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Scudder School - District #2

1842 – 1957
By Sylvia DENTON Smith


 Scudder School
 

To a historian, discovering an old record book that reveals early-day events is an awesome moment. That happened to Sheldon Robinson recently when they were going through some of his mother’s, "Julia Scudder Robinson’s" things. His discovery of the original minutes book of the Scudder School, District #2, Town of Southport covering 1842-1861.

The book’s early entries show that District #2 School originally stood at a different, unnamed location that was not wholly satisfactory.

By February 28, 1850, a special meeting was held and a resolution was passed to change the site of the schoolhouse to "the lower corner of I.O. Scudder’s farm, on the side of the road opposite the burying ground, owned by Elizabeth Smith and I.O. Scudder, in case it is nearer the center of the District than the northern corner of the said farm above the house on the lower side of the road, if not, then it shall be placed on the northern corner; provided I.O. Scudder will give us a good and safe title one to half an acre of land on either of the sites which may lie nearest the center of the School District; in which case, we will give the said Scudder, a quick claim deed to all our present possessions."

Also, resolved that evening was that the school be a wood building, and that there be two outhouses "with a good high tight fence between and also, to build around the whole premises a good fence." "They agreed to occupy the present schoolhouse and site, until the new house be built upon the new site and is ready to enter as a fit place to instruct our children."

In April, after hearing the Town Superintendent of Common School’s opinion that the removal of the school from its present site was necessary, and suggesting the southeast corner, a voice vote "by ayes & noes" was taken. Two-thirds of those present approved the move as the Superintendent suggested. The old school was sold in October 1850.

"October 11, 1852 the inhabitance of school District No. 2" said the book. Thus the relocation of Southport’s District #2 School on Maple Avenue as we know it from map and pictures.

But this is not the end of the story! This small book’s records fit hand-in glove with the treasurer’s book whose contents were presented by Harry Kelsey (Town of Ashland Historian; later Chemung County Historian in 1958). Kelsey felt "his" book must have been the District #2 Scudder School minutes book. Now, with time, we know better. The missing piece has appeared, satisfactorily filling in the early history of Scudder School. What a find it is!

Sylvia DENTON Smith


 Excerpts of Treasurer’s Book

(2)

State of New York

Chemung County

On the second day of May, 1850 before me the subscribed personally came Israel Scudder whom I know to be the grantor described in and who executed the annexed instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same.

Abner Wells, Justice of The Peace

Of Chemung County

Recorded May 22, 1850 5 PM

A.F. Babcock, clerk

Copied from Volume 18 of Deeds Page 71

Chemung County Clerks Office (Sept. 12, 1958)

For files on Schools, town of Ashland

c c 1) Harry Kelsey, Supervisor, Town of Ashland

This is the excerpts of the Treasurer’s Book mentioned in the article at left. S.


This indenture made the second (2) day of May One thousand eight hundred and fifty between Israel Scudder of the town of Southport, Chemung County, and State of New York of the first part and Samuel Leverich, Ward Bovier, and Samuel Benedict, the trustees of School District No. 2 in the said town of Southport and their successors in office of the second part;

Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars in the exchange of School house lots to him duly paid have sold and by these presents does grant and convey to the said parties of the second part and to their successors in office all that certain piece or lot of land situate in said town of Southport and bounded as follows to wit:

Beginning in the center of the highway to Elmira and on the northwest line of a lot of land belonging to Elizabeth Smith and sons, from thence south 46 ½ degrees west three chains twenty two links to a stake, thence north 46 ½ degrees east two chains and seventy eight links to the center of said highway one chain and eighty links to the place of beginning. Containing one half acre of land strict measure and being part of the said Scudder farm, and the above described lot hereby intended to be conveyed is deeded expressly for the use and purposes of a school house lot and for no other purpose, and when they, the said trustees and their successors in office shall cease to occupy it as such, this deed shall be void and of no effect and the land revert back to the original owners and the said trustees and their successors in office agree to and with the said Scudder to build and maintain a good board and past fence around the above described lot all the time they should occupy it for school purposes with the appurtenances and all the estate title and interests of the said party of the first part therein, and the said Israel Scudder does hereby covenant and agree that at the delivery hereof he is the lawful owner of the premises above granted and that he is seizure of a good indefeasible estate of inheritance therein free and clear of all incumbrances and that he will Warrant and defend the above granted premises in the quite and peaceful possession of the said parties of the second part during all the time that they shall occupy for a school house lot.

In Witness whereof the said party of the first part has been here unto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written in the presence of

Richard Bever

Israel Scudder



Minutes of special meeting of the inhabitants of School District No. Two of the Town of Ashland, Chemung County New York, held at the school house in said district, on the 23rd day of March, 1909.

The following is a copy of the notice calling this meeting, signed by Samuel Leverich as Trustee, and served upon the inhabitants of this district at least five days prior to the date of this meeting.

"You are hereby notified that a special meeting of the inhabitants of School District Number two, who are qualified to vote at school meetings, is hereby called to be held at the school house in said district on the 23rd day of March, 1909, at 7:30 o’clock P.M., for the purpose of voting on the question of selling a certain portion of the property belonging to said School District and to transact such other business as may come before such a meeting.

