
Trade School Faculty 1949

By Christopher E. Ryan, Jan 9, 2022

Fifty years ago, The Burlington Free Press reported the death of the beloved and longtime (1946-1970) St. Johnsbury Trade School principal, Lewis J. Streeter as follows: "L[ewis] J. Streeter, 70, principal of the St. Johnsbury Trade School for 24 years and the man for whom the vocational wing of St. Johnsbury Academy is named, died [on Saturday Apr. 15, 1972] at the St. Johnsbury Convalescent Center." ("[Lewis] Streeter, St. Johnsbury Educator, Dies," The Burlington Free Press, Mon. Apr. 17, 1972, at p. 13). Born on May 28, 1901 in Hinsdale, N.H., Streeter received his formal education in the Keene, N.H. public schools, obtained a bachelor's degree in education from the University of New Hampshire, and earned his master's degree from the University of Vermont. Prior to arriving in St. Johnsbury, Lewis Streeter served as assistant principal at Wilton (N.H.) High School; assistant principal at Springfield High School; principal of Marshfield High School; and Superintendent of Vocational Schools with the Vermont State Department of Education. In St. Johnsbury, Streeter and his late wife Marion were active members of Grace Methodist Church and Mr. Streeter was also a member of The Kiwanis Club. He held membership in the Vermont Headmasters' Association. Lewis Streeter took a great interest in the development and career prospects of his Trade School students along with earning a reputation of mutual respect among his faculty members over the years. In his final (1969-1970) school year at the helm of St. J. Trade, Lewis Streeter "received a distinguished service citation [from] the Governor's Committee on Children and Youth. The award certificate, signed by Gov. [Deane C.] Davis, is 'in recognition of outstanding contribution and service to young people of Vermont.'" ("St. J. Principal Awarded Citation," The Burlington Free Press, Wed. Jan. 28, 1970, at p. 6). Principal Streeter also presided at the final graduation ceremony of St. Johnsbury Trade School on June 11, 1970. A major influence for good for the adolescents of St. Johnsbury, Lewis J. Streeter was eulogized at a Grace Methodist Church funeral service on Mon. Apr. 17, 1972. Internment followed at Old Westminster Cemetery in Westminster, Vt.