Edwin White Ayers at the Manlius School in 1911

Brief History of Manlius School

The Manlius School was founded in 1869 in Manlius, New York as the St. John's School by Bishop Frederic D. Huntington, of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. However, by 1880 attendance had fallen to the point where the school became insolvent. As a result, in 1881 it was reorganized as the St. John's Military School.

By 1887 the reorganized St. John's again found itself with enrollment and financial problems, and the trustees looked for someone who could not only turn the school around, but also assume all financial risks. This person was General William Verbeck, who at the time was the co-principal of a military academy in Aurora, NY. Starting off with approximately 18 returning students, he had raised enrollment to 120 within five years. By the time of his death in 1930, what was now known as The Manlius School had become one of the top military schools in the United States.

 Edwin White Ayers in middle, about 1911. Manlius, New York

 Edwin White Ayers, far left

Manlius School
Manlius, New York

Closing Exercises
Thursday, June 15, 1911

Butts' Manual 3:00 P.M.
Cavalry Drill 3:15 P.M.
Sham Battle 3:45 P.M.
Battalion Parade and Review 4:45 P.M.