Dated March 12th, 1909

Sam’l Leverich, as Trustee"

Upon motion of Mr. Guy Matthews seconded by Mr. McHenry Mr. Jesse Leverich was elected chairman of the meeting and Henry S. Scudder, clerk of this district, acted as clerk of the meeting.

Mr. Addison Roberts offered the following resolution;

Whereas, by deed dated May 2, 1850, recorded May 22, 1850 in Volume 18 of Deeds at page 71 in Chemung County Records, one Israel Scudder conveyed to the trustees of School district No. 2 of the Town of Ashland (see my footnote) Chemung County, New York, and to their successors in office, a certain parcel of land whereon the school house of said district is now situate. Which deed contained the following provision, to wit:

"The above described lot intended to be conveyed is deeded expressly for the uses and purposes of a school house lot and for no other purpose, and when they the said trustees, or their successors in office, shall cease to occupy it as such this deed shall be void and of no effect and the land revert back to the original owner" And

Whereas, the Elmira, Corning and Waverly Railway, a domestic corporation, is desirous of securing title to a certain part of said school house lot for street surface purposes, which said strip so desired is described as follows, to wit:

All that tract or parcel of land, situate in the Town of Ashland, Chemung County, N.Y., bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southerly boundary line of the highway leading from Wellsburg to Elmira, and said point being also in the division line between lands of Guy and Timothy Matthews and the grantor: thence southwesterly along said division line to a point distant seventeen (17) feed at right angles from said highway line: thence northwesterly one hundred seventeen (117) feet to a point in the division line between the lands of the grantor and J. and H. Scudder, said point being distant twenty-one (21) feet at right angles from said highway line: thence north easterly along said last mentioned division line to a point in the aforesaid highway line: thence along said highway line one hundred fifteen and five tenths (115.5) feet to the point of beginning.

Said above described parcel being a strip of land adjacent to the highway, containing 0.05 acres more or less.

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the inhabitants of School District No. 2 of the Town of Ashland Chemung County New York, assembled in special meeting regularly called according to law, that this School District in consideration of the sum of Five Dollars ($5) the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hereby covenants and agrees to sell to said Elmira, Corning and Waverly Railway for the sum of $100.00, within ninety days from this date, the portion of said school house lot above described and that Samuel Leverich, as Trustee of School District N. 2 be and he is hereby authorized and directed to forthwith enter into an agreement or option with the said Elmira, Corning and Waverly Railway in substantially the following form, to wit:

"Articles of agreement, made this 23rd day of March 1909, by and between Samuel Leverich, as Trustee of School District No. 2 of the Town of Ashland, Chemung County, N.Y., party of the first part, and the Elmira, Corning and Waverly Railway, a domestic corporation, party of the second part, WITNESSETH:--

That in consideration of the sum of Five Dollars ($5) paid by said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and by virtue of authority given by resolution adopted at a special meeting of the inhabitants of said School District, held March 23rd, 1909 said party of the first part for and on behalf of said School District No. 2 hereby agree to sell unto said party of the second part, its successors and assigns, for the sum of $100.00 all that tract or parcel of land situate in the Town of Ashland, Chemung County, N.Y. bounded and described as follows:--

Beginning at a point in the southerly boundary line of the highway leading from Wellsburg to Elmira, said point being also in the division line between the lands of Guy and Timothy Matthews and the grantor: thence southwesterly along said division line to a point distant seventeen (17) feet at right angles from said highway line; thence northwesterly one hundred seventeen (117) feet to a point in the division line between the lands of the grantor and J and H. Scudder, said point being distant twenty-one (21) feet at right angles from said highway line; thence northeasterly along said last mentioned division line to a point in the aforesaid highway line; thence along said highway line; one hundred fifteen and five-tenths (115.5) feet to the point of beginning.

Said above described parcel being a strip of land adjacent to the highway, containing 0.05 acres more or less.

For said considerations party of the first part hereby consents that party of the second part, its successors and assigns may construct, maintain, and operate an electric street surface railroad, through and along and upon the highway running from the City of Elmira to the Village of Wellsburg, with a single or double track and such switches or sidings or turnouts as may be necessary for the convenient working of said railroad and that said railroad may be operated by electrical power and may erect, maintain and use poles and fixtures and wires in all respects as may be necessary or convenient for operating said railroad, it being further agreed that said party of the first part will upon demand sign and execute such other instruments and consents as may be required to enable second party to use said strip of land and highway for such railway purposes.

It is hereby understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows: That if said party of the second part elects to accept the terms of this agreement it shall give notice in writing to said Samuel Leverich as Trustee, party of the first part, of its acceptance within ninety days from the date hereof. If the terms of this agreement are accepted by said party of the second part the sum of money hereby paid shall apply upon the purchase price herein before stated. If said party of the second part shall fail to give notice then this agreement shall be null and void and the sum of money paid shall be forfeited to said party of the first part.

