Chapter VII- Education

 Millville - The First 200 Years

Chapter VII

Education

 

    A study of the history of education in Millville cannot be accomplished without a look into several areas of the learning process. From the advent of the Greenwood Seminary to the many one-room schools, then to the jointure which embodies the borough and the three townships, we find many blocks of information.

    Upon close examination, the Seminary figures as the main­ spring of education from 1851 until the turn of the century. Then, with the state pouring more money into education via the public schools, the Seminary dropped in enrollment until it closed in 1915. The death knell occurred in 1914 when the public school constructed a modern addition to the existing building.

    The Seminary, however, had made its mark. It turned out inquisitive, patriotic, intellectual graduates, and the many students who had experienced this type of education affected the later public schools in the area to a great extent.

    A look into the history of education in Millville has been a most rewarding experience. We have used the method of a general summary, a look at the Greenwood Seminary, the high school, and the elementary schools. Since many times the school was a combination of elementary and secondary, some of these were combined.

    Only a few years after the first settlers located in the Millville area, education became an important interest in their lives.

    As early writing discloses, "In the early days of Columbia and Montour counties the children of the family and those of a neighbor, when so requested, were taught by someone in the family who had had advantages." There was such a school in Millville as early as 1785.

    In 1798, Elizabeth Eves taught in the east room of the log meeting house. Later a schoolhouse was built. This was located in the west corner of the meeting house lot, between the spring and the well-known watering trough. This house was probably out of use by 1846, for in that year the building was used to dry lumber for the present meeting house.

    The next schoolhouse stood in the south corner of the present schoolhouse lot, very near the road and on the line of the John Watts property. In size, it was about 25 x 30, balloon framed and lined with wide pine boards. The teacher's desk, blackboard, class bench, and door were on the side next to the road. The door was at the south corner and opened on a small porch.

    On the other three sides were the desks. These were stationary shelves beveled to fit the arm. The books were kept on a shelf under this. Benches were used for seats. In the center of the room was the stove. Sometime during the use of this house, it was fitted with high-backed desks.

    Among the teachers who held forth here were A. P. Young, Martha Eves, Elizabeth Eves (Mrs. Ellis Eves), Emily Heacock, Lydia Van Horn, and S. Jennie Kester. Among the pupils were Narcissa Henrie, Clara Eves, Retta Eves, Julia Christian, Ella Young, Della German, Woodward Robbins, and W. W. Heacock.

Many of the early schoolhouses were built by subscription on lots that were donated. As to the time and manner of the building of this house, we have no information.

    In 1872, the Greenwood School Board bought off Samuel Shaf­fer one acre, the present school lot, and built a house in the back of the lot. Wilbur Eves opened the school that Fall. The following spring the old house was sold to C. W. Eves, who moved it from the premises. Wallace Eves was the next teacher, and in 1876 Worley Monroe was the teacher and organized the Millville Band.

    The Greenwood Seminary was started in 1851, and rather over‑ shadowed the public school for a few years. (A detailed ac­count of the Seminary follows later).

    The school board hired John H. Smith for the term 1883‑ 84. He was to furnish the needed assistants and the entire public school was held in the seminary building. The next two school years the board hired Marion C. Turrell, of Pittsburgh, paying the regular salary and the citizens paying him ten dollars per month. Turrell taught the higher grades in the seminary building, and the lower grades were taught in the public school building, one or both of these years.

    The Friends rented the seminary and opened a school in the fall of 1886. At this time or soon after a house was built beside the one in the back of the school lot.

    These two houses served the public school until 1900. During that year, the brick section, a part of the south end of the present building, was erected. Samuel J. Johnston and his wife, Georgie Lyons, and Myra Wright opened the school that fall.

    The first class to graduate from Millville High School was in 1904 with graduation exercises held in the Opera House (the second floor of the former Grant Johnson store) at the corner of State and Walnut streets. This was a two-year class.

    Superintendent W. W. Evans was the speaker. The principal of the high school was Samuel J. Johnson. Class roll included: Jay Grimes, William Welliver, Lucretia Christian, Norma Eckman, Cleo Everett, Grace Heacock, and Iantha Kitchen.

    In 1910, a three-year high school was established, and a class graduated in 1911 under Fred Diehl. The school was changed to a four-year high school in 1919.

    A department of mechanical and agriculture instruction was added in 1923 under Guy Everett. This was housed in the basement of the Community Hall until 1932. A separate brick shop was constructed north of the main structure in 1940.

    In 1925, the Millville school board bought the R. E. Miller house and land. This was the area to the east. The home economics department was added under Miss Evelyn Mack.

    In the fall of 1926, the school opened with ten teachers and 225 pupils. There were more pupils than the building would accommodate, so the fifth and sixth grades were cared for in a room on the second floor of the bank building. This room was used in like manner during the term of 1931‑ 32.

    A badly needed addition was realized in the high school in 1932 when the front appearance was changed and rooms were added. Lavatories and offices were added to the front, two classrooms in the northeast section, and two cellar classes were added. This changed the high school building from a six-room school to a ten-room school with a small library.

    In 1950 a gigantic addition was undertaken involving better than a half million dollars. This was first used in October 1952. It included an industrial arts shop, an agriculture shop and classroom, a home economics department, a new library, an art area, a new gymnasium, a cafeteria, a music area, and two classrooms, as well as lavatories. An administrational and health area was also included.

    The most recent face lift was the million-and-a-half dollar addition which involved a wing of twelve classrooms, a 640-seat auditorium, an enlarged and improved gym area and locker rooms, a larger cafeteria, new and enlarged administrational, health and guidance areas, a larger library, and some badly needed revamping of the 1932 and 1952 additions.

    The school now is built for 625 students with 525 attending during the school year of 1971‑ 72. Much foresight was used in this planning. More information will be included on this in the section on the high school.

    In a study of the history of education in Millville, there are two gentlemen who demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the entire pattern. Undoubtedly there were many others, but the names of William Burgess and Seymour Stere were most noteworthy, because of their innovations to the system and their intense dedication to the cause of education.

    Burgess came to Millville in 1851 to get things started at the Greenwood Seminary. He was secured from downstate Bucks County, a great distance in those days. Burgess continued to run the Greenwood Seminary until 1863, then moved on to other areas in the publishing business. When things weren't going too well, he was brought back in 1870 and remained for two years before being appointed as an Indian Agent in the west.

    The time slots mentioned above become more important when history is studied more carefully. His contribution of fourteen years is not particularly striking, but two later events stress the fact that there was a man who could accomplish results in the field of education.

    On August 26, 1897, twenty‑ seven years after Burgess left the community and forty‑ six years after he first came here, the Greenwood Seminary held a reunion that set an example for other alumni organizations. They drew over 600 people in the horse‑ and buggy era. Burgess was the chief guest, and the remarks indicate he was held in high esteem.

