The Year of the Teacher - October

The "Teachers' Walk" at Indian Rock Schoolhouse Picnic and Community Day

Barbara Wrobel ("Aunt Barbara") strolls up the special Teachers' Walk at Indian Rock Schoolhouse enjoying the photos of teachers whose biographies have been published on this blog. This portrait project has been a wonderful way to remember the teachers of our community and several from far away.

At the picnic other teachers were honored, in particular Ginny Armstrong, whose family attended the September festivities, remembering Ginny's life and many friends.

The late Justine Winters, much loved District Superintendent, was honored by the Amenia Lions gift of a bench, installed for the occasion in the new flower garden. Everyone was pleased that Charley Winters, Justine's husband, was able to come for a brief visit that day.

But the Year of the Teacher is not over yet...We take up the story again with the story of Kitty O'Brien written by her student Ginny Kane Eschbach, who was a teacher for many years just like her mentor...Mrs. O'Brien.

Kitty O’Brien

I looked forward to school every single day during my year in Seventh Grade. That was my year with Mrs. O’Brien. Those memories evoke warm feelings that remain so vivid after many decades. Her cheerfully decorated classroom at Sharon Center School reflected her nurturing approach to life with a cozy reading corner complete with a rocking chair and lighted lamps. Lovely plants lined the windowsills, and fresh flowers were always graciously accepted.
There was something reassuring about her beautiful smile that greeted us each morning. She genuinely cared that we were there. I have no memories of her ever raising her gentle voice, but I can hear her laughter when we shared our jokes with her.

One of my memories concerns the time a classmate experienced an extraordinary family tragedy. When he returned to school, Mrs. O’Brien gathered the class together and spoke so beautifully to him that her words have remained with me. It was clear that all of us would support him through his ordeal. I understand now how her empathy was a powerful example for her students.
Whether it was a creative writing task, a science project, or a math problem I remember being challenged, but I especially remember being encouraged to do my best. I recall that our work was thoughtfully displayed around the room, and that must have given us a sense of accomplishment. I remember her taking the time to praise us as well as our work. I recall her asking us for our thoughts and being encouraged to explore them. In retrospect, I realize that Mrs. O’Brien understood the importance of creating an environment that allowed each of us to be successful.

Because I shared my mother’s (Kay Kane) passion to teach, I observed what teaching involved outside of the classroom. Although I was aware of how much time and thought went into planning lessons and preparing materials, I understood her enthusiasm for her profession. But as a student, I was mostly influenced by my time with Mrs. OBrien. Imagine how thrilled I was when she arranged for me to spend time helping in the Kindergarten classroom. I still remember being encouraged to actually plan a lesson!
During my early years as a middle school teacher, I would find myself thinking- what would Mrs. O’Brien do or say. When it was appropriate, I actually incorporated some of her projects into my own teaching. I hoped that I was able to create the same environment for my students.
Then many years later, I returned to teach at Sharon Center. The first time I walked back into my old seventh grade classroom, those cherished memories returned. As students, I’m sure none of us realized that our seventh grade year would provide us with lifelong enrichment.
As a young mother, I became involved in the program at our parish’s CCD Office along side Mrs. O’Brien. I remember being a little nervous about our new relationship until she said, “Please call me Kitty”. I wonder if she understood how difficult it was to make the transition. What a privilege to have known such a wonderful person.

Submitted by Ginny Eschbach

2010 picnic- the particpants

The boy scouts, the lions club, town banks, area schools, Freshtown, the chamber of commerce, food pantries, historical societies, the library and individuals all came and set up booths of interest. There was pie, cake, popcorn, apples, and BBQ chicken!

the 2010 picnic- a success!

Thanks to Corey Bush, Ed McGhee and friends we had music and a fine time in great weather. All teachers got pins and ribbons to identify themselves. The whole community turned out to celebrate, catch up, and enjoy the picnic together under the pavilion

Leola Morrison Downey

Leola Morrison Downey taught for 25 years - first in Millerton and then at Webutuck. I’m periodically asked: “What was it like to you have your mother as a teacher?”

It was my good fortune...and it had very little to do with the classroom.