Said notice shall be delivered by said party of the second part to said party of the first part or shall be mailed to said party of the first part at Elmira, N.Y., R.F.D. #2, and said party of the first part hereby agrees as follows: That upon service of said notice as herein before provided said party of the second part may immediately enter upon and take possession of said above described premises and that within ten days after the service of said notice and upon receipt of the sum of $ as herein before stated, less the sum of money hereby paid as herein before provided said party of the first part will deliver to said company or to its successors or assigns a full covenant warranty deed conveying said premises free and clear of all liens and incumbrances and will furnish said party of the second part a good merchantable title thereto.

Provided however that party of the first part shall not be required under this agreement or in any event to deliver the deed of said parcel of land until Henry S. Scudder and Joseph F. Scudder of the Town of Ashland Chemung County, N.Y. shall have executed and delivered to party of the first part as such trustee a quit-claim deed conveying to said party of the first part all the right title, interest, and reversion of said Henry S. Scudder and Joseph F. Scudder in and to said strip of land above described and releasing to said party of the first part all rights of reversion in or to the remainder of said school house lot which would or might revert or vest in said school house lot which would or might revert or vest in said Henry S. Scudder and Joseph F. Scudder by reason of the conveyance by said School District by said strip of land or by reason of said land being used or occupied for other than school lot purposes.

The covenants of this agreement if accepted are to be binding and inure to the benefits of the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the respective parties hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first written above."

_______________________________(L.S.)

Resolution seconded by Mr. McHenry and carried.

Meeting adjourned

Clerk


October 4, 1958

Mr. Harry Kelsey

Historian, Town of Ashland

Wellsburg, New York

Dear Harry;

The attached material is excerpts transcribed from the original minute books of School District No. 2 Town of Southport and Town of Ashland. This transcription is from two books, one dated 1843 – 1946 and the second book dated 1946 – 1957.

In some instances where motions and reports are routine and of no value historically I have omitted such and merely state "All reports read and accepted". Also I have omitted those years that have no value.

Note that in the early years accounts payable and receivable were minutely recorded. However, no mention is made of elections, lists of officers, people present, or other business. I think that school laws of that time did not require such recording and I will check this out when I get the school laws from Rochester.

About 1900 the above system of recording school business ended and the reverse occurred, namely, no written accounts were audited but lists of officers and a total expense are mentioned.

Then again in 1930 another change is noted that of more detailed reporting of events and a formal record of happenings. It is interesting to note that on May 6, 1930 it was voted to install electricity. The next time this is mentioned was May 7, 1935 when it was voted to install lights. I will check the utility people on this and let you know.

Roll call of those present at the annual meetings began May 7, 1940.

Harry, thanks for letting me use the books. Please overlook my errors in spelling, they are my own.

Regards

George


Excerpts from the records of School District No. 2, Town of Ashland (Prior to 1867, The Town of Southport)

Fly leaf of Minute Book reads: "Property of School District No. 2, Town of Southport Sept. 1, 1842"

1843
 
Jan. 29 Received of Collector on tax bill 14.10
April 15 Received of Collector amount of Tax

Bill for quarter ending Feb. 6, 1843

28.00
May 11 Executed warrant for collection of

School bill for term ending May 11, 1843

40.00
Sept. 1 Received from J.C. Curtis, town supt.

for library purposes

6.34

1843
 
Jan. 30 Paid J. Strong for 5 cords of wood

Paid Samuel Leverich for repairing

school house

7.13

4.15

March 16 Paid of the public money to J.C. Curtis 20.00
April 15 Paid to J.C. Curtis for quarter

ending Feb. 6th

28.00
May 11 Paid amount of School bill collected

By teacher for term ending May 11, 1843

Paid public money

40.00

8.00

Sept 1 Paid for books for library 6.34
Nov. 6 Paid teacher of amount collected 39.85


Moveable property belonging to the District

Library

Life of Washington 2 vol.

The Poor Rich Man and The Rich Poor Man

The Swiss Family Robinson 2 vol.

The Natural History of Insects 2 vol.

The Son of a Genius

American History 3 vol.

American Revolution

The Life of N. Bonaparte 2 vol.

The Principles of Physiology

Indian ---? 2 vol.

Narrative of Discoveries in Africa

The American Forests

A Popular Guide

Perils of The Sea

Inquiries Concerning The Intellectual Powers

Lectures Concerning Literature

Celestial Gleenery

Palestine or Holy Land

History of Chivalry and The Crusades

Life of Sir Isaac Newton

Live and Let Live

The Chinese, A General Description of The Empire and Inhabitants

An Historical Account of the circumnavigation of The Globe

Life of Alexander The Great

Letters of Euler on Different Subjects 2 vol.

Memoirs of The Life of Peter The Great

The Life of Oliver Cromwell 2 vol.

On The Improvements of Society

The Earth, Its Physical Conditions

Philosophy of The Moral Teachings

Memoirs of Celebrated Females 2 vol.

History of Virginia

Natural History of Tools and Trade

The Whale Fishing in The Polar Areas 2 vol.