    Burgess died on Wednesday, November 1, 1905, at the age of 82. His body was brought to Millville for the funeral, which was largely attended. A special full page appeared in the "Millville Tablet," Wednesday, November 8, and again there are indications in this of his popularity. Although he had left the community 35 years before, time had not dimmed the effectiveness of this man.

    Seymour Stere was a graduate of Millville High School, class of 1926. He entered Bloomsburg Normal School and graduated from that institution in 1931. 

    He began his teaching in the old Greenwood High School, developing a previously unheard-of interest in dramatics as well as instigating the taking of a historical trip by each tenth-grade class. His classes were interesting and intellectual.

    Stere came to Millville High School in September 1939, where he continued as a classroom teacher, then assistant principal, and supervising principal. In 1962 he left Millville High School and became assistant county superintendent. On Aug­ust 25, 1962, he died suddenly after suffering a heart attack. The entire area mourned his loss.

    Although both Stere and Burgess were administrators, it was appropriately the classroom where they made their marks. One former student in this way described Burgess: "He leaves us a legacy of good deeds and words that will never die... No other per­ son's influence has touched so many lives in this and surrounding neighborhoods."

    Stere, although quiet and reserved, was a strict disciplinarian. Included in the quotes about him: "He was an excellent example to all. His classes were enjoyable, yet intellectual. He always had command of the situation. It would be hard to find anyone who did not admire and respect him."

GREENWOOD SEMINARY

    The early education of the Millville area is steeped with the operation and effect of the Greenwood Seminary, a highly efficient educational institution sponsored originally by the Seminary Com­pany and then by the Society of Friends.

    John and Edith Eves, the first settlers of Millville, had more than one hundred grandchildren. Not all grew to maturity, but by 1850 there were several large families needing educational advan­tages.

    During this year a company was organized with thirteen stockholders. An acre of land was purchased from Andrew Eves and what was known as the west wing was built.

There was no Bloomsburg State Normal School, no Orangeville or New Columbus Academies, and the public school system set up by the acts of 1844 and 1846 had not become very efficient here.

    The name of William Burgess, of Bucks County, came to the forefront in 1851. He was hired on May 5, 1851, and thirty pupils were enrolled.

    Records indicate the arrival of Mr. Burgess, apparently an excellent leader was an interesting story.

    Mrs. Burgess said, 

"It seemed like quite an undertaking to leave my Bucks County home and go into a strange land with three babies. At that time, before Catawissa Railroad was built, the newest course from Philadelphia was by rail to Pottsville and Stage over the mountain to Bloomsburg. But for comfort, we took the canal packet line from Columbia (on the Susquehanna River) to Northumberland. Arriving about midnight, we stayed in a hotel and learned in the morning that Benjamin Eves had come with his carriage to take us to Millville.

    When we arrived at the top of George Eves Hill (Eugene Eves), Greenwood Valley stretched pleasantly between the hills. Then Millville was pointed out. I looked in surprise on the Valley. I could see a red house and a store, and a mill nearly hidden in the trees where a small stream seemed to be wandering among the foot­ hills, but WHERE WAS THE V‑ I‑ L‑ L‑ E? It might be a place for a town, but the town seemed to be absent. But on we drove and found it at last."

 

    Burgess proved to be a man whose ability and character com­ manded respect from the pupils and of the community. At the close of the first year, Burgess bought the property, enlarged the west wing, and later built the east wing to accommodate pupils and furnish dormitories for boarding pupils. The school was prosperous and made Millville the educational center of a large scope of the surrounding country.

    Before the outbreak of the Civil War, the Greenwood Semin­ary Stock Company was organized with a capital of $6,000. The new company took over the property, the additions of land, (now seven acres and forty perch), and the accumulated debt. A three-story building connecting the east and west wings were built. The school was opened with a normal department for the benefit of the surrounding counties.

    At the outbreak of the Civil War, many of the older boys volunteered, and others had to leave school to take places at home left by the men going into the service.

    In 1857 the Greenwood Literary Society was organized by T. Maxwell Potts, then an assistant teacher. This society and the Society of Good Intent (which grew out of it) were a very valuable educational influence down to the time of some still living.

    About the year 1863, William Burgess transferred his interests to T. M. Potts. Potts was the principal of the school until 1866. He was also the county superintendent. During his management, the trees around the building were planted. Then Professor C. M. Walker leased the property until 1868. In 1870 William Burgess (who had found other business interests) was again employed and remained for two years. President U. S. Grant then appointed him, Indian Agent. H. R. Whitacre, of Muncy, had charge of the school in 1873, and Emma G. Heacock, of Benton, in 1874.

    In 1875, the school was under the care of the Monthly Meeting of Friends with Arthur W. Potter as principal for three years followed by George C. Ruth for one year.

From 1878 through 1883 the school was conducted only in the summer, with the teachers including John M. Smith, Harold Whitacre, M. C. Turrell, and A. L. Tustin.

    In the spring of 1883, John M. Smith rented the property. That fall the Greenwood school board hired Smith to take charge of the public school, using the seminary building. The public school building was not used during the term of 1883 and 1884.

    Marion C. Turrell, of Pittsburgh, followed Smith in teaching the higher grades of the public school in the Seminary. The lower grades were cared for in the public school building (on the site where the present high school stands). This arrangement lasted two years. Turrell was paid the regular salary and the citizens paid him ten dollars in addition.

    Among the teachers up to this time were Isaac Battin, Sarah Jane Walker, Mary Ann Rich, Herman Coons, Prof. H. W. Gilbert, Prof. B. F. McHenry, A. P. Young, H. Maria Eves, Elizabeth N. Clement, Prof. J. Boyd Johnson, Marianna Burgess, N. G. Colley, and S. Jennie Kester.

    In the fall of 1886, the Fishing Creek Monthly Meeting of Friends (the name was later changed to Millville Monthly Meeting) again became the lessees and opened the school with seventy-five pupils under the principalship of Anna C. Dorland, of Philadelphia. 

    The instructors were Prof. George L. Harris, Sidney B. Frost, and Elizabeth C. Hart. The Friends continued the school until 1915.

Among the principals under the Friends were: Anna C. Dorland, Edith H. Cutler (1887‑ 89); Henry R. Russell (1890‑ 93); Jennie Kester and Ellen Russell (1894‑ 95); Harry W. Eves (18961900); Wilbur W. Kester (1901­ 09); Kathryn Eves (1910‑ 13).

    In a 1914 writing, we find: "Many men and women who attained prominence in various walks of life have been attendants at this institution of learning. The buildings are now in a state of disrepair, and the school is poorly attended. Miss Mary Ridgway is the last principal."

