Edward Mandel (1869 -1942) Prospect 121A

 In the year of the great blizzard of 1888 it was announced that Edward Mandel was appointed the new fifth grade teacher of Public School 20 in Manhattan. It was noted that; “considerable accomplishments may be anticipated of the new appointee in what is deemed an outstanding career.” With over 50 years in the educational system, he indeed proved them correct in their prediction.

 In 1904 Mandel became principal of PS 188 on the lower east side, reputed the largest school at that time in the United States. When he entered the school system, nothing was coordinated until the five boroughs were consolidated into New York City. He helped build “the largest school system in the world.”  In the earlier days, few children attended high schools, and still fewer went to college. They were apprenticed at a young age to be carpenters, masons or dressmakers. His idea of vocational schools helped keep students in school to learn a trade.

He was credited with much of the reform of the New York City School System. Through his efforts a pension law was adopted, as well as better salaries for the teachers. From 1923 on, he was a teacher and a district superintendent. He was also an attorney. He was Jewish and belonged to many groups that helped preserve that heritage.

He fought consistently to elevate the art of teaching from a “job” to a profession. He stated, “Love of country should be instilled in the classroom.”

He retired in May of 1939 at the age of 70. He was honored at the Hotel Astor for 50 years of service. He ended his career with the title of Associate Superintendent of Schools.

“I had more fun than anybody in the school system,” he said, “I would not want to change a single thing I’ve done. My motto has been: Do what you think is right regardless of the consequences. That is why I never avoided a fight and never picked one.”

The day before he died, Edward, a widower, (first wife was Elizabeth) married 50-year-old widow Agnes Duffy Barrett, an assistant principal at PS 119 in Manhattan.

Edward was 73 when he died and his residence was 108-43 Jewel Avenue in Forest Hills. Over 200 persons attended Edward Mandel’s funeral, he service being conducted by Rabbi Ben Zion Bockser of the Forest Hills Jewish Center.