Senate Resolution No. 820

BY: Senator METZGER

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Delaware
Academy Central School District at Delhi

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Delaware Academy Central School
District at Delhi; and

WHEREAS, Tucked away in the southern Catskills was a small village
called Delhi; in the early 19th century, the community determined it was
necessary to start a school district in town so its youth could get a
plentiful education without having to walk in several different
directions; and

WHEREAS, On April 12, 1819, the plan was passed for the building of
Delaware Academy (DA) to begin, and the first entry in the trustee's
book was recorded on February 28, 1820; under the direction of its first
principal, John A. Savage, A.B., the institution opened for scholars;
and

WHEREAS, Latin, Greek, Astronomy, Natural Philosophy, Natural
History, Chemistry, and Mathematics were taught for a fee of 37 and ¢
cents per week per student, and the other sciences were taught for 25
cents per week; room and board were supplied for $1.25, which was
necessary for students not living in the village; and

WHEREAS, The school saw seven different principals from 1824 until
1836, when Reverend Daniel Shepard took over the position; under his
leadership, a department for young children was opened in 1838, and in
1840, a department of common school teachers was started; and

WHEREAS, With its rapid growth, an expansion was authorized in 1841,
and by 1857, there were four teachers and 212 students at the Academy;
and

WHEREAS, By 1865, Reverend Silas Fitch had been principal for a
year; during this time, the faulty had doubled since the school first
opened and 353 pupils were now attending this learning institution; and

WHEREAS, In the 1880s, Delaware Academy had in residence perhaps its
most famous teacher, The Honorable Charles Evans Hughes, who was working
on his law degree while teaching at the school; he went on to become
Associate Justice of The Supreme Court (1910-1916), presidential nominee
(1916), United States Secretary of State (1921-25), and Chief Justice of
The Supreme Court (1930-1941); and

WHEREAS, Delaware Academy was leased to the Board of Education of
Union Free School District number 16 on December 4, 1902, by the Regents
of the University of the State of New York in Albany; the Academy became
part of the public education system of New York in 1910, under Professor
Wood; and

WHEREAS, On November 11, 1918, the bell at what is now the State
University of New York, College at Delhi, rang for 24 hours straight in
honor of the end of World War I; one year later, the first Kalends was
printed as a monthly update of the school; named by the class of 1920,
Kalends became the yearbook as it is today; and

WHEREAS, In 1936, centralization of Delaware Academy was passed and
27 districts in Delhi, Hamden, Bovina, Meridith, Franklin, and Kortright
united; in September of the same year, seventh and eighth grades were
brought to DA from outlying districts; and

WHEREAS, On March 25, 1937, 300 acres were purchased, and on June
21, 1938, plans were presented in preparation for construction of a new
school; a ceremony was held on June 24, 1939, during which time the
cornerstone of the new school was laid; the first official day of the
new Delaware Academy was September 9, 1940; and

WHEREAS, The year 2019, marks Delaware Academy's 200th year of hard
work, maturation, respectability and pride; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its motto, "Not in Number but in
Influence," Delaware Academy has touched the lives of countless
individuals, and will continue to do so with the support and guidance of
Delhi and its surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents,
educators and administrators to provide the highest quality education
for students has become the hallmark and tradition of Delaware Academy;
and

WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, Delaware Academy stands prepared
to reach out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to
promote the maximum growth of every student, establishing standards and
building skills which will carry its students and the citizens of its
community into the future; and

WHEREAS, Delaware Academy is proudly aware of its distinguished
past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and
the community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and
swell of growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Delaware Academy Central School
District at Delhi; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi.