1870-1953
Born in Newark, attended Newark Public Schools and Newark Normal School. First woman principal of a 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.
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”.
In 1909, she was listed by the Newark Star as principal of Summer Place School. In 1927, she’s still listed as Principal of Ridge Street . By 1932 she is not listed in the Newark City Directory.
Newark News, Jan 10, 1953
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