Clearfield County PA Archives - Education - The Schools of Clearfield Town and Borough, Clearfield, Pa. Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Ellis Michaels, , Jan 2011 Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/ ________________________________________________ http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield.txt Project may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/schools-clearfield.htm *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/schools-clearfield.htm The Schools of Clearfield Town and Borough Clearfield, Pa. by J. Frank Snyder Raftsman's Journal Clearfield, PA 1917 *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/01.htm Page 1 Clearfield School History [From Raftsman's Journal, April 18, 1917.] The dedication on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 10th, 11th and 12th, 1917, of the Clearfield High School building marked an important epoch in the development of the educational institutions of this borough. Clearfield county was erected March 26th, 1804, by an act of the Legislature. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, Roland Curtin, Robert Boggs and William Tate were appointed trustees of Clearfield county to "receive proposals in writing * * for the grant or conveyance of any lands * * for fixing the place for holding Courts of Justice * * or the transfer of any other property or payment of money for the use of said" county, etc. Among the proposals submitted to these trustees was one dated Conestoga, Jan. 18, 1805, from. Abraham Witmer, reciting his ownership of three tracts of land on the West Branch of the Susquehanna in Clearfield county, and proposing that "should Either of these Tracts be Deemed Eligible for the county Town, to give 250 acres to be laid off into Town Lots and out lots in Such Manner as may be Desired by the Proper authoritye, one-fourth Part of Neat Proceeds of Sales for the Erection of public Buildings, one-fourth for the Endowment of an Academy in the contemplated Town" *** This proposal was transmitted to the Legislature by the trustees together with the other proposals received by them. Attempts were made to get the Legislature to locate the Seat of Justice upon the land of this or that particular owner. These efforts failed, but resulted in the passage of the Act of April 4, 1805, by virtue of which Governor McKean appointed Roland Curtin, John Fleming and James Smith commissioners "to view and determine the most eligible and proper situation for the Seat of Justice and public buildings for the county of Clearfield." These commissioners reported that they "do find that the old town of Chincleclamouse in said County (the property of Abraham Witmer, of the Township of Lancaster, in the County of Lancaster and Com- *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/02.htm Page 2 monwealth of Pennsylvania) situated on the south side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, in said County aforesaid, is the most eligible and proper situation for the seat of Justice and public buildings in the said County; and we have laid out said town (a plan of which is attached to the report), and we do further report that we have received from said Abraham Witmer his bond, which is hereto annexed for the conveyance of certain lots and the payment of certain money at the time and for the purpose therein mentioned." The plan attached to the report included the territory now part of the borough of Clearfield, bounded on the west by the river, on the south by Walnut street, on the east by Fourth street and on the north by Pine street. On this plan three lots, numbers 162, 177 and 178, located at the northwestern corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, are marked "Academy Lots." "Clearfield county was named after Clearfield creek." (Morse American Gazateer, 1810) and the Seat of Justice was now named Clearfield, after the county of which it was to become the capital town. On November 5, 1805, Abraham Witmer gave his bond to the commissioners mentioned above, for $10,000, conditioned, among other things, as follows: " And the said Abraham Witmer further agrees and engages to give his bond, or other security, as may be required, to such persons as may be authorized to receive the same for the payment of $3000 on the first of May, which will be in the year of our Lord 1812, one-half thereof to be applied for the use of an academy or public schools in said town." *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/02-1mage.htm [image] Clearfield Academy *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/03.htm Page 3 Clearfield Academy. On February 12, 1827, an Act was approved in which it was enacted: " That there shall be, and hereby is, established in the town of Clearfield, in the County of Clearfield, an academy for the education of youth in the useful arts, sciences and literature, by the name and style of 'The Clearfield Academy.' " The Act makes the following appropriation: " Section 7. That the sum of two thousand dollars be and the same is hereby granted * * *to the trustees of the Clearfield Academy * * * one thousand dollars thereof to enable them to erect suitable buildings for said academy or to be otherwise applied under their direction