CLASS OF 1883
The first issue of a paper published by the students of the night high schools of Washington, D. C., is dedicated to Walter B. Patterson, who is described as follows: "Mr. Patterson has spent the greater part of his life in connection with the school activities of the District of Columbia. He was for many years supervisor of special school activities in charge of white night schools. Very much of the credit for the present high status of the night high schools of the District of Columbia is due to his high ideals and untiring efforts to promote the interests of these schools. He retired at the end of last term, and was succeeded by Mr. Edward J. Lockwood, who previously was Mr. Patterson's assistant."
Mr. S. E. Kramer, first assistant superintendent of the Washington schools, pays this tribute'to Mr. Patterson:
"Mr. W. B. Patterson in his long service to the public schools of the District of Columbia has availed himself of the opportunity of being an important factor in the development of our schools. His outstanding achievement remains as the foundation of many of our educational procedures. He came to our school system as a young man when the schools were in a formative state. His scholarly attitude, his wise counsel, and his devotion to high ideals were real influences in bringing this school system to its present high standard.
"It has always been the fortune of Mr. Patterson to be a pioneer. As a supervising principal he developed much that we enjoy today. He accepted the responsibility of developing a better system of night schools. With no special appropriations or adequate aid he created an excellent provision for the unusual and the underprivileged child.
"In addition to his scholarly ability, Mr. Patterson throughout his long and distinguished service has exemplified the characteristics of a Christian gentleman. Kindly sympathy and constructive aid have been received by those who have sought his advice."
Mr. Patterson is the father of Major Russell B. Patterson 1911.
Secretary, Hartford, Vt.