Lives and Voyages of Early Navigators

History of New York

Importance of Practical Education and Useful Knowledge

The Useful Arts

The Farmers Companion

Haleys Natural Theology

Science of Government

Fosters American Speaker

Six Years In The Mountains of Italy

Life and Voyages of Columbus

Story On The Constitution

Lives of Eminent Men

Haleys Philosophy

Pursuit of Knowledge Under Difficulties

The Seasons 4 vol.

The Fireside Friend


Weem’s Memoirs 3 vol.

Moral Philosophy

Young Women’s Guide

Book of The Navy

Clays Economy

Combe Foster

Economy of Life

Bancroft’s History of the United States 3 vol.

Annals of Binghamton

Prescott’s Conquest of Mexico

School and School Master

Common School ---?


Furniture of School Room

1 Stove

1 Pail and 2 Dippers

1 Broom, partly worn

Benches and Writing Desks

We, the subscribers, Trustees of District No. 2 in the Town of Southport do hereby certify that the proceeding from page first to page ninth inclusive, contains a true and accurate account of all of all the money received by us of said district and of the expenditures thereof, and a correct statement and inventory of all the movable property belonging to said district

Dated this 2nd day of Oct. 1843

M. Ingersoll

I. Scudder Trustees
 

1850
 
Jan. Paid S. Leverich for wood 11.50
  " " " bookcase 6.00
  " " " repairs 7.28
  In the hands of S. Benedict one of The Trustees .90
  n the hands of S. Leverich 1.00
  To be collected of the N.Y. and E. Railroad Co. 0.82
    ----.--
  (The above since collected) 27.50

1850
 
May 23 Executed warrant for collection of School bill ending May 21, 1850 53.31
  Application of public money 54.69
    --------
    108.00
     
May 11 Executed warrant for collection of tax list for building school house, wood house, privies, and fence 500.00
  namely for house 400.00
  For wood house  
  Privies and fence 100.00

 
June Received from Superintendent library money due 1.08

1850
 
May 1 Paid S. B. Tomlinson teacher the public Money 54.69
May 23 Paid him amount collected 53.31
    --------
    108.00
  S. B. Tomlinson taught 6 months at 18.00 per month.  

 
Oct. 20 Paid John V. Fishler contractor of school house, outhouses and fences his 1st and 2nd payments 300.00

1851
 
May 31 Paid J.V. Fishler his 3rd payment after deducting 17.37 the amount of Leonard’s bill for part detention and trustees bill 182.64

1850
 
Oct 14 S. Leverich trustee received from Vincent Sly the sum for the old school house 11.00
Nov. 21 Executed warrant for collection of tax list namely contingent expenses  5.00
  Insurance of school house 3.50
  Furniture for school house 7.00
  Wood 8 cords 15.00
    ----------
    30.50

1851
 
May 31 Received from J. V. Leverich amount deducted for trustees bill 7.36
  N. Leonard’s bill 10.00
  Received of S. Leverich money in his hands (see page 28) 1.82
  Received for 1 paid 0.22

1851
 
Jan. 18 Paid for policy on school house 5.40
Mar. 25 Paid J. M. Stevens for 8 cords of wood and 8 delivered @ 15/c 15.00
May 31 Paid S. Leverich for furniture namely 1 table 21/c 2 chairs 12/c 2 1/3 dry inkstands 19/c other articles stove pipe 6.10 and Due him 0.74
 
 

30.50



1881

November 12

At a special school meeting called by the trustee according to the resolution at the annual school meeting that a motion made and seconded that we raise $346.64 for repairs to the school house, also $54.59 for teachers’ wages and 30 dollars for contingent expenses

I.O. Scudder

District Clerk


1902

August 5

Annual meeting
 
Samuel Leverich Trustee
G. Mathews Collector
J. O. Scudder Clerk and Librarian

For contingent expenses and teachers’ wages $125.00
 
J. O. Scudder Clerk

1903

August 4

Annual meeting
 
Jesse Leverich Trustee
G. J. Roberts Trustee
Henry Scudder Clerk
Guy Mathews Collector
Contingent expenses $125.00

1905

August 8

Annual Meeting
 
A. P. Roberts Chairman
Samuel Leverich Trustee
Joe Scudder Collector
Henry Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $150.00 for contingent expenses and teachers wages
 

1906

August 7

Annual Meeting
 
Jesse Leverich Chairman
Guy Mathews Trustee

(7)
 
Joe Scudder Collector
Henry S. Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $150.00 for contingent expenses and teachers’ wages

Meeting adjourned until Aug. 1907

1907

August 6

Annual School Meeting
 
Jesse Leverich Chairman
Guy Mathews Trustee
Ed Hough Collector
Henry S. Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise 225 dollars for contingent expenses and teachers’ wages
 

1908

August 11

Annual School Meeting
 
Addison Roberts Chairman
Asa B. Jenkins Trustee
Frank Hon (?) Collector
Henry S. Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded that we raise $225.00 for contingent expenses and teachers’ wages
 

1909

Jan. 4

A school meeting held for the purpose to elect a trustee to fill vacancy of Asa B. Jenkins

Jesse Leverich served as chairman.

Samuel Leverich was elected trustee.

