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Image provided by: Bellmore Memorial Library
Wednesday, November 11, 1964 BELLMORE LIFE PageS An American Education Week Feature: He Loves All The /(ids , • by Faith Laursen Most people like their own children. Some people like their neighbors' and friends' children. But, there is one man here who loves ALL kids. was named. Her husband, Bob White, a graduate of Farming- dale Horticultural School, operates the nower business. Two of the Gunther nieces, who were brought over and edUcated here by the Gunthers, recently married and have established their own homes. And, be has expressed that affection in so many ways over the past fltty years that 1t is particular ly suitable to honor him this American Education Week. Jacob Gun ther came to this country :from Bavaria in 1903. He settle d in Bellmore in 1912 when Bellmore Avenue was just a narrow coun try road with no houses tor miles , He started growing fiowers in cement beds he had po ured himseU. His specialty is carnations, and his products have won him many gold medals from the fiower industry. But, his proudest possession is the New York State '' Distin- guished Ser vice\ A ward pre- sented to him October 22, 1956, when he retired after serving 14 years on the North Bellmore School Board, and eight years on counseling during the building years of sudden and extensive growth. \Mr. Gunther's interest in educational affairs ls much deeper than buildings and physical equipment. He is concerned with the complete pro- gram.\ Jacob Gunther has always been a supporter of atbietlcs in the schools. Coming !rom a European school which bad no sports, he found that to be an essential part of a well-rounded education here. He says: \In Europe they spend all their time studying. They don't really live. Athletics make a school, too. I've always supported athletics at Mepham and Calhoun . It puts a certain something into a school . • school spirit, pride, prestige . • . and the kids just love it.\ PROUD MOMENT, •• Bellmore's own Jacob Gunther, first presi- dent of the Central High School Board of Education, helps the present 'president, Miss Katherine Relf, lay the cornerstone at Dedicati on ceremonies held Sunday afternoon for the new Brook- side Junior High School. (Photo by Bertolini) the High School Board. He was President of both. You could almost say that \Jake\ Gunther entered the local schools when his daughter , Felice did, and he hasn't really come out yet. During the past 50 years he has maintained a lively, helP- ful and crea tive interest 1n the schools. His N.Y. State Citation says: \Your logical and common sense approach to problems, your in- herent good judgement, and your capacity !or hard work account in large part tor the success of the school systems in which you have labored with such interest and devotion.\ \Deep Concern\ As Herman A. Tennant, Princi- pal of Mepbam High School says: \The commu nity was fortunate to have his experience and wise Whatever\ the kids\ are for or need, that's where Mr. Gunther's interest lies. Every new school year finds him visiting the schools, attending games, plays and concerts . \His warmth and informality mixed with a good sense of humor make him an enthusiastic and helpful friend to pupils !rom kinde r gar ten through high school,\ says Mr. T€'nnant. While all the activities are important to him, two such diverse organizations as the Choir and the Wre s tling Team are of particular interest. He has accompanied them on in- numerable trips and annually entertains them at dinner. \Those ltlds work hard. They're entitled to a little re- cognition. I like to see them all together . I'm very happy my- self when I know they are haP- This Agency Believes That Your Insurance Coverage Is Far Too Important To Rely On Anything Less Than The Most Expert Ser- vice And Advice •••• SEE MARQUERING, inc. Your Local Insurance & Real Estate Office For 40 Years 2204 BELLMORE AVE. SU 5-1300 py,\ says Mr. Gunther. Shows \Appreciation\ \All kids will do good,\ he says, \but it requires that some- body has to see to 1t that they get a little reward •• know that they are appreciated.\ Twice a year at the finale of ~be Senior Class play, someone walks up the aisle with long stemmed American Beauty roses for the leading ladles. (All the girls in the play are leading ladies for Mr. Gunther) \It finishes off the play •• makes them happy,\ says Mr. Gunther. \There are so many things you can do for a school if you really want to\ he says. Many other pupils in the ele- mentary and high schools have been recipients of Mr. Gunther's generosity, and have received prizes from him to stimulate an interest in learning. He follows with continuing interest their activities after graduation. One mark of the community's appreciation for his help was the naming of the Jacob Gunther School in North Bellmore . Little League Field Some years ago Mr. Gunther leased two and a half acres tn the Town of Hempstead for a Little League Field, for which he is paid $1.00 a year. Recently the taxes on this land (Usted as unimproved) have gone up 500%. He has been offered a large amount from a real estate firm to sell lt. But, as Mr. Gunther puts lt: \It's the onlv level piece of ground, suitable for a park, left in this part of th~ community, I t:an't take it away from the kids. (750 now play on 1t each season.)\ He is working now on a way to get this land preserved \for the kids.\ At Home Mr. Gunther and his Austrian- Jac ob G tmtber born wife still live in much the same location where they first settled here. Their daughter, Fe li ce, is one of the teachers at Brookside Junior High School. She was one of the first teachers chosen by Wellington c . Mepham, for whom Mepbam High School Fishes, Travels In addition to his other interests, Mr. Gunther is a fisherman, and has many pictures to show his prowess. And, traveUng is another hobby. A lew years ago he and Sanford Cal- houn , for whom Calhoun High School was named, took an eight thousand mile tour of Europe. 11 1 went back to the little school room where I studied\ sa,ys Mr. Gunther. \Nothing much has chan ged . Same benches. Just the heating system is different. The stove is gone, and they have central hearing.\ Vote Of Thanks Well, a lot has changed in the Bellmores and Merricks, since Jake Gunther first settled here ll!ty years ago. And much of that which is good 1n the public schools here owes a vote ot than1cs to the man who lov es kids •.• ALL kid s . DECORATE YOUR HOME f :~-~ I With CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING s., ~·-~ COLORART 406 Bedford Ave . Bellmore su 5-1522 Oil Painting s Restored Frames Antiqued P ictures Mounted Mots Cut To Size Original Oil Pointtngs & Lithographs In Stock SMART STYLE SHOPPE THE D . AVIS SHOP 308 BEDFORO AVE . BELLMORE su 5-2 1 2 1 20% DISCOUNT ON THE BRA OR GIRDLE OF YOUR CHOICE MAIDEN FORM LILYETTE LOVABLE BEST FOPM BPEATHIN BRA PLA YTEX BRAS PETER PAN YOUTHCRAFT SARONG Bring In This Coupon VOID AFTER NOV. 21 312 BEDFORD AVE . BELLMORE CA I 5918 3 PAIRS TRIMFIT COTTON sox Nith Any Purchase $5 or More Br i ng In This Coupon VOID AF1'BR NOV . 2 1 ....... -