Esther Frances How
Esther Frances How (January 29, 1848 – September 22, 1915), better known as Hester How, was a teacher who helped turn around delinquent boys in 19th-century Toronto.[1]
Hester How | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Esther Frances How January 29, 1849 |
| Died | September 22, 1915 (aged 66) |
| Burial place | St. James Cemetery |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Other names | Hessie How |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | Public education for troubled youth in Ontario, juvenile court system |
How was born in Ireland in 1848 to Thomas Ferguson How and Catherine J. How and immigrated to Canada West in 1849.[1] How graduated from Toronto Normal School and began her teaching career in 1871.[1]
It was in 1879 when How was hired under the direction of Toronto Mayor William Holmes Howland and public school inspector James L. Hughes to help establish a school for troubled youth.[2] This helped establish her as an advocate for troubled youth. It also helped steer youth away from trouble, away from being handled in the adult court system, and toward a juvenile justice system.[3]
The school she taught at was renamed after her in 1912, and she retired from teaching a year later.[1]
How died in Toronto in 1915, and was buried in St. James Cemetery.[1]
Legacy
Beside Hester How Public School (former Elizabeth Street Public School now demolished and located in what is the east entrance of Hospital for Sick Children), a day care centre at Toronto City Hall (opened 1990) is named after her.
References
- Houston, Susan E. "How, Frances Esther". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- Wiggins, W.F. (March 4, 2012). "How teachers tame school-children in the Ward". Toronto Saturday Night Magazine. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- "Hester How". Canadian Connections. Retrieved September 29, 2014.