To view photos from the Kelly Collection, click here.

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Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 33nd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

We Remember --- those who passed away during the Month of MARCH...

* March 3: (3-3-1991) MABLE HOARE - Cafeteria Supervisor 1951-1968
* March 3: (3-3-1996) RAY BAILEY - Band Director
* March 7: (3-7-2000) MARY UPDYKE HOARE - English Teacher
* March 15 (3-15-1996) LUCY STAMP - teacher
* March 16 (3-16-1973) MAJOR JAMES COLEMAN - teacher
* March 17 (3-17-1997) LYNN BANNER - Grant Writer
* March 18 (3-18-2006) DORIS E. BERRY - cafeteria cook
* March 20: (3-20-1996) JAMES HOLLEY - Board of Education Member
* March 22: (3-22-2001) HOWARD GAGE - Board of Education Member 1964-1972
* March 23: (3-23-2005) PEG STOWELL - teacher
* March 25: (3-25-2000) GRACE CHIACCHIERINI - cafeteria employee 1969-1984
* March 30: (3-30-2003) LOLA ANNE LUTOMSKE - teacher

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...more from the 1970's...

* Graduating Classes

Class of 1973:

--Valedictorian: JOSEPH VALENT

--Salutatorian: PAUL BRAITHWAITE

--Remainder of the "TOP 10" were: DONNA BAUMAN, JOSEPH ROCCISANO, ANN MINER, PETER VANGSNES, LINDA CURRIE, GLENNE HOWELL, JUDY WICKHAM, and MARCIA CAMDEN

Class of 1974:

--Valedictorian: MELINDA BELL

--Salutatorian: WILL WICKHAM

--Remainder of the "TOP 10" were: JOHN HAYES, PATRICIA PROSPERI, CHRIS BLANK, JUNE DOBSON, DIANE ROOT, BARBARA GIVIN, ELIZABETH BALLARD, JOHN SMYDER & ANDY ISLEY

Class of 1975:

--Valedictorian: MARGARET CALLANAN

--Salutatorian: PATRICIA WARNER

--Remainder of the "TOP 10" were: JOAN HUEY, BECKY SUE CROUT, JEAN GRENINGER, BRUCE AUSTIN, REBECCA BERRY, ALAN DRAKE, OSCAR VALENT, PATRICK BAUMAN & ALICE SILLIMAN

Class of 1976:

"TOP 10" Students were: KEVIN CALLANAN, TERI STOCUM, DAVID PULLY, ALLAN WAITE, PAUL DONNELLY, KENNETH WEST, PATIENCE AITKEN, BARBARA VAN AMBURG, MARTHA HAYES, JENNIFER STEPHNO, & LINDA GOODINE.

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From the 1941 "ORACLE" --- the following faculty/staff were pictured and highlighted:

* MARGUERITE BEERS -- Secretary to the Principal

* FLORENCE STAMP -- Geneseo, Science/Social Studies

* ANNA O'CONNOR -- Rochester Dental, Dental Hygienist

* MYRTLE MILLER -- St. Joseph's Hospital, Nurse

* MARIAN LITTELL -- Western State, English

* TERESA MORRIN -- Geneseo, History/Soc. Studies

* DOROTHY BROWN -- Buffalo State Teachers, Mathematics

* HARRIETTE ALLEN -- Syracuse & Cornell, A.B./M.A.

* A.C. MUNSON -- State College/Albany, Mathematics

* ORVAL PERRY -- Alfred & Cornell, History

* FRANCIS BLAKE -- Cortland, Phys.Education

* C.J. TIMMS -- Hillsdale, Science

* ELLEN PARKER -- Syracuse & Buffalo, Art

* D.D. HARKNESS -- Cornell, Agriculture

* ARMIDA LA MOREAUX --Cornell, English

* REEVA HUNT -- Cornell, Social Studies

* MARY SPOFFORD -- Boston University, Music

* NAOMI FORDHAM -- Elmira College, Commercial

* BERENICE DAVIS -- Elmira College, French

* E. HAUGHEY -- Syracuse, Commercial

* MARION TURNER -- Columbia, Homemaking

* AGNES DEGAN -- Ithaca, Physical Education

* C.W. GARMAN -- Chicago & Columbia, General Science

* E.H. SEMPERT -- Buffalo, Industrial Arts

* C.H. GEUDER -- Valparaiso, Mathematics

* JULIA SPLOYD -- State College/Rochester, Latin

* LOUISE VICKIO -- Marquette University, Librarian

* MARIE GIBBONS -- Elmira College, English

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the 1970's continued.....

* 1973 VARSITY CHEERLEADERS: JEN GAGE, JULIE COMBS, CONNIE CASLIN, ANNETTE MEEHAN, MARY ELY, JUNE DOBSON, PEGGY CALLANAN, JANET IRISH, BECKY BERRY and PAT SCHIMIZZI

* Grade 1 and Grade 2 Winners: Halloween Party: BILL BEARDSLEY (Tin Man) and KENNY THURSTON (Lion) 1st place; CHRIS SMITH (Pumpkin) 2nd place; and JEFF GASCON (funniest)
3rd place;

* Class Presidents: Seniors: JOHN SMYDER; Juniors: ALLAN DRAKE; Sophomores: LINDA GOODINE; Freshmen: LYNN ELLMAN

* Senior Play "Ten Nights in a Barroom" -- JOHN HAYES played the villain; MARCIA CORWIN played the saloon girl with a heart of gold; the "Can-Can" dancers were: DIANA PALUMBO, JEAN GRENINGER, SHARON ISLEY, MARIE FITZSIMMONS, LINDA GOODINE, JULIE SMITH, FRANCES ENNAMORATO, PATIENCE AIKEN and JANET IRISH;

* Homecoming Queen, October 1974: BECKY SUE CROUT

* 1974 Senecan yearbook dedicated to MR. & MRS. RAY BAILEY -- "As teachers they set an example for their students to follow. They put themselves forth to help you prepare yourself for the years to come. Each with their own talents, they make you learn from the knowledge that they have obtained but only in a special way. They make you feel you want to learn, not that you have to learn."