    Among those acting as assistants in the latter years were: Lizzie Ambler, Edith H. Cutler, Morris Dilworth, Charles Lukens, Roland Slencer, Julia Loos, Emily Coles, Ellen Russell, Elizabeth Russell, Mary Pancoast, Laura Heacock, Norman John, Anna Wildman, Mary Kline, Louise Eves, Rachel Knight, Laura Balderson, Reba Eves, Jessie Darlington, Bernice Eves, Clark Kitchen, Harry Sherwood, Carl Dreibelbis, Margaret Heller, and Rebecca John.

    The increase in state funds for the public school plus the many changes in the headship of the Greenwood Seminary seem to have been the two major contributions to its closing. Another writing in 1914 stated: "The present high school structure is a large two-story brick building and is strictly modern in every respect. Present county superintendent Evans is of Quaker descent and takes particular pride in this school."

    After the Seminary property seemed to have served its purpose in education, Myron Eves made earnest efforts to have the building converted into a community hall. So the Seminary Company took in some new stockholders. Then the company, with the assistance of a considerable number of people who gave time, material, and money, built the Community Hall (which was torn down in 1966). In the fall of 1916 the Swarthmore Chautauqua held the first meeting in the new building.

    The Community Hall became a culture and entertainment center, and for many years the Chautauqua and the Lyceum courses, with their many traveling, talented people, gave the residents of the area programs which they could not otherwise view.

    The Seminary Company had given permission for a consolidated school to be built on the Seminary site, but this was never accomplished although as late as 1940 this was considered.

    Some interesting excerpts from a Greenwood Seminary brochure of 1892­ 93:

 

“General School Committee: John Eves, Ellis Eves, Shadrach Eves, Sarah T. Eves, Joseph W. Eves, Rachel S. Eves, Sarah B. Eves, Sarah J. Kester, Chandlee Eves, Rachel M. Eves, R. Anna Kester, Narcissa Henrie, W. Webster Eves, S. Emily Eves, Joseph C. Eves, Mary Wilson, J. Barton Eves, J. Lemuel John, Reuben L. Rich, Anna Reece.

Executive Committee: Ellis Eves, Sarah T. Eves, Sarah J. Kester, John Eves, Joseph C. Eves. Henry B. Russell was principal. Instructors were Elizabeth S. Russell, Ellen Russell, Norman E. John, and Sarah J. Kester.

The school term was divided into three terms of thirteen weeks each: Fall Term, Sept. 5, 1892 to December 2, 1892; Winter Term, December 5, 1892 to March 16, 1893; Winter vacation, December 16 to December 30; Spring Term, March 19 to June 15, 1893.

Tuition rates: "D" Class (one of the elementary classes) $7.00 per term; "C" Class $9.00; "B" Class $11.00; "A" Class $13.00; Junior Class $14.00; Senior class $15.00 per term.

Location: "Greenwood Seminary is located at Millville, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the line of the Wilkes‑ Barre and Western Railway, ten miles north of Bloomsburg, and 22 miles east of Watsontown. The large school building is pleasantly situated in ample and finely‑ shaded grounds, in the borough, between the Post Office and Friends' Meeting House, and within five minutes' walk of the depot of the Wilkes‑ Barre and Western Railway, which connects with the Northern Central and the Philadelphia and Erie at Watsontown; and with the Bloomsburg and Sullivan, at Orangeville."

    A list of pupils and the locations from which they came were included in the pamphlet.

 

Millville:

 Norman Beagle, McKinda Elroy Dildine, Harriet Eck, Beatrice W. Eves, Benjamin H. Eves, Bernice Eves, Blanche Eves, Carl Eves, C. Clad Eves, Charles Eves, LaRue Eves, David R. Eves, Edith Eves, Edna Eves, F. Cleo Eves, Irene Eves, J. Stanley Eves, J. Winifred Eves, Louisa M. Eves. Mildred M. Eves, Myron Eves, Perry L. Eves, Rebecca E. Eves, Reuben Eves, Theron Eves, T. Louisa Eves, Lulu Heacock, C. Herbert Henrie, George Henrie, Howard Hileman, Irma B. Ikeler, Jessie C. Ikeler, Jesse M. John, M. Helen John, Watson T. John, Minnie L. Kisner, Ralph Kisner, Araminta Kitchen, E. Alberta Kline, Zzora Kramer, Samuel Kreppenneck, Abbie E. Rich, Annie W. Rich. Sarah Rote, James A. Runyan, J. Earl Sands, George E. Sands, Harry Shoemakerr, Anna Weinman, Francis Weinman, Bertha G. Wright.

 

Limestoneville: Charles W. Balliet, F. Bruce Hartman.

 

Sereno: Harrison Greenly, Nora Lyons, Clyde H. Potter, Alfred E. Masters, Howard H. Shultz.

 

Iola: Lawson G. Shultz, Warren B. Hayman.

 

White Hall: Charles W. Derr.

 

Greenwood: Truman R. Mather, Helen H. Reece, Lattimer Heacock.

 

Jerseytown: Francis M. Kinlen, Frederick 0. Schultz, Sarah F. Schultz, Frank F. Werkheiser, J. Charlton Wintersteen.

 

Mordansville: Joseph E. Sands.

 

Washingtonville: Charles C. Litterer.

 

New Market, Maryland: Henry Russell, Rachel Russell.

 

Waterford, Virginia: Lewis Walker.

 

    It is noteworthy to point out the fact that of the 75 pupils listed in the 1892­ 93 brochure, 23 of them had the last name of "Eves", which substantiates the statement made about John Eves having over one hundred grandchildren.

    The smaller brochure of 1898‑ 99, with Harry W. Eves, principal, notes the fact that the tuition was much lower. It is not known whether more funds were available from Friends' aid or whether this was done to attract more students. The Senior class was $10.00 per term as opposed to $15.00 in the earlier 1892‑ 93 brochure. Other tuition amounts were also less.

    Remarks, listed on the back of this brochure, included: 

"A general average of 80 will be required after finishing work of one grade to enter a higher grade. Written examinations will occur at the middle and last of each term, and any student failing to make 70 will have to review the work. Students, with the consent of parents or guardian, not wishing to take a regular course of study, are allowed to choose special branches best suited to their indivi­ dual necessities."

    A typical report card of the Seminary indicated that the following subjects were offered: Algebra, Arithmetic, Bookkeeping, Botany, Chemistry, Declamations, Diary Notes, Drawing, French, German, Geography, Geology, Geometry, and Grammar. History, Latin, Lecture Notes, Letter‑ writing, Mental Arithmetic, Philosophy, Physical Geography, Physiology, Physical Geography, Philosophy, Reading, Rhetoric, Spelling, Surveying, and Writing.

