Series 10: Presidents, Headmasters, and Heads of School, 1874-1969, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series contains files relating to six headmasters, presidents, and heads of school of Packer, dating from 1874 to 1969.
Arrangement
The series is arranged into six sub-series:
Sub-series 10.1: Alonzo Crittenden
Sub-series 10.2: Truman Jay Backus
Sub-series 10.3: Edward J. Goodwin
Sub-series 10.4: John Denbigh
Sub-series 10.5: Paul D. Shafer
Sub-series 10.6: Jack Skillman
Sub-series 10.1: Alonzo Crittenden, 1874, 1885, 1944, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series contains one letter written by Crittenden (1874), and three copies of Sketch of the Life, Character and Work of Alonzo Crittenden (1885).
Letter written by Dr. Crittenden, 1874, 1944, inclusive
Sketch of the Life, Character and Work of Alonzo Crittenden (one copy), 1885, inclusive
General note
Donated in memory of Martha Atwater, 2013
Sketch of the Life, Character and Work of Alonzo Crittenden (two copies), 1885, inclusive
Sub-series 10.2: Truman Jay Backus, 1880s-1928, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
This sub-series includes two significant sets of correspondence. The first is correspondence to/from Dr. Truman Jay Backus (1842-1908), President of the Faculty at Packer Collegiate Institute from September 1883 through March 1908. The range of topics covered in this correspondence to/from Dr. Truman Jay Backus (1842-1908) includes scholastic accommodations and referrals for students, scholarship recommendations, faculty accommodations, and recommendations for teacher applicants and administrative matters such as building maintenance and facilities.
The sub-series has been broken into four sub-sub-series that include: 1) Multiple Correspondences arranged alphabetically by name; 2) General Correspondence between teachers; 3) Chronological files; and 4) Biographical/Memorabilia of Truman J. Backus
Multiple Correspondences
Highlights from this sub-sub-series include correspondence with William C. Lawton which constitutes a full exchange between Lawton and Dr. Backus about a teaching position, including interesting professional negotiations. Mr. Lawton did not end up teaching at the school. Noteworthy are the teacher recommendations made to Backus by Miss Lucy M. Salmon, Associate Professor of History at Vassar.
Additional materials include a folder containing correspondence between Backus and members of the Board of Trustees including letters from Board member Seth Low (1850-1916), who was the Mayor of Brooklyn, the Mayor of New York City, and served as the President of Columbia University. It also includes a six-page letter from Mr. McKeen, board member, in opposition to recommendations to the board to increase tuition. Also of noted significance is the last folder in the sub-series: correspondences between parents and Dr. Backus (1882-1891). The topics covered in this set include parental concerns over scarlet fever, scholarships, and lunch dismissals.
General Correspondence
Contains letters between Truman J. Backus and members of the teaching faculty. There is a letter written by Backus to the teaching staff asking for their opinions on the usage of the phrases "awfully bad" and "awfully pretty" (1900) and several responses from the teaching staff.
In addition, an eight-page letter from the Committee on Instruction (1899) regarding the possible reduction in teaching staff; a twenty page Report from Dr. Backus to the Committee on Instruction (1886) regarding curriculum; reports from Miss Susan K. Cook, teacher of "Mental and Moral Philosophy"; a report on individual teacher performance and recommendations about changes in assignments for teachers. This final report provides instructions on teaching etiquette accompanied by a 3 page statistical report.
Chronological files
Includes folders that span the years 1883-1894 with the exception of 1893.
Biographical/Memorabilia of Truman J. Backus
Contained in this sub-sub-series are 1) Published items written by Dr. Backus and 2) Biographical material about Dr. Backus. There is a short pamphlet written by Dr. Backus entitled: "Various Phases of an Important Subject" pertaining to the education of Blacks in the South, published by American Missionary Association, 12 pages. This sub series also contains a memorial essay written about the school's founder, Harriet Packer by Dr. Backus, and describes the education of young women in Brooklyn, in addition to detailing the first meeting between Dr. Backus and Mrs. Packer.