* June 1974 faculty retirements: MARIE BAILEY (English Teacher in the high school), LOLA KNAPP and FLORENCE CARPENTER (Grade 2 teachers), BERTHA STEVENS (Grade 1 teacher), REV. DR. PAUL DE MEURS (Middle School teacher) and MRS. HAZEL DE MEURS (BOCES - Primary Ungraded).

* 1974 Christmas Program: 2nd & 4th grade chorus - including ANITA FRAGOLA, KEVIN RANDOLPH, JOEY FAZZARY, JEFFREY PEAK, and ANDRA MOFFETT; MISS MARILYN DENSON is directing; Dancers are directed by MRS. PAT HART & MRS. MARSHA FLANIGAN; Costumes & Props by MRS. PAT MOFFE & MRS. ROBERTA OLCOTT; Music is under the direction of MISS MILDRED DENSON and MRS. CAROL RANDOLPH.

* June 1974: among Special Olympics winners were: MARY MOSHER, FAITH MADIGAN, TERRI GOODRICH, MIKE WHEELER and ROBERT FAUSEL from the Elementary School; KEVIN RAPPLEYE, BELINDA CLARK, NOEL RINKER, MIKE STEBER & JOHN WYRE from the Middle School and KATHY WALSH, DEBBIE ABBEY, DONNA RAPPLEYE and ESTHER CHURCH from the high school;

* June 18, 1975: 24 Kindergarten students were presented their diplomas by MRS. FRANCES MARTZ at the annual Kindergarten Graduation at the Burdett School;

* June 25, 1975: Board of Education commended WILLIAM DAVIS & FRED SEITHER for their quick action which prevented serious consequences in a swimming pool incident; at the same Board meeting the Board also accepted - with regret - the resignation of MRS. RUTH COON, Kindergarten Teacher for the past 16 years;

* October 1975: Elementary School Cafeteria Staff dressed in Halloween finest to celebrate the day with the children. Dressing up were: JO STANDISH, MELLIE ADESSO, LINDA RODABAUGH, HELEN SORTORE, DOROTHY COOPER, SHIRLEY CHIACCHIERINI, DONNA SMIITH & FRIEDA ECTOR;

* November 1975: FHA Students entertained residents at Long Term Care at Schuyler Hospital. Students were; JENNIFER SMITH, PAM CLARK, MILDRED WHEAT, DEBRRA SOLOMAN, SANDY PERRY, JEANNE ALGER, VICKY GROVER , KATHY TOBEY, EILEEN LANDMESSER & ALBERT CHIACCHIARINI;

* November 1975: 1st Quarter Academic Honors: SUE COOK (95.5%), TRACY DILTS (94.3%), RUTH YSKAMP (94.2%), KEITH COBB (94%), VICKIE CHAMBERS (93.8%), KEVIN CALLANAN (93.8%) and JOHN RONDINARO (93.8%)

* November 14/15, 1975: All State Music Festival at Ithaca College participants were: JOE DUNBAR, DIANA ROCCISANO, PATIENCE AITKEN, WENDY MC LEAN, MARTHA HAYES, BOB BISHOP, PHIL WAITE, JIM ROLLER, TIM MC KINNEY, EUGENE SHUMWAY & PAUL DONNELLY:

* December 1975: MARGARET FRANZESE and BARBARA FAZZARY made homeroom calls in "Betsy Ross" costumes and gave presentations on the Bennington Flag as part of the Bicentennial activities for the 1975-1976 school year; they also visited Long Term Care for the same purpose; girls were Gr. 4 students in MR. BRIAN O'DONNELL's Grade 4 classroom;

* December 1975: students in MRS. JUDY UPDYKE's Grade 2 classroom learned how their forefathers prepared for Thanksgiving -- weaving projects and food preparation were the major themes for: CRAIG GARDNER, JIMMY WATKINS, MARY CLAWSON, MELISSA HINES, MARK MERLETTI, PATTI SMITH, JOHN AUGUSTINE, KIM RAPPLEYE, DARIN CUNNINGHAM, and MICHELE KONOPSKI .......MRS. LINDA GOULD'S students made a Bicentennial quilt; those participating were: SHERRI SUE TAYLOR, CHRISTINE WEAD, PHILIP BARRETT, JEFF BIERLINE, MIA FILIPPETTI, MICHELLE HUBBARD, SUZY METAL, JEFF FORNEY, STEVEN BEAVER, DARLENE PRATT, BRIAN HANLEY & PAULA GOODRICH;

* FEBRUARY 7, 1976: Watkins Glen VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY Cheerleaders win IAC CHAMPIONSHIPS. Coached by MRS. NANCY PULOS, the Varsity team members were: DEBBIE YAW, JOAN GIVIN, SHELLEY FAZZARY, ALLISON MAAS, TANYA WAITE, GAIL FAZZARY, JEANNE SPECCHIO, PATTY BARTHOLOMEO & WENDY BOLT --- JV Team Members were SANDY FRANZESE,SANDY CHAMBERS, LIZ SCHIMIZZI, SUE BARTHOLOMEO, GILL VANGSNES, LYNDA HOFFMAYER, SANDY PARATE, TERRY MEEHAN & JENNIFER FORREST. Twelve teams competed in the Watkins Glen gymnasium. Of a perfect 300 total points, the Varsity scored 290 and the JV's scored 285.

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See you again in April!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 32nd in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

More MEMORIES of bygone days (the 1970's)...

* WG Tennis Team goes coed: COACH JAMES (MAJOR) COLEMAN fielded a squad of 15 females and 14 males. Some of the girls were: DEBBIE DRAKE, ELIZABETH CORNISH, CAROLYN DE LORRAINE, MARY LOLLIS, JULIE BERRY, POLLY MIKEL , DIANE BIANCO , MARY FRANK, MARCIA CAMDEN, RUTH CARPENTER, KATHY KARNAS, and COLLEEN HALL.

