Overview George L. Maris (1842-1921) served as President of West Chester State Normal School from 1873-1881. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan who began his teaching career in Chester County, PA. He served as Superintendent of Chester County’s public schools until he was appointed principal at WCSNS.This collection contains some administrative correspondence as well as annual reports submitted to the WCSNS Board of Directors. Also included are several files containing...

Abstract George Morris Philips (1851-1920) served as Principal of West Chester State Normal School (WCSNS) from 1881-1920. After a brief career as a teacher of mathematics, Philips’s tenure as Principal of WCSNS was distinguished by a major expansion of the campus and student body. Philips brought many prominent speakers to campus and compiled an extensive library of autographed books from leading authors of the day. The Philips Memorial Building, dedicated in his honor, is home today to the office of...