Allinson, Francis G. (1856 – 1931) Prof. of Classical Philology at Brown University. 1898 – ? Regarding Employment., 1891, inclusive
Andrew, V. L., Prof. of Greek Language and Literature, Colgate University, 1880s, inclusive
Babbott, Frank L., Correspondence and Input on Staff Recommendations, 1880s, inclusive
Bach Correspondence, 1880s, inclusive
Backus, Various Family Members Including Irene, (sister); R.B, (son), and Mary E. Williams., 1880s, inclusive
Bacon, George A., High School Principal, 1880s, inclusive
Barnes, A. J., Scholarship Recommendation, 1880s, inclusive
Capen, Frank S., Prof. at Colby University, 1880s, inclusive
Christensen, G., 1880s, inclusive
Cooke, Emilie V., Student recommendations, 1880s, inclusive
Crawford, Miss, Student recommendations, 1880s, inclusive
Crittenden, Esq., Legal advice, 1880s, inclusive
Gates, Merrill, President Of Amherst College, 1880s, inclusive
Goode, G. Brown, 1851 – 1896, Ichthyologist, Assistant. Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880s, inclusive
Jardin & sons, Regarding School Organ, 1880s, inclusive
Kendrick, J. Ryland, Reverend. President of Vassar and Professor of Moral Philosophy, 1880s, inclusive
Kirchner, C., Livestock Transaction, 1880s, inclusive
Laighton, George. Scholarship Inquiry to/from Backus, 1880s, inclusive
Lawton, William C., Includes a full exchange between Lawton and Backus about Position Negotiation Back and Forth., 1880s, inclusive
Marvin, T. H., Re: Advertising in Brooklyn Eagle, and other Local Outposts, 1880s, inclusive
Midmer, Re: Exchange about Church Organ, 1880s, inclusive
Salmon, Lucy M., 1853 – 1927, Established History Department at Vassar College in 1887, served as Associate Professor of History at Vassar, (1891) Re: Recommendations for Teacher Applicants., 1891, inclusive
Van Cott, Joshua M., Chairman on Committee on Instruction at Packer; Delegate to Republican National Convention from New York; Van Cott, Alexander H., 1885-1886, inclusive
Watkins, Albert B., University of State of New York, 1880s, inclusive
Letter from Backus to Appolene W. Wright, 1904, inclusive
Correspondence between Truman Jay Backus and members of the Board of Trustees 1885 – 1907. Including: Low, Seth, 1850 – 1916, Member of Packer Institute Board of Trustees (Mayor of Brooklyn, 1881 – 1885) (Columbia University President, 1890 – 1901); McKeen, Mr., Member of Board of Trustees * Includes 6 Page Letter in Opposition to Board Recommendation to Increase Tuition. Presented Directly to Board; Orr, A.E. Member of Board of Trustees; Packer, William S., Member of Board of Trustees; Report re: The Jubilee, 1885-1907, inclusive
Correspondence Between Parents and Truman Jay Backus, 1882-1891, inclusive
Stevens, Prof. Incoming and outgoing, 1883, inclusive
Stevens, Prof. Incoming and outgoing, 1884-1887, inclusive
Stevens, Prof. Incoming and outgoing, 1889-1891, inclusive
Scott, Miss M.A., Teacher at the Packer, Incoming and Outgoing, 1884-1886, inclusive
Scott, Miss M.A., Teacher at the Packer 1886 – 1888. Dispute when Backus asks for her Resignation., 1880s, inclusive
Hale, Miss Gertrude E., Teacher at the Packer, 1888 – 1891., 1880s, inclusive
Savage, Miss Helen C., Teacher at the Packer, 1891 – 1903., 1880s, inclusive
Containing Other Significant Teacher Related Correspondence: Between Backus and the Teaching Staff, 1900; Report re: Latin department by Miss Davis, Undated; Reduction in Teaching Staff from Committee on Instruction, 1899., 1899-1900, inclusive
General Teacher correspondence, 1887-1890, inclusive
Committee on Instruction, Report from Truman Jay Backus to Committee. Includes Curriculum, Reports from Miss Susan K Cook teacher of "Mental and Moral Philosophy"; Reports on some Individual Teachers Performance and Recommendations about Changes in Assignments for Teachers., 1886, inclusive
General correspondence (14 folders), 1883-1894, inclusive
Draft letter from Backus to Pres. of Vassar, lengthy, 1882, inclusive
"Methods of Teaching English Literature" by Truman J. Backus, 1889, inclusive
"The Education of Young Women" - Truman J. Backus lecture at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, 1892, inclusive
General note
Handwritten lecture composition book and admission ticket
Booklet Honoring the 75th Anniversary of Packer Institute Containing Prints, History of Building, Biography of Truman J. Backus, Photographs of Notables. 18 Pages. Good Condition., 1928, inclusive
Short pamphlet written by Backus Entitled: "Various Phases of an Important Subject" Pertaining to Education of Blacks in the South. Published by American Missionary Association., Undated
A Memorial Essay Written About Harriet Packer by Dr. Backus, Containing a Narrative about His First Meeting with Her., Undated
Lecture Notes, "History of English", Undated. Fragile., Undated
A list of addresses or speeches made by Backus between 1889 and 1895, a grouping of tickets to an Address entitled "The Education of Young Women" sponsored by the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, 1892, inclusive
Newspaper Clippings and Obituary of Truman J. Backus, Fragile., 1908, inclusive
Two contracts for "memorial windows" signed by Truman J. Backus from the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, 1899, 1899, inclusive
Information for Backus Memorial, 1906, inclusive
Sub-series 10.3: Edward J. Goodwin, 1907-1918, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series contains three published lectures by Edward J. Goodwin (1907-1908), as well as a set of verses that were presented to Goodwin by the faculty in 1918.