(*** On March 16, 1973, MAJOR JAMES P. COLEMAN died unexpectedly at his home. Moving to Watkins Glen after retiring from the U.S. Army in 1963, MAJOR was a Gr. 4 teacher and for seven years was our Tennis Coach. Under his guidance the Tennis team won 93 matches and lost just 13. MAJOR COLEMAN was Past Post Commander for the Watkins Glen American Legion and Past County Commander for the Schuyler County American Legion. He was a member of the Lions Club, Past President of the Watkins Glen Teachers' Association and a Member of the NYS Teachers' Association. Serving in the European Theater in World War II with the 88th Division, he also served in the Army of Occupation in Italy following the War. Among his decorations were the Legion of Merit and the Army Commendation Medal. MAJOR was the grandfather of our current School Physician, DR. JAMES COLEMAN. It was my pleasure to teach Grade 4 alongside him for almost five years!)***

* Grade 5 ART CONTEST winners: (March 3, 1971) -- WENDY BOLT - 1st; LAUREN HEWITT - 2nd; and CAROL CAMDEN - 3rd.

* April, 1971: BOB FITZSIMMONS was elected President of the District XI Student Council (schools representing six counties); JOE ROCCISANO was elected Delegate.

* FTA Talent Show (3/31/71): Third place winners were: DEBBIE YAW, CHERYL CONKLIN, KATHY EVANS , GAIL FAZZARY and LORI TOLMAN

* "AUNTIE MAME" - Senior Play: Lead roles were played by: FRED WEBSTER, JOE VAN AMBURG, RALPH PALMER, JENNY SMITH, MARY FLAHIVE, LORRAINE GRAEBER, CONNIE MATHEWS , RUSTY GRIFFIN , LINDA FAZZARY. CHERYL CONKLIN TALLARIDA, JIM WOODWORTH, JEFF ADAMS, GLORY SNYDER, PAUL BROWN, DAVE BORNHOLDT, NANCY JOHNSON and GARY CONKLIN.

* Class of 1971 "Top 10 HONOR STUDENTS": JENNIFER SMITH (Valedictorian), PAUL DAMIANI (Salutatorian), KATHRYN EVANS, GLORY SNYDER, RONALD BELIGOTTI, AMY DURLAND, MICHAEL BALLARD, LINDA LAWTON, GEORGE MINIER & PATRICIA BOYCE.

* "MUSIC MAN" lead roles: STEVE RONDINARO and KATHY HARNAS with the "BARBERSHOP QUARTET" of PAUL FRANZESE, CHUCK CALHOUN, TIM DUNLAP and HAROLD CHAFFEE; other cast members were: BARB CROSS, PEG VAN DEUSEN, JUNE DOBSON, CINDY HINTON, NAN WOODWORTH, MARY FRANK, PEGGY CALLANAN, JOE SPENA, RON CLARKE and JOE CHICONE..

* ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT COORDINATORS NAMED (3/22/72):

Watkins Glen & Burdett Elementary Schools - Science & Health: PETER PEVO; Mathematics: ROBERTA OLCOTT; Social Studies: FLORENCE CARPENTER.

Watkins Elementary: Reading: MARYLOU THOMPSON; English: JEAN HANVILLE.

Middle School: Language Arts Gr. 5/6: JEAN HANAUER; Language Arts Gr. 7/8: PAUL DE MEURERS; Science & Health: JOHN UPDYKE; Mathematics: GAVIN PHILLIPS; Social Studies: NEIL PATTERSON.

High School: English: FRANK STEBER; Science & Health: GERALD LOUGHLIN; Mathematics: ARTHUR CURRY; Social Studies: DOUG CHAMBERLAIN; Foreign Language: MARIA PEELE; Business Education: ANNE WOODWORTH.

District Coordinators: K-12 Art: DON MAAS; Music: RAY BAILEY; Physical Education: JEFF SMYTHE; and Library: LOUISE STILLMAN.

***Note: JEFF SMYTHE visited Watkins Glen during the recent MICHAEL WATSON MEMORIAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT held in January.***)

* National Honor Society Members named (4/19/1972): PATTI PROSPERI, ANN MINER, JANET CLAYTON, DONNA JOHNSON, LINDA CURRIE, MELINDA BELL, DEBBIE HULL, JUDY WICKHAM, BOB FITZSIMMONS and WILL WICKHAM.

* Future Homemakers of America planted a yew in the courtyard. Members were: DEBBIE WYRE, President; BECKY LEWIS, Vice President; LORETTA MASIN, Secretary; CATHY BARNES, Treasurer; FAITH BACON, Historian and NANCY BARNES.

* March 15, 1972: Winter Recreation League CHAMPIONS were the Burdett Team coached by SAM GREIS & WAYNE MOSHER; team members were: ROGER KELLY, GREG HERRICK, MARK MOSHER, DANNY VAN OSTRAND, DONN MC BRIDE, GREG DAVIS, ED BRAND, GREG LODGE, KEVIN KELLY, SCOTT HERRICK, DOUG MADORSKY, KURT LODGE and JOE BRAND.

* November 17, 1971: JOANNE LA FACE won the ORATORY CONTEST; also competing were: RON CLARKE, BOB FITZSIMMONS, ALLEN BRAITHWAITE, JOE ROCCISANO and JANET CLAYTON. Speakers were introduced by KATHY HARNIS and JOHN HAYES. LIZ CORNISH led the Pledge to the Flag and judges were: FRANK STEBER, BOB MORIN, ELAINE STEVENS and MARIE BAILEY.

