He next “delved in detail into the practical working of the plan and was listened to with close attention.”  According to one report, “[t]he applause was abundant and frequent.” 

Success

These Pelham residents – true visionaries – as well as the School Board and local clergy could never have known the positive impact their hard work subsequently would have on the lives of thousands of Pelham boys who joined the local Boy Scout program over the next hundred years.  By the 1950’s virtually every boy in the Town of Pelham was a member of one of numerous Boy Scout Troops that served the area’s youth.

The tradition continues.  Pelham has a single, large Boy Scout Troop (Troop 1, Pelham) that was formed in 1915 (some sources suggest 1916) and will celebrate its centennial soon.  Troop 1 is what is known as a “high adventure” troop that trains its Scouts in scuba diving, ice climbing, snow shoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, dog sledding, horseback riding, caving, camping, hiking, competitive orienteering, and much, much more.  The Troop has made multiple 12-day treks within the boundaries of the Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of northeastern New Mexico.  The Troop has been ably led for more than a decade by Ralph Mirra, Scoutmaster.

The Troop has a Web site located at:  http://trooponepelham.com/index.html.


Troop 1, Pelham
Patch for Scout Uniform.

"ORGANIZATION OF BOY SCOUTS
-----
INTENDED TO DEVELOP CHARACTER IN YOUTH AND MAKE FOR GOOD CITIZENSHIP. - ALL THE PELHAMS INVITED TO JOIN.
-----

At a meeting held two weeks ago at the residence of Mrs. Eugene G. Kremer, in Pelhamdale avenue, Pelham Heights, Mr. Robert Holmes presiding, a temporary organization of the Pelham Boy Scouts was effected by the appointment of a committee, with Mrs. James F. Secor as chairman.

A number of boys have joined in the movement and several representative citizens of the Heights have furnished a guaranty which assures the establishment of the Scouts and enables the committee to invite members from all the Pelhams. Mr. John Butler has consented to act as treasurer.

The School Board has appointed a committee to co-operate with the managing committee of the Pelham Boy Scouts and has made arrangements to alow [sic] the use of the Highbrook Avenue School House and to permit the installation therein of modern gymnastic apparatus. Active steps are being taken to secure the necessary funds for this purpose. Contributions may be sent to Mr. John Butler, Treasurer, Pelham Heights.

The leading objects of the Boy Scouts are: Recreation, camp fire camp life, self-government, woodcraft pursuits, honors by standards, personal decorations for personal achievements and a heroic ideal.

It gives physical health and development; it teaches energy, resourcefulness and handicrafts, it puts into the lad discipline, pluck, chivalry and patriotism; in a word, it develops 'character,' which is more essential than anything else to a lad making his way in life, and which is yet practically untaught in our schools.

The committee will welcome the assistance of all citizens of our beautiful villages in this movement to make the boys of the Pelhams capable men, good citizens and kind friends and brothers.

Applications for membership may be addressed to Mrs. John Byers, 246 Corona avenue, and Mrs. Eugene G. Kremer, 305 Pelhamdale avenue, Pelham."

Source: Organization of Boy Scouts, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 30, Oct. 29, 1910, p. 1, col. 2.

BOY SCOUTS FORM COUNCIL
----
CAPT. DANIEL DELEHANTY MADE PRESIDENT – MUCH INTEREST AROUSED – BOARD OF EDUCATION LENDING A HELPING HAND.
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A permanent organization of the Boy Scouts of Pelham has now been effected.  Capt. Daniel Delehanty, U.S.N., retired, is president of the Council, which includes in its membership the clergy and many of our patriotic townspeople. 

It is hoped and expected that every citizen will lend his sympathetic interest and active co-operation to this inspiring work.  Therefore invitation has been extended to the citizens to attend a meeting on Monday night next (November 14th) at eight o’clock, at the school house, Highbrook avenue, near the Boulevard, Pelham, to confer with the members of the Council.

John L. Alexander, General Secretary of the Boy Scouts of America, will address the meeting and will answer questions as to the scope of the movement and its practical working.

