Boston], with James D. Brewer, Joseph C. Pynchon, John B. Stebbins, and others still residing in Springfield. Ephraim W. Bond of this city presided at the tables, and after the repast pertinently and eloquently opened an agreeable round of speeches, to whose interest memory gave many an interesting incident of old times, and the well-springs of local and personal affection many a pleasing and touching tribute. William B. Calhoun, as one of the fathers of the school, and the brother of its most renowned teacher, was present among the invited guests, and spoke with earnestness and interest to several practical points in the past and future of the educational history of Springfield. Mr. Parish, as principal of the present High School, and more as 29 years ago at the age of 18 teacher in the old district school house back of the Masonic Hall, and there the instructor and graduator of the first class that entered the old High School, was called up, and entertained his old and new friends with pleasant reminiscences and suggestions. There followed a pretty general relation of "experience" in the "old brick school," and the sitting was prolonged with pleasure to all to a late hour. L. V. H. Crosby, the celebrated vocalist, who was one of the old boys, was of the party, and entertained the company with a taste of his quality in the musical line. Altogether, it was a rare occasion for those who were of it, and full of pleasure to the mere spectators. Good must grow out of this meeting -- good to those who have thus met -- good we hope to the literary character and educational fame of Springfield.
The following are the names and brief biographies of 265 pupils that attended the old High School. Of these 110 have died, their ages aggregating 5,419 years, an average of nearly 50 years.
JOSEPH C. PYNCHON. — Entered Amherst College in 1832 but left after two years to enter Williams College, and graduated in 1836. He then went to Georgia as teacher in an academy, returned to Springfield in the autumn Of 1839. Studied medicine with the late Dr. Josiah H. Flint and Dr. David Smith, Sr. In 1840 he attended the Harvard Medical School, and in 1841-42 the Medical University of New York, graduating in 1843. He practiced medicine in this city for two and one-half years, and then retired from the profession. Was a representative in the Legislature in l849; member of the common council in 1853 from Ward Two.
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