Lillie Pauline White (1858-1944) was a teacher in Washington until 1922, when she retired after 34 years of service. She taught at Denny School, the South School, Rainier School, and Jefferson School, among others. Ms. White was well-regarded and remembered in the Seattle community even after her retirement. In 1935 she was nominated by former pupils as Seattle's "Grand Old Girl" for her long record of teaching. The "Grand Old Girl" contest was created with the release of the film of the same name about how school teachers shape their students' lives and morals. At the ceremony, Ms. White received the Ben Tipp loving cup, a floral tribute, presented by Tommy Thomas, radio personality.
This teaching certificate was originally issued in 1896 by the Washington State Board of Education and the backside contains handwritten renewals of her certificate up until 1905.
Handwritten on verso: This certificate is hereby renewed for a period of three years date thereof, Olympia, Wn, Aug 3, 1899, R. E. Friars, Secy. State Board of Education. / Frank J. Browne, Supt. Pub. Inst., by Leach - Deputy. / Registered for used in King Co. Oct. 4, 1899. W. J. Meredith, Co. Supt., Per moss. / This certificate is hereby renewed for a period of three years from and after the 29th day of August 1902. R. B. Bryan, M. Supt. of Public Instruction, Done this 18th of June, 1902. / Carrie Shaw Rice, Sec'y. State Board of Education. STAMP: Registered for use in King County, Seattle, Wash Oct. 13 1902, W. G. Ha(illeg.) - per A., County Supt of Schools. / This certificate is hereby renewed for a period of five years (5) from and after this 23d day of August 1905. Dated this 23d day of August, 1905, J. W. Shepherd, Sec'y State Board of Education, R. B. Bryan, D. Superintendent of Public Instruction. STAMP: Registered for use in King County, Seattle, Wash. Sept. 26th 1905, T. P. Storey, County Supt. of Schools.
Caption information source: "Veteran Teacher Recalls Pupils," The Seattle Sunday Times, February 12, 1939, p. 37; "Grand Old Girl' Will be Honor Guest," The Seattle Daily Times, March 29, 1935, p.11.
ID Number: 1976.6362.230
Date: 1896
Physical Description: 1 certificate : b&w ; 15.75 x 14.25 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
