Various details of the Emma Case Moulton photo restoration (04/25/04):

You might enjoy seeing the following project I just finished as a surprise...

What fun...being able to send you an email and show you some photos of the recent restoration work done on a picture which is now hanging in the lobby of the Emma C. Moulton Extended Learning Center (Moulton Elementary) in Des Moines...yes, our old North High School!

I started with a 1" x 2-1/2" newspaper photo sent by both Donna Love at the Moulton Learning Center and also sent to me by the Des Moines Register. The newsprint picture was in horrible condition!

I spent about four weeks working, pixel by pixel, trying to restore Emma to her original natural beauty. Emma Case Moulton was born August 26, 1864 and passed away on April 7, 1962 at the age of 98. She was one of eight children, and her sister Laura was also a teacher and principal for the Des Moines School District. Their father was a home mission’s minister for the Congregational Church, and the family attended Plymouth Congregational Church. Miss Moulton never married, but dedicated her life to teaching and encouraging children.

This picture of Emma Moulton first appeared in the North High 1903 yearbook. Miss Moulton was a teacher of English from 1901 through 1923 at North High. She organized a debate club, wrote the North High School Fight Song, founded the Oracle, and started the yearbook. She was a staff sponsor for many events whenever someone was needed, including the cheerleading squad.

Miss Moulton was nominated for the honor of having the "old North High" named for her in 1957 by Eugene McGuire and Nicolette Meredith Stack. Emma Moulton was 93 years old at the time. As stated by Nicolette Stack in her nomination letter, "I was shy, and Miss Moulton saw something in me I could not see for myself. She encouraged me and my love for words and writing." There are many such documented cases in Miss Moulton's having given just the right word of encouragement and caring at just the right time.

The finished picture measures approximately 2' x 3'  and was sent as a surprise to Moulton Extended Learning Center. If you are ever at dear North High and see the photo hanging in the lobby, you'll now know the story behind its restoration. I was very sentimental as I was wrapping the elegant framed photo...knowing it would grace the walls and halls of a place so special in my memories. What a privilege for me!  A photo is shown of the restored picture and Donna Love at the Moulton Learning Center.

Go North!

Claradell

Claradell (Gergely) Shedd

North High School, Class of June, 1953

[email protected]

P.S.: If you click on this with your mouse, you will see yet another photo of Emma Moulton, located on the class page for 1916 of the reunion website.

http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1916.html