The Terni Clan's Long History as Educators

Shortly after arrival in Millerton, most folks soon find their way to Terni's Store for a dish of ice cream, a cold soda, a paper, or even a glimpse of Millerton, the way it used to be.

A Country Store, in the purest sense of the word, Terni’s has been a presence on Main Street since the early 20th century. Featuring a diverse range of merchandise from fishing tackle, and candy, outdoor gear by Woolrich, Pendleton and Filson, to newspapers, magazines, case knives, and imported cigars - a warm welcome is still the most memorable aspect of the store.

Phil Terni, who now runs that familiar and long-time family establishment, is both the son (Assunta Terni , also known as "Madame Terni", was his mom)and husband of a teacher(many of you will remember wife Ellen W. Terni who taught at the Webutuck Elementary School and is now retired). There are many more teachers in the Terni clan .

Phil Terni's Aunt Esther

Phil's cousin, Susan Terni Taff, a former teacher - of course- wrote a reminiscence about her mom for our "Year of the Teacher" salute to the outstanding educators we have known. Our friends from Pine Plains easily recognize the name Esther "Esterinna" Peppe Terni.

Esther was born on April 21, 1912 to Archangelo and Maria Esternia Proia Peppe, the fourth of nine children. She grew up in Pine Plains, N.Y., loving music and caring for her younger siblings. She attended Seymour Smith Academy and the University of New York at New Paltz, where she graduated in 1934 as a teacher of kindergarten and primary grades. She taught at Jackson Corner one-room schoolhouse at the age of 19 as part of her teacher training.

Unidentified children at Jackson Corner school in 1931. Ester is in the center, back row

Cousin Susan writes: “My mom loved teaching and I believe she was quite good at it. She seemed to find the best in each student. She taught third grade most of her career... and, yes, she did try to encourage me to go into teaching, but I resisted. She was pleased when I finally started teaching later in life. My oldest sister was a teacher, as were some of my mother's siblings. My mother was forever going to night school to further her education, all while raising a family and working. I don't know how she did it! She had a lot of support from my father.”

Even after retiring, she served as a substitute in the Enfield School System until well into her 70s. Esther's greatest passion was for her "Teacher's Pet", her cottage at Point O'Woods Beach in South Lyme, where she spent the summers for over 45 years.

In 1937 Esther married Stephen Terni of Millerton, N.Y.

Stephen Terni and Phil's father, Art Terni, were brothers.
Esther's sister, Evelina Peppe-Lyle who is married to Chet Lyle, long-time Millerton insurance broker now living in nearby Connecticut.

Phil Terni says of his mom, the legendary 'Madame Terni' :

letter to the Millerton News back in June(6-17-10).

Watch your languages
My mother, Mrs. J.H.W. Terni, was the language teacher at the Millerton High School and later at the Webutuck Central School, retiring in 1972. When first she taught here, in the year of 1929, she taught Latin, French, and if I remember her saying correctly, Greek. The Greek was only offered for a short time, but she did continue with the French, Latin and English for many years after.

Phil goes on later to add: "I didn't think much about my mom being a teacher...at the time. Now I regret that I was not a better student. I never asked for help with my homework, for example.

My mother was from a little town called Marathon, New York. At Keuka College she developed a love for languages. When she came east to teach, she was popular and always had a good time.

She retired in 1972, but went back to school to coach her Regents Latin students who needed three years of Latin and had only one year when she retired.

She always loved music. She played the piano for musicals at the high school and played the organ for various churches in Millerton.

Her real favorites were her pets...dogs with classical names: Argus, Midas and Caesar.


Photo of Terni's Store courtesy of Jenny Hansell

Anne Moore Blownstine

One of my favorite teachers was Anne Moore, later, Blownstine, who taught American History when I was in high school. In the thirties and forties she was also the coach of many a winning girl's basketball teams at Amenia High School

She had such enthusiasm for her subject that it sparked one's interest in spite of the sometimes dull parts of history. We were still in the midst of World War II when I was in high school, and she certainly helped us understand the causes and effects of the war and as it was happening she traced the progress of the Navy as it captured island after island in the Pacific- - we certainly learned our geography as well as the current events that were to become history.

I didn't know it at the time but she was a relative of the Murphy family and therefore my husband-to-be, Jim. They clashed occasionally and he was not as enthusiastic as I about her teaching. I think the reason Jim didn't like her was the subject. At that time he was milking cows twice a day and coming to school full time--real study was not on his agenda--except for Physics taught by Howard Lonsdale whom he liked as a teacher very much as well as liking the subject.

