The Jersey City news., 1901-06-03
81 YEARS
A TEACHER
Principal Linsley Today
Celebrates the Eightieth
Anniversary of His
Birthday.
FLOWERS AND CONGRATULATIONS
The "Old Boys" Will Gather
Friday Night 70 Do
Him Honor.

Principal George H. Linsley, of School
No. l, on York street, celebrated his eigh-
tieth birthday today. All day long the
venerable school master, who has taught
for sixty-ene years, was busy receiving
hearty congratulations from old and
young pupils, teachers, members of the
Board of Education and other friends. He
was the recipient Of numerous bouquets,
one in particular was the gift of Super
intendent Henry Snyder. This was COM
posed of two dozen American beauty roses
tied with wide red satin ribbon.
The hale and hearty principal was on
deck at the usual time this morning. AL
most Immediately he was surrounded by
teachers and pupils, who showered on
him their best wishes for more bright
birthdays. From then on he was kept
on the go shaking hands and opening
notes from friends who did not forget
their former teacher and principal. One
was from former pupil, now sixty-five
years old.
THAT letter. said the principal,
brings ne back to the earlier days of
my work here. 1t is almost impossible
for me to remember my old pupils, yet |
have dim recollection of the days when
such modern educational facilities were
never thought of.
Just think of the old days when came
here as assistant principal. On this very
site have been at tswork for fifty years.
Yes, it will be just half a century the
end of this month that 4 have been To-
Gated here.
MANY strange things have happened
since | began to teach here. Changes
have been very numerous and thousands
of pupils have been here and gone again
+ into the world. l nave done my best TO
remember those who have sent me let
ters of congratulation, but l cannot 1t
does seem remarkable now when re-
call former days t6 think that pupils who
be grey bearded men of sixty. Time flies
on and so remarkable are the changes
that one cannot keep pace with them
All with whom l have been associated
have been very kind to me and l do sin
cerely appreciate the gifts presented to-
day, especially the beautiful tribute and
expression of esteem from Superintendent
Snyder.
Principal Linsley was asked to go back
to the time when he first began his work
as a teacher and after much hesitation
earlier work in New York State, where
he was born
Il have taught for sixty-one years"
said he, beginning in 1910. was born
ruary, As21. In those days the school
houses were old and very shaky. Often
the snow would blow in through the
cracks and the room would be very cold.
i have often cut the wood for a fire in
some of the school houses.
Years rolled on and | accepted place
in the House of Refuge, which was then
on TWenty-tflird street. New York l was
attacked once by the inmates, but came
out safe. For two years remained there
and then came to Jersey City as asSist-
ant principal. After six months work l
left and for three years / taught privately
/ was then sent for in 1851 and from that
date until the present have been prin-
cipal here.
s"rhere is not much to tell of my work
here. only that my treatment has always
been most courteous. | am proud of my
record and do not believe that another
principal the country has equalled it."
For fifty years Principal Linsley has
| been at the head of No. 1 School and,
save for the time the present new build
| ing was being built, he has presided over.
| all sessions on the same school site. The
| principals record is most remarkable.
| The old pupils. members of the Public
| School No Association, will gather at
| the eleventh reunion Friday night to cele-
! brate that event and to do their old prin-
| cipal honor. The committee in charge of
| the reunion has forwarded the following
| circular to the old scholars
| "A cordial invitation is hereby extended
1 to all the old scholars and teachers OF
/ the male and female departments who
were connected with the old school prior
TO the year 1890.
/ 1.-THE committee are desirous of making
this our eleventh annual gathering, the
most successful and enjoyable of all.
| where we can meet schoolmateS and
| teachers with whom we We're associated
| N the varying periods from the year 1847.
| Our old friend and principal Mr. Linsley
| is particularly desirous of meeting all the
/ old scholars, and we hope that all who
| can possibly do SO will attend We are
| also to be favored with the presence of
\ Mrs. Eveland. All formalities will be
/ ignored and hearty greeting extended
| to all. Cards of admission are in the
! hands of the Executive Committe for
1 any more, or can assist the committee in
reaching any of the old scholars whom
/ you may remember, you would confer a
fayor by forWardlng tnelr names and
/ On this occasion Principal Linsley will
speak of his association with the school
I tensive and elaborate programme is being
i prepared for this occasion.