SAEYC Celebrated Its 75th Anniversary in 2010

It's hard to believe that the SAEYC is 75 years old, but it's true.  The SAEYC was formed in 1935 and at that time was called the Syracuse Association for Nursery Education.

So, what was happening in Syracuse 75 years ago (1935)?

• The population was approximately 209,000

• New York Central Railroad was still running its trains through the downtown streets

• Bob Congel was born

• The tallest building was (and still is) The State Tower Building

• The Franklin Automobile Company (manufacturer of the first air-cooled engine) had just gone out-of-business

• The public Christmas tree was moved from Columbus Circle to Clinton Square

• The Nettleton Shoe Company was still manufacturing the loafer (first made in 1932)

• You could buy Skippy peanut butter, Fritos, and Zippo lighters

• You could go to the Hollywood theatre in Mattydale (1934)

• You could spend the night at the Hotel Syracuse (1924)

In other parts of the country you could, cross the George Washington Bridge, visit the Empire State Building, sing the National Anthem - The Star Spangled Banner and read the adventures of Dick Tracy in the comics (1931), visit Radio city Music Hall (1932), or see Donald Duck in the comics (1934).

As far as early childhood education was concerned, most states demonstrated a commitment to early education by developing experiment schools at college and universities to research child development and parent education; these schools catered to middle and upper-middle class families.  In the 1930's, during the Great Depression, nursery schools were established as part of the Federal Government's Works Progress Administration.  During these days nursery schools were available for low-income children between the ages of two and four so their parents could work.  The schools provided meals, medical care and experiences to enhance social skills.

Although much has changed since 1935, the SAEYC's commitment to young children and the professionals that work in the field has remained steadfast.  As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, we are ever mindful of the need to continue to advocate for young children and for the importance of early childhood education.

SAEYC Hall of Presidents

This list may not be accurate but it is what we have from the best of our recollection:

2010-12     Nancy Gabriel & Patricia Martin

2008-10     Pat Gridley

2006-08     Liddy Hintz

2004-06     Mary Beth Curry & Fran Dulcich

2002-04     Carmelita Lomeo-Smrtic & Patricia Martin

2000-02     Penny Noll

1998-00     Stephanie Leeds

1996-98     Lisa Anderson Baker

1994-96     Mary Cross

1992-94     Tony Fair

1990-92     Nancy Gabriel

1988-90     Kim Hughes & Nancy Gabriel

1986-88     Eleanor Bojanek

1984-86     Ellen Douglas

1982-84     Emilie Schwartz

1980-82     Phyllis Reicher

1978-80     Eulene Lyttle

1976-78     Cheryl Rustan

1974-76     Judy Hyde

1972-74     Ruth Bean

1970-72     Norma Schlesinger