in such manner as they shall believe most advantageous for promoting the object of said institution, and the remaining one thousand dollars shall be placed in some safe, productive fund or funds, and the income thereof shall be forever applied in aid. of other revenues, to compensate a teacher or teachers in said academy." * * * The trustees named in the incorporating Act were Alexander Reid [Reed] Moses Boggs, Reuben Winslow, John Kylor, Martin Nichols, John P. Hoyt, James Ferguson, Elisha Fenton and William McNall [McNaul]. The trustees obtained title February 7th, 1829, to lots numbers 31 and 32, situate on Front street adjoining the St. Andrew 's Episcopal church property, and erected the Clearfield Academy thereon. The structure was built by Isaac Southard and Samuel Merrell, and was completed in time for the session of school for the winter of 1830 and 1831. The contract price for the building of the Academy was the sum of $2,375. On June 15th, 1830, the commissioners of Clearfield county conveyed the lots numbers 162, 177 and 178, donated by Mr. Witmer, to the trustees of the Clearfield Academy, who, on the 26th day of June, 1830, conveyed the same to Jacob Irvin for $40, 12½, they were afterwards used by William Jones as a brickyard and later by M. Shirk as an annex to his tannery, and they are now covered by private residences. Mr. Witmer defaulted in the payment of his bond and died. An action was brought by Roland Curtin, surviving trustee, for use of Clearfield Academy in the Common Pleas of Dauphin county, against John Groff, administrator d. b n., of Mr. Witmer 's estate, for recovery of the unpaid balance due under the above recited bond, and on August 28th, 1835, the plaintiff recovered a ½erdict for $1,270.12½, damages .06, costs .06. On the trial of this action the defense set up was, "that the public buildings were not located on the lots contemplated by Abraham Witmer when he gave the bond in question, " it did not prevail. The $1,500, realized on Mr. Witmer 's bond, the $40.12½ received on sale of the three lots donated by Mr. Witmer, together with the $2,000 appropriated by the state are the financial cornerstones upon which Clearfield's first education institution was founded. One of the requirements of the Act *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/04.htm Page 4 incorporating the Clearfield Academy was, "and there shall be admitted into said academy any number of poor children who may, at any time, be offered in order to be taught gratis; provided also, the number so admitted and taught shall, at no time, be greater than five, and that none of said children shall continue to be taught gratis in said academy longer than two years." The academy opened its doors in the fall of 1830 with the late A. T. Schryver as its principal. Until the " general system of education by common schools" was adopted on April 1, 1834, the Academy was the only institution within the limits of the present borough in which the children of the poor were to be taught free—and then but five of them were to be so taught every' two years. Clearfield town was a part of Lawrence township until 1840, and the common schools of that township, which the children of the town attended were, during the time between 1834 and 1840, held in the Academy, and from 1840 (the year in which the town of Clearfield became an incorporated borough) until 1852 the common schools for the borough were held in the Academy. The trustees usually hiring a teacher for one term and the school district paying for the other term—there being two terms each year. [image] TOWN HALL The "Town Hall" was completed in 1852 and stood on Pine street, where the residence of Mrs. Fulford and W. *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/05.htm Page 5 A. Hagerty, Esq., now stands and after 1852 and until the fall of 1874 the common schools of the borough of Clearfield were held here and in the old Methodist church building on Cherry street. The late John F. Weaver, at the time secretary of the School Board, drew the plans for the building. The " Town Hall" served not only to accommodate the public schools of the borough, but also as a place of amusement. Ventriloquists put voices into the desks and in every corner of the school rooms beneath the floors and under the roof, and it was here, too, that "Punch and Judy" made their first bow to a Clearfied audience. Here magicians dumfounded our people with their deceptive tricks and the magic lantern threw its wonderful pictures on the screen. The first county superintendent, Dr. A. T. Schryver, was chosen in the "Town Hall" and here, too, the first County Institute for this county, was held. The movement for the conservation of the forests came too late, as the teachers of the old " Town Hall" depleted them hereabouts of their supply of birch and white thorn, and were making inroads on the apple orchards when the new order of things came and a change in the methods of discipline. As a physical culture institution it would eclipse all our later establishments. *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/06.htm Page 6 [image] LEONARD GRADED SCHOOL Leonard Graded School On April 17, 1871, the Legislature established graded schools in Clearfield borough, "in