A Tribute to Arthur Bowes ’64
English High Receives Anniversary Greetings from a Cousin Across the Pond
Arthur Bowes, ’64 loved English High School and loved history. This led him to discover that in 19th century Boston, the founders of what was to become The English High School had a well-established role model in mind as they planned for the type of school they would create and who it would serve. That role model was the Royal High School of Edinburgh, Scotland which was founded in the year 1128. Today it is one of the oldest schools still educating students in Scotland and they are planning a big celebration of their 900th anniversary in 2028. So here at English High, we have a few more centennials to go.
Art’s notes from his research reveal:
“It is referenced in our English High archives that the goal of the founders of English High School was to develop the skill sets required for the American workforce in 1821. The education model adapted was based on the academic standards of The Royal High School of Edinburgh, which I understand is one of the oldest high schools in Europe founded in 1128, 893 years ago.”
Royal High School site on Carlton Hill in Edinburgh, referenced in the letter (below) from Headteacher Pauline Walker.
Interior of the Royal High School circa 1890’s
Art took the initiative to reach out to The Royal High School and connected with Alistair Allanach, historian for the school. Ultimately Art had a warm email exchange with Headteacher (Principal) Pauline Walker. Headteacher Walker was interested to learn about Royal’s somewhat younger cousin across the Atlantic and was eager to arrange a special message for English High Alumni and Students on the occasion of our 200th Anniversary.
Below is a special video message and congratulatory letter from the students and staff of The Royal High School to The English High School — and they even did a choral rendition of our Alma Mater song!
Thank You Art!
Arthur J. Bowes was an avid supporter of English High School and The English High School Association. In fact in the 1964 yearbook he stated his ambition was to be Headmaster of English High School. Art provided everyone with much sound advice, words of encouragement, and brought great enthusiasm to preparations for our 200th Anniversary Celebration. He did historical research to provide rich background for the event and was the organizer of several Zoom gatherings of fellow classmates from the class of 1964. We were shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing on September 8, 2022.
Our thoughts are with his family and we will miss him on October 1st.