"The New York System of Secondary Schools" - Edward J. Goodwin lecture, 1907, inclusive
"The Exclusion of Religious Instruction from the Public Schools" - Edward J. Goodwin lecture, 1907, inclusive
"The Present Status of Public Education" - Edward J. Goodwin lecture, 1908, inclusive
Verses accompying a gift of money for the purchase of books, presented to Goodwin by the faculty, 1918, inclusive
Sub-series 10.4: John Denbigh, 1921-1930s, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series contains items relating to John Denbigh, including correspondence regarding M. Sugimoto (1921) and articles written by or about Denbigh (1930s).
John Denbigh correspondence regarding M. Sugimoto, 1921, inclusive
Articles written by or about Denbigh, 1930s, inclusive
Sub-series 10.5: Paul D. Shafer, 1938-1960s, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
This sub-series contains assorted materials from Packer Collegiate Institute's President Dr. Paul Shafer, 1938 – 1968.
The first group of materials consists of speeches delivered to students, faculty, parents and/or alumni by Dr. Shafer between 1930-1953. The speeches address WWII and its impact on education. Speeches following WWII are addressed to the PTA and focus on education within the home. Two examples of Shafer's writings appear in print outside of the Packer community: Forbes Magazine and Vital Speeches of the Day. A large formal document, with the signature and official seal of New York City's Mayor, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, and names Shafer a trustee of the Brooklyn Public Library. Shafer's 1967 announcement of his retirement is also included in the series by the Alumni Association. Materials are in good condition, although, Vital Speeches of the Day magazine's condition is deteriorating and should be handled with care.
The secound group of material consists of Dr. Shafer's office files. Arranged in rough chronological order for the academic years between 1960-1967. Folders include: Annual Report, Daily Program, Finances, School Organization and Administration and Teacher Reports. Items within this group detail Dr. Shafer's philosophy of education, his leadership style and his thoughts regarding topical issues pertaining to the school as a whole. The format of materials ranges from printed programs to handwritten notes on 4 x 7 colored note cards.
The Annual Report folders contain President Shafer's notes in preparation of his reports to the Board of Trustees. The Daily Program folders contain Dr. Shafer's notes for addresses to groups including the Board of Trustees, faculty, and students at the beginning of the each school year. Many notes are typed with handwritten edits while others are handwritten. There are printed programs for school events such as theater performances or the Christmas Carol Sing. There are minutes from meetings of the Board, and there are lists such as, "Colleges entered by graduates of the Academic School."
The Finance Reports are inconsistent between 1960 and 1968. The Treasurer of the Board of Trustees is responsible for delivering these reports detailing school expenses for events such as theater performances or the Spring Concert.
The School Administration and Organization folders contain items dealing with campus life and the President's responsibilities. Some items are related to the faculty such as a description of the school's Major Medical Insurance policy coverage and a list of new teachers, or instructions, such as "Procedures for Examinations." Some items detail student life, for example Permission Slip forms for a school dance or a directive regarding the lapsed enforcement of rules prohibiting girls from leaving school between the times of arrival and dismissal. Miscellaneous items include air raid drill instructions and a list of families with two or more children in the school.
The Teachers' Report folders are comprised of evaluations by faculty members, reports on the activities school clubs and reports from the dean and department heads. Among the materials are mimeographed examples of class assignments and exams.
