Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Solebury School

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Solebury School, located in beautiful New Hope, Pennsylvania. Solebury School has been a cornerstone of independent education in Bucks County, known for its close-knit community, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and character in young people.

Solebury School was founded in 1925 by four visionary educators, Laurie Erskine, Julian Lathrop, Robert Shaw, and Arthur ``Doc'' Washburn, who shared a dream of creating a new kind of educational environment. As the school's first headmaster, Doc Washburn captured that vision best when he wrote, ``Our goal is to start a small school with an informal atmosphere, where the needs of each boy would be attended to, where friendship between teachers and pupils would be encouraged, and where a boy would be prepared not only for college, but for life beyond high school.''

From those humble beginnings, Solebury School opened its doors in rented quarters in September 1925 with just four boys and four teachers. One year later, the founders purchased the historic Michener Farm, establishing the permanent campus that continues to serve generations of students to this day.

Just down the road from Solebury stood the Holmquist School for Girls, founded in 1917 by Miss Karline Holmquist, who shared a similar belief that education should help each student discover and develop her unique talents and capabilities. As both schools grew, they often collaborated, sharing theatrical productions, musical performances, proms, teas, and community gatherings. In 1949, these two institutions united to form one of the first coeducational independent schools in the Nation: Solebury School, as we know it today.

On October 1, 2025, Solebury marked 100 years since its first day of classes. Over the past century, Solebury School has remained steadfast in its founding ideals such as personal attention, intellectual curiosity, and a deep respect for individuality. The school's faculty, students, and alumni continue to embody these values, carrying forward the founders' dream of education that not only prepares young people for college, but also for meaningful, purposeful lives beyond the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1st Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I am proud to commend Solebury School for one hundred years of distinguished service to education and community. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to the faculty, staff, alumni, and families of Solebury School as they celebrate this extraordinary milestone and continue their inspiring journey into the next century of learning, leadership, and community.

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