Evening star., 1943-12-09
Dr.. BaIIou Is Honored
At Dinner Sponsored
By Board Of Trade
Retired D. c. School Head
Presented Gift by 500
Guests in Attendance

DR.. Frank Washington Ballou, re-
tired In October after % years as
superintendent of District public
schools, was honored by Washing
ton civic and educational leaders at
the Mayflower Hotel last night dur
ing testimonial dinner sponsored
by the Washington Board Of Trade.
For the 500 persons attending.
George Keneipp, chairman of the
Board Of Trades School Committee
presented DR.. Ballou with bound
volume Of more than 100 commen-
datory letters. E. Barrett Pretty
man, first wee president Of the
Board of Trade. presented to him a
second gift, seven-foot grand
father" clock
Representative Mahon, Democrat,
of Texas, L %" series of eight
speake~ by terll.ng Dr.. Ballou's ca
reer "a significant story in Ameri-
canism.' Commissioner Guy Mason
described the love - affection
felt for the former superintendent
by the Board of Commissioners
Granville Guoe. president of the
Board of Trade and presiding officer,
said the testimonial dinner was a
spontaneous expression OF the city S
esteem for "a capable administra-
tor and good and faithful SER
want"
Acknowledges Tributes.
In acknowledging the gifts and
tributes, Dr. Ballou praised his
school associates. the Board of Edu-
cation. Budget Bureau and commit
tees of Congress as sharing in the
successes and achievements Of my
administration"
Il acquired the best preparation
available to qualify to become a
school administrator he said
However, now I feel wholly unpre-
pared to make adequate reply to all
the evidences of kindness and
friendship showered on Mrs. Ballou
and myself"
The former superintendent re-
grets that i'll health does not permit
him to carry on his duties, he said,
especially while the Nation is at
war" He described his faith in
public schools. with which he has
been associated all his life. as rep
resenting the sacrifice, faith and
idealism" of America.
Commissioner John w. Stude-
baker of the United States Office of
Education praised DR.. Ballou's
absolute intellectual honesty, hu-
man kindliness and sympathetic
understanding.
Mrs. Doyle Recalls Work.
Mrs. Henry Grattan Doyle, pres
ident of the Board of Education.
emphasized that DR.. Ballou had
carried out during his administra-
ton all of the changes he recon-
mended during his flrtst year here.
He got under way a building pro-
gram which eliminated all but 10
of 78 portables and increased the
number Of permanent schools, gym
nasiums and play spaces. He was
instrumental in obtaining the
teachers and officers salary pay
bill of 1925. the basis of the per-
sonnel system today. In addition,
she said, he inaugurated more med
ical and dental inspections and
other health services for school
children.
Describing his 20 years associa-
ton with DR.. Ballou as an unusual
privilege Robert L. Haycock, now
superintendent of schools, cited his
predecessor ability as a long
range planner." His programs
were never undertaken. Mr.. Hay
cock added. without consultation
with subordinates responsible for
administration in the field.
Mrs. Percy Elicit, president of
the District of Columbia Congress
of Parents and Teachers. expressed
good wishes from her organization.
Howard S. Leroy, first vice pres
ident, represented the Rotary Club.
of which Dr. Ballou has been a
member 81 years The American
Association of School administra-
tors, of which DR.. Ballou was at one
time national president. was rep
resented by Sherwood D. Shank
land, executive secretary. The Rev.
DR.. Seth R. Brooks pronounced in
vocation and Rabbi Norman Gerst-
enfield, benediction.
Music was furnished by an en-
semble from the Eastern High
School Orchestra and singers from
Mckinley High School. DR.. and
Mrs. Ballou held a reception in the
Chinese Room after the program.