Abbie Belle Sawyer (1894-1972)

SAWYER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/16/2016 at 14:28:51

From Ames Daily Tribune October 31, 1972

Pioneer Ames kindergarten teacher died

Abbie B. Sawyer, 76, a pioneer in public school kindergarten programs, died Monday evening at Calvin Manor, Des Moines. Formerly a resident of 1102 Ridgewood Ave., she had lived in Des Moines the past six years.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday from United Church of Christ Congregational, with the Rev. Henry A. Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Born in Chicago, Ill., Miss Sawyer attended Kindergarten Collegiate Institute, a private school for the training of kindergarten teachers, the University of Chicago and the National College of Education, Evanston, Ill.

After teaching on year in Illinois, Miss Sawyer came to Ames in 1917 to organize the first kindergarten class in the public schools. The class was conducted in the old Central building, located where Central Junior High now stands.

In 1924 she was appointed supervising principal of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. She became principal and kindergarten teacher at Louise Crawford School in 1932, a position she held until she retired in 1962, a new elementary school then under construction in Ames was named Abbie B. Sawyer Elementary School.

She was a member of the National and Iowa State Education Assns. and the United Church of Christ Congregational.

A memorial has been established for the Save the Children Federation. Gifts may be left at the First National Bank.

Adams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.