* 1971-1972 PTA: Officers: WILLIAM N. ELLISON, President; JEANNE DONAHUE, Vice President; MRS. PETER NAYLOR, Secretary; and TED SPECCHIO, Treasurer. Committee "Chairs" were: MRS. JAMES FAZZARY & MRS. RICHARD SYMES, Publicity; MRS. JOHN MERRILL, Historian and by-laws; MRS. JAMES HOLMES, Homeroom Representatives; MRS. WAYNE SMITH and MRS. LELAND SMITH, hospitality; MRS. JAMES STEVENS and GARY SLATER, Legislation; MRS. TED SPECCHIO, MRS. LARRY TEETER, MRS. MONTE STAMP, JOHN SIMS, MRS. FRED BOYCE, MRS. LOUIS RONDINARO, and MRS. ARNOLD LA FORTY, Membership; MRS. LOUIS SPECCHIO, Fund Raising; MR. & MRS. ROBERT HULL, Magazines; MRS. JOHN MERRILL, MRS. SYMES, MRS. SAM FAZZARY and MRS. DOUG CHAMBERLAIN, School & Comminity Relations; MRS. JUDY PHILLIPS, Health; MRS. JOHN VANGSNES, Mental Health, MRS. RALPH PEARSALL, Family Life; SHERIFF MAURICE DEAN and JOE LEMAK, Safety; DR. LLOYD PEAK, MRS. ARTHUR CURRY, MICHAEL YUHASZ, MRS. JOHN DONNELLEY, MRS. ANNE WOODWORTH and MRS. DON MAAS, - Program; MRS.STEVENS, TED SPECCHIO, MRS. DONALD THOMPSON and DR. JOHN DONNELLEY, Budget.

* June 9, 1971: retiring from the Elementary School at the end of the current school year were: PRINCIPAL MAE KLUBE, MRS. CONNIE KOPP & MRS. GENEVIEVE O'DEA.

* May 26, 1971: plaque honoring the late JOHN ROWLES, a teacher for more than 27 years, was presented by the students to hang in the Middle School Library. At the presentation were: GLENDA BOYCE, Student Council Vice President; MRS. JOHN ROWLES; IRVING DAVIS, Member of the Board of Education; and LUE ANNE GOODINE, Student Council President who made the dedication speech. The plaque reads: "In Memory of JOHN ROWLES, 1947-1970. To our lives he added the light of knowledge. From the students of Watkins Glen Central School."

* Athletic honors (June 17, 1971): CARROLL CERVONI (MVP for Basketball & Baseball); DAVE BORNHOLDT (MVP for both Tenniis & Swimming), GARY CONKLIN (Track), and MIKE FRANZESE (Golf).

* Top Academic Honors to the following students:

1972 ELMIRA COLLEGE "KEY AWARD": MARY HAYES
VALEDICTORIAN: KIM EVANS
SALUTATORIAN: ALLEN BRAITHWAITE

Rest of the Top 10: BEN NICHT, GAYE VOORHEIS, KATHY HARNAS, WAYNE DOBSON, DENNIS ROBINSON, MARY FRANK

Who's Who in American High Schools: DOUG COLEMAN

Girls State: DIANA MATTHEWS

* "Most Improved Athletes" Honored (June 1972):
KATHY LITTEER - Girls' Swimming; CAROLYN DE LORRAINE - Girls' Basketball;
GREG CROSS - Boys' Swimming; SUSAN HAYES - Swimming; DAVID CROSS - Cross Country; DAVID MOORE - Wrestling

* PTA Officers: Watkins Glen President -: MRS. RICHARD SYMES; Burdett President: - JOHN BOND

* New Faculty announced (September 6, 1972):
ED WESTBROOK, RALPH SCAZAFABO, KATHY GILL, NANCY FRIERICHI, DORIS HEAD, PHILIP WILSON, JOHN NIHILL, KENNETH REED, JUDY SYMOND, MARILYN DENSON, ANNA MAY ORGILL, CHRISTINE MUIR, JANET ANDREWS, CONNIE SINGLETON, SHIRLEY BRAUBECK, MARGUERITE DAVIS

* Changing of the "Guard" : October 1972: JOE & JENNY LA FACE "retired" and ART & NANCY FAZZARY took over "The Store"

* November, 1972: Ten students were selected to participate in the sectional All State SENIOR CHORUS held in Bath, New York: JUNE DOBSON, PATTY PROSPERI, ELIZABETH BALLARD, CATHY COLE, JOHN LIAMMARI, JOHN SMYDER, DAVE CROSS, JOHN HAYES, PHIL MC KEE, BRYON THOMPSON

* "MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS" CANDIDATES were: JANE O'BRIEN, MARY RONDINARO, LIBBY LICHT, DARLENE FAZZARY, ELAINE MOSHER, MELISSA WOOD, JILL MAY, LEANN CROUT, PEGGY HICKEY, WENDY BOLT

* BOB FITZSIMMONS named "HOMEMAKER OF TOMORROW" (February 1973) BOB was 1st male in the school's history to win this award and was chosen on basis of scores in a written multiple choice exam given to high school seniors in December. BOB was surprised with the honor, saying he majors in "baseball and lunch, which gives me a vast knowledge of nutrition."

* The "Hot Box Dancers" featured in the musical "Guys & Dolls" (April 1973) were: TANINA and ANITA LIAMMARI, PATTY WARNER, PATTY SGRECCI, MARIE FITZSIMMONS, PENNY BOLT, TARYN WAITE, BECKY PAGE and DEBBIE DILMORE.

* Lead roles in "GUYS & DOLLS" were played by JOHN SMYDER & CINDY HENBY.

* After 43 years of service elementary school teacher NELL CHASE retired. She was honored by a party given by her students at the Middle School in June of 1973.

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Watkins Glen Central School District --- some very early history...