which the rudiments and lower English branches shall be taught free, and the higher English branches and languages and classics shall be taught at moderate prices." The Act gave "The trustees of the Clearfield Academy power to sell and convey into the School District of the Borough of Clearfield the Academy lots subject to the express condition that the same shall be used for the purpose of a public or graded school, in which all the English branches, mathematics and the classics shall be taught.'' It also authorized the sale of the lots on which the Town Hall and the newly acquired shool houses stood. The Town Hall and Methodist church properties were sold in 1874 to James B. Graham for $3,445. The Academy property was conveyed August 25, 1876, to the School District of Clearfield borough in trust. The Leonard Graded School build- *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/07.htm Page 7 ing, at the southeastern corner of East Market and East Fifth streets, was completed during the summer of 1874. Ezra Ale was the architect and Richard B. Taylor the builder. The lots upon which it is located were deeded to the School District of the borough of Clearfield by the late ex-Associate Judge James T. Leonard, for whom the building was named, in consideration of the sum of "one dollar and a desire upon the part of the said James T. Leonard to advance the cause of education in the borough of Clearfield." The building, furniture and apparatus cost $36,400, of which amount Judge Leonard on August 26th, 1876, donated the sum of $14,302.53. The completion of the Leonard Graded School building marked the passing of two of Clearfield's historic schools—the Clearfield Academy and the Town Hall. The late Revernd P. L. Harrison was the last principal of the Acamedy as an incorporated educational institution and Mr. T. P. Schaefer, of Philadelphia, of the old "Town Hall." The Town Hall was demolished but the Academy was used until 1901 as an annex for the graded schools and for private schools. The first school in the Leonard Graded School building was opened [September] 28th, 1874, with the late Reverend George W. Fortney as principal, and Mr. I. P. Schaefer and Miss Harriet Swan as assistant principals. Its pupils comprised those who had attended the Academy and Miss Swan 's private school for girls and the Town Hall. The task of now properly grading the schools of the borough was not an easy one. Here were the pupils from the Academy and Miss Swan 's private school, from the Town Hall, some who had, been sway at boarding school, and others who had moved into the borough or who were new pupils in its schools. Mr. Fortney and Mr. Schaefer were equal to the task and so well did they systematize and grade the schools that Mr. B. C. Youngman, succeeding Mr. Fortney, as principal in September, 1875, adopted their classifications and courses of study, afterwards making such improvements therein as from time to time was found necessary or desirable. Messrs. Fortney and Schaefer were disciplinarians of the highest order. Mr. Schaefer had had some experience in the old Town Hall and knew about what he was up against, and Miss Swan understood her girls. Mr. Fortney was no mean athlete, for no pupil was able to master him, and by the end of his year the most unruly was bent so as to grow in the way he should. The dedicatory exercises of the Leonard Graded School building were held in the Opera House, lately destroyed by fire, on Friday, October 9th, 1874, at which the following exercises were held; 1. Prayer, Reverend A. D. Yocum; Music, Clearfield Orchestra. 2. Hon. William A. Wallace, on behalf of the Board, presented the building to the citizens of Clearfield. 3. Dr. R. V. Wilson accepted the building in behalf of the citizens. 4. Dedicatory prayer, by Rev. H. S. Butler. 5. Address, "Graded Schools," J. P. Wickersham, State Superintendent of Common Schools. 6. Address. ex-Governor William Bigler 7. Address, Rev. H. S. Butler. 8. Address, William M. McCullough, Esq. 9. Benediction, Rev. H. S. Butler. The people were very enthusiastic *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/08.htm Page 8 over this new departure in the schools of the borough and the Opera House was filled to overflowing with a most enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Mr. B. C. Youngman, as stated above became principal of the Graded Schools of Clearfield borough in 1875, and under him the first class was graduated in 1876. Mr. Youngman was principal of these schools until his election as County Superintendent in 1890. when he was succeeded by Mr. T. S. March, now one of our State High School Inspectors and then again Mr. Youngman again became principal of the schools in 1896-7 and served for 5 years when he was succeeded by Prof. H. E. Trout. From the opening of the Graded Schools in September, 1874, until 1902, a total of 141 pupils were graduated under Mr. Youngman and Mr. March and Prof. Trout. [image] JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL The Clearfield High School. (Hereafter to be known as the Junior High School) The cornerstone of what we will now call the old Clearfield High School, standing on the west side of Front street, and on the site on which stood the Clearfield Academy, was