 

MILLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

 

    For years the Greenwood Seminary (and the Friends School, operating in conjunction with it) was the chief educational institution in the borough. Later, two small schools were conducted in the borough. Both were located on the south side adjoining Main Street in the area of the present school.

    Following the construction of the brick building, the facilities were greatly improved. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Johnson were among the first teachers.

    In addition to this structure, to house classrooms and permit science work, was constructed in 1916, and organizations of the vocational courses in agriculture and home economics followed.

As a result of the steady growth of that work, the property of Ray Miller, which adjoined the school grounds, was bought in 1925. The home economics work centered in the building, which had formally been the residence of the Millers.

    At the same time, the vocational work was installed, Millville established a junior high school, and the enrollment, a consequence of these improvements, was more than double that of former years.

 

    For some years, it was necessary to house the shop work in the basement of the old community hall. With the completion of the 1932 addition, the work was transferred to the school itself. 

    The 1932 addition included four additional classrooms, including two in the basement, a hall on each of the two floors, two front lavatories, an office, and a library, as well as modernizing the front structure. At that time the school drew pupils from the borough, Pine Township, Greenwood, Mt. Pleasant, Jordan, and Franklin. There were also tuition students from other areas.

    A special shop was constructed in the nineteen forties, and this stood behind the two-story brick structure. With this modern shop, agricultural activities were increased.

    The 1952 addition, costing a total of $526,000, was attached to the rear of the building, and the new shop was leveled. This addition made the school appear to be quite long. It included a new library, music area, industrial arts area, agriculture shop and classroom, administrational and health areas, cafeteria, home economics department, art department, and two classrooms. The additional space also included a gymnasium and locker rooms plus a new front-facing north onto Third Street.

    The next addition in 1968 was a $1,250,000 block, which also included extensive renovations to the older parts of the building. This newest addition includes a separate wing of twelve classrooms, a larger gym, a larger cafeteria, modern administrational, health, and guidance areas, a new music area, and an excellent 640-seat auditorium. The school was designed for 625 students by a forward-looking school board consisting of Martin Bowman, president; Jack Lewis, secretary; Wayne Wright, treasurer; Jerome Abraczinskas, Manley Fought, Elwin Mulaney, Dr. James DeVoe, Kenneth King, Christian Wolff, Jr., Paul Zeisloft. Building Authority members were Ryland Lawton, chairman; Jack Lewis, secretary; Brandon Miller, Nevin Zeisloft and Larue Hess, with E. Eugene Eves, the solicitor.

    Scarcely recognizable by even those students who were here ten years ago, Millville High School has become a "first" upon many occasions as one looks through its history.

    Millville was the first jointure in Columbia County as it completely reorganized in 1946 with Millville Borough, Madison Township, Pine, and Greenwood as its members. T. A. Williammee was the supervising principal.

    In 1959, Millville became the first Columbia County school to be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In November 1970 the school was re-evaluated by Middle States and once more accredited. The school automatically received state accreditation. The present principal, Walter Stanek, was elected to the board of directors of Middle States and now serves as chairman of some of its committees. Many of the present faculty serve on evaluating teams throughout Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

    Millville became the first Columbia County school to provide Community College education, beginning in 1968. The school is affiliated with the Williamsport Community College, and some thirty alumni members are presently students there. This includes adult education as well as regular programs.

    In 1970 Millville joined the vocational-technical part of the Williamsport program and is now one of the few high schools in Central Pennsylvania to offer both high school vocational-technical and community college programs.

    In addition to the vo‑tech programs, the high school now offers college preparatory, business, industrial arts, and home economics courses. There is little difficulty in placing the students in jobs, and the college prep program adequately prepares the students for their additional education. This can be attested by the records of the students on College Boards, national tests, and by the staying power of the students entering college. In a ten-year study, it was found that only eighteen percent of the students who had entered college dropped out, whereas the national average is approximately forty‑ five percent.

    Although the school now has only a total of 525 students (grades seven through twelve) and is one of the smallest schools (lower forty) in point of size in the state, there are many advantages to this size. Where many schools are now facing problems of control because of size, this is not a major issue. There is also much more opportunity to work with the individual in a smaller situation. The school has modern equipment and does not take second place to any school with reasonable equipment. The sports program has been expanded to include programs for nearly half of the school population.

    The present high school faculty includes Walter Stanek, principal; Allen Acor, physical science; Luther Bitler, math (substituting for Gerald Woolcock on sabbatical leave); James Bowen, science; Roy Bower, Jr., biological science; John Cardone, driver education; Susan Collins, special education (substituting for Nancy Kough on sabbatical).

    Sharyn Correll, girl's physical education and health; Edwin Crawford, business; Robert Doucette, art; James Duff, music; Frank Fisk, math­ -science; Mahlon Fritz, business; Ruthann Gavitt, English; Jane Hess, English; Victoria Hower, business; John Ickes, social studies; Pauline John, Spanish; Emory Kish, industrial arts; Anthony Kohl, French‑ English; John Laidacker, social studies; Dorothy Linn, librarian; Millard Ludwig, guidance and athletic director; Jayrene Mertz, social studies.

    Carol Nickles, home economics; David Outt, English‑ Reading; Adam Rarig, boy's physical education; Daniel Reese, social studies; Harold Shaw, math; Robert Snyder, math; William Van Horn, English‑ social studies. Zigmund Musial, who came here in 1962, is the superintendent of the Millville Area School District.

Present school board: Manley Fought, president; Paul Zeisloft, vice-president; Jack Lewis, secretary; Wayne Wright, treasurer; Dennis Farr, Jerome Abraczinskas, Karl Girton, Oliver Karns, Dr. James DeVoe, Kenneth King.

 

THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

 

The elementary system as we know it today has been through countless structural changes since its inception. The three buildings located in the townships are a reflection of this change. Many additional schoolhouses have served the system throughout its history, but only two of these remain in active use now. The Madison building was formerly used for the township’s children, as was the Greenwood unit. The Pine building is relatively new and built to supplement the other two when their capacity was exceeded.

    The Madison, Greenwood, and Pine schools, now house the elementary students of the district. Students are assigned to various elementary buildings according to the space available. All elementary students are transported to the facilities by bus.

    The present elementary staff includes Terrence Anspach, elementary supervisor; Joanne Mosteller, Kindergarten; Lynn Raker, remedial reading; Ella Shoemaker, art; Lois Sturgeon, music; Barbara Van Horn, librarian.

