Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 20

John M. Furman, A. M. , principal of the Irving Institute, in Tarrytown, New York, is recognized as an educator of high standing. During the eight years of his connection with the well-known institution just mentioned he has abundantly proven his genius and special aptitude in the noble field of endeavor which he has chosen to be his life work. Year by year he has found it necessary to increase the facilities of the institute, the patronage of which is perceptibly gaining, and one of his aims being to provide the pupils entrusted to his care with every educational appliance and advantage possible and practicable.

Forty-five years ago the Irving Institute was founded, and each year since then it has sent representatives to the leading colleges and educational institutions of this country. The various buildings of the schools, erected expressly for the purposes of the institute, are well lighted and heated with modern methods and all the conveniences of this enlightened age add to the comfort and well-being of the pupils. The buildings are situated in the outskirts of Tarrytown, on high ground, and the beauty of the surrounding country and the healthfulness of the location are among the favorable features. A gymnasium, erected in 1898, is equipped for thorough physical exercise and development, and is under the direction of a competent instructor.

The fortunate students of Irving Institute are considered as members of the principal's household, and particular pains is taken that only boys and youths of good family and moral training be admitted here. Excellent discipline, sufficiently lenient, yet firm and judicious, is maintained, and incorrigible pupils are not permitted to remain in the school. In every respect the institute sustains its well-earned reputation of being a model school for boys, as thousands of testimonials from leading families of this and other states have voluntarily testified. The able corps of instructors in the various branches of learning are headed by the genial and popular gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this review. With an elective system of studies to cover the admission requirements of all colleges, all of the benefits of individual and class training are to be found here. Recently a new building, containing a library and sixteen additional students' rooms, has been added. The main building is large and cheerful, and the grounds afford splendid opportunities for all kinds of out-door sports.

John M. Furman was born in Schenectady, New York, September 30, 1866. He received his preparatory education at his native place, and in 1889 graduated from Union College. In 1892 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by his alma mater. His high standing and scholarship led to his being tendered the position of principal of the public schools of Cambridge, New York, which position he held for two years. In 1891 he became principal of Irving Institute. Here he has ample scope for his financial ability as well as his skill as a teacher and manager, and in each of these departments of power he has met the requirements and added fresh laurels to his name. Parents and pupils alike attest his worth and popularity, and few indeed possess in greater degree the knowledge of the successful management of growing boys. The influences of a refined Christian home surround the pupils, and every effort is made to inculcate in them upright principles and high standards of action, which will be their mainsprings of conduct throughout years to come.