laid May 5th, 1902, under the auspices of the state officers of the Masonic Fraternity. The services were under the local supervision of W. H. Patterson, Esq., then president of the School Board. The building is constructed of brick and stone with terra-cotta trimming. It contains twelve rooms with an assembly hall of a seating capacity for *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/09.htm Page 9 three hundred. Mr. C. M. Robinson was the architect of the building and our townsman, Mr. Reuben H. Thompson, its builder. The building with its equipment cost approximately $49.000. It was completed and occupied, without any special ceremony, in the early part of 1903. Prof. H. E. Trout was the principal of our schools at this time and held that position until 1908, when he was succeeded by W. H. Sprankle, who served for two years; on June 14, 1910. L. F. Benchoff was elected to succeed Mr. Sprankle; and on June 27, 1911, Prof. George E. Zearfoss became supervising principal of the schools of the borough, and still retains that position. Captain David McGaughey (Company C, 34th Regiment, Penna. Reserves). having first made his will, died on Saturday, March 22d, 1902. His will contained, among others, a charitable bequest as follows: "To the 'School District of the Borough of Clearfield' two thousand dollars ($2.000) to be used for the purpose of the public schools of said borough.' " The School Board accepted this bequest on May 6th, 1902, and made the following record in connection therewith: "On motion of Mr. Smith, Sec. by Mr. Lee, it was 'Resolved, That the School Board of Clearfield borough. Pa., accept the bequest of the late Captain D. McGaughey, and that the fund derived from said bequest be set aside for the purpose of establishing and equipping of the 'Manual Training and Domestic Science Departments' of our High School; that said fund be known as the 'Captain David McGaughey Memorial Fund,' and that said fund be used for said purposes only." On December 2nd, 1902, the executors of Captain McGaughey's will paid this $2,000 to the School District without any deduction being made on account of or for the collateral inheritance tax—that being paid by Mrs. Carrie C. McGaughey, the residuary legatee named in the will. The establishment of this manual training department was at the time announced as one of the main features of the High School. Mrs. McGaughey subsequently supplemented her husband's bequest by a contribution of $285.48 towards the equipment of a chemical laboratory. This building is to be devoted to the Seventh and Eighth Grades, which are now assembled there, and will be [image} George F. Zerfoss. *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/10.htm Page 10 hereafter known as the "Junior High School." There have been graduated from this building 334, which with the 141 pupils graduated from the Leonard Graded School building, makes a grand total of 475 graduates from the High Schools of Clearfield borough from 1874 to and including 1916. The following is the corps of instructors who were in charge of the schools in this building and who have been transferred to "The Clearfield High School" building: George. E. Zerfoss, Superintendent High School. G C. Kirk, Principal H. Maude Latham, English Sarah E. Shelley, English Alfred S. VanOsten, Mathematics Dorr I. Bartoo, Mathematics & Science John T. Taylor, History Jane E. Edwards, Latin William A. Whiting Science Frances T. McNall, German J. Arthur Adams, Assistant & Coach Sue E. Andrews Commercial Mable R. Weir Commercial Anna M. Shultz Domestic Science Lorenzo C. Carlton Manual Training Fanny E. Cassell Drawing Charles Rockwell Music The following tables made up from figures furnished by Mr. Zerfoss will serve to show the attendance and pupils entering the High School who have graduated from 1911-12 to and including 1915-16. Examination of of these tables must convince the tax payers that a greater number of pupils are now taking advantage of the educational facilities of the town. PUPILS IN HIGH SCHOOL. Tuition Borough Term. Pupils Pupils [Totals] 1911-12 29 155 184 1912-13 36 200 230 1913-14 55 227 282 1914-15 85 243 328 1915-16 109 280 389 1916-17 139 296 435 Totals 453 1401 1854 Pupils Entering High School Who Graduated. Term 1912 ................ 35 1913 ................ 27 1914 ................ 35 1915 ................ 38 1916 ................ 64 Total .............. 199 There are 82 in the Class of 1917 but, as the examinations have not yet been held, they have not been included in above table. If they should all graduate the total for the six years would aggregate 281. A graduation from this school meets the repuirements for entrance into a number of the higher institutions and some of the colleges. In addition to these buildings modern school houses have been erected, from time to time, in the second, third and fourth wards of the borough. *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/10-image.htm [image] THE NEW CLEARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/11.htm Page 11 The Clearfield High School Building. It is a singular coincidence that the location selected for the site of our new High School building should also have been the homestead property of G. L. Reed, for many