    Pine Schools: Margaret Bitler, head teacher, sixth grade; Katharine Amacher, first; Evelyn Johnson, second; Sadie Kehler, fifth; Helen Ritchie, third; Liberty Rowland, special education; Arwilda Shoemaker, fourth.

 

    Madison School: John Early, head teacher, sixth; Maxine Arnow, first; David Cooper, third; Yvonne Eyer, first; Helen Greenly, fourth; Irene McVey, fourth; Thelma Kindt, fifth (on sabbatical); Mary Bonham, fifth; Emily Rupert, second.

 

    Greenwood School: Charles Broyles, head teacher, sixth; Lesta Bangs, fourth; Fanny DeMott, third; Mary Lewis, fifth; Irma Eyer, first; Ann Turner, second.

 

GREENWOOD

 

    Looking first at the Greenwood area, it is noted that two schools were in operation in Rohrsburg at an early date. One, known as the Lockard School, was located where Mr. Clyde Appleman lived. The other was on the farm of Johnson Parker, near the William Evans property. Both were discontinued when the two-room building was built on the property purchased from Jacob Berlin about 1878, where the Ed Haffey garage is now located.

    Just north of Rohrsburg was located at the Albertson school. This was built on the land of Thomas Redline in about 1882. This school was closed in about 1910 and later the building was torn down.

    On March 26, 1870, the Greenwood Township Board of Education bought from Henry Mather for the sum of $200 the property on which was built the Center School. The board consisted of A. P. Young, John Lewis, B. F. Battin, John Stadon, Alfred Kline and James Preston. This school replaced the earlier school located on the land of Samuel Shaffer. A grade school only was held at Center until 1907 when a three-year high school was added.

    When the Bunker Hill school and the Redline school were closed in 1927 due to small attendance, the lands were returned to the original owners, and the pupils were transported to the schools at Rohrsburg and the Center school. Carl Travelpiece and Mrs. Suzie Miller did the driving of the first Greenwood busses.

    At this time Seymour Stere was the principal of Greenwood High School. E. Guy Bangs taught grades 5‑ 6‑ 7‑ 8, and Beatrice Crawford taught grades 1‑ 2‑ 3‑ 4 at the Center School. George Dodson taught grades 5‑ 6‑ 7‑ 8 at Rohrsburg and Edith Dodson was responsible for grades 1‑ 2‑ 3­ 4.

    In 1940 the Greenwood school board, consisting of Samuel Gillaspy, Charles Derr, Dr. Charles Lyons, Melvin Applegate, and Willard Kile, voted to consolidate all Greenwood schools into one building. This brought about the closing of Iola, Eyers Grove, Little Green Creek, Greenwood, Pine Grove, Rohrsburg, Center, and Greenwood High School.

    The new school was officially dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1942, with a gala celebration. The Millville High School band, under the direction of Wallace Eves, furnished the music. The Arthur Bardo Post, of the Millville American Legion, furnished a flagpole, and the Valley Post, of Bloomsburg, presented a flag, to which all of the assembled children, school personnel, and guests pledged allegiance during the outdoor ceremony, which took place at eleven o'clock.

    At noon hour, the newly formed School Improvement Club served a delicious meal to all of the students and visiting guests. Following the meal, an afternoon program was presented.

    Dr. Lee Driver, former chief of consolidation and transportation at, State Department Of Public Instruction, delivered the address. County superintendent Ray Cole and Montour county superintendent Fred Diehl, as well as many other guests, spoke. After the program, all witnessed the loading of the buses and inspected the very modern facilities.

    When it became a realization that a new school was to be built, Mr. Edwin Miller, master of the Rohrsburg Grange, suggested that an improvement club be formed. Its duties would be landscaping the new school grounds and assisting in furnishing some of the equipment.

    A public meeting was held on November 24, 1941, and the group organized electing Lillian Kline, president; Edwin Miller, vice-president; George Fought, secretary; and Jay Derr, treasurer.

    Immediately the club began a house-to-house canvass to solicit funds. Individuals and organizations donated $400. A scrap drive was held, and old iron (by the ton) was hauled to the Center school to be sold later. Food sales, box socials, and refreshment sales at public meetings all helped to get funds used to purchase playground equipment, landscaping, slate for the driveway, and furnishing the kitchen with a stove, a refrigerator, dishes, and trays. Lumber for a stage and curtains, chairs, and other needed equipment also were purchased.

    On August 15, 1942, a community day was held to drain and grade the new school grounds. Volunteer labor, men, women, and children, came to assist in the project. Residents of the area came with tractors, teams of horses, plows, rakes, harrows, wheelbarrows, shovels, and hoes. Even the county superintendent of schools and his staff came to help make ready the front lawn of the school property. 

    Harry Everett, the county supervisor of agriculture, selected and supervised the planting of the fine shrubbery to beautify the school grounds.

    Transportation was both a new and major problem at this time. Carl Travelpiece, Alice Travelpiece, and Elmer Laubach were given contracts to haul pupils to both the new school and to Millville.

    The faculty of the school when it first operated was: George B. Fought, principal, and teacher of grades 7‑ 8; Floyd Freas, grade six; Maizie Freas, grade five; Helen Fought, grades three and four; Beatrice Crawford, grade two; Capitola Reese, grade one. Frank Perkins was the school custodian.

    After operating for several years, it appeared that to run the school system more economically, a larger unit was necessary. Pine Township was having difficulty because of the small attendance. In 1944 the Greenwood School board accepted the Pine elementary pupils on a tuition basis. Elroy Brown, Bernard Temple, and Ray Kessler ran buses to the Greenwood school from Pine.

    This arrangement continued for two years until it became apparent that a still larger merger was necessary.

    A joint board meeting with Madison, Millville, Greenwood, and Pine was arranged, and finally at five o'clock in the morning, after hours of discussion by county officials and school board members, it was voted to establish a cooperative district of all of the area schools. This plan proved quite satisfactory, and after two years of trial in 1946, the Millville Jointure was formed. This was the first one in the county.

    With many of the Greenwood students now attending the Millville school (grades seven and eight), this provided more room at Greenwood. The word "consolidated" was dropped, and the name used was "Greenwood Elementary School".

    The Greenwood school had previously entered both the milk program and the surplus food program, and the School Improvement Club now sponsored the school lunch program, which became very successful.

    

    Following the retirement of Frank Perkins as a school custodian, Frank Filter served for several years, and at present Donald Eves is in charge of custodial duties.

    In 1964, George B. Fought, after serving 38 years in the school as a teacher and principal, retired. He had helped to bring a better program to the children of the township. Mrs. Maizie Freas was elevated to that position, and following her untimely death, Mrs. Irene Huntsman took the position briefly. Charles Broyles was named in 1968, and he is still the head teacher at Greenwood.

    An addition, which included a larger kitchen and a room for cafeteria use, was completed in 1965.

