|
The Avon Grove area has the distinction of being the location of the first free (public) school in the middle colonies.
Established in 1743 by Dr. Francis Alison, its earliest roots were in New London Township near what is now Camp Saginaw. The school existed in New London Township for ten years before moving briefly to Maryland and then to Newark, Delaware. Over the years, the school evolved to become Newark Academy, Delaware College and finally, the University of Delaware.
The first class of students at the New London Academy distinguished themselves by assuming the following positions after graduation:
-One became the first and only Secretary of the Continental Congress.
-One became the Governor of Delaware and wrote its constitution.
-One became the Governor of Pennsylvania.
-One became the doctor in charge of all military hospitals during the Revolutionary War.
-One became the first President of the University of Pennsylvania.
-One attended the Constitutional Convention and signed the United States Constitution.
-Three distinguished themselves and our school by signing the Declaration of Independence.
Two of the region’s finest educational institutions, the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania, have their roots in the Avon Grove School District.
So great was the influence of Dr. Alison and the graduates of his school, some historians believe that had Dr. Alison and his school never existed, there may never have been an American Revolution.
|
