Dr. George Wheeler (1866-1941), "father of the junior high school" in Philadelphia, who retired as associate superintendent of Philadelphia schools in 1930 after 36 years' service in the system, died at Germantown Hospital after an illness of three weeks. He was 75.
Dr. Wheeler, who lived at 110 E. Gorgas Lane, Mount Airy, was long an advocate of co-education and of junior high schools. He established the first such school in Philadelphia, the Oliver Wendell Holmes School, 55th and Chestnut Sts., and saw 25 such intermediate schools created here as a result of the success of the idea.
Born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Dr. Wheeler graduated from West Chester Normal School and began teaching in Doylestown at the age of 17. He came to Philadelphia as a grade school teacher in 1893, was appointed supervising principal of the Blaine Public School two years later, and when the system was reorganized in 1905, became one of the first district superintendents. In 1908, he was promoted to an associate superintendency, and he later served for 15 years as director of junior and senior high schools. He was also, for a short period, acting superintendent of schools.
Dr. Wheeler was a trustee of Temple University, a member of the Pennsylvania Historical Society and of many educators' groups. He was an active member of the Friends' Historical Association and the Pennsylvania Historical Commission. His local history research focused heavily on the colonial era, notably publishing widely cited historical studies on early Pennsylvania topics:
- Enoch Flower: Dr. Wheeler extensively researched Pennsylvania's very first schoolmaster. His archival efforts led to the 234 S. Front Street, Philadelphia site being recognized and marked for its historical significance to colonial education.
- The Last Purchase: He wrote and presented detailed historical accounts regarding the final purchases of indigenous lands by the Penn proprietors in early Pennsylvania, including those in Bucks County.
- Colonial Charters: Dr. Wheeler wrote heavily on the administrative history of William Penn's colonies, exploring the establishment of the first Frame of Government.
Dr. George Wheeler was buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
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George Wheeler
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