The photo in this article has been provided by Jim’s sister Catherine Murphy.

I have fond memories also of Gertrude Foley and "Mac" Kinney but Arlene Iuliano has already ably covered them. (See blog archives.)

Charlotte Murphy

Rose McKean- Romancing the Language

We have recently had the good fortune to be in touch with an old friend from Amenia, Ken McKean. Ken grew up in Amenia and now lives in Florida having had a distinguished Air Force career. We wanted to do a little reminiscence about Mrs. McKean for the Schoolhouse Blog. When we asked Ken what he might feel about such a thing, he answered in the affirmative and included this brief little scene:

Time--- 1947/48
Setting--- Amenia High School---- Freshman classroom

Teacher--- Mrs. Rose S. McKean

Student--- Kenneth R. McKean

Situation--- Either Algebra 1 or Latin I class

Teacher asks-- are there any questions?

My hand goes up--- am never recognized!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Situation--- home on South Street in Amenia

Kenneth comes downstairs from doing homework with a question concerning either Latin or Algebra homework

Mother, sitting at dining room table grading papers, tells me for the 257th time, "Kenneth--- you know I am your teacher and cannot give you extra help at home" !!!!

End of Freshman year: Social Studies = A, English= A, Biology= A, Latin= D & Algebra = D.

Fall of 1948 I commence my plebe year @ Culver Military Academy, IN--the turning point in my road to "book learnin" & maturity.


I learned in later years that Miss Staunton, Mrs. Foley, Mr. Bonville, Miss Cogan & Mrs. Tripp, all counseled her to at least give me a chance ? !

Looking back---- a blessing in disguise?






Rose S. McKean was one of that cadre of very fine teachers that made up the Amenia High School, later to be the Webutuck Central School , faculty. Mrs. McKean had the thankless job of introducing endless numbers of the local progeny to Latin and French. She never gave it less than her best. For some of us it was a mystery never to be penetrated. For others of us, however, it was as if a light had gone on in our social and intellectual development.
Mrs. McKean’s favorite trick on Day One (or is it Day I?) of Latin I was to arrive for the class carrying three dictionaries--Latin, French, and English. She proceeded to demonstrate that fully half of the English dictionary came from the Latin one. She illustrated this by opening the English dictionary to the middle and leaving it flat on her desk. But fully ninety percent of the French dictionary came from the Latin one! That, too, was deposited on her desk in a ninety to ten ratio. It was a stunning object lesson to the novices who were about to embark on the study of a dead language.
Mrs. McKean knew as well as anybody that to study a language is not only to learn the grammar and vocabulary, but it also to enter a different civilization, a different world view, and a different way of thinking. For me her enthusiasm was everything. She encouraged one to learn to learn more deeply about the individual culture. That is precisely what happened to me at university where I pretty much devoured what the French department had to offer. I was always assured that my background was so strong, I would have an enjoyable time of it. And so I did.

One of the interesting things about working in a language that is not your own is that you do begin to see the logic, the rhyme and reason of the other country, if you will. In my case, I learned this rule again from her when I ran into trouble with first year Algebra. It was a complete and total mystery to me, and I began to fail badly. Fortunately for me, my parents asked Mrs. McKean to tutor me; to see if she could get me going. She approached it as if we were learning another language with its own syntax, rules of grammar and such. Within a few weeks she had me seeing the light.

And to this day I think of Mrs. McKean whenever I hear someone say something involving unknowns; I find myself saying ‘ Two trains leave Chicago at the same time going in different directions… ‘

Barnett Epstein

If you wish to comment on this reminiscence, add some details or send Barney a message, write to IndianRockschool@aol.com

Want to write your own story about a teacher who changed your life? Same address. Send Word file, and a JPEG photo 72 to 150 dpi.

Sister Grace and Browny, or Sister Theophane part II

During the 1970's both the names and the styles of the habits the nuns wore changed. Each order had different regulations and changed at a different time. Sister Theophane became Sister Grace and no longer wore the old habit. Her teaching style remained the same, however.

It is told that on the first day Sister Grace wore her new shorter skirt, she noticed that the children were staring at her legs and feet.
"Well, " she said, "what did you expect -wheels?"

Browny was a neighborhood pet who belonged to Maryann & Dick LaMay. Every day Browny and several other dogs visited their friends at Immaculate Conception School, but none of the canines loved school as much as Browny. She loved to stay right in the classroom with the children, sleeping peacefully while they learned their lessons.