The Boy Scouts is not opposed to existing organizations; it is not sectarian; it is not military and does not depend on drill.  It is educational; stands for good citizenship; engages in peace-scouting activities and is character-building through well-defined altruistic effort.

The aim of the Boy Scouts is to supplement the various existing educational agencies and to promote the ability in boys to do things for themselves and others.  The method is summed up in the term ‘Scout-craft’ and is a combination of observation, deduction and handiness – or the ability to do.  Scout craft consists of First Aid, Life Saving, Tracking, Signaling, Cycling, Nature Study, Seamanship, and other instruction.

This is accomplished in games and team play and is pleasure, not work, for the boy.  The only one equipment it needs is the out-of-doors, a group of boys and a leader.

The School Board has kindly made arrangements to allow the use of a room in the Highbrook Avenue School Building as a meeting place on inclement days when out-door work is irksome, and a gymnasium has been ordered and will be installed soon. 

All the funds required have been subscribed.”

Source:  BOY SCOUTS FORM COUNCIL, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 32, Nov. 12, 1910, p. 1, col. 6.

BOY SCOUTS IDEA EXPLAINED
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INTERESTING MEETING ON MONDAY NIGHT AT PELHAM SCHOOL HOUSE – EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS OF LOCAL MOVEMENT – MANY PRESENT.
-----

The appearance of the Jubilee Singers at the Manor Club and official meetings of the Town Officers last Monday night did not prevent a considerable attendance of prominent citizens at the Highbrook Avenue School House to hear Mr. John L. Alexander tell about the Boy Scouts in this country and in England.  Mr. Alexander has a pleasing and forceful personality and an intimate and persuasive eloquence.  He showed that it was possible to analyze the character of a man because that had reached the fullness of its development, but that it is no more possible to do the same as far as a child’s character is concerned than it is to analyze a bud or embryo.  He led his hearers by easy steps to agree with him that the development of the child is in miniature a copy of the development of the race and that true education must recognize this development and use it.  He showed that at the age of twelve the boy reaches the imaginative period equivalent to the development of man of the age of chivalry and that the Boy Scouts idea is based upon scientific principles in following this theory of development.  He said that the Scout’s oath was an adaptation of the knightly oath, when the knight placed his hands between those of the king and swore to accept the king’s conscience as his own and placed his conscience in the keeping of the king.  The Scout neophyte (the ‘tenderfoot’) is equivalent to the page of the olden time.  The second class scout is equivalent to the esquire, and the scout is the knight of old.  His ideal was truth, protection and courtesy to the oppressed particularly to women.  He was taught manners in his relations to women as page.  His principal duty was service to all those and to the king and this according to the speaker is the key-note of the Boy Scouts movement:  service to others and to the nation and hence patriotism.

The speaker’s method of illustration is shown by his story of the widowed mother of whose two sons, one a strapping six footer, kept the roof over his mother’s head and furnished the entire support of the family while the other was a poor helpless cripple, upon whom she lavished her unwearying care and affection; being asked which of the two she loved the more, she said:  ‘I love Tom.  He is a fine fellow, keeps the roof over our head, and gives us all we have to eat and wear.  He is very kind and is a good boy and I love him.  But, there is Willie there, I take care of him every day.  I think I love him a litte more than I do Tom.’

This shows, he said, that in order to make the big love the institution or his birthplace he must do something for it.  He must work for it, not it for him; and he told with much impressiveness of a number of young men who were his boys, from whom he received a loving cup only recently and whom he met every year at Christmas to renew old friendships. 

He gave the credit for the chivalric conception of the ‘Scouts’ to General Baden Powell, while not omitting to express appreciation of the work done by Americans such as Seton-Thompson and Dan Beard.

Mr. Alexander then delved in detail into the practical working of the plan and was listened to with close attention.  The applause was abundant and frequent. 

Captain Daniel Delehanty, U.S.N., retired, presided. 

The meeting was called to order by Mr. John Butler of Corlies avenue.

Mr. Eugene Kremer addressed the meeting in a few earnest words urging co-operation and united action in support of the movement. 