Meeting adjourned until first Tuesday in August 1909


1909

August 3

Annual School Meeting
 
Joseph Scudder Chairman
Samuel Leverich Trustee
Joseph Scudder Collector
Henry S. Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $225.00 for contingent expenses.


(8)

1910

August 2
 
Joseph Scudder Chairman
Samuel Leverich Trustee
Henry S. Scudder Clerk
Joseph Scudder Collector

Motion made and seconded to raise $225.00 for teachers’ wages and contingent expenses.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1911

May 2
 
A.P. Roberts Chairman
Guy Mathews Trustee
Lewis Burnham Collector
Henry Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $225.00 for teachers’ wages and contingent expenses of school.


1912

May 7
 
Joseph Scudder Chairman
Guy Mathews Trustee
Lewis Burnham Collector
Henry S. Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $275.00 for contingent expenses and teachers’ wages.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1913

May 6
 
Joseph Scudder Chairman
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Guy Mathews Collector
Henry S. Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $375.00 for contingent expenses.


1914 & 1916

Same officers and motion


1917

May 1
 
Jim Mathews Chairman
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Arthur Benedict Collector
Henry Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $275.00 for contingent expenses.


(9)

1918

June 4
 
Joseph Scudder Chairman
Henry Scudder Clerk
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Arthur Benedict Collector

Motion made and seconded to raise $400.00 for contingent expenses of school



1919

May 6
 
Joe Scudder Chairman
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Arthur Benedict Collector
Henry Scudder Clerk

Motion made and seconded to raise $300.00 for contingent expenses of school



1920

May
 
Henry S. Scudder Clerk
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Charles Mc Henry Collector

$400.00



1921

May 3
 
Joe Scudder Chairman
Henry S. Scudder Clerk
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Charles Mc Henry Collector

Motion made and seconded to raise $600.00 for contingent expenses of school


1922

May 3
 
Samuel Leverich Chairman
Henry Scudder Clerk
Lewis Burnham Trustee
Charles Mc Henry Collector

Motion made and seconded to raise $700.00 for contingent expense of school


(10)

1923 – 1926

Same officers and motion


1927

No report



1928

Annual School Meeting

The following were elected to offices for 1928
 
Fred Stone Chairman
L. C. Burnham Trustee
S. Leverich Clerk
Chas. Mc Henry Collector
   
Balance in trustee’s hand $287
Amt. to be raised $700

1929

May 14
 
L. Burnham Trustee
C. Mc Henry Collector
S. Leverich Clerk
   
Amount to be raised $700
Balance in trustee hands $600

1930

May 6

Annual School meeting.

The following were elected to office for the year 1930
 
L. C. Burnham Trustee
Fred W. Stone Clerk
John Doane Collector
   
Amount to be raised $700
Balance in trustee’s hands $310.42

It was voted to have a bee and drive a well, put in electric lights, put up new blackboards, paint the school house, and fix the doors. The ladies were to serve a picnic lunch. Meeting adjourned.

Fred W. Stone, Dist. Clerk



(11)

1932

May 3

Annual school meeting of District 2 was called to order by L. C. Burnham and Fred Stone was appointed chairman. The following officers were elected for the coming year.
 
L. C. Burnham Trustee
Fred W. Stone Clerk
John Doane Collector

The trustee and collector reports were read and accepted by a motion properly made and seconded by the meeting. A motion was properly made and seconded to raise $1500.00 for the contingent fund.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the first Thursday of May 1933.

Fred W. Stone

Dist. Clerk



1933

May 2

Annual school meeting of District 2 of the Town of Ashland was called by order of the trustee, L. C. Burnham and Joel Ives and Mark Burnham were nominated chairman. There were 46 votes cast, Joel Ives received 24, Mark Burnham 20, and 2 blank. Joel Ives was declared chairman. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The trustees and collector reports were read and Charles Mc Henry and Fred Stone were appointed by the chairman to examine the books.

Three circulars from the district Supt. on transportation were read by the chairman. A motion was properly made and seconded that we chose Wellsburg or Elmira for our academic pupils. There were 48 votes cast.

Wellsburg receiving 25

Elmira receiving 23

A motion was properly made and seconded that the district pay transportation to Wellsburg and a equal amount for pupils going to Elmira. There were 48 votes cast.
 
For transportation 33
Against transportation 7
Void votes 8

A motion was made, seconded and carried that we raise $1400.00 for the contingent fund.



(12)

A resolution was adopted to elect three trustees instead of one.

There were 47 votes cast. As it takes 2/3 of the votes present the resolution was defeated.

Nomination of officers.
 
L. C. Burnham, Fred Wenck Trustee
Fred Stone Clerk
Arthur Gavitte Collector

There were 47 votes cast

L. C. Burnham received 23

Fred Wenck received 24

Fred Wenck was declared elected trustee

Fred Stone was declared elected clerk

Arthur Gavitte was declared elected collector

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the first Tuesday of May 1934

Fred Stone

Dist. Clerk



1934

May 1

Annual School Meeting of District 2 of the Town of Ashland was called to order by the trustee, Fred Wenck, and Joel Ives was nominated chairman of the meeting.

The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and approved.

