[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOLEBURY SCHOOL

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                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  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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