years a member of the School Board of this Borough, and a son of the late Alexander B. Reed, one of the original trustees of the Clearfield Academy. In 1915 the School District acquired title from the heirs of the late G L. Reed for the block of ground situate on the south side of Market street and west of Front street for the price of $18,000, and upon it has been erected the Clearfield High School building. The new High School building was designed by Harrington & Howard, architects, of DuBois, this county. It was built by William A. Lukens, of this place, who also erected the Third Ward School building. As described by the architects: "The new * * * building * * * represents the most modern ideas of planning, design and construction. It is * * * a dignified, efficient and economical example of the modern school of architecture." In planning the building the architects * * * solved their problem of complicated requirements in a very simple and logical manner. "It is a rectagular auditorium, facing Market street, with a corridor around its three enclosed sides, connecting class rooms around its three exterior sides; the front ends of this corridor terminate in fire proof towers containing the main entrances and stairways. This disposition of the plan gives the auditorium (and the gymnasium below it) the maximum amount of daylight to the rear of the audience; the large windows required for this purpose, flanked by the entrance towers, presents an appearance of architectural grace and dignity not heretofore attained in this vicinity. The auditorium (51 x 65 feet) with its balcony has a total seating capacity of 800 people; the gymnasium below it has a total capacity of 600 people. These two rooms are entered, on either side, directly from the entrance towers; it is therfore unnecessary for spectators to traverse other parts of the building than those devoted to their entertainment. There are twenty-one class rooms and nine additional basement rooms for the use of manual training and domestic science departments. The class rooms average 21 x 26 feet and will accommodate about 42 pupils each. All class rooms have unilateral lighting The planning of each room, closet and corridor, as well as their relation to each other, has been definitely arranged for the purpose to which they will be devoted. " The heating plant is located in the center of the building to the rear. It has a fan room on either side and is of the same type as is used in the latest school buildings in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The maintainance of this feature of a school building is very important and this one will readily prove its economy by direct comparison with the other systems in our school buildings. " The toilet plumbing is all grouped in two stacks to the rear of the building and at the end of each side corridor. This is the most economical and sanitary arrangement possible. " The architectural design of the ex- *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/12.htm Page 12 terior is a modern adaptation of the classical school. It does [not] depend upon unnecessary ornament or expensive architectural features for its effect but rather upon simple lines and materials composed in dignified proportions. As Clearfield is located in a clay producing country it was considered both appropriate and economical to employ clay products in the erection of this building rather than cut stone or other expensive foreign materials. The walls are of light buff brick trimmed with cream colored terra cotta. In construction this building is an example of efficient structural enginering. The old rule of thumb methods of construction disappeared together with the old school of American design and here we find the strength of each steel beam, timber and mass of masonry accurately computed and so worked into the construction as to employ its strength and durability without waste of material. All stairways are of iron and concrete. All interior finish is of oak fiinished with a gray stain and varnish. Plate glass was used for all exterior glazing and all sash are finished with metal weather strips. The flat roof is covered with a ten year guaranteed asbestos and asphalt roofing material." The ground plans and building, exclusive of apparatus, equipment, sidewalks, grading and architects' commissions, cost approximately $107,190.58. This cost is made up of the following items: Building Site ....................... $18,000 Kittleberger Bros., plumbing ......... $4,008.00 Elec. Supply Co.wiring,etc ......... 2,453.55 Geo. W. Johnson, heating ............. 10,779.00 Clfd. Hdw. co., finishing hdw ........... 807.66 John Minns excavating and foundations .. 5,431.51 W. A. Lukens, builder ................ 