The Rev. Lewis G. Leary expressed in well chosen words his approval of the plan and his desire to help in its development.  Mr. John Butler read the treasurer’s report showing adequate financial resources and a guaranty against possible deficiencies.

Among others there were present:  Rev. Donald Mackay, Major John Weiss, U.B.B.A.; Captain Beech, U.S.N., retired; Messrs. Robert A. Holmes, James F. Secor, A.G.C. Fletcher, Seth T. Lyman, Wm. R. Montgomery, Edmund Seymour, Doctor John Byers, Doctor McGuire, Harry B. Milliken, Mrs. Butler, Miss Butler and Mrs. Delehanty.”

Source:  BOY SCOUTS IDEA EXPLAINED, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 33, Nov. 19, 1910, p. 1, col. 6.

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As noted above, I have written about the origins of Scouting in the Town of Pelham before as well as the history of the Scouting program in our Town.  For a few examples, see: 



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Monday, March 10, 2014

Dedication of Pelham's New High School in 1911, Now Known as Siwanoy Elementary School


Not long after the turn of the Twentieth Century, the population of the Town of Pelham began to explode.  In 1900, the population of the Town was 1,571.  In 1905, the population had reached 1,841.  By 1910, the population had grown to 2,998 -- nearly doubling over a ten-year period.  With the expanded population came expanded needs for young scholars in the Town.

Pelham, however, did not have its own high school.  The Pelham public school system offered only eight grades of study.  It sent its young scholars who wished to continue their education to the high schools of other communities such as Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.  The time was ripe.  The need was great.  The citizens of Pelham and their Board of Education stepped up and created the "Pelham High School, and Siwanoy Grammar School."  The school building they built we know today as Siwanoy Elementary School located at 489 Siwanoy Place in the Village of Pelham Manor.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog sets forth a brief history of the efforts to develop, design and open the new high school.  I have included as "research notes" at the end of this posting transcriptions of various articles used as sources in preparing this posting.  



Undated Post Card View of Pelham High School
with Notation:  "Pelham High School, Pelham, N.Y."

As the population of the Town of Pelham burgeoned in the first decade of the Twentieth Century, the Board of Education realized that an additional public school facility capable of housing high school classes was needed.  On August 11, 1908, the Board of Education passed a resolution calling for a November 13 vote by taxpayers on a proposition to purchase one of three possible sites and to issue bonds to pay for the land and erection of a high school building.

Pelham taxpayers approved the proposition and authorized their Board of Education to purchase the site on which the school no stands and to issue $70,000.00 in bonds ($20,000.00 to pay for the land and $50,000.00 for the building).  The Board promptly acquired the land and began working toward construction of the building overseen principally by Board member James F. Secor who served as chairman of the Board's "Building Committee."

With the guidance of Mr. Secor and his committee, the Board engaged the architectural firm of York & Sawyer to design the structure.  Edward York (1863-1928) and Philip Sawyer (1868-1949) both trained with the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White and established their own firm in 1898.  They were known as specialists in the design of banks and hospitals.  

Among the many structures they designed were the New-York Historical Society, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (33 Liberty Street in the Financial District), the U.S. Department of Commerce in Federal Triangle (Washington, D.C.), the Brick Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, the Pershing Square Building, 860 Park Avenue, Rockefeller Hall of Vassar College, American Security and Trust Building in Washington, D.C., the Law Quadrangle at the University of Michigan, the U.S. Assay Office Building in the Manhattan Financial District, the Bowery Savings Bank on E. 42nd Street in Manhattan, and many, many other well-known buildings.  

By the summer of 1909, the School Board chose, and contracted with, general contractors.  The Board chose Smith Brothers, the lowest bidders.  Smith Brothers was located in the Village of North Pelham.  Yet, at the time, the firm was widely-respected and certainly a very experienced firm, quite capable of handling a project of this size, much less one far larger.   

The site chosen for the new school building was centrally located to serve young scholars from all three villages:  the Village of Pelham Manor, the Village of Pelham and the Village of North Pelham.  Only a few homes were situated near the site at the time of construction.

