Edward Brewster Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ed & Pauline BrewsterEdward Brewster Memorial Scholarship Fund

Edward Brewster (1915-2001), affectionately known to former students of Whitesville Central School as “Mr. B” or the “Gentle Giant”, will continue to positively impact the lives of students and his community by making dreams come true through scholarships to Whitesville graduates.

Growing up on Brewster Rd. in Andover during the Depression, Brewster was part of the Greatest Generation. He served his country well in World War II as a navigator with the 8th Air Force in Europe. After the war, he married Pauline Perkins of Voorhees Hill in Wellsville and they settled in Whitesville. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Ed became an English and history teacher at Whitesville Central School in 1946. Pauline, who studied at Geneseo, chose to become an elementary teacher in a one-room schoolhouse on Shovel Hollow Rd. She is best remembered for her many years of teaching 6th Grade in Wellsville at the Washington St. School.

Mr. Brewster was well liked and respected by his community and his school. He was particularly known for carrying in his pocket a joke book which he delighted in pulling out to share with students and faculty. Walking with his hands behind him, he would “pop into” a classroom to share some corny joke. While teaching World History, his students loved hearing about his personal experiences during WWII. Following 7 years of teaching, he became principal of W.C.S. in 1954.

Doris Pfeiffer, a colleague of Ed, remembers her time at Whitesville as calm and peaceful with things running smoothly under Ed’s quiet leadership. As Ed drove around Whitesville in his green Buick, he represented a generation that stood for strong values and the opportunity for all to achieve success through hard work. After 31 years as an educator, Brewster retired in 1977.

Thanks to a bequest in Ed and Pauline’s will, their love of education and community will continue by giving Whitesville students an opportunity to achieve their dreams. Proceeds from this endowment fund, entrusted to the Allegany County Area Foundation, will benefit young people from Whitesville for years to come. Two annual scholarships will be available for hard-working and financially needy Whitesville students.

Please visit our scholarship link on this web site for more information about how to apply or e-mail your questions to:  director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

If you would like to make a difference in your community by Leaving a Legacy as Edward and Pauline have here in Allegany County, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation at 585-808-8444. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones. County residents are encouraged to remember the Foundation in their wills by making a specific bequest.