The trustees report was read by Mr. Wenk. Motion was made by Mark Burnham and seconded by Mrs. Greenwood the report be accepted. Carried.

Collectors report read by Mr. Gavitte. Motion made by Mark Burnham and seconded by Mr. Ward the report be accepted. Carried.

The examining committee reported L. C. Burnham books correct. A motion was made by Mark Burnham and seconded by Mr. Ward the report be accepted. Carried.

Bus contract read by Mr. Wenck. A motion made by Mark Burnham and seconded by Mr. Ward the contract be accepted. Carried.

Election of Officers

Nominations were open for trustee

Mark Burnham nominated Fred Wenck for trustee, seconded by Mr. Taylor.

L. C. Burnham nominated Joel Ives, seconded by Mrs. Madden

Nomination closed.


(13)

Nominations were open for collector.

Clark Peck nominated Mr. Gavitte, seconded by George Benedict.

Nominations closed

Nominations open for clerk.

L. C. Burnham nominated Mr. Ward seconded by Mr. Taylor

Nominations closed.

Chairman appointed Mr. Ward, Mr. Hilfiger, and Mr. McHenry as tellers.

39 votes were cast for trustee

Fred Wenck received 22

Joel Ives received 17

Fred Wenck was declared elected trustee.

A motion was made by Mark Burnham and seconded by Fred Wenck that one vote be cast for collector and clerk as there was only one candidate.

John Ward was declared elected clerk

Mr. Gavitte was declared elected collector.

The chairman discharged the tellers.

A motion was made by Mr. Ward that it will be optional in reference to sending academic pupils either to Wellsburg or Elmira. If sent to Elmira they will ask for transportation if tuition is paid. Transportation not to exceed $35.00 which is price of tuition.

Wellsburg pupils shall be furnished transportation.

Seconded by Mr. La Suer. Carried.

Motion made by Fred Stone and seconded by Mr. Ward the district donate $10.00 to Mr. Wenck to pay for use of his car in school business. Carried

Trustee Wenck asked for a budget of $1300.00 for contingent fund. Motion made by Mark Burnham and seconded by Clark Peck that the budget be accepted. Carried.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the first Tuesday of May 1935.

Fred W. Stone

Dist. Clerk

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1935

May 7

(Usual opening motions omitted by the transcriber)

Motion was made and properly seconded that the inside of


(14)

school house be painted and varnished and a new ceiling of masonite, and four electric lights in large room and one in each small room. Carried.

Motion was made and properly seconded that the district donate $10.00 to Mr. Wenck for the use of car and other expenses. Carried.

Motion made and properly seconded to let transportation and tuition remain the same as last year. Carried.

Election of officers

Joels Ives was nominated for trustee

Mrs. Gavitte was nominated for collector

Mrs. Ralph Benedict was nominated for clerk

As there was only one candidate for each office a motion was made and properly seconded the clerk to cast one ballot.

Carried.

There being no further business to bring before the meeting a motion was made to adjourn.

Fred Stone

Acting Clerk



1936

May 5

The annual meeting of District No. 2 Town of Ashland was called to order by the trustee Joel Ives and L. C. Burnham was elected chairman of the meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting was read and approved.

The trustees report was read by Joel Ives. Motion made and seconded the report be accepted as read. Carried. ($1419.38)

Collector’s report read by Mrs. Stella Gavitte. Motion made and seconded the report be accepted as read. Carried. ($741.08)

Transportation and tuition of all high school students in the district was discussed.

Trustee Ives asked for budget of $1300.00 for contingent fund. Motion made and seconded the estimate be accepted.

Carried.

Motion made and seconded that the district pay both transportation and tuition of high school students. Carried.



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Election of Officers

Joel Ives for trustee, Mrs. Ralph J. Benedict for clerk, Mrs. Stella Gavitte for collector. Voting was by ballot. Above named elected for coming year.

Motion made to adjourn. Carried

Mrs. Ralph J. Benedict, Clerk



1939

May 2

(The opening motions and reports omitted by the transcriber)

Mr. Albert Roy of Wellsburg said that if we wanted to send the children from this district to Wellsburg they would cooperate.

Mr. Weaver of Wellsburg talked on the advantages of graded schools over a small school. Told of their courses which includes a business course. Thee was some discussion on taking up the school by the district, with Mr. Roy and Mrs. German taking part.

The following officers were elected by ballot.
 
Trustee Mr. Ives
Collector Mrs. Gavitte
Clerk Mrs. R. J. Benedict

There was more discussion about taking up the school. Motion was made and seconded that school be left as is for one year and in the meantime the trustee is to get the costs of taking the children to Wellsburg and costs of keeping school here.

Carried.

There were 33 voters and four visitors.



1940

May 7

(Opening motions and reports omitted by transcriber)

There was some discussion on taking the pupils to Wellsburg.

Mr. Ives reported on cost of transportation to Wellsburg.

Mrs. German of Wellsburg said that they would the grade children, tuition free if they would have them stay for high school. Mr. Weaver gave some information on the subject.

Motion made to contract for grade pupils and new high pupils to go to Wellsburg. All 2 year or more high pupils to finish



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at Elmira for years 1940 and 1941. Voting was done by ballot. 23 voters. 20 for Wellsburg, 3 for present school. Motion 1 was carried.

