Parsons

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Parsons Memorial School is home to the childhood memories of generations of Harrison residents. It was built with money donated by philanthropist John Edward Parsons. The solid foundation and enduring quality of the building itself reflects Mr. Parsons’ strong belief that “it is necessary that the foundation of these children’s character be built in true knowledge”. This magnificent structure was designed by McIlvaine & Tucker and constructed by W.A. Thomas as a state of art school in 1897. The original building is made of granite that was quarried on site. The 1908 and 1925 expansions were seamlessly integrated into the original design.

read more Parsons Memorial School is home to the childhood memories of generations of Harrison residents. It was built with money donated by philanthropist John Edward Parsons. The solid foundation and enduring quality of the building itself reflects Mr. Parsons’ strong belief that “it is necessary that the foundation of these children’s character be built in true knowledge”. This magnificent structure was designed by McIlvaine & Tucker and constructed by W.A. Thomas as a state of art school in 1897. The original building is made of granite that was quarried on site. The 1908 and 1925 expansions were seamlessly integrated into the original design.

Elementary through high school students attended Parsons Memorial School until 1940. High school courses were added gradually beginning in 1901 and in 1912 the first class graduated from the Senior High School.

This collection begins in 1896 with the acceptance of Mr. Parsons’ offer to build a school for the district and culminates in 1940 with the opening of the new Junior/Senior High School. Documents feature the laying of the cornerstone, the grand opening ceremony, the accomplishments and activities of students, and the contributions of key faculty members and administrators.

Acknowledgements:

We would like to thank Gene Westmoreland, Parsons School alumni and author of Memories of Parsons. His earnestly researched book provided us with visual and historical information. His willingness to share it without condition, along with his enthusiasm, has helped us tremendously.

Christine Moore and Daniel Marino of the Rye Historical Society conducted a thorough search of the archives for materials relating to John Edward Parsons and Parsons Memorial School. The original documents they uncovered expanded the breadth and enhanced the quality of this project.

Town Historian Greg Ricci volunteers his time and maintains the valuable collection at the Charles Dawson History Center, where most of these documents were found. He supported this project and helped us solve various problems with a great sense of humor.

Mark Sandor, Parsons Memorial School librarian, took the time to meet with us, offered suggestions, and shared his knowledge of the history of the school.

We would like to express our appreciation to the Westchester Historical Society and the Westchester County Archives for the use of their equipment.

And finally, to the students who attended Parsons Memorial School from 1898 to 1940:
We thank you for sharing your school lives with us. You have given names and faces to this collection; you have brought this collection to life.

March 19, 2015.

Jennie Yang, Librarian, Harrison Public Library
Carole Meehan, Librarian, Harrison Public Library

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Poster of Parsons Memorial…

"In finely written hand, extremely tiny, are…

Parsons

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Poster of Parsons Memorial…

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Parsons Memorial School in the…

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Meet the New Principal Louis…

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1923 Graduation

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1935 Commencement

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Three Generations

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Snow Day

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The Original Parsons Memorial…

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Honoring Eugene J. Feeley

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Class of 1931

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Where is Parsons Memorial…

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"Memories of Parsons"

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"Looking at the Schools"…

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Class of 1935

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Family Ties

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Parsons Memorial School in the…

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Parsons Memorial School in the…

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Let's Review: A Study Guide…

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Sports Banquet

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John Edward Parsons

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The Cornerstone

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Presenting Parsons Memorial…

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Eugene J. Feeley

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Roswell Marshall

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George Ulysses Hill

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"My Home Town: 1940"

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Eighth Grade Graduation of…

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"Looking at the Schools"…

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The First Senior Day

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Parsons Memorial School in the…

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Louis M. Klein

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1916 Assembly Class

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Teachers

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Resolved!

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Laying the Cornerstone

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Presenting Parsons Memorial…

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Eugene J. Feeley Testimonial…

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History of Harrison High…

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George Ulysses Hill

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