Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-02-13
WILLIAM q. GlLMoUR
IN Erankford Fathers Association


T1yHE Fathers Association of Frankford.
i originally started to assist the students
OF the Frankford High School, has proved
in its ten years Of existence to be of equal
value alike to the children. the fathers
themselves and to the whole community
according to William B. Gilmour, the presi'
dent.
"Our association" said Mr.. Gilmour.
"is one Of the unique organizations of the
United States and. as far ms we know; the
first of its kind ever organized anywhere.
We have recently observed the tenth asaa,inn ami
and at that meeting the principal speakers
were DR.. John J. Tigert, United States
Commissioner of Education. and DIR. Edwin
G. BroOme. Superintendent OF Schools OF
Philadelphia.
Our organization began with the sole
purpose of furnishing the boys and girls OF
the great northeastern section of Philadel.
phia some of those things which tend to
develop the young life, but which could not
at that time be supplied BY the Board OF
Education. which has furnished such Il hnc
building and such excellent teachers.
Allied With the School
''The Fathers Association has always
been closely identified with the High School.
which was the original reason for its cx-
istence. The selection Of the beautiful site
of the present building was due to the wis
dom Of q few far. sighted citizens. among
them Franklin Smedley. who was and still
Is a member of the Board Of Education.
"!At the dedication Of the former build
ing Benjamin =. .Thorp; G. Grant Lucas
and Charles Stehle spoke of the interest
which the boys were taking In sports and
the lack Of funds with which to purchase
equipment for them. Following this. sew
cral men met in the school office and de-
c!ded 10 call the fathers together and sus-
gest that they make such contributions IS
they could for the purpose OF purchasing
athletic supplies.
''The direct result was that thirteen
January 10. 1912. Those present felt such
an appreciation of their possibilities for
good to the boys Of the school that they or.
ganized the Fathers Association then and
there. The idea made rapid Roadway
among the men of the community and there
was an immediate growth In the member
ship of the organization
From the same motive Of service to the
children grew the idea OF campaign for
larger and thoroughly up-to date school
building. and from that day the interest in
the school and the association has never
ceased. As result of the hearty CO.
operation of the fathers Of the great north
eastern section Of the city with the mcn-
bers of the faculty Of the school and the
Board Of Education. We have today one Of
the finest equipped and most beautiful high
schools In the United States
"The love of giving--of time money and
seryice--has been an inspiration to the
whole community. Thousands Of dollars
have been contributed for athletic equip
ment. and today the Frankford High School
has one Of the most valuable and complete
outfits in the country.
nlied instructors for the orchestra. banjo
and mandolin clubs, glce clubs and other
school organizations. with no expense what
ever either to the school or to the pupils