Trustee asked for a budget of $1200.00. Motion made and seconded to accept this budget. Carried.

The following officers were elected for the coming year.
 
Trustee Mrs. Greenwood
Collector Mrs. Gavitte
Clerk Mrs. Benedict

A rising vote of thanks was given Mr. Ives.

Motion made and seconded to adjourn.

Fern Benedict

Clerk

Those present

Mr. and Mrs. Ives

Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. Stone

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Benedict

Mr. and Mrs. Ward

Mrs. Madden

Mr. Clark Peck

Mrs. Gavitte

Mrs. Wodard

Mr. Lewis Burnham

Mr. Reed

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Burnham

Visitors

Mrs. German

Mr. Weaver



1941

May 6

The annual meeting of School District No. 2 Town of Ashland was called to order by the Trustee, Mrs. Greenwood. Meeting was opened by singing one verse of the Star-Spangled Banner with Mr. Weaver at the piano.

Mr. Fred Stone was elected chairman of the meeting.

Motion made and seconded to continue sending the children to Wellsburg for a 2nd trial year as per contract of last year.



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Discussion: Mr. Teeter explained the deed of the school which was made in 1850.

Mr. Roy of Wellsburg assured the meeting that the tuition would not be charged later if we continued to send the children to Wellsburg.

Voting on the above motion was done by ballot. 27 voters present. 26 votes cast. 17 for Wellsburg, 7 for old school, 2 void.

The trustee asked for a budget of $900.00. Motion made and seconded to accept this budget. Carried.

Discussion of transportation to High School. Motion made and seconded that trustee be authorized to furnish transportation for High School pupils to Elmira. Carried.

The following officers were elected by clerk casting one vote.
 
Trustee Mr. Frank Bly
Collector Mrs. Greenwood
Clerk Mrs. McConnell

Motion made and seconded that we adjourn.

Fern Benedict

Clerk

Those present

Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood

Mr. and Mrs. Geisinger

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Burnham

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Burnham

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. R. LeSuer

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Benedict

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Ervay

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stone

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Ives

Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Benedict

Mrs. Gavitte

Mrs. McConnell

Mrs. R. Wooster

Mr. Clark Peck

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bly

Mrs. Woodard

Mr. Reed

Visitors

Mr. Lowell Teeter

Mr. Joe Scudder

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Scudder

Mr. Burt Roy

Mr. Weaver


(18)

1942

The annual school meeting of District No. 2 Town of Ashland was called to order by Frank Bly.

Mr. Fred Stone was elected chairman.

(Routine reports read and accepted)

A motion was made and seconded to continue sending the children to Wellsburg school I they will accept them the same as least year. Carried.

Budget made for $600.00

Motion made and seconded to put the $1000.00 in bonds if it can be taken out of the bank, if not to be done next April. Carried.

The following officers were elected by the clerk casting one ballot.
 
Fred Stone Trustee
Mrs. Greenwood Collector
Frank Bly Clerk

Those present were,

Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stone

Mrs. Mark Burnham

Mrs. Lewis Burnham

Mrs. Augie Woodward

Mr. Peck

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bly



1944

May 2

Mrs. Greenwood was chairman.

Mrs. Squires was elected trustee for the coming year. Motion made and seconded that Mrs. Grace Bly be elected treasurer and collector.

Motion made and seconded that Frank Bly be elected clerk.

Motion made and seconded that we send the school children


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to Wellsburg paying tuition and transportation. Elementary children $25.00 and high school pupils $35.00

At 10 o’clock Sunday the men of the district are going to clean up the school yard and put a roof on the woodshed. Mr. Cooper is gong to measure the roof and order material from Mr. Schuyler.

It was voted to raise our budget to $1300.00

A motion was made to adjourn

Grace Bly

Acting Clerk



1944

Sept. 5

A special school meeting was held Sept. 5, 1944 to elect a new trustee in place of Gladys Squires.

A motion was made and seconded that Rolland Worster act as trustee for the ensuing year.

A motion made and seconded that the district allow Mr. Worster $35.00 towards Jacks tuition in Elmira.

Those present,

Gladys Squires

Rolland Worster

Guy Cooper

Lewis Burnham

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bly

Augie Woodward


The above minutes conclude those minutes in the old book dated from 1843 to 1944.



Second book dated 1948 to 1957

1948

May 4

(Reports routine)

Officers elected
 
Floyd Benedict Trustee
Grace Bly Collector-Treasurer
Blanche Wilson Clerk

(20)

1949

May 3

The annual school meeting was held May 3, 1949 at the school house. Frank Bly was chairman.

Minutes of the last meeting was read and approved. The trustees and collectors reports read and approved.

Budget for 1949-1950 was discussed. Motion made, seconded and carried to leave the tax rate same as last year ($10.00 on $1000.00)

Election of officers.
 
Floyd Benedict Trustee
Grace Bly Collector-Treasurer
Blanche Wilson Clerk

Motion made, seconded and carried to allow $200.00 for repairs to woodshed roof, well boards, and clean the school yard.