64,960.86 88,440.58 Harrington & Howard, plans, $750.00 Total, .............................. $107,190.58 That physical training is to occupy an important place in the Clearfield High School seems reasonably certain. The first occupancy of the new building was effective Friday evening, March 23rd, 1917, by the Clearfield High Shool Basket Ball team. Their possession was vainly disputed by the Williamsport High School team, but the invaders were routed and Clearfield High held the gymnasium by a score of 32 to 19. Under cover of this victory the High School, of which the basket ball team is an important factor, moved into the new quarters on March 26th. 1917, and firmly and immovably intrenched itself there and started its machinery for the education and training of our youth according to the most approved modern methods of instruction. The building itself, however, was not formally and officially dedicated to its uses until last week, when the formal dedicatory exercises were held according to the following program: *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/13.htm Page 13 DEDICATION CLEARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 10th, 11th and 12th, 1917 . TUES. APRIL 10, 1917, 8.00 P. M. RECEPTION TO PUBLIC. Reception Committee: Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Bigler Mr. and Mrs. W. Scott Piper Mr. and Mrs. George Reed. Mr. and Mrs. George Rosser Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd McDowell Mr. and Mrs. John Chaplin Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Brown Mr. and Mrs. George E. Zerfoss Mr. Grover C. Kirk Music in the Auditorium. The entire building will be open to the public for inspection from 8.00 to 10.30. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1917 8.00 P. M. Mr. Albert D. Bigler, presiding, President of the School Board Music, "Gloria, Mozart, High School Invocation, Dr. E. C. Reeve Music, "Meadow Song," Wiegand, Girls' Chorus Address, Mr. A. D. Bigler Address, Mrs. R. D. Swoope, Regent Susquehanna Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presenting, on behalf of the Chapter, a large American Flag. Address, Dr. W. Scott Piper On behalf of the School Board, accepting the Flag. Chorus, "Star Spangled Banner " Address, Mr. R. G. Howard, Architect Music, "Hunters Bold. and Free," Herve, Boys' Chorus Address, Mr. Benjamin C. Youngman Address, Mr. George E. Zerfoss, Superintendent of Schools. Address, Burgess Hobart Callahan Address, James F. Pletcher, President Borough Council. Music. "Huntsmen Up and Sound the Horn," By Quartet Address, Representative of Council Address Judge Singleton Bell Music, "Worship of God in Nature," Beethoven, High School During these exercises, at the suggestion of Mr. Leslie Stewart, the Flag presented by the Susquehanna Chapter D. A. R., was unfurled, and the audience joined the school in singing " The Star Spangled Banner." Mr. Stewart, at the instance of certain taxpayers, then suggested that the Board of Education place a tablet in the building, on which should be inscribed the names of Mr. B. C. Youngman, the Board of Education and the architects. THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1917. 8.00 P. M. Mr. Albert D. Bigler, Presiding. Music, "0, Thou Whose Power," Rossini, High School Invocation, Rev. Allenbach Music, "Praise Ye," Verdi, Trio *************************************************** original image of page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/education/schools-clearfield/14.htm Page 14 Address, F. G. Betts Introducing Hon. Cyrus E. Woods. Address, Hon. Cyrus E. Woods Music (a) " Out on the Deep," Lohr (b) "Last Night," Kjerulf, High chool. Address, George E. Zerfoss Introducting Dr. George Becht. Address, Mr. George Becht Executive Secretary of State Board of Education. Music, "Let the Hills with Song Resound," Richards, High School The Board of Education, under whose supervision and management the new High School building has been erected and dedicated, is composed of the following named gentlemen: Albert D. Bigler, ..... President John S. Chaplin, ...... Vice President Dr. W. Scott Piper, .... Secretary George B. Reed Lloyd McDowell George M. Rosser Elbert V. Brown A happy incident in connection with these dedicatory exercises was the presence and active part taken in their by our beloved teacher, venerable and universally respected fellow townsman Mr. B. C. Youngman, who, with an interruption of the six years during which he was county superintendent, was principal of our schools during the twenty years of its formative period. To Rev. Fortney, Mr. Schaefer, Miss Swan, Prof, March, and particularly to Mr. Youngman, belongs the honor of having laid the foundation for our splendid borough schools. Hon. Cyrus E. Woods, who was born here, and is now Secretary of the Commonwealth, honored our town by his presence and with an interesting address; and the State Board of Education, through its executive secretary, Dr. J. George Becht, extended its congratulations to the citizens upon the completion of the Clearfield High School building. It is no small compliment to Prof. Zerfoss and his corps of able instructors that the taxpayers of this borough have been so liberal in erecting such a magnificent home in which to house our High Schools which have attained a high standard of excellence under his supervision and through their faithful efforts. All has been given that was asked for and the people will now demand the best results in the education and training of our youth for lives of usefulness and good citizenship. The American Flag now floats high over this great monument to the progressiveness and public spiritedness of old Clearfield, and the Alumni Association of the Clearfield High School will ever defend it against every foe.