The initial work proceeded quickly.  The School Board became so confident of success that, only weeks later, on October 23, 1909, the Board of Education celebrated with the entire Town of Pelham and laid the cornerstone of the building "with appropriate exercises."  Officials left a time capsule for future Pelhamites.  According to one report:

"[i]n a copper box which rests, securely cemented, in a massive stone in the foundation of this building are placed records concerning this school house and the other interests of our town which will show to our descendants unto as many generations as this structure shall stand that they have reason for pride in their forbears and that the fathers and mothers of this time made wise provision for the teeming thousands who shall follow us."



"Pelham High School and Siwanoy Grammar School (Pelham Manor)"
Source:  Interesting Articles on the Schools in Pelham Town,
The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1913, p. 5, col. 2.


Undated Photograph Showing Pelham High School
in About 1916.

One year later, in October, 1910, the School District was feeling the pain of growing school population.  It decided that the building was so near completion that it could be "opened informally" in an effort to ease apparent (to this author) over crowding.  Raised wooden sidewalks extended to the streets surrounding the school.   When opened, the new high school building, known as "Pelham High School and Siwanoy Grammar School," consisted of only the current central portion of the structure that stands today.   

According to a brief history of the school:

"Accounts of the first term's enrollment for the high school varies from one or two students up to 28.  They were assigned to desks in the assembly hall and were taught by the new principal, Mr. Carmichael, who was later aided by new teachers.  In planning for the new high school, a space to teach domestic science was highly anticipated.  ' . . . One would be rash to deny the importance of this study in food values and food preparation being given to every girl aboe the 7th grade,' said Supervising Principal Harry w. Rockwell."

Source:  Siwanoy School, available at http://siwanoy.pelhamschools.org/www/siwanoy_pelhamschools/site/hosting/angela/History%20of%20Siwanoy.pdf (visited Mar. 10, 2014).

York & Sawyer received professional fees for their architectural work of $2,762.03.  That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of $65,000.00 in today's dollars.  

The general contractor, Smith Brothers, received $42,062.70.  That would be the massive amount of nearly $994,000 in today's dollars.  

The HVAC experts were Osborn, Ray & Company.  They were paid $7,069.00 for "heating and ventilating" work.  That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of $167,000 in today's dollars.  

The total cost of the land and the completion of the building was calculated as $74,893.73.  That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of $1,800,000.00 in today's dollars.  The final cost of the construction of the building, however, was about $1,900.00 over the original $50,000.00 authorized by taxpayers.  (That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of being about $45,000.00 over the original $1,181,000 authorized by taxpayers, in today's dollars -- about a 3.8% cost overrun.)  

On Friday, February 17, 1911, the community unveiled its new high school in dedication exercises led by the chairman of the Board of Education, Robert A. Holmes.  Despite poor weather, a large crowd showed up for the ceremonies.  

By 1918, it was apparent that the explosive growth of the local population required an even larger central high school.  Indeed: 

"[b]y 1918, combined enrollment in all of the grammar schools was up to 1,000 students and 167 were enrolled in the high school.  A separate high school building became necessary.  In the next ten years, two wings were added to Siwanoy to accommodate the further increase in grammar school students."

Source:  Siwanoy School, available at http://siwanoy.pelhamschools.org/www/siwanoy_pelhamschools/site/hosting/angela/History%20of%20Siwanoy.pdf (visited Mar. 10, 2014).

Once again, the Board of Education as well as the Town of Pelham and her citizens rose to the occasion.  After years of work, on May 6, 1922, "Memorial High School" opened a short distance away from Siwanoy.  The building commemorated those who fought and died during World War I and the ideals for which they fought.  The new high school was described as "the last word in school buildings" and was the biggest high school with the largest recreational field in Westchester County.  The original Pelham Memorial High School structure, since updated and expanded on numerous occasions, cost $373,000.00 to build (the equivalent of roughly  $5.2 million in today's dollars).

