First Reunion of the Peabody High School Held Feb. 18, 1866
John O. Buxton, Salem Evening News, Feb. 19, 1933

Peabody, Feb. 19 - We pass over years in our story of Peabody High School in order to describe the reunion of graduates in 1866.

Another interesting event occurring this year was the visit of George Peabody to his native town, and a reception by the school children at the Peabody Institute, Oct. 15.  (I remember that the High School members all wore home made ties of green and white ribbon on that occasion.)

George Peabody with citizens on the steps of the
Peabody Institute, Main Street, October 1866
Photo courtesy of the Peabody Historical Society

Close up of the 1866 photo published above.  S. M. Smoller believes that Fitch Poole, Jr., the first Librarian of the Peabody Institute, is to the left of George Peabody.  On his right,  is Eliza Dustin Sutton. 

The following is from the South Danvers Wizard of Oct. 17:

"The visit of Mr. Peabody to the school children in the town, on Monday, was a scene of great and touching interest.  He had utterly declined a proffer of a public ovation, but expressed his wish to meet the young people in a manner as informal as possible, and a committee of the trustees was appointed to make the necessary arrangements.  Mr. Peabody arrived in town by the Lowell train about 9 o'clock. The school children, to the number 1,000 or more, assembled in the hall of the Institute at 9 o'clock and awaited the arrival of Mr. Peabody.  They did not have long to wait, for soon he appeared and his presence was greeted with every demonstration of delight by the school children, a welcoming air by Gilmore's full orchestra band which was in one corner of the gallery and a 'welcome greeting' by the children under the leadership of Prof. Young.

"Dr. George Osborn ( Dr. George S. Osborne, Peabody Scholar 1855) made an address of welcome.  At the close of his remarks Dr. Osborn called attention to the veiled portrait hanging over the center of the stage.  Upon the removal of the veil a fine, new full length portrait of Mr. Peabody was disclosed to view.  This portrait is not only a superior painting, but it a most perfect likeness of Mr. Peabody as he now is.  Everybody declares it to be a speaking likeness.  Mr. Peabody then addressed the children, and after him was the address by the Rev. Wm. M. Barbour, chairman of the school committee, whose address concluded as follows:

"These children are pleased that Mr. Peabody has granted them his presence.  As a commercial man, these young people believe that you value a receipt.  Since your motto, as well as your name is a household word with them they desire to give a practical turn to that wise thought, "Education, a debt due by the present to future generations."  They are here to present you with the first of these endless receipts, which are lawfully yours, as one fully discharging his share of that debt.  In the songs of these, our children hear the 'hum of far off thousands yet to be.'  In their smiles see some of those perpetual blossoms which will be flung out from what you have planted.  In their enthusiasm read the first of that gratitude which will continue to flow towards one we have all learned to revere and bless and love.'

"There was a reception by the citizens in the afternoon, quite as pleasant an occasion as that by the children earlier in the day.  Mr. Peabody was presented by Dr. Osborn to the Peabody medal scholars who occupied prominent seats in front of the platform, but wore around their neck the Peabody medals.  In a short speech Mr. Peabody expressed his happiness of meeting them, and the hope that they never would do anything that would induce them to display their medals on their backs instead of their breasts.  He promised them in two of three years, should his Heavenly Father permit him to remain upon the earth so long, and that he would always think of them with the kindest feelings.

"At the meeting the presentation was made by Mrs. (Eliza) Sutton, through Mr. Peabody, of the fund for the Eben Dale Sutton Reference Library.

About this time an attempt was made to a form a Peabody High School Association and at an informal meeting of the medal scholars Oct. 20, 1866, it was proposed that some method be adopted for perpetuating our school friendships as well as for showing our gratitude to our benefactor, George Peabody, and whereas the benefits of an annual reunion would revive old friendships and instigate the formation of new, and be the occasion for the interchange of school-day remembrances, beside kindling an appreciation of education, and stimulating our desire for future improvement. ...

"....The exercises of the evening were interspersed with excellent selections by Parsons and Upton's Quadrille Band, which also furnished music for dancing.  The literary exercises being concluded, a short time was spent in a discussion of the excellent supper furnished by caterer Cassell of Salem.  The latter part of the evening was spent in dancing and social intercourse.


Second Peabody High School on the second floor of the Town Hall on
Stevens Street  in South Danvers. Courtesy of the Peabody Historical Society.
 
"At about half past eleven it was announced that George Peabody would visit the hall and all returned from the dance hall to the school room above, where he was received with unbounded enthusiasm.  After an eloquent introduction by the president (J. Henry Osborn), Mr. Peabody arose and addressed the audience as follows:

"My young friends, it gives me great pleasure to meet you again.  I cannot easily find words to express my thanks for the compliment paid me by this friendly observance of my birthday.   Both here, and in the assembly from which I have just come, my fellow townsmen seem delighted to do me the honor for the little I have been able to do for them. (Referring to his remark that he had just come from another assembly, I would say, that it was the custom at that time for a group of citizens to have a supper or banquet annually on the evening of George Peabody's birthday, Feb. 18, usually.  On this occasion, it seems they had the company of Mr. Peabody himself - J.O.B.)

"Your President informs me that it is 18 years since the first class entered the school, and now its graduates are numbered by hundreds, and judging by those before me, it has accomplished a good work which I trust will continue through many generations.  If I have been instrumental in the work, I find my reward in your happiness and thanks.  My great fatigue must be my apology for the brevity of these remarks.  I shall be pleased to take you one and all by the hand, perhaps for the last time upon this visit, though I trust I shall be spared to meet you again in two or three years.  Let me again in closing, thank you for your kind remembrance."

"After personally greeting nearly every one in the room, Mr. Peabody returned to the hall below, where dancing had been resumed.  Here he remained for a while, and seemed to enter into the spirit of the occasion as much as any one present.  Shortly after Mr. Peabody's withdrawal the company dispersed to their homes.  All the arrangements for the evening were satisfactory, and the committee are deserving of much praise for the attention given to details...."