Down to 1869 our public school was taught just long enough every year to obtain the public money, and then some one would continue it as a private enterprise for three or four months. But in that year, some of our summer residents, including E. A. Mattheissen, Chas. Bellows, Mr. Solomon, Stephen C. Gillis, James Dunn, Mr. Hitchcock, James Couser, John McKibben and Dr. Vail, formed a board of education. A lot was purchased from Mr. Hitchcock near the Corners, and a substantial building erected. The school was opened on May 24th, 1869, with Mr. Williamson as principal, Miss McClean and Miss Frances Marvel as assistants. There were then about 80 pupils. In 1896 it was found an addition was needed and a large building was erected across the front at a cost of $8,000. There are fourteen teachers in the building now, and one in the annex on the Heights, and the census of this year shows 500 children of school age. The training school under Mr. Aldrich, turns out wonderful work for boys and girls, and the sewing class in charge of Miss Murray, which has only been established a year, shows how little hands can be trained. The present board of education consists of Mr. Townsend D. Wood, president; Mr. P. Bevins, J. J. Hall, Louis Velton, Carlos H. Stone, George Mailler, Jas. H. Ward, John Noe, and Harris Cox. [Illustration: Thomas Taft.] VILLAGE OF CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON. The village of Cornwall-on-Hudson was incorporated in March, 1885, the first officers being: Thos. Taft, president; trustees: Wm. Fogarty, Charles W. Clark and Oren Cobb; treasurer, H. N. Clark; collector, Charles E. Cocks, and clerk, Daniel E. Pope. In 1891 an excise board was elected, that refused to grant licenses, and since then the town has remained dry. Two reservoirs were built on the mountain, and the pure spring water carried through the town. The outlay was $67,000, but at present the water rents defray all expenses for interest. In 1906 a proposition was made to unite the two villages of Canterbury and Cornwall, but was defeated. The present board of trustees are: John Clarkson, president; Louis Velton, Charles Smith, Norman Chatfield and Ralph Quackenbush; clerk, James H. Ward; collector, John Noe. CANTERBURY SCHOOLS. A small building on one of the side roads was used for many years, after it was evident the days of its usefulness as a schoolhouse was over. In 1905 the people voted to raise $30,000 for a new schoolhouse. A lot on Willow avenue was purchased, and a building, complete in all modern appliances has been the result. There are twelve teachers under a most efficient principal, Mr. Woodworth. Both this and the one at the Corners, are high schools under the regents. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.