*     *     *     *

Research Notes Regarding Opening of New High school in 1911

"DEDICATION OF NEW SCHOOL
-----
ON FRIDAY BEAUTIFUL AND IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES ARE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT NEW HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
-----

The dedication exercises of the new school in the town will take place at 8 o'clock on Friday evening, February 17.  A large attendance is expected and the ceremonies as scheduled promise to be of the greatest interest to all interested in educational matters.

The chairman of the Board of Education, Mr. Robert A. Holmes, will be in command of the proceedings and the celebrated tenor singer, Willis E. Bacheller, formerly a member of the local School Board, is expected to add to the enjoyment of the occasion by rendering several appropriate songs.  

The Rev. Dr. Leary, of Pelham Manor, will deliver the address of the evening, while the Revs. Francis McNichol and H.H. Brown are expected to be present and take an active part in the ceremonies.  

Mr. James F. Secor, who is chairman of the Building Committee of the Board of Education, and upon whom has devolved the actual work of supervising the construction of the magnificent new school building, will render a report on behalf of the committee.  

The Grand Army of the Republic is to be represented by Mr. John T. Logan, who will present a flag to the school on behalf of the Grand Army.  

Of course, the school children from all the schools of the town will be in attendance and the occasion will doubtless bring out a very large number of the parents and citizens generally of the town.

The Board of Education is looking forward to Friday night with a great deal of pleasure, anticipating one of the most enjoyable and profitable educational meetings ever held in our town."  

Source:  Dedication of New School, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 45, Feb. 11, 1911, p. 1, col. 1.  

"DEDICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL
-----
TAKES PLACE WITH IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES-A LARGE CROWD ADMIRES THE NEW BUILDING. - INTERESTING ADDRESSES MADE.
-----

Although the weather was uninviting, the townspeople betook themselves in large numbers to the new High School building in Pelham last night to witness the dedication of the same.  

The main assembly room was beautifully decorated.  After a prayer by Rev. H.H. Brown, the school children sang a song with praise worthy precision and earnestness.  

The chairman of the building committee, Mr. James F. Secor, then read the report of that committee as follows:

Your Committee have to report that on August 11, 1908, a resolution was passed by the Board calling a special meeting of the District to be held on November 13th, 1908, to vote on a proposition to purchase one of three sites to be submitted and to issue bonds to pay for the land and erection of a High School building.  

At that meeting the present site was decided upon and the Board was instructed to purchase the same and to issue $70,000 in bonds, $20,000 to pay for the land and $50,000 for the building.  

These instructions the Board carried out by purchasing the land at a cost of $20,000 and issuing and selling the $70,000 of bonds.  They then proceeded to arrange for the construction of the building. . . .

The problem of moving the Pelham school to the new site was seriously considered, and the Committee and Board taking into account the cost to remedy, and repair and adopt to the new part, concluded it would be to the best interest of the District to leave the building at its present site, as in a few years it will probably be required as an additional school.  It is now being used as a gymnasium for the scholars of the District.  By this action, the District has a property that would cost at least $25,000 to replace, that can be utilized at any time it may seem necessary.  

The contracts were let in the early summer of 1909 to Messrs. Smith Brothers after competitive bids had been received, they being the lowest bidders for the general work, and to Messrs. Osborn, Ray & Company for the heating and ventilating work, they being the lowest bidders.

On October 23rd, 1909, the work had advanced so far that the cornerstone was laid with appropriate exercises.  In October, 1910, the building being so near completion, the school was opened informally.  

The cost of the building and land is as follows:

Purchase of present site $20,000.00
General contract Messrs Smith Bros $42,062.70
Heating and ventilating, Osborn, Ray & Company 7,069.00
Architects fees, Messrs York & Sawyer 2,762.03

Total cost of building 54,893.73

Total cost of land and building . . . . $74,893.73

You will see that the cost of the building is some $1,900 over the $50,000 originally authorized, but by the subsequent action of a District meeting, the Board was authorized to complete this building and build an addition to the North Pelham school.  The details of this will appear in the yearly report in August next.

In the death of one of our members, Mr. Walter A. Seymour, the committee suffered a great loss.  Mr. Seymour was a conscientious worker and a most valued associate and the Committee deeply regrets that he could not have been spared to see with them the completion of the building.  