The first six (6) District Principals -- we call them Superintendents today -- served from April 1863 through July, 1874 --- that's correct, six individuals covering 11 years for an average length of service of 1.8 years each. The longest tenure in that time frame was four and one-half (4 1/2) years; the shortest was four (4) months. See for yourself:

--A.C. Huff 4/1863 - 3/1867;

--Jacob Berry 3/1867 - 7/1867;

--J. Wadhams 9/1867 - 7/1868;

--Edward Abbey 9/1868 - 7/1869;

--J.L. Mack 9/1869 - 1/1874;

-- A.C. Pike 1/1874 - 7/1874

Those years of relative instability were followed by two individuals with the longest tenure as District Principals and who made our District what it is today:

PROFESSOR S.S. JOHNSON: September 1874 - July 1909

PROFESSOR JOHN A. BEERS: July 1909 - July 1941

* in 1860 there were approximately 100 high schools in the entire United States
* in 1863 there were less than one dozen high schools in all of New York State

Professor SAMUEL SELLEN JOHNSON inherited a program which was composed of six grades - with students remaining in each grade for two years - and no high school program. He added Grade 7 and reduced mandatory "time" in each grade to one year each and began writing curriculum for both primary and secondary grades. This led to increased enrollment and the offering of two types of diplomas: CLASSICAL & ACADEMIC. The Classical was a set course of studies to include Latin, German, Algebra, Geometry, English and the Sciences. The Academic varied little from the Classical but included a much smaller language requirement. At that time the ONLY non-academic subject in the curriculum was BOOKKEEPING. From 1870-1900 it was the belief that the ONLY basis for college entrance was proficiency in Greek, English Literature and Trigonometry. Through Professor Johnson's insight & vision MARY FREER SEARLES became the very 1st graduate from the secondary (high school program) in 1883 -- she was the ONLY member of that Senior Class; and in 1883 LULA MARTIN earned the very 1st Regents diploma in our history. Professor Johnson's vision was on cultural training and preparation for college and the professions.

Professor JOHN A. BEERS came to Watkins in 1901 as a Vice Principal and language teacher. As District Principal his vision included Professor Johnson's plus a much broader principle that the school MUST meet the needs of ALL who entered. He established a diploma program based upon academic achievement through ALL of the grades rather than just passage of Regents subjects. He added the following "departments" to the curriculum: HOMEMAKING (1925), COMMERCIAL & ART (both in 1927) and INDUSTRIAL ARTS (1936). He added our 1st Kindergarten program in 1919. In 1930 he organized Gr. 7/8 into a formal Junior High program enabling faculty to specialize in academic courses and help facilitate transition from the lower grades into the high school program. Professor Beers also added a wide range of extracurricular activities: Senior Trip (1912), Girls' Basketball Association (revived in 1910), 1st Tennis Team (1933). Additionally he placed more emphasis on PHYSICAL EDUCATION as a formal class, organized a league structure for our athletic teams and established the 1st Library Club and Student Council. Student enrollment soared!

From 1883-1899 a total of 85 students graduated with diplomas (single digit numbers in each Senior Class with the exception of 1895 with 12 students and 1898 with 10 students). For the 1st fifty years of the 20th Century (1900-1949) a total of 1,779 students graduated from our district.with Senior Class averages in 1900-1909 at 11 students, 1910-1919 at 17 students, 1920-1929 at 29 students, 1930-1939 at 67 students and Senior Class averages in 1940-49 at 54 students.

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WE REMEMBER:

Faculty/Staff who passed away in the Month of FEBRUARY.....

* February 4, 1995: RUTH WARNER - longtime high school Mathematics teacher
* February 4, 2005: WALT JOHNSON - former School Board Member; and Member of Athletic Hall of Fame

* February 12, 2005 : JEAN TOLMAN - longtime vocal music teacher

* February 14, 1992: GERALDINE GARDNER, Cafeteria Supervisor 1968-1982

* February 23, 1995: TOM FRANK, Hall of Fame "Benefactor"

* February 26, 1996: BETTY EDSALL, District Treasurer

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SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 31st in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

HAPPY NEW YEAR all --- now we'll have to get used to writing 2010 on everything!

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* BURDETT SCHOOL -- December -- 1894...

I read with great interest in the "Review & Express" last week of the combining of Districts 23 and 40 on the site of the old school house of District 39 in a newly-built facility with I.H. Smith as Principal. Great story and part of our educational history and thanks to the "Review & Express" for sharing it. Any other information pertaining to the Burdett School would be greatly appreciated.

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* We REMEMBER - those who passed away during the month of January:

January 6: RUTH TAYLOR (1/6/01) former Special Education Teacher
January 11: KAREN LINDSAY (1/11/98) former teacher
January 18: DON J. WICKHAM (1/18/01 Board of Education Member 1951-1955
January 30: NANCY CLEVELAND (1/30/01) High School Guidance Secretary

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* Watkins Glen Boosters Club Honor LINC WAGER on "LINC WAGER NIGHT" December 22, 2009
Linc has been keeping the books for the Watkins Glen Basketball Program for 56 consecutive years and often beginning games by singing our "National Anthem." CRAIG CHEPLICK gave a wonderful introduction of LINC at the game of 12/22/09 highlighting his contributions to our program. The large crowd on hand applauded Linc's efforts through the years! Thanks & appreciation to you LINC for being such a large part of our history & tradition!

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Interesting notes from years gone by...

* February 17, 1960: Watkins Glen defeated Elmira Notre Dame at the Notre Dame court (1st win there in three years) behind 29 points scored by BOB ORMSBEE, 20 by WILBUR ANGLE
and 16 by BILL DAVIS;

* September 13, 1961: Watkins Glen welcomed new teachers:
High School -- NANCY MERRILL (English), JOAN HEYWOOD (Math), JUDITH WILSON (English) & SUSAN STAFFORD (Science) plus
WILLIAM WELDON & EDWARD GODWIN (Junior High English) and RICHARD TERRY (Internship/Student Teaching in Social Studies);
Elementary -- CAROL RANDOLPH (Music), KATHLEEN ACKERMAN (Art), & KATHLEEN WAYLAND (Gr. 2)
Burdett School: DORIS SICK .
* Supervising Principal JOHN R. COOK announced district enrollment at 1,846 students (945 in Grades K-6; 471 in Gr. 9-12; 295 in Gr. 7/8 and 135 in Burdett).

