WELCOME TO THE HOME OF
ADAMS, NY HISTORY
AND GENEALOGY

Thank you for visiting the new home of Adams, NY History and Genealogy.  This web site offers vital records, newspaper transcriptions, biographies, DAR records, links, and much more for Adams, and south Jefferson County, NY.
Locations include, but are not limited to:

ADAMS   ADAMS CENTER   BELLEVILLE   ELLISBURG   HENDERSON   HENDERSON HARBOR   HONEYVILLE    LORRAINE    MANNSVILLE    NORTH ADAMS    RODMAN     SANDY CREEK    SMITHVILLE   WORTH
AND SOUTH JEFFERSON COUNTY, NY

Much of the information provided throughout this web site was obtained and/or provided by the Adams, NY town historian, as well as the Historical Association of South Jeff, and the Jefferson. County Journal.  Reproductions of Watertown Daily Times articles are done so with written permission.  The Adams, NY History and Genealogy web site is offered as a free service for visitors in an effort to preserve history and genealogy records for the area.  There are no membership fees associated with this site, and the information contained within these pages will always be free to visitors.

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THE 1924 ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ANNUAL

"LABOR OMINIA VINCIT"
"Work overcometh all difficulties"
PUBLISHED BY THE SENIOR CLASS OF ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL
NINETEEN HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR

OFFICERS

Editor: Margaret Cain
Ass't Editors: Frances Hollis and Elwin Williams
Business Mgr.: John Hollis
Advertising Mgr.: Frank Steele

Adams Collegiate Institute was incorporated by the Regents, April 22, 1855. On September 8, 1864, the school was opened with elaborate exercises, at which time General Joe Hooker of Civil War fame, made one of the speeches.  The school became noted for its thorough scholarship and excellent discipline.  Military drill was maintained in the school and several pupils were young men who returned to school after service in the Civil War.  On January 29, 1868, this building was burned to the ground.  Five days later, a meeting of the trustees was held, when it was voted to erect another building immediately. General Hungerford donated a new site, the citizens subscribed money most generously and the present building was erected, considered in those days very commodious and handsome, being large enough to accommodate 60 borders and 200 day pupils.  The building was completed and the school opened August 28, 1870.  The Regents named the school Adams Collegiate Institue on Nov. 16, 1883 and in the following year, one of the most disastrous fires in the history of the village occurred, burning nearly the entire west side of Main street and taking the school building with it.  It has also worn the name Hungerford Collegiate Institute and later became known as Adams High School.  In this year of 2000, we now know the school as Adams Elementary or the Scholtz Building.  Currently the fate of the building is unknown.  Discussions have ranged from tearing the structure down to turning it into a music institute.

1924 SENIOR CLASS PICTURE

Through the efforts of Miss McAvoy, the music director of the school, a High School Orchestra was formed with the following members, officers, and instruments:
 

Not having an auditorium this year, we did not have the pleasure of playing at the Chapel exercies, but we played for several school functions, the principal one being the Prize Speaking Contest which was held in the Baptist Church April 17.  We rehearsed at homes of the various members and were always shown much kindness and made to feel we were welcome.  The season for us has been very profitable and indeed pleasant.
G. F. S. '25

Kathryn Reilly - Winner of Girl's Prize Speaking Contest at Adams, NY.
Donald Carpenter - Winner of Boy's Prize Speaking Contest at Adams, NY
Donald Cornell - Captain of Basketball Team
Lewis Harwood - Captain of Baseball Team
Donald Cornell - Captain of Football Team
John Hollis - Manager of Baseball Team
Margaret Cain - Editor of Annual
Miss Soults - First young lady to have her hair shingled
Laura Coolige - President of Callisophians
Donald Carpenter - President of Senior Class
Gordon Spies - President of Junior Class
Mosses Deren - President of Sophomore Class
Pauline Derenkowski - Winner of Lincoln Essay Contest
Adelaide Woodall - Winner of Second Prize in Speaking Contest at Adams, NY
John Hollis - Winner of Second Prize in Speaking Contest at Adams, NY
Kathryn Reilly - Manager of Girl's Basketball Team
Miss McAvoy - Leader of High School Orchestra
Frances Hollis - Valedictorian of the Senior Class
Mable Perkins - Salutatorian of Senior Class

F.E.L. '24
K.B.S. '24

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We, the Senior Class of 1924, respectfully dedicate this Annual to OUR FACULTY

1924 JUNIOR CLASS OF ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL

Class Motto:  To achieve Fame in Spite of Obstacles"
Class Colors:  Old Rose and Silver
Class Flower:  Pink Carnation

Top Row, left to right - - Mildred Gilbert, Kenneth Sprague, Frances Hill, Dano Saunders, Mildred Gilbert, Albert Redway, Frances Collins.  Second Row - - C. Sprague, Dorothy Colfax, Harley Hammond, Alvira Green, Donald Douglas, Florence E. Williams, Henry Grimshaw.  Third Row - - Nellie Greenley, E. Chrysler, Earl LaLone, George Spies, Irene Giddings, Millie Lane.  Bottom Row - - Dorothy Greenley, Ella Shelmidine, G. Spies, Frances Howard, Frances Palmer, Irene Ackerman.