With this brief report of our work, Mr. President, the Building Committee takes great pleasure in stating to the Board that the Pelham High School is now completed and we hereby place in your hands the key to the building.  

President Holmes' Acceptance.

The President of the Board of Education, Mr. Robert A. Holmes, in his address of acceptance said:

In the name of the Board of Education, representing the people of Union Free School District Number One, Town of Pelham.  I accept this building and dedicate it to the cause of learning, to the advancement of civilization and to the furtherance of the best interests of this community.  I accept it as a splendid evidence of the enlightened public spirit of this town whose citizens, in providing for it have cheerfully laid upon themselves an obligation which cannot but require some measure of self sacrifice.  In a copper box which rests, securely cemented, in a massive stone in the foundation of this building are placed records concerning this school house and the other interests of our town which will show to our descendants 

(Continued on third page)

DEDICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL 
-----
(Continued from first page)

unto as many generations as this structure shall stand that they have reason for pride in their forbears and that the fathers and mothers of this time made wise provision for the teeming thousands who shall follow us.  

The chairman of the Building Committee has told you something of the more obvious features concerning the physical structure of this school, but the building of a schoolhouse was not all that was involved in this enterprise.  The consolidation of the two grammar schools in this portion of the town and the providing of high school facilities for our more advanced pupils assured for this district an institution where its children could be carried from earliest Kindergarten days through the primary and grammar grades into and through the high school classes and turned out prepared to enter college or university.  

I have said, advisedly, "carried through" [sic] and "turned out" because that seems to represent to an unfortunate extent the idea which prevails regarding the province of our public school system.  I sincerely trust that the policy of this institution may be to lead rather than to carry, to inspire rather than to force.  If our children could be so led and so inspired that there would be awakened in them a wise curiosity and a trained desire for knowledge the results, in my opinion, would vastly exceed those accomplished by packing the child's head full of undigested facts and figures and more or less unrelated and practically useless information.  The greatest question in the world is 'Why?' and we can require our children to ask this question and then train them that they may know where to seek for themselves the answer, we have solved the problem of the intellectual preparation for the battle of life.  Our duty, either as private citizens or as a Board of Education, must [illegible] to the intellectual welfare of the little ones whom God has placed in our charge.  One thought must surely extend to the physical and mental well being of the bodies and souls of these children and, if we would, we cannot do our whole duty of developing the intellectual side [illegible] we wholly neglect [illegible] the physical or mental.  

The problem [illegible] of the state law in providing for the safety [illegible] and health of those who shall [illegible] Not a single hitch has marred the progress of this building.  I [leave it to those of you who have had experience with lawyers to [illegible] 

May this building with its sturdy foundation, its firm walls, its honest construction, its safety and convenience of arrangement and its and its graces of architecture be typical of the manhood and womanhood which shall be built, strengthened, equipped and ornamented within its confines and sent forth from its doors to bear a worthy part in the great world, a part which shall reflect credit upon faithful work of faculty, Board of Education and the citizens of the town of Pelham.

Next in order on the program came a solo rendered by Mr. Freeman Wright, who was heartily applauded.  

Rev. L.G. Leary spoke upon the usefulness of school tuition and dwelt upon the idea that the object of the children in going to school was to learn to learn.

Flag Presented.

Mr. John T. Logan now arose and introduced Capt. England, Commander of W.S. Hancock, G.A.R.  The Captain in a speech full of humorous allusions as well as of serious patriotism, presented a flag to the school on behalf of his Post, but actually a present from Mr. Logan.

Principal J. F. Carmichael explained the classes in the High School and said that next year they hoped to have thirty scholars in the High School classes.

The children sang 'America,' whereupon Rev. Frances McNichol offered benediction and the ceremonies came to a close.  

The people hungered, however, for some time and made an inspection of the classrooms, halls, library, etc.

The consensus of opinion seemed to be that for a town of its size, Pelham certainly has fine and up to date schools."

Source:  Dedication of New High School, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 46, Feb. 18, 1911, p. 1, col. 4 & p. 3, cols. 4-5. 

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