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