Let’s Talk Clovis

Let’s Talk Clovis: Paul E. Andrew Clovis High Principal, 1925-1946

Peg Bos

Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

Paul E. Andrew was born in Brookline, MO, in 1888. He was the only child of Owen and Laura Andrew. He served as Clovis High Principal and Superintendent for 21 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1911 from the private Drury University and his Master of Pedagogy (Education) from Springfield Normal in 1914. Both colleges were located in Springfield, MO. He also received a Master’s degree from Clark University.

He married Edna Mae Snavely in 1909 while both were students at Drury University. Their only child, Jewel (1912-1995), graduated from Clovis High with her future husband Virgil Ambrosia in 1929. The Andrew family lived at 319 Osman.

Paul’s first teaching position was at Miller High School in Miller, MO. He became Superintendent of Schools in Walnut Grove, MO, and was credited with having the school fully accredited on the A list of the University of Missouri. He established the tradition of the Alumni stone there and would initiate the same tradition in 1926 at Clovis High School.

He was appointed Principal of Clovis High School in 1925. Under his leadership “Spilled Ink” (mimeographed 1926 senior class publication) was printed. Clovis High was founded in 1902 and the first class publication that we have documented was “The Argus” (1911-1924). “Spilled Ink” was published from 1926-1927. We believe that lack of funds interrupted publication until 1937 when the present Cavalcade began being published.

The March 5, 1926 “Spilled Ink” published: “Mr. Andrew has been asked by A.C. Olney, State Commissioner at Secondary Schools, to talk at the State Principal’s Association which is held at Pasadena during the week of April 19.”

The 1937 Cavalcade identified Paul as District Superintendent and Principal. George Croyle served as Vice Principal. The 1938 Cavalcade was dedicated to Paul E: “A principal to be proud of, no one can but admire him, duty takes his time, but he’s ready to advise us, and he’s everybody’s friend.”

Paul’s greetings in the 1940 Cavalcade: “In these days of stress it is more evident than ever that the future of our country depends upon how effectively our schools’ function.”

Part of his message in 1943: ‘Our greatest loss, however, has been that of the personal comradeship of graduates and former students who have gone to fight for the eternal rights of human intelligence and dignity. Student cooperation during this year has been motivated by a patriotism that is based on a clear appreciation of the fact that abundant blessings call for a full measure of responsibility.”

The 1944 Cavalcade staff selected the theme of “Good Neighbors” and dedicated the book to Naomi Gunderson (Spanish, French and Latin teacher). Part of Paul’s message was delivered in English and Spanish: “May we always be appreciative of our “Good Neighbors” and may we in turn deserve their appreciation. In spite of

Courtesy of Clovis Museum

Clovis High School Principal Paul E. Andrew, photo taken in 1943.

present conflict and tragedies, we confidently look to the dawning of a better day.”

He wrote the following note that he placed under the 1944 Clovis High senior class stone: “This is placed under the Class of 1944 stone because it is a good example of some of the crazy, stupid things of this day that the radio tells of the “acute” paper shortage and yet such rubbish as this is found on newsstands all over the country. God help America to return to a rule of and by law and not bureaucrats.”

After leaving Clovis High, Paul was elected to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. He is credited with helping Hearst Castle become a California State Park in 1954. A park in Cayucos was named in his honor. Paul, his wife Edna Mae, and their daughter Jewel and husband Virgil are buried at the Cayucos cemetery.

Clovis High Principal George “Tink” Kastner (principal 1956-1961 and 1937 Clovis High graduate) described Paul: “His discipline was strict but fair and his disciplinary action was swift, with long lasting results.” During the 1956 all Clovis High Alumni reunion, over 1,200 people gathered at a rally to honor Paul with a plaque that was placed in the historic Alumni walk that he created.

His plaque inscription: “Warm, Hearted Friend, Able School Man, Community Benefactor.”

He left us a rich heritage.

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