On a personal level, growing up in the household of a teacher means living in an environment where information and thinking are valued. High standards are set. Your homework had better be done and you better do the best you can in anything you undertake. Though not always evident to me as a child, the value of that approach to life has become clearer over time.

On a broader level, because students reflect the community and family from which they come, my mother’s observations about young people gave me an early education about the complexity of the human mind and spirit. They also helped me better understand the factors which shaped the lives of my contemporaries and my community. The enduring value of those insights is greater than any I’ve received from my formal education.

Of course, there were some downside risks. My oldest friend has a wonderful sense of humor. He laughs easily and often. His classmates figured that out at an early age. Typical of young boys, we would make adolescent remarks under our breath in class to try to make him laugh. When he did, the teacher would reproach him and we would sit with innocent looks on our faces. In one of my “what-was-I-thinking-moments”, I tried it one day in my mother’s class. She looked right beyond my friend and said” Downey, cut that out” Nothing was said at dinner that night... nor did it need to be.

Among my mother’s papers, I found the following unattributed magazine clipping. I suspect she saved it because she agreed with it and found in inspiring. I gave a copy to her grandson, Evan, when he began his teaching career. If she were here now, this is what I think she would share with you about the importance of both her profession and her craft:


What Does It Mean to Be a Teacher?

It means stimulating young people to ask the great questions more than it means giving them the right answers; it means opening young minds to the excitement of new ideas; it means the adventurous search for all the great noble examples of people who have gone before us.

Lee Downey & Vi Simmons- A Special Friendship

Miss Simmons knew me before I knew her. The connection was my mother.

Leola Morrison (Downey) and Violet Simmons met at the New York State College for Teachers at Albany in 1928. Students of modest means - as they both were - earned their room and board by working in the homes of families in Albany. Their interest in history, their wonderful senses of humor and their common experience of working their way through college led to a close friendship.

In 1934, Mom had finished some graduate work and Miss Simmons - who had returned to Millerton to teach 7th and 8th grade - told her of an opening for a 5th and 6th grade teacher.

She got the job. The fact that Miss Simmons’s father was president of the school board may have helped. When Mr. Simmons sent her information about her new job, he wrote on the back of it: “You’ll have to make good; I told the Board you were a wonder.” Why should we be surprised that Mom and Miss Simmons preached the gospel of high expectations?

Also written on those materials was the admonition: “Boyfriends for young lady teachers not encouraged.” Mom didn’t always take direction well. During her first few years of teaching, she took a shine to a handsome, charming guy who operated a gas station at Millerton’s checkerboard corner. She and Gus Downey were married in 1939.

That’s how I came into the picture.

The first significant memories I have of the relationship between my mother and Miss Simmons were from the period when Miss Simmons began to lose her vision. Her retinas began to detach and it was a frightening and difficult time for her. I have a recollection of many conversations between them about this and of my mother’s concern. Ultimately with the help of the medical community and the encouragement of her friends and colleagues - especially Dr. Josephine Evarts, Diane Hutchinson ( a nurse and former student), my mother and our superintendent, Myron Rindsberg - Miss Simmons decided to continue to teach.

As time passed, I grew to know Miss Simmons as a teacher and then as a friend. On the afternoon of her 90th birthday I called her and she told me with amazement and gratitude of all of the people who had contacted her that day. The next morning, sitting in her chair waiting for Alan “Dewey” Merwin to drive her to her regular hair appointment, she had a heart attack and died.

Like my mother, Miss Simmons had a remarkable ability to adjust to change while not changing in any fundamental way. During 48 years of teaching she saw extraordinary changes in her profession, in the students she taught and the world in which she taught them. During nearly half of that period she dealt with the trauma of diminishing eyesight. She adjusted, she persevered and she excelled.

Those values which guided her life have now found permanent expression in the Violet H. Simmons Scholarship Program which was started to honor her retirement and which she generously endowed at her death. The Program, with the help of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, is administered by the Trustees of the Violet H. Simmons Scholarship Fund, Inc.; PO Box 496, Millerton, NY 12546.

by Ed Downey, class of '63

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