* June 12, 1968: Ten new teachers were appointed to the 1968-69 faculty:
High School: IRENE MAYEWSKI (French & Russian), & VICTORIA EHRHART (part-time Home Economics)
Junior High: CYNTHIA BURNEY (English), ROBERT BURNEY (Science), & DANNIE BROWN (English)
Elementary: KENT FITCH JEAN TOLMAN (Music), & NANCY CALLAHAN
Burdett Elem.: JANET HANAUER , & JOSEPHINE SCHIMIZZI

* September 1968 appointments included: THOMAS THURLOW (Middle School Guidance), PETER A. PEVO (Grade 3), JOANNE BOND (Grade 1), ELLEN COLEMAN (Art), and
JEAN DAVIS (Grade 3)

*May 8, 1968: from the Watkins Review: " Mrs. IRENE GILLETTE to retire after 20 years at WGCS - she has served four district principals, been involved in the centralization of the school district and seen the budget grow from $233,153.35 in 1949 -- when 1,007 students were enrolled and the district had 51 employees, to $1,791,988.55 in 1967 with 2,150 students enrolled and 185 people employed by the district. Note from Dr. Peak: "She has had a direct influence on the lives of hundreds of students during her years of outstanding service to our district. She will be missed by students, staff members, parents, her associates in the Central Office and by me. I am grateful that she was here to help me this year."

* May 1, 1968: NANCY STENBERG (Valedictorian with an overall average of 93.94%), PAULA AYERS (Salutatorian with average of 92.56%), JAMES ELKINS, JANIS BURT,
BRUCE WRIGHTON, RICHARD STEBER, FAY STAGE, JOHN A. SHEPARD, MARGARET CARPENTER & WILLIAM BAILEY named as Top 10 in Class of 1968.

* October 11, 1967: WG Teacher's Association President JAMES COLEMAN announced annual dues were being increased 1000% to $15.00 annually. DOMINIC GIAMBO
was elected Vice President completing the term vacated by MRS. LOUISE STILLMAN (due to illness). GIAMBO was also elected as Delegate with ERNIE TOLMAN as Alternate.

* April 16, 1958: from "Through the Halls at WGHS" by Clayton Richards: "All is quiet in the halls of WGCS this week for the mighty Seniors have gone to Washington. Even though the Juniors have proclaimed themselves Seniors for the week the absence is very noticable. With the Seniors in Washington are Mr. Slater, Mr. Schaffer, Mr. Harkness and Mrs. Stillman. Taking Mr. Slater's place in classes is Mrs. Andrew Love of the Townsend Road, Watkins Glen. There are no regular substitutes for the other teachers but the remaining high school teachers fill in when they have a free period."

* September 2, 1959: Milford Warner was appointed new Football Coach as team entered a new league -- three years prior Watkins Glen was a member of the highly competitive Southern Counties League and just recently completed three years in the Wayne-Finger Lakes Counties League. Assisting Coach Warner are Kurt Hamf, Pete Galatis and Junior Varsity Coach Bill Barnes. Returning Seniors on the team are: William Davis, Steve LaMoreaux, James Reale, John Mathews, James Wood, Linn Freese, William Paradiso, John Dinkledien, Walt Emmons and Ron Pierce.

* January 27, 1960: PTA sponsored a panel discussion on the effects of absenteeism. Participants included Frank Steber (High School Teacher) , Betty Love (Elementary School Teacher), Myrtle Miller (High School Nurse) and Betty Lou Smith (Elementary School Nurse). Approximately 60 people heard the discussion. Icy Roads and snowy conditions were blamed for the unusually small turnout.

* May 31, 1961: installation of new officers for the Burdett PTA for the 1961-62 school year: Wilbur Haupt, President (taking over for retiring President Mrs. William Gardner), Mrs. James Stevens (Vice President replacing Mrs. Nelson Woodworth ) and Mrs. Karl Hoxie (Secretary). Mrs. Jean Argetsinger - Finger Lakes District PTA Official - conducted the installation.

* May 3, 1961: Police Woman Lena DeDominick worked the "school beat" mornings and afternoons.

* May 16, 1962: "Shares to Freedom" sales to finance a 2nd Foreign Exchange student at the high school (current Foreign Exchange student from Bolivia is MARTHA JAUREGUI) -- students working hard for the "sales" were Student Council President BILL ROBERTS, GERMAINE CLARK (member of the "Host" family for MARTHA) and many others...

* March, 1962: Watkins Glen students raised $280.79 for the "March of Dimes" -- turning the funds over to Donald Smith, Chairman for Schuyler County March of Dimes Coommittee, were GERMAINE CLARK, STEVE DAVIS and PATRICIA REINHART.

* September, 1962: summer staff at Lakeside Park program: JOE DE DOMINICK, JOHN CHEROCK, JOSEPH LEMAK, PEGGY LOVE, KATHY DEMPSEY & ART PECK;
senior boys winners: JOHN STUGART, JIM CICCONE & BOB LEE
senior girls' winners: HAZEL ROBERTS, JANET ANDERSON, MARY ANNE BIAGETTE and NANCY VAN AMBURG

* November 22, 1961: Freshmen Class officers -- President DANIEL LOVE; Vice President MARGARET DECKER, Secretary PATRICIA BALE, Treasurer JOE POSSEE; Class Advisor was MISS NANCY MERRELL.

* July 18, 1961: Summer Recreation Program staff: COACH JOE LEMAK with assistants JOHN SMITH, JR., PATRICIA REINHART, KATHY DEMSEY & PEGGY LOVE.

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Class Membership: 1883: 1 student; 1884: 4 students; 1885: 2 students; 1886: 6 students; 1887: 6 students; 1888: 8 students; 1889: 3 students; 1890: 4 students; 1891; 4 students; 1892: 2 students; 1893: 2 students; 1894: 6 students; 1895: 12 students; 1896: 5 students; 1897: 3 students; 1898: 10 students; 1899: 5 students...