 

MADISON

 

    The first school in Madison Township was opened in Jerseytown in 1799 by Mr. Wilson. Jerseytown was then still a part of Northumberland County and was known as Derry Township. In 1810 Thomas Lane taught at a school that Leonard Kisner had erected on his property. The third was opened in 1915 at the south end of the township on the stage road to Bloomsburg.

    The township eventually had ten schools. The next to open was near the old Baptist Church near Fishingcreek. One was built at what is known as Katy's Church. One in Spruce Run and one at the intersection of the Danville and Dutch Hill roads out of Jerseytown were added.

    These schools were all typical of the times. They had a single teacher that presided over the complete program of the various grades in the only room.

    A high school was a real improvement in the township's facilities. A more complete education was now possible for the area students.

    In 1915 the ten schools had a total enrollment of 173 students. They soon found that it was impossible to continue these outlying schools and as transportation facilities improved, the little schools were closed. In 1924 the Christian school was closed. It was the first probably because it was at the southernmost tip of the township. In 1931 the other one-room schools were closed. Gone were Dutch Hill, Geisers, Fruits, DeMotts, Spruce Run, VanDines, Spruce Hill, and the Jerseytown Elementary facilities.

    In 1946 the Madison High School was changed to serve the students of Madison Township and Millville during their elementary studies.

 

PINE

 

    The first educational facility of a formal nature was established by John Masters in 1830 at Sereno, then known as Warnersville. This school eventually resulted in the erection of the one-room facility on the Millville Laporte road just above the settlement.

    The township was rugged and thus slow to attract settlers. The opening of several one-room schools served the area for most of its history. Many of these schools were built by local residents on land donated for this purpose and the teacher was paid by an assessment placed on the families of the attenders.

    In 1834 the state provided a reimbursement system for the townships. Several buildings were constructed following this enactment and by 1912 the township had eight schools according to the records of Superintendent Evans. Each of these schools were served by one teacher, four were men, and four were women.

    Some of the buildings were used for only a few years and then were closed. The Hoss School was closed in 1918. The Orion School closed in 1937, two other schools were closed and the pupils consolidated before the school board arrived at an agreement with the Greenwood township board. These were Upper Pine in 1941 and Center in 1942.

    In 1944 the pupils from Sereno, Wintersteen, Iola, and Pine Summit were bussed to the new Greenwood school. This arrangement lasted for two years and in 1946 the jointure was formed providing for the Pine students to continue the elementary grades at Greenwood and the high school students to be trained at Millville.

    From the day that the school bells last tolled over Wolfhouse, many residents determined to have a school in the township again.

    By the late 1950s, the schools at Madison and Greenwood had reached their capacity and were overflowing. Temporary rooms at Madison were constructed to hold the extra students. A new facility was definitely needed and the joint board agreed to place the new structure in Pine Township. Today this building, opened in 1958, overlooks the valley of Sereno that once boomed with the activity of a thriving little town.

 

MILLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

 

LISTING OF TEACHERS AT THE PRESENT HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING. (This included elementary teachers until 1946‑ 47.)

 

1903‑ 04:  Samuel J. Johnson ($47.50 per month for eight months); Myra Wright ($30.00 per month); Georgie Lyons ($30); Irene Girton (Mrs. Johnson) ‑  $30.00.

1907‑ 08: John Shambach, Georgie Lyons, Maude Leighow, Lillian Gordner.

1909‑ 10: Edwin Lazerus (Edwin Barton); Georgia Lyons, Maude Leighow, Gertrude Gordner.

1910‑ 11: Fred Diehl, Gertrude Grimes, Maude Leighow, Irene Ikeler.

1911‑ 12:  Fred Diehl, Gertrude Grimes, Maude Leighow, Georgia Lyons, Pearl 0. Fitch.

1912‑ 13: Fred Diehl, Pearl Fitch, Gertrude Grimes, Maude Leighow, Miss Mary Sands.

1913‑ 14:   Same identical group.

1914‑ 15: Raymond B. Stapleton, Charles Hendershot, Mary Kelchner, Maude Leighow, Mary Sands.

1915‑ 16: Raymond Stapleton, Mazie Phillips, Mary Kelchner, Maude Leighow, Mary Sands.

1916‑ 17:  Earle Robbins, Mary Sands, Maude Leighow, Mary Kelchner, Mazie Phillips.

1917‑ 18:Same identical group.

1918‑ 19: Mazie Phillips, Margaret Hidlay, Alma Eves, Maude Leighow, Mary Sands.

1919‑ 20:         Lundy Parker, Mazie Phillips, Harold Eves, Ross Creasy, Muriel Rider, Mary Sands.

1920‑ 21:         Lundy Parker, Mazie Phillips, Harold Eves, Ross Creasy, Muriel Rider, Mary Sands.

1921‑ 22:  Horton Schultz, Marie Bailey, Harold Eves, Henry Fought, Lucille Shaffer, Mary Sands.

1922‑ 23: Harold Eves, Ethel Shoemaker, Harold Stearns, Henry Fought, Lucille Shaffer, Mary Sands.

1923‑ 24: Fred Hosler, Ethel Shoemaker, Hazel Kester, Guy Everett, Henry Fought, Pearl Eves, Mary Sands.

1924‑ 25: Fred Hosler, Editha Ent, Hazel Kester, Guy Everett, Mary Sands, Jay Derr, Pearl Eves.

1925‑ 26: Fred Hosler, Hazel Kester, Guy Everett, Evelyn Mack, Editha Ent, Emory Miller, Pearl Eves, Mary Sands.

1926‑ 27: Robert Mercer, Lillian Derr, Emory Miller, Inez Wintersteen, Guy Everett, Georgia Hitchcock, Pearl Eves, Mary Sands.

1927‑ 28: Lawrence A. Schoch, Lillian Derr, Inez Wintersteen, Emory Miller, Guy Everett, Georgia Hitchcock, Mabel Bartlow, Mary Sands.

1928‑ 29:  Lawrence Schoch, Helen Stackhouse, Alma McCullough, Leona Crumb, Guy Everett, Emory Miller, Mabel Bartlow, Mary Sands.

1929‑ 30: Charles Voris, Helen Stackhouse, Florence Shultz, George Derr, Darthy Thomas, Emory Miller, Elsa Robbins, Mary Sands.

1930‑ 31: Same identical group.

1931‑ 32: Charles Voris, Helen Stackhouse, Emory Miller, George Derr, Darthy Thomas, Gladys Murray, Eileen Cole, Mary Sands.

1932‑ 33:  Charles "Bill" Voris, Helen Stackhouse, Emory Miller, George Derr, Darthy Thomas, Gerald Hartman, Elsa Robbins, Eileen Cole, Mary Sands.

