1870-1953
Clara Zahn was the first woman principal of a co-ed grammar school.
There were woman as primary school principals from 1855, the earliest year for which we have a report, but grammar schools were for older children. Grammar schools had a “male” and “female” department and there were women principals of the female department from 1855, but we can assume Zahn was the first woman principal of a co-ed grammar school.
In 1903, it was reported by the Sunday Call that Clara would be appointed principal of Summer Place School. They said she “is believed to be in every way eligible for the position”.
By 1903, Clara had already served as Vice Principal of Hawkins, was in charge of Hawkins for a short period due to the principal’s death, served as grammar vice principal for South Market, and then as a model and critic teacher at the Normal School.
The Sunday Call said, “It is not often that a woman is given a principalship and the teachers generally will no doubt look with satisfaction upon Ms. Zahn’s promotion.”
On Aug 25th the News reported Clara declined the principalship, but on the 29th they reported that she was formerly selected by the Board.
Clara was appointed as Principal of Ridge Street School in 1911. Urquhart wrote, “She is the sympathizing friend of every pupil large and small and under her leadership the school has gained much in prestige”. She served at Ridge Street until she retired in 1932.
Clara Zahn was born in Newark. She attended Newark Public Schools and Newark Normal School, and Columbia.
Bibliography
History of the City of Newark, NJ
FindAGrave
Cummings, Charles F. “Accomplished Women Fill Ranks of Pioneers” Star Ledger April 14, 2005
“Even Principals Feel the Call of the Wild” Newark Star Jun 19, 1909
Z-01 Zahn, Clara, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library, 1953 (Obit only)
City Directories
“Examination for Principals” Newark News Aug 25, 1903
“Committee to Hear Schedule” Newark News Aug 29, 1903
“Miss Clara Zahn, Retired Principal” Newark News Jan 10, 1953
The School Column Newark Sunday Call Jun 14, 1903