19th Century: 85 total graduates (70 women; 15 men)
Curriculum: believed GREEK, ENGLISH LITERATURE and TRIGONOMETRY were the ONLY basis for college admission

For the first 50 years of the 20th Century (1900-1949) -- graduates numbered 1,779 total students;

From the Class of 1903: MARGUERITE SCOBEY --- went on to be a Latin Teacher in our District from 1912-1941.
From the Class of 1911: ABIGAIL O'DANIELS ------ went on to be Presbyterian Church organist for more than 50 years.
From the Class of 1922: GRACE ABBOTT ---------- went on to 33-year teaching career in our District (1929-1962) & long-time KINDERGARTEN Teacher

In 1860 there were only 100 high schools in the entire United States (in 1863 there were only 12 in all of New York State)
* In 1883 MARY FREER became Watkins' 1st high school graduate
* In 1884 LULA MARTIN became Watkins' 1st graduate with a Regents Diploma.

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On Wednesday, JANUARY 13, 2010, I will be reviewing "Watkins Glen Central School District -- A History 1853-2008" as part of the "Books Sandwiched In" series at the Watkins Glen Public Library.

"A History" is about people, events and facilities , No one can truly understand the "present" without knowing about the "past". On January 13th I plan to talk about:

-- 1853-1899: the 19th Century portion of our District history characterized by very low enrollment and attendance of more females than males

-- a Grade 1-6 curriculum (two years in each grade level)

-- the study of GREEK, ENGLISH LITERATURE and TRIGONOMETRY as the ONLY basis for college admission

-- the tremendous contributions of time and talent from S.S. JOHNSON and JOHN A. BEERS (75 years of combined service to our District)

-- some of the true "giants" in terms of service and contributions of talent (ELIZABETH MALONEY, KATHERINE WHIPPY, JOSEPHINE CURRY, MAE KLUBE, and JOHN BEERS/NELL CHASE & MILDRED MUNSON)

-- the addition of Grade 7 and a three-year "high school" course of study with the time reduction from two years at each grade level to the standard one year we are familiar with today

-- from just "Classical" and "Academic" diplomas to the addition of "Commercial," "Vocational" and "Art & Music" diplomas

-- the advent of KINDERGARTEN, JUNIOR HIGH, MIDDLE SCHOOL, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and ATHLETICS

-- the tenures of WARREN HERTENSTEIN, JOHN R. COOK, JACK TERRY, DR. LLOYD N. PEAK, DONALD A. DRYDEN, DR. MARY ELLEN CORREA and TOM PHILLIPS

-- plus a variety of additional information clearly associated with the people who made our history and tradition.

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For earlier Brian O'Donnell history columns and other historical items, click here.

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Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 30th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

(My apologies for the lateness of this monthly article --- busy, busy time for all).

Title IX and women's athletics:

* TITLE IX of the 1972 Education Amendments significantly reduced the large gaps that existed between males and females in educational achievement and attainment and saw the beginnings of official/sanctioned women's athletic programs in all of our schools for the very first time. Official league and non-league contests replaced the "old" intramural programs for female athletes and -- for the very first time -- female athletes were on a par with male athletes. In our District we have male and female teams in Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, Bowling and Track with "mixed" teams in Tennis and other sports, and girls teams in Volleyball and Softball -- along with opportunities for females to join on long-standing established and male-dominated teams like Football (CHARLENE BELL played in 1997 as a starter in several games on the line) and Wrestling (AMANDA AHO in 1997, in the very 1st New York State wrestling match between two girls, pinned her opponent). In Baseball LEE HERRICK (Traci McIlroy's sister) was the 1st female to play on our Varsity Baseball Team (1973) and MARIE FITZSIMMONS was the 1st female to play on our Junior Varsity Baseball Team, also in 1973..

* TAYLOR CHAFFEE's recent outstanding success in scoring 26 points with 24 rebounds in leading the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team to a 53-48 win over previously undefeated Odessa-Montour on Tuesday evening, December 22, is just another in a long long line of female athletic accomplishments in our District dating back to the 1970's.....

----- NANCY STENBERG LOUGHLIN (Graduate of our Class of 1968 and current High School Guidance Counselor) is scheduled to be inducted into our athletic "HALL OF FAME" (in the Coach category) on December 30th at approximately 7:00 p.m., during the "MELISSA WILSON" Girls' Basketball Tournament. NANCY, Cheerleading Advisor from 1974-1979 and again in 1992-1994, coached several award-winning teams and many individual champions as well. She and other school advisors organized the IAC Cheerleading Championships as a way to have fun and compete against each other. Her Varsity teams in 1976 and 1979 won the IAC Championship. JV clubs won the IAC JV Championship in 1976-77-78-79. As our District's 1st Track Coach for a girls' team in 1975, NANCY'S teams won the IAC Championship three consecutive years -- 1975-1976-1977 -- as the team was undefeated in dual meets from 1975-1978. She coached Girls' Track from 1975-1979 and again in 1983. She truly was one of the "pioneers" of women's athletics at Watkins Glen.

----- other female Coaches of distinction enshrined in the athletic "HALL OF FAME" are:
-- JEAN BURNSIDE LAWTON (Physical Education Teacher & Coach 1950-1987) -- 1st Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach (1972-1973)
-- BARB HUGHEY (Physical Education Teacher & Coach) (1970's/1980's) Girls' Swimm teams1972-1977 & Girls' Tennis teams 1978-1987
-- KATE LA MOREAUX (English Teacher & COACH) (1990's/2000's) The "guru" of the "Swimmin Women"
-- LIZ and ANNE PARADISO (Cheerleading Advisors (1970's/1980's)

----- Female athletes of Distinction honored in the "Hall of Fame" include:
-- KATHY HATSELL (Swimming) 1st female athlete inducted into "Hall of Fame"
-- PATTI SUITS (Swimming/Basketball/Track) 2nd female athlete inducted;
-- ANDREA HOLMES (Sectional & Intersectional Tennis Champion) 3rd female athlete inducted;
-- TINA WINCHELL (MVP in Basketball, Softball and Tennis) 4th female athlete inducted;
-- LAURIE CALDWELL (local, regional, national recognition as Cheerleader) 5th female athlete inducted;