Motion made and seconded to sell the swing for approximately $40.00 (Estimated 65% of price of new swing)

Motion made and seconded and carried to pay the same tuition to Elmira as is paid Wellsburg for pupils who wish to transfer from Wellsburg to the city of Elmira.

Motion made and seconded and carried to send pupils to Wellsburg for 1949-50 at same rate. Same as last year (1948-49)

Blanche Wilson



1950

May 2

The annual meeting was held May 2 in the school house.

Sec. report read and accepted

Treas. report read and accepted

Trustees report read and accepted

Minutes of the last meeting read.

Election of officers
 
Floyd Benedict Trustee
Grace Bly Collector-Treasurer
Blanche Wilson Clerk

All reelected

Geo. Page of Wellsburg school board reported on their 1950-51 program and curriculum. Wellsburg offered free tuition to Ashland pupils from kindergarten through grade 8


(21)

Motion made, seconded, and carried to continue sending elementary pupils to Wellsburg and high school pupils to Elmira. Harold Woodard school bus driver explained his position including having to purchase a new school bus and asked $1500-$1800 depending or not Lowman District would hire him to transport their scholars and whether for one or more years.

Motion made, seconded, and carried that Floyd Benedict as trustee make suitable contract with Mr. Woodard for transportation of scholars in Town of Ashland Dist. No. 2

Attendance 30

Meeting adjourned

Blanche Wilson



1953

May 5

The annual school meeting was held May 5, 1953 at the school house Town of Ashland.

(All reports read and accepted)

New business

Wellsburg is asking $25.00 tuition per pupil grades 1 – 6 inclusive. Motion made and seconded to accept tuition charges to Wellsburg. Motion made and seconded to send secondary pupils to Elmira.

Motion made and seconded to ask Harold Woodard to transport pupils in Town of Ashland District No. 2

Raising of taxes was discussed.

Officers elected
 
Richard La Suer Trustee
Florence Mathews Collector-Treasurer
Blanche Wilson Clerk

Motion made and seconded to adjourn

Blanche Wilson



1954

May 4

The annual school meeting was held May 4, 1954 in the school house Town of Ashland.

Minutes of last meeting were read.

Election of officers
 
Richard La Suer Trustee
Florence Mathews Collector-Treasurer
Blanche Wilson Clerk



(22)

Report and discussion on school centralization

Budget for 1954 – 1955 as prepared by Dist. Supt. Jackson read and accepted. This raises the tax rate from $16 to $18 per M.

Harold Woodard ask for $100.00 more for transporting pupils. It was voted to offer Mr. Woodard a 3 year contract.

The meeting also voted to sell the swing to Edward Mathews for $10.00

Motion made to adjourn. Attendance 10

Blanche Wilson



1955

May 1

The annual school meeting was held May 3 in the school house, Town of Ashland.

All reports read and accepted

Election of officers
 
Majorie La Seur Trustee
Florence Mathews Collector-Treasurer
Grace Bly Clerk

Budget as proposed by Dist. Supt. Jackson for 1955 – 1956 was read and accepted. The tax rate will be raised from $18 to $26 per M.

Motion made to adjourn Attendance 8

Blanche Wilson



1956

May 1

The annual school meeting was held May 1 in the school house Town of Ashland, Dist. No. 2

Richard La Seur elected chairman.

All reports read and accepted.

Budget for the school year 1956 – 1957 was read and accepted. The tax rate will be lowered from $26 to $22 per M.

Election of officers.

(23)
 
Marjorie McConnell Trustee
Florence Mathews Collector-Treasurer
Grace Bly Clerk

Meeting adjourned. Attendance 5

Blanche Wilson

pro tem



1957

May 7

The annual school meeting was held May 7 in the school house Town of Ashland, Dist. No. 2

Frank Bly. Sr. acted as chairman.

All reports read and accepted.

Election of officers
 
Edward S. Bly Trustee
Mrs. Florence Mathews Collector
Mrs. Marjorie McConnell Clerk

Budget for school year 1957-1958 was read and accepted. Voted to lower the tax rate from $26 to $25 per M.

Voted to have trustee hire school bus driver for transportation of district pupils, contract to be for three years.

Vote taken pro and con consolidation of schools. Consolidation was unanimously opposed (2 abstained).

Meeting adjourned Attendance 6

Blanche Wilson


Scudder school children

Scudder School District #2

on Lower Maple Avenue ca 1926

Doris Wenck Miller Photo

Front: Walter Park, John McHenry, Vernon Brewer, Donald Peterson, Clifford Grover, Welcom Brewer, Robert Peterson

2nd Row: John Madden, Mildred Perry, Hattie McHenry, Doris Wenck

3rd Row: Virgil Bailey, Harold Wenck, Stanley Burnham, Benjamin Burnham, James Laurence, William Madden

4th Row: Edward Mathews, Teacher Julia Gardner Hoff


 
Chemung County NY
Published On Tri-Counties Site On 02 FEB 2007
By Joyce M. Tice
Thanks to Carla McDonald for typing this for us
You are our welcome visitor 02 FEB 2007