1933‑ 34: Emory Miller, Helen Stackhouse, Robert Parker, George Derr, Darthy Thomas, Gerald Hartman, Elsa Robbins, Eileen Cole, Mary Sands.

1934‑ 35: Omar DeWald, Robert Parker, Leo Miller, Darthy Thomas, Alice Pennington, Lois DeMott, Elsa Robbins, Helen Piatt, Fannie Hill.

1935‑ 36: Omar DeWald, Leo Miller, Catherine Rice, Robert Parker, Lois DeMott, Alice Pennington, Elizabeth Rowe, Elsa Robbins, Helen Piatt, Fannie Hill.

1936‑ 37: Omar DeWald, Catherine Rice, Leo Miller, Robert Parker, Lois DeMott, Alice Pennington, Gerald Woolcock, Elizabeth Rowe, Elsa Robbins, Helen Piatt Greenly, Fannie Hill.

1937‑ 38: William Coffman, Leo Miller, Catherine Rice, Robert Parker, Gerald Woolcock, Lois DeMott, Ruth Wasley, Dorothy Johnson, Elizabeth Feinour, Helen Greenly, Fannie Hill.

1938‑ 39: William Coffman, Leo Miller, Catherine Rice, Fuller Grenawalt, Gerald Woolcock, Lois DeMott, Ruth Wasley, Dorothy Johnson, Elizabeth Feinour, Donna Lockhuff, Fannie Hill.

1939‑ 40: William Coffman, Leo Miller, Catherine Rice, Fuller Grenawalt, Seymour Stere, Jean Rhinehart, Gerald Woolcock, Elizabeth Feinour, Irma Lawton, Fannie Hill, Mary Jane Fisher.

1940‑ 41:  Same identical group.

1941‑ 42: William Coffman, Leo Miller, Catherine Rice, Fulled Grenawalt, Seymour Stere, Jean Rhinehart, Gerald Woolcock, Mary Jane Fisher, Beatrice Ludwig, Elsa Robbins, Irma Lawton Eyer.

1942‑ 43: William Coffman, Leo Miller, Catherine Rice Mordan, Wallace Derr, Seymour Stere, Gerald Woolcock, Jean Hodgson, Betty Fritz, Elsa Ely, Beatrice Ludwig, Veda Mericle.

1943‑ 44: William Coffman, Leo Miller, Catherine Mordan, Veda Stewart, Seymour Stere, Gerald Woolcock, Evelyn Walborn, Marie Reece, Mary Jane Sharpless, Betty Fritz, Elsa Ely, Beatrice Ludwig.

 

1944‑ 45:    (changes and additions only) Betty Rarig, Alma Merchiori, Helen Greenly.

1945‑ 46:    (changes and additions) Donald McLaren, James Higgins, Cleo Kinney, Virginia Fought.

1946‑ 47:    Millville‑ Madison‑ Greenwood‑ Pine Cooperative District first functioned.

T. A. Williammee, William Coffman, Catherine Mordan, Leo Miller, Veda Mericle Stewart, Seymour Stere, Gerald Woolcock, Marie Reece, Cleo Kinney, Wallace Derr, Paul Paulhamus, John Betz.

1947‑ 48:  (changes only) Robert Bunge, Adam Rarig, Emanell Whitenight.

1948‑ 49: Millard Ludwig, Helen Ulrich, Victoria Hower, Marlin

    Bollinger, Roy Bower, Sr.

1949‑ 50:  (complete listing) T. A. Williammee, William Coffman, Catherine Mordan, Leo Miller, Veda Stewart, Seymour Stere, Millard Ludwig, Robert Blew, Frances Saunders, Victoria Hower, Wallace Derr, John Betz, Adam Rarig, Marlin Bollinger, Roy Bower, Sr..

1950‑ 51:(changes only) Eleanor Papania.

1951‑ 52: Harold Shaw

1952‑ 53: Horace Monroe, Richard Pye, William Letterman.

1953‑ 54: Ruth Thomas, Graydon Mayer, Ben Linn, Margaret Lamaster, Lucile Kile.

1954‑ 55: Seymour Stere, principal; Wallace Derr, assistant; Clinton Brobst, Anna Cole, Latell Lias.

1955‑ 56: Walter Stanek, James Cortright, Lewis Dove, Mildred Glenn, Ruth Smeal.

1956‑ 57: Same identical group.

1957‑ 58: John Cardone, Dorothy Gardner, Joan Shellenberger, Marguerite Wolff.

1958‑ 59: Dale Bangs, Robert Doucette, Seymour Stere, supervising principal.

1959‑ 60: Ruth Ann Beckley, Joseph Ford, Wallace Derr, principal.

1960‑ 61: Walter Stanek, principal; Frank Fisk, Gail Gordner.

1961‑ 62: Mahlon Fritz.

1962‑ 63: Roger Goodman, Daniel Reese.

1963‑ 64: John Ickes, Joseph Maier, Helen Rarig.

1964‑ 65: Allen Acor, Ruth Ann Gavitt, Ruth Keeler, Dorothy Linn, David Williams.

1965‑ 66: John Baskera, Irene Frantz, Pauline John, John Laidacker.

1966‑ 67: Same identical group.

1967‑ 68: Same identical group.

1968‑ 69: Susan DeSanto.

1969‑ 70: Sharyn Correll, Jane Hess, Jayrene Mertz, Thomas O'Boyle, David Outt, Blenda Rouse, Ronald Welliver.

1970‑ 71: James Bowen, Edwin Crawford, Nancy Kough, Robert

    Mann, William Van Horn.

1971‑ 72:  Millville High School faculty, complete listing above.

 

Faculty at the elementary schools after the jointure included:

Madison: 

1947‑ John Watts, principal; Helen Greenly, Olive Thomas, Martha Clemens, Beatrice Ludwig, Helen Kreamer, Jeanne Kellerman.

1949‑ Marjorie Grant, Martha Pursel, Regina Buss; 

1950-Catherine Shearer; 

1951‑ Jean Davis; 

1952‑ Annette McGonigle, Regina Werner, John Riley; 

1953‑ Zelpha Kreamer, Mary Kline; 

1955‑ Blanche Millington, Carolyn     Lloyd; 

1957‑ Susan Van Norman, Yvonne Zeisloft; 

1958 Sadie Kehler.

Joint Elementary additions: 

1957‑ Susan Van Norman, Yvonne Zeisloft; 

1958‑ Sadie Kehler, Evelyn Johnson; 

1960‑ Dorothy Brewington, Phyllis Wagner; 

1962-Dorothy Fridley, Thelma Kindt, Emily Rupert; 

1963-Joanne Mosteller; 

1966‑ Shirley Johnson; 

1967‑ Maxine Arnow, Lois Feaster.

