San Lorenzo Merriman


Principal, 1907-1940

San Lorenzo Merriman, the second principal of Aroostook State Normal School, was born on his father's ship, the "Isaac Lincoln." Merriman's mother named her newly born son after the first land she saw following his birth. The land she saw was San Lorenzo Island. Merriman was raised in a small town called Harpswell, Maine, and he graduated from Brunswick High School in 1892. Following high school, Merriman attended Bowdoin College, where he graduated from in 1897. For the next ten years, San Lorenzo Merriman served as principal at Island Fall High School, Patten Academy, and at Presque Isle High School. Merriman was appointed