On occasion, the whole group would take a break to play and laugh, then Maryann would have to come to school and take Browny home for the day. When class photos were taken, Browny posed proudly right next to Sister Grace, her favorite teacher.

A letter to Indian Rock in response to our inquiry about the names of the children in Browny's class:

My name is Ann Marie Golding-Lull. I read the article in this weeks Harlem
Valley Times. I am one of the students in the picture that is shown with the
article. When I looked at the picture before reading the article I realized
that it was my class picture. I think that picture was taken when I was in
the 2 nd grade.It brought back the fond memories of when I was a child going
to ICS. I still know all the students names in my class.

from left to right
top row :Richard Ellis,Shonnan Quinn, Mark Leopole, Steven Norbert, Frank
Cooper, bottom row left to right: Ann Marie Golding, Tonya Melman, Melissa
Mercay, Mary Piggott, Mary Lamont and Monica Anderson.Hopefully this helped
solved the mystery for this one picture.

Do you have more Sister Theophane stories? E-mail us at IndianRockschool@aol.com

Sister Grace (Sister Theophane)

There are people and places we return to in our minds. We return to them because they give us solace and strength, and because they have served to make us who we are. One of the most memorable people in my life is Sr. Grace, or Sr. Theophane, as we knew her at the Immaculate Conception School in 1962.

Funny, formidable, friendly and firm: these are four words that described Sr. Grace. She did not brook nonsense, but she loved to laugh. She expected the best from her students, but not perfection. She punctuated our days with amusing stories, and a rare, self-effacing wit. One story I recall was about a mother who had unexpected company for Sunday dinner. She took two of her children aside, and told them to say, “No, thank you,” when the platter of chicken was passed at the table. When it came time to serve dessert, the mother said, “As for those who refused to eat their chicken, you’ll be having no pie!"

Photo: Sister Theophane with little Tommy McEniff

courtesy of the Walsh family

We considered it a great privilege to meet Sister coming across from the convent, and carry her book bag into school; or to spend time in her company while she was on duty at recess. Sr. Grace certainly taught us academics, but she also taught us to sing. Periodically, Sister supervised the entire student body in hymn singing, allowing the other sisters to provide religious instruction to children from the public school.

Her support and guidance did not end with being my teacher in 3rd and 4th grade. Sr. Grace welcomed me into her second grade classroom to observe when I was completing my undergraduate degree at New Paltz. This opportunity helped me to complete course requirements and develop my skills as a teacher.

Sister once paid me an extravagant compliment: “She can do anything she wants to do!” I heard her tell my mother. These words have been a powerful touchstone for me in difficult or discouraging situations. Now, I would like to return the compliment: Some of the most important things I have done were inspired by Sr. Grace. I hear her in my teaching and in the hymns I sing. She is part of that inner dialogue that defines me as a person, and that has shaped me for service in this world.

I have come to know that teaching, more than anything else, is about relationships. These relationships may last only a short time for a teacher. But they last a lifetime for the child who lives in us all. As a teacher, I try very hard to remember this, and I am grateful for the relationship I had with Sr. Grace, a warm and generous person, who has meant so much to me.

Nancy L. Nowak (Thompson)
nowax@bellsouth.net

Nancy earned a B.S. from SUNY New Paltz in Education and English, an M.S. from Lesley College in Human Service Management, and an M.S. in Elementary Education from The University of New Haven. She is a National Board certified teacher, and has been employed by the Palm Beach County School Board for over 14 years. She is a niece of Amenia's much loved teacher, Joan Murphy.

Sister Helen Proper

Sister Helen Marie Proper, formerly Sr. M. Scholastica, was a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York. She was a nun for 54 years until her death on August 23, 1996 at the age of 75.
Sr. Helen Marie Proper was born August 12, 1921 in Amenia . Her parents were Earl and Margaret Proper. She entered the Sisters of St .Dominic from the parish of the Immaculate Conception in September 9, 1942, received the Dominican habit on August 24, 1943, professed her first vows on August 25, 1944 and her perpetual vows on September 2, 1947.
Sister’s many years of active ministry were devoted to teaching. She was a dedicated educator as teacher and principal in many schools in the Archdiocese of New York. She taught in Our Lady of the Assumption School in the Bronx from 1945 to 1948; St. Dominic’s School, Blauvelt, NY from 1949to 1950; St. Benedict’s in the Bronx from 1951 to 1957 and St Mary’s School , Bronx, N.Y., from, 1957 to 1962.
Sister also taught at the St. Pius School, Bronx, N.Y. from 1962 to1964, Immaculate Conception School, Amenia, N.Y. from 1964 to 1967, St. Luke’s School, also in the Bronx and St. Colamba (?) School in Hopewell Junction from 1985 through 1991.






