125 years ago in 1899, transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

The 100th anniversary of the death of George Washington, was fittingly recognized in the local public schools on Thursday. The exercises, for the most part, consisted of addresses on Washington and his life, supplemented with patriotic readings, recitations and songs. In the majority of cases, the pupils of the Grammar grades in the various schools, were grouped together for the review of the important happenings in the life of ‘the father of his country,’ while the younger children listened to simpler tales on the same subject by their respective teachers.

At Oak Street school, Prof. George W. Alloway gave a splendid talk on ‘Washington and His Life,’ incidentally telling of some personal experiences at Mt. Vernon, Alexandria, and other places, which greatly furthered the interest of the talk.

The pupils of Elm Street school read essays and sang timely selections, and later listened to a most pleasing talk on the topic of the day by Dr. J. M. Kendig. The speaker was accorded the strictest attention of the little folks, who evidenced their appreciation by enthusiastic applause.

Rev. E. O. Buxton, of Trinity M. E. church, addressed the scholars of Central school, and, as, in his own interesting way, he told of the sacrifice which Washington unhesitatingly made in liberty’s cause, a brighter flame of patriotism was enkindled in the hearts of the boys and girls, and again and again were his utterances interrupted with applause.

The students of Market Street school listened to a stirring address by Rev. Rutledge, pastor of the Epworth M. E. church, in the course of which many excellent lessons were imparted. Later in the afternoon the same reverend gentleman talked to the children of the Hillman Street school.

Rev. Albert Gordon, rector of the Second U. P. church, with Mr. E. R. Thompson, instructed the boys and girls of Sheehy Street schools, on many points relative to Washington’s life and actions worthy of their emulation. Both addresses were very fine and greatly appreciated by the children.

At Caldwell Street school, South Side, Parmalee, South Avenue and McGuffy Street no special exercises were held, although the children united in singing patriotic hymns, etc.

Rev. C. H. Stocking, pastor of the Belmont Avenue M. E. church, talked to the Covington Street school children, and pointed out many events of moment in the great hero’s life which probably would otherwise have passed unnoticed.

The Brier Hill school children were entertained with a splendid oration on ‘Washington,’ given by Rev. W. G. White, rector of the Westminster Presbyterian church. AN equally interesting talk was given the Haselton school children by Rev. Alfred Walle, of the Wilson Avenue M. E. church.

The children of the Wood Street school were addressed by Rev. W. H. Hudnut, co-pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the close attention paid by the little folks told how thoroughly they appreciated the same.

Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Dante Bernard, Mahoning Valley Historical Society Museum educator.