PS 6 Archives

PS 6 was founded in 1894 and named after the feminist author and reformer Lillie Devereux Blake. The school was originally located several blocks to the north on Madison Avenue and 85th Street (East side). The current red brick building on Madison Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets was constructed in 1953.

The school's first principal Katherine Blake, the daughter of the school's namesake, served in that capacity for 34 years.

PS6 Diploma 1895 NYC Public School — PS 6 Diploma 1895

1897.class.ps6.girls.department.public.school — The Female Department, 1897

ps6.nyc.public.school.boys.class.1897 — The Male Department, 1897

1927.ps6.nyc.public.school.students.classroom — PS 6 classroom, December 1, 1927

Students in front of old PS 6 building — Moving Day 1953. Students waving goodbye to their old school building.

PS 6 students on Madison Avenue 1953 — Students heading towards the new school building.

PS 6 student on moving day in 1953 — Students walking down Madison Avenue on moving day.

Two boys/students on Madison Avenue 1953

PS 6 students in front of the new building — Students in front of the new school building.

Katherine Devereux Blake — Katherine Blake served as Principal of Public School No. 6, in 1894. She organized the first evening high school for women in New York City, 1897. She served as Chair of the committee of teachers and principals that framed and presented to Mayor William Russell Grace the petition asking for the appointment of women on the Board of Education.

We welcome any PS 6 memorabilia and old photos. Kindly contact the main office at 212.452.6650 or email Lara, [email protected].