 

Pine School: (since 1960) 

1960‑ Arthur Lesher, Yvonne Zeisloft Eyer, Evelyn Johnson, Lynn Raker, Sara Morrison, Helen Ritchie, Sadie Kehler; 

1961‑ Liberty Rowland; 

1964‑ Maurine Cino; 

1966‑ James Johnson, Mary Lewis; 

1967‑ (complete listing) John Early, Lois Sturgeon, Lynn Raker, Grace Delong, Eleanor Derr, Barbara Gregorowicz, Elizabeth Ginrich, Terrence Anspach, supervisor.

 

    Greenwood Elementary teachers which no longer serve: 

Melba Laubach, Pauline Franklin, Betty Bower, Ann Turner, Betty Smith, Kathryn Stackhouse, Marjorie Grant, Leona Savage, Eleanor Sands Smith, Dorothy Brewington, Saundra Ludwig, Helen Ritchie, Mrs. DeSanto.

 

    Early teachers in the system: 

Irene Karschner, Eleanor Bangs, Helen Bangs, Alma Pullen, William Kreamer, Myra Wright, Dr. J. W. Bruner, Belle Christian, Luther Girton, Robert Bardo. Sarah Reese, Leona Kester, Grace Magargle, Inez Wilson, Margaret Welsh, Enos Hartman, William Hartman, Mary Kline, Renzy Johnson, Mrs. Edgar Kline, Anna Polk, Emerson Reese, Arvilla Kitchen, Margaret Smith, Alice Wilson, Jake Fought, Mary Kelchner, Eyer Allen, Nora Lyons, Eva Faus. Bessie Evans, Harry Eves, Jay Watts, Blanche Lawton, Maus Eyer, Wilbur Musselman, Donald Bangs, Virginia Fought, Eva Eyer, Jean Lawton, Miriam, Eves, Thelma McHenry, Jennie Kester, Samuel Henry, Pauline Long, Martha Jane Flaherty.

 

    Early teachers at Greenwood High School were: 

Boyd Trescott, John Mingle, Howard Eves, Herbert Grotz, Preston Eves, Henry Rote, Foster Albertson, Johanna Heidenreich, and Edna Mendenhall, Irene Ikeler, Elizabeth Dreibelbis, Bartell Harmon, Warren Kelchner, Ora Parker, Donald Sands, Mrs. Westley Eves, Gertrude Miller. Professor Hartline, Warren Dollman, Seymour Stere, Veda Mericle, Charles Potter, Bessie Ash, Myron Mordan, Fred Shaffer, Sarah Shuman, Lucille Shaffer, Marian Klinger, Ruth Reese.

 

    Teachers in the Madison High School between 1906 and 1931

were: 

Carl Dreibelbis, Harry Gaskin, George Lehman, Kimber Hartman, Howard Franklin, Bernice Beishline, Louisa Dieffenbacker, Paul Cherrington, Agnes Maust (Dieffenbacker), Robert Seltzer. 

    Between 1931 and the beginning of the jointure, the following teachers were employed: 

Raymond Derrick, William Weaver, Marian Klinger, Lillian Derr Kline, Walter J. Lewis, Marian Buchanon, Mrs. Sheely, Mrs. Vanenwagen, Leo Miller, Mrs. Mordan, Wallace Derr, Bernard Ikeler, Mrs. Jean Thomas Pearn, and John Betz.

Teachers employed in elementary schools prior to 1931 were:

Helen Sees Kreamer, Henry Fought, Marian Bennett, Mrs. Dorothy Hileman, Eleanor Derr Gilbert, Eddie Huntselman, Frank Breece, Martha Beagle, Maus Eyer, George Fought, Violet Blew, Maynard Mordan, Edwin Kreamer, Zelpha Kreamer, Letha Mericle, Myrtle Heydenreich. From 1944 to 1946 the teachers added were: John H. Watts, Mrs. Pearn, Mrs. Helen Greenly, Miss Beatrice Ludwig, and Miss Melchiorre.

Teachers serving in the early Pine Township schools were: 

Clifton Swartz, Dana Farnsworth, Preston Eves, Georgie Wright, Mamie Kessler Gordner, Harry Vannata, Ella Sones, Mary Sands, Irma Heller (Abbot), Jay Watts, Henry Fought, Inez Robbins Wilson, Leona Savage, Olin Merrill, Beatrice Crawford, Maria Berger, Clyde Long, Lena Klinger, Margaret Daugherty, Beatrice McGinley, Elizabeth Feinoir, Mae Bennett, Donald Bennett, Geraldine Shultz, Harriet Shultz, Roselda Shultz, Raymond Getz, George Fought, John Watts, Martha Beagle, Grace Sones, Herman Border, Mrs. Milroy Merrill, Maude Parker, Jack Lunger, Ira Freas, Howard Mordan, Donald Bangs, and Edgar Baker.

 

MILLVILLE EDUCATION CHRONOGRAPH

 

1785‑ First school, informal

1798‑ Friends' school, Elizabeth Eves, teacher

1851‑ Greenwood Seminary organized

1872‑ First public school on present high school site

1886‑ Friends operated Seminary

1897‑ Large reunion of Seminary alumni

1900‑ A brick school built on the present high school site

1903‑ First one-year high school class held

1904‑ First two-year class graduated, ceremony held in old Opera House

1910‑ First three-year class graduated

1914‑ Addition to the brick school

1915‑ Last year of operation of the Seminary

1916‑ Community Hall built

1919‑ First four-year course offered in high school

1923‑ Agriculture added to courses

1925‑ Bought land from Miller farm

1932‑ Brick school enlarged

1933‑ Athletic field built by WPA

1939‑ Greenwood school closed

1946‑ Jointure of Millville Borough, Madison Twp., Greenwood Twp., Pine Twp.

 

         Madison High School closed

1948‑ First school lunch program

1952‑ Large addition to high school

1958‑ Pine school constructed, elementary center

1959‑ High school accredited by Middle States

1968‑ New addition to high school completed

                             Millville joined Williamsport Community College

1970‑ High school is accredited again by Middle States

          Vo‑ Tech training was first offered.

1971‑ Old home economics house was torn down.

 

    Much of the information for these presentations on education has come from old records of the various bodies. However, George Fought John Watts and Ethel Henrie (Mrs. C. H.) supplied a century of material that Millard Ludwig organized for this chapter.

 

    Substantial additional information which had to be consolidated would be available as a reference for a more comprehensive undertaking.

Additions and corrections made for this Second Edition. DBG

Second Edition- Copyright Dean B. Girton Dec. 30, 2022