Memories of May Francis Heath- a series

May Francis Heath - Public School Teacher

MAY AND HER SCHOLARS, c1893-5

May Francis Heath was a school teacher in her youth, first teaching in rural schools, and then the Saugatuck Union School. From the Lakeshore Commercial (Commercial Record) of the times we see that May was hired to teach the primary department of the Ganges School in March 1892, before she had herself received a High School Diploma. In later years she spoke of the poverty of her family as a child and perhaps that is why she went to work so early.

She did get her degree as a member of the Saugatuck High School Class of 1893, giving the Valedictory address, an essay entitled "Drifting", at the June 2, 1893 Commencement Ceremony. Other members of her class were: Archie Pierce, Mae Naughtin, Gilbert Pride, Emma Randall, Ray Nies, and Gertie Shriver (the Salutatorian). May promptly was hired to teach the intermediate grades at the Saugatuck Union School, under Principal James Warnock (1851-1899).

The next year, as a staff member, she was on the commencement program again and presented the "Class History", perhaps a foreshadowing of her future role as Saugatuck village historian.     submitted by Chris Yoder