Page:Life of Isaiah V Williamson.djvu/153

Rh Broad Street carried a distinguished company of guests. They assembled in the auditorium of the Administration building. Samuel B. Huey, one of the Trustees, presided, and prayer was offered by B. B. Comegys. The President of the Board, H. C. Townsend, gave a long, carefully prepared and interesting address, in which he touched upon the history of education in Pennsylvania, and especially of trade schools; the idea of the Williamson School as developed by the donor before his death, and the methods of governing the Trustees; the life and character of Isaiah Williamson from long and intimate acquaintance; and an appropriate appeal to the young men beginning the work of the School's first class. Other addresses were made by Professor George F. Baker, of the University of Pennsylvania, and by John Wanamaker, the latter paying a personal tribute of love to Isaiah Williamson and making it very clear that this was an historic day in more ways than one. Following the exercises the guests inspected the new buildings with great satisfaction.

The first commencement occurred on the