A Birthday Gift for the Future
When pupils at the Denny School wanted to honor their principal's birthday, they didn't buy him a trinket—they built a library.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The pupils of the grammar department of the Denny School celebrated the birthday of their principal, Mr. C. S. Jones, in a manner that was as thoughtful and appropriate as it was unique. Instead of presenting Mr. Jones with a gift for the day, the pupils made the presentation to the school in which he takes so deep an interest. Each pupil brought a book for the school library. In this manner, nearly 100 volumes were secured, and the nucleus was formed of a library which will be a lasting tribute to the regard and esteem in which Principal Jones is held by his pupils. The children also observed the day with interesting exercises, and presented to Mr. Jones a handsome desk offering. Mr. Jones has been connected with educational work in Washington Territory for 11 years, and for four years has been Superintendent of the schools of King County. He is a most successful educator and worthy gentleman, the esteem in which he is held by his pupils being, perhaps, the best recommendation that could be given him.
“Instead of presenting Mr. Jones with a gift for the day, the pupils made the presentation to the school in which he takes so deep an interest.”
Long before modern battles over school funding, these students understood that a community's commitment to public infrastructure—like a school library—is the ultimate way to honor an educator. It captures a moment of civic pride in Seattle's early educational development, echoing today's ongoing efforts to maintain public resources for the next generation.
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