Sister was principal of Immaculate Conception School from 1970 – 1985. She was highly respected and much loved by the students in Amenia and, in fact, by the entire community.



Sister Helen Marie Proper returned to St. Dominic’s Convent Infirmary in 1991 and ministered in varied volunteer servi ces at the Motherhouse. She was also very faithful to her ministry of prayer for the intentions of the sisters, the Blauvelt Community and its benefactors until her death on August 23, 1996.

Sister Helen Proper has a sister, Betty Scarlotta of Granville, New York, and two brothers - Earl Proper Jr. of Sun Coty, Arizona and Raymond Proper of Amenia. She was predeceased by her brothers, Vincent, John and Francis.

Dick and Edna Miller- Both Parents were Teachers

Mary Miller Fitzgerald, Webutuck class of 1978 writes:

I was elected (by my sister Martha and brother David) to write a few words about our parents, Dick and Edna Miller, both of whom were teachers.

What a great idea to remember the teachers! If it wasn't for the teachers we would not be where we are today. It just happens to be teacher appreciation week at my son's school here in Sarasota, so I am blessed to have been a child of teacher parents and know how hard they work and how much they deserve to be pampered for a week.

Good and Bad Points

Having parents as teachers has good points and bad points. It was great having them close by everyday knowing if there was a problem they were there to help in any way they could, but having parents in school - you could not get away with anything.
I can remember one day in 4th grade when I was caught wearing pants in school. Required dress had always been dresses for girls and pants for boys. We had P.E once a week and the girls could change into pants for the class then back into "street clothes" for the rest of the day.

Even though they had changed dress code and all the girls were wearing pants to school, my Dad said that Martha and I still had to wear skirts/dresses to school. After P. E. one day I didn't put my skirt back on. It didn't take long for my Dad to find me and my skirt went back on.

Even having parents as teachers was very difficult. I think they were harder on us than the other kids. I remember doing many extra reports and memorizing The Preamble Constitution of the United States of America for passing notes in class.

Having them at home as parents/teachers was great. We always were the first to know when it was a snow day! We also had help with all our homework. I used to think my Dad was the smartest man in the world. (I still think he is.)
My mom was great to have also helping with homework and the music part of our lives. We all played the piano and an instrument and sang in the choir.

I wouldn't change any part of our growing up with parents as teachers. We all respect and appreciate the teachers of America. It’s a tough job and my hat is off to them.

Mary

The Mysterious Pumpkin Meeting

Principal Eileen Sicina, left, advises staff on the uses of magic pumpkins. From left to right: Dick Miller, Doris Smith, Eileen Reiling, Karen Jaquith and Shirley Conklin


Edna Miller remembers:

Dick and I were both from upstate New York and met at Wassaic “State School” (now known as the Taconic Learning Center). We were in a group of thirteen new teachers hired in 1952 – Dick was the Physical Education teacher and I taught music. Our group of teachers socialized together and often had an apartment or rooms at Mrs. Benson’s farm in Dover Plains. After several years I began to teach in the Dover School system where I taught music to all the grades from kindergarten through high school, as well as band and chorus. Several years later Dick took the position of P.E. teacher at Webutuck, where he also coached baseball , Little League and Babe Ruth as well as high school basketball, (earning the long-time nickname of “Coach”).

Dick took courses to get his principal’s license in the 1960’s and served as principal of both the Amenia and Millerton Primary Schools until he decided to return to the classroom being tired of “only seeing kids in trouble”.
I spent several years working part-time or substituting while the children were little, finally becoming the music teacher at Webutuck where I taught until 1985, Dick until 1986.

The secret to our successful marriage and family was that we strictly kept school business at school….and family issues at home.



Anyone who ever visited the Miller’s big old house always found it full of kids, their friends, plans for trips, music, and a dining room table with many, many small dishes of pickles, relishes, olives and jams to go with the ample food, and extra chairs for visitors. There was never a word about school, unless there had been a very funny or crazy incident there. Edna made the pickles and relishes from vegetables picked by the children in Dick’ garden just out back.
Ann Linden