kids encyclopedia robot

Katherine Devereux Blake facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Katherine Devereux Blake
Photo of Katherine Devereux Blake.jpg
Born (1858-07-10)July 10, 1858
New York, New York
Died February 2, 1950(1950-02-02) (aged 91)
Nationality American
Alma mater Normal College, New York University
Occupation Educator, Activist

Katherine Devereux Blake (born July 10, 1858 – died February 2, 1950) was an American woman who worked as a teacher and school leader. She was also a strong supporter of peace and equal rights for women. Katherine Blake was the first principal of PS 6, a school also known as The Lillie Devereaux Blake School, where she worked for 34 years.

Early Life and Learning

Katherine Devereux Blake was born in New York City on July 10, 1858. Her mother was Lillie Devereux Blake, who was also a well-known writer and activist.

Katherine went to Miss Walker's School and St. Mary's School. She later graduated from the Normal College (now Hunter College) in 1876. She continued her studies at the School of Pedagogy at New York University from 1887 to 1888.

A Career in Education

Katherine Blake became the Principal of Public School No. 6 in 1894. She was a leader in making schools better for everyone.

Helping Women Learn

In 1897, Katherine Blake started the first evening high school for women in New York City. This gave women a chance to continue their education even after working during the day.

Fighting for Fair Pay

She also helped gather women teachers and principals to ask for better salaries. She believed teachers should be paid fairly for their important work.

Improving School Buildings

Katherine Blake was the first person to collect information about how many school rooms were dark or poorly lit. She wanted to make sure students had good places to learn.

Supporting Women in Leadership

She was the Vice-President of the Association of Women Principals in New York City. She also helped ask Mayor William Russell Grace to appoint women to the Board of Education. This helped more women get important roles in school leadership.

Working for Change

Katherine Blake was a dedicated activist who worked for peace and for women's right to vote.

Peace Activism

She was the New York Chair of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. This group worked to prevent wars and promote peace around the world.

Women's Right to Vote

Katherine Blake was also a suffragist, meaning she supported women's right to vote. In 1915, she marched with hundreds of other teachers in a parade in New York. This parade was organized by the Woman Suffrage Association to show support for women's voting rights.

Katherine Blake passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 2, 1950.

kids search engine
Katherine Devereux Blake Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.