Alfred Charles Bernath(February 22, 1874-August 10,1937). Principal Huntsville Public and High School 1900-1937.

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Postcards

Description

Alfred Charles Bernath(February 22, 1874-August 10,1937). Principal Huntsville Public and High School 1900-1937.

Notes

A.C. Bernath was born February 22, 1874 in Grey Township, Huron County. He only had two years teaching experience when he was hired as principal of Central School in Huntsville. He had studied the classics and could speak knowledgeably on many subjects. He founded the Huntsville Literary Club in 1903. In August 1903 he married a widow, Elizabeth Mary Hutcheson Beaman in Huntsville. Bernath shaped the policy and progress of the educational system as much as the school trustees themselves. Under his leadership the principal was actually invited to attend board meetings to discuss school matters and provide input. In 1905 a new brick public school was opened and in 1923 a high school addition was completed. After 37 years as principal, A.C. Bernath died suddenly of a heart attack, August 10, 1937. In September, members of the Huntsville School Board noted in their minutes, "That at this first regular meeting of the Board of Education since the sad passing of Mr. Bernath this board wishes to express to Mrs. Bernath and family our deepest sympathy with them in their time of sorrow. That the board finds it impossible to express in words the loss sustained to the board and the citizens of Huntsville in the death of Mr. Bernath, we feel he has left a record of achievement which will become a glorious tradition to the high and public school teachers. It is with the deepest feeling of public and personal loss that this resolution is made." J. Harry Thornton replaced Bernath as principal of both the public and high school. By 1942 the public school had its own principal, J. W. (Wilf) Bice. At the end of the 1947 school term he was replaced by Jack Laycock.

Inscriptions

Principal A.C. Bernath
Reverse: "With best Christmas wishes" A.C. Bernath per H.M.P. 1928

Date of Original

1928

Date Of Event

1928

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