Colonel Samuel P. Moulthrop papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2019-031

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection documents the activities of Col. Samuel P. Moulthrop of Rochester, New York. Moulthrop was a career educator, associated first with the Western House of Refuge and then, later in his career, with the Rochester City Schools. He was also a leader of the Rochester Playground League and the local Boy Scouts. Materials in the collection consist of letters and calling cards, and date from 1887 to 1931.

Dates

Creation: 1887-1931

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

Samuel P. Moulthrop was born May 14, 1848 near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At the age of 10, Moulthrop's family relocated to western New York, and he attended school at Oakfield's Cary Institute. Starting in 1868, Moulthrop taught for 3 years in a district school in Elba, then moved to the village school at Oakfield. During this time, Moulthrop met and befriended George W. Aldridge, who remained close throughout his long career in Rochester politics. Moulthrop returned to Elba in 1876, teaching there another 2 years.

In 1878, Moulthrop moved to Rochester to take on the position of principal at the Western House of Refuge, later becoming deputy superintendent. He left this position to be principal of the Whitney School 17, one of Rochester's public schools, in November of 1882. On November 4, 1889, Moulthrop moved to the Washington Grammar School as principal. This school was soon demolished and replaced by Sylvanus Ellis School 26, where Moulthrop remained as principal until his retirement at the age of 81 in 1929. He also served as principal of the Rochester evening schools for 20 years.

Moulthrop was heavily involved in the Rochester community outside of the school system. He organized the Rochester Boy Scouts, serving as president of the Scout Council for 17 years and being appointed local Scout Commissioner in 1929. He directed the Rochester Playground League from 1904 to 1914, and became the City's first playground superintendent in 1914. He was on the Civil Service Commission for 12 years and the board of the State School at Industry for 4 years. Moulthrop was also president of the Rochester Teachers' Association and the New York State Grammar Principals' Association. He was a member of the New York State Historical Society, Rochester Historical Society and the New York State Archaeological Society.

Moulthrop was also active in the YMCA and the Masons. He attended and served on the Board of Elders of Brick Presbyterian Church. Samuel Moulthrop married Mary Raymond on October 2, 1883. They lived at 40 Phelps Avenue and had two children, Harry R. and Mary A. Col. Moulthrop passed away after a prolonged illness on February 24, 1932.

Extent

.13 Cubic Feet (Three legal-size folders.)

.13 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of the records of Rochester, New York educator Col. Samuel P. Moulthrop, a leader in the city's schools and the Boy Scout movement. The materials date from 1887 to 1931. The frecords consist primarily of letters, along with a small group of calling cards.

Arrangement

This collections consists of three folders.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Mary Moulthrop in 1950.

Bibliography

"Col. Samuel P. Moulthrop, Teacher 61 Years, Resigns." Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester, New York), May 21, 1929, page 1. "Dean of City Educators Dies At 81." Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester, New York), February 25, 1932, page 1. Marcotte, Bob. "Col. Moulthrop was firm believer in military drills." Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester, New York), October 16, 2005, page 3. "Veteran School Principal Feted on 75th Birthday by Associations." Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester, New York), May 20, 1923, page 4.