----- additional achievements in Girls' athletic programs:
-- COACH MICHELLE VENDITTO (100+ victories in both Varsity Girls' Basketball and Varsity Girls' Softball) with several IAC Championships;
-- MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER (completed career as #1 scorer for Girls' Basketball with 971 points)
-- HOLLY MOSHER (three-sport star; completed Basketball career with 629 points)
-- JESSICA CRAVER (1st Varsity Girls' Basketball player to score 1,000 career points)
-- MOLLY SCHAMEL (All-Time District leader in points scored in Girls' Basketball with 1,164)
-- JULIE MILLER (set NATIONAL record for high school girls for soccer career saves with 1,250)
-- HEATHER THORP (earned 12 Varsity letters and went on to become Alfred University's 4th all-time leading scorer in basketball with 971 points)
-- TERESA LA FACE & EMILY MAC WILLIAMS (swam width of Seneca Lake kicking off Girls' Varsity Swimming Season)
-- ESTHER PELLER CHURCH became NYS High Jump Champion in Special Olympics in 1971 (prior to Title IX)
-- SHELLY CONTI, ALICIA LEARN, JESSICA SEDLACK, JENNY YUHASZ, TRACI LINCOLN, KERI MC ILROY, CHRISSY TRUAX, AMY CHAFFEE, CATHY BROWN;
-- LIZ HENRY (1st girls' Pole Vaulter in 1999)
-- plus so very many more.......

------- Some outstanding athletic achievements from the 1988-1995 era:

1988 - 1989

-- Varsity Cheerleaders win 1st place at Greater Rochester Invitational Tournament
-- Varsity Cheerleaders win two 1st place trophies at Seton Catholic Invitational in Binghamton
-- COLLEEN LOTT honored by Amateur Athletic Union/Milky Way High School "Be All You Can Be All American Award"
-- Girls Swim Team completes 13-1 season

1989 - 1990

-- IAC All Stars in Girls' Swimming were BECKY DRAKE, KRIS NOBLE, CHANDRA FLAHIVE, MICHELLE SEITHER, and KRISTEN BROWN
-- KRIS NOBLE & BECKY DRAKE qualify for NYS Swimming Championships (both finish in 13th place)
-- HEATHER THORP scores 27 points with 11 rebounds in Varsity Girls' Basketball 1st game of the season

1990 - 1991

-- MICHELLE SEITHER & KRISTEN BROWN qualify for NYS Swimming Championships
-- MICHELLE SEITHER & DODI SEIVER make 2nd team ALL IAC in girls' basketball

1991 - 1992

-- MICHELLE COMPTON wins her age group in Corning Community College 1/2 Marathon
-- AMY HOAGLAND & MARNIE DAVIS compete in New York City "Dance Caravan" and advance to national competition
-- IAC Girls' Basketball honors: 1st team All Star HOLLY MOSHER; 2nd Team All Star: SHELLY THOMPSON

1992 - 1993

-- JENNY YUHASZ sets new Cross Country record over 3.1 miles and is named 1st Team IAC All Star
-- HEIDI DRAKE becomes Section IV Class C Diving Champion
-- Girls' Swimming Team is #1 in IAC League Sportsmanship

1993 - 1994

-- CHRISTIE COOLICAN (twice!), JENNY YUHASZ, HOLLY MOSHER, and TRACY WILLIAMS named Kiwanis "Athletes of the Month"
-- IAC Swimming All Stars were MEGHAN HANLEY & CHRISTY COOLICAN
-- Special Weightlifting competition: JULIE DORDONI 1st; PAULA DE LA ESPERIELLA 2nd; AMY REASOR & JUDY DUNN 3rd

1994 - 1995

-- MEGAN BAHNS, SARAH WRIGHT & TRACI LINCOLN named Star-Gazette "Scholar Athletes"
-- MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER named by Ithaca Journal as "Athlete of the Week"
-- Varsity Girls won IAC Championship in Basketball; Varsity Girls' won IAC Championship in Swimming

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At this time of the year, we pause to remember those no longer with us. From our school "family" we remember those who passed from us during the month of December:

December 3 -- JANE BURRIS (12/3/1994) Teacher
December 6 -- MYRTLE MILLER (12/06/00) School Nurse Teacher from 1935-1969
December 11-- LAURA PALMER (12/11/90) Cook 1953-1970 and 1971-1973
December 16-- FLORA HILLERMAN (12/16/2006) Cafeteria Employee

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MERRY CHRISTMAS and a wonderful (Safe & Healthy!) New Year of 2010 to ALL!

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For earlier Brian O'Donnell history columns and other historical items, click here.

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Other Scenes from the past

For a look at some early 20th century photos of downtown Odessa and other nearby locales, try the website http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyschuyl/phalbum.htm.

Looking for historical accounts

We're seeking historical accounts of Schuyler County on this page -- both an overview of the area's settlement and development, and side stories related to the county's past that are informative and entertaining.

Any historians out there are welcome to try their hand at such efforts -- either through fresh writing or through previous essays or stories you might have composed and would like to see in electronic print for awhile.

Some of what appears here will remain for an extended period, while some will take turns with newer entries. I've included a photo of the fairly recent past -- the demolition one clear day a couple of years ago of the R House 2 building on Main Street in Odessa, a building with a rich history. In fact, anyone with details of that structure's long existence could tackle that as a subject.

In addition to the writing, this would be a good place for photos of historical interest. Anyone with old photos of Odessa, Montour Falls and Watkins Glen are welcome to lend them to this website for possible publication, or scan them and send them by e-mail.

If you are interested, you can e-mail the address at the bottom of this page or to chaeffner@stny.rr.com, write to The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY, or call 594-3594 and ask for Charlie.

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For earlier Brian O'Donnell history columns and other historical items, click here.