Photographs of Dr. Paul Shafer, 1967, inclusive
Manuscript of Dr. Paul Shafer's Report, 1938-1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's Speech Pages, circa 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's Untitled Speech, "The Packer Collegiate Institute – A Junior College for Young Women.", circa 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Bender of the Twig" January 16, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Responsibilities of Outstanding Achievement" March 22, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Secondary Education in Our Democracy" March 28, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Literacy for Democracy" April 3, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Marked for Life" May 4, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Around the Bend" June 7, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Certificate to the 4th Academics" June 9, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "The Need of the Modern School for the Home" August 11, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Educating for Democracy" August 11, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Forward For Student Council Constitutions" October, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "General Education at Minnesota" November 25, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "What is Packer Doing?" April 27, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: Commencement, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Certificates for the Fourth Academics" June 7, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "The Packer Collegiate Institute" Summer, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "All Saint's Day" November 1, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Preparedness, Education, And Youth" November, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Founder's Day" November 8, 1940, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Forward Looking Thought" January 14, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "As Your Work Begins" February 5, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Packer Today" May 11, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Today is Mother's Day" May 11, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Certificate to the Fourth Academics" June 6, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Commencement" June, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Shafer's words to the School in Chapel. December, 1941, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "The Chapter and the Book" January, 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Commencement", 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Fourth Academic Exercises" June 5, 1945, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "The Junior College Meets Many Requirements of a Society Organized For War" June, 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Schools and Colleges Accept War Tasks but Must Carry on Regular Work" June 30, 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Opening Chapel" November 23, 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech: "Priorities for Parents" October 14, 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's Letter to Alumni, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech "Chapel Speech on Packer & The War", 1942, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Concerning our Common Task" February 8, 1944, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer – Graduation Exercises Speech. July 10, 1944, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer, Article "A First Concern: Religion," from The Presbyterian, January 11., 1947, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech "The Logical Expectations of Youth," February 5, 1947, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech "The High Hopes of Parents and Teachers," February 3, 1948, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech "The Home and the School: Fashion Centers of Ideas," February 7, 1950, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech " The Adventure and the Goal," February 6, 1951, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Our Lasting Impression," February 6, 1952, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "The Individual, the Average, the Group," February 4, 1953, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "The Worth – While is Difficult," June 4, 1954, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, " The Expansion of Self," June 7, 1954, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "Packer's 114th Opening", 1957, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer speeches, 1945-1953, inclusive
Letter to Paul Shafer from Sidney Davidson. October 21, 1953, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, "A Look at our Tasks," November 18, 1958, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's Retirement Announcement, 1967, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's Retirement, 1968, inclusive
A quote from Dr. Paul Shafer in Forbes and a speech printed in Vital Speeches, 1947, inclusive
School Organization, Letter to parents, 1939, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's printed speeches, circa 1940s-1950s, inclusive
Dr. Paul Shafer's speech, " A Gentle Authority," February 16, 1949, inclusive
Report to the Board of Trustees, 1938-1939, inclusive
Report for Academic Years, 1939-1940, inclusive
A Statement for the Consideration of the Trustees of Packer. February 12, 1940, inclusive
Raymond P. Shafer Gubernatorial Election – Philadelphia Inquirer Newspaper Article I, January 18., 1967, inclusive
Raymond P. Shafer Gubernatorial Election – Philadelphia Inquirer Newspaper Article I, January 18., 1967, inclusive
Raymond P. Shafer Gubernatorial Election – The Patriot Newspaper Article I, January 18., 1967, inclusive
Raymond P. Shafer Gubernatorial Election – The Patriot Newspaper Article II, January 18, 1967, inclusive
Raymond P. Shafer Gubernatorial Election – The Patriot Newspaper Article III, January 18., 1967, inclusive
Daily Programs. June 23 – December, 1959, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1960-1961, inclusive
Daily Programs. January – July, 1960, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1961-1962, inclusive
Daily Programs. June 30 – June 13, 1962, inclusive
School Organization, 1960-1961, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1962-1963, inclusive
Daily Programs. January 1 – June, 1963, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1963-1964, inclusive
Daily Programs. January – June, 1964, inclusive
Finances, 1961-1964, inclusive
School Organization, 1962-1963, inclusive
School Organization and Administration, 1963-1964, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1964-1965, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1964-1965, inclusive
Finances, 1965-1967, inclusive
School Administration & Organization, 1964, inclusive
Teacher's Reports, 1964-1965, inclusive
Annual Report & Teacher's Reports, 1966, inclusive
Daily Programs, 1965-1966, inclusive
Daily Programs. January, 1966, inclusive
"My Report" (Dr. Paul Shafer), 1965-1966, inclusive
Report Materials, 1965-1966, inclusive
School Organization, 1965-1966, inclusive
Annual Report. Notes and materials, 1966-1967, inclusive
Daily Programs. Christmas Plays. June, 1966-1967, inclusive
Daily Programs. May 12 – June 15, 1966-1967, inclusive
Daily Programs. January – May, 1967, inclusive
Letter to Dr. Paul Shafer from Elizabeth Phillips, Conference Report May 8, 1967, inclusive
End of year Faculty Reports, 1966-1967, inclusive
Student Club Reports, 1967, inclusive
School Organization, 1966-1967, inclusive
Paul D. Shafer Christmas cards, circa 1940s-1960s, inclusive
"Caronia Cruise" by Paul D. Shafer, 1953, inclusive
General note
"A metrical tale of a trip around South America"
Sub-series 10.6: Jack Skillman, 1968-1969
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series contains a few items relating to Jack Skillman, dating from 1968 to 1969.
