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Founding Williamson School
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Before March had closed they were in possession of signed papers necessary to secure the several parts of the site since occupied by the school buildings.

To understand the value, work and usefulness of The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, a visit to the plant and a glance at the history of the past nineteen years is the best educator. One will find abundant evidence of the founder's wisdom and farsightedness; of the practical value of the apprentice system established in the school, as an offset in some degree to the lapse of the old apprentice system. The eminent success of its graduates and the constant demand for their services in the world of work prove the thoroughness and excellence of the education the schools afford, largely due to the President, John M. Shrigley, who has been in charge of the school from the first.[1] He was chosen as one of the secretaries of the Board of Trustees before Mr. Williamson's death, and took an active part in the search made for a suitable site; he was elected to the school


  1. President Shrigley retired April 1, 1912, and was succeeded by Mr. Harry S. Bitting. On April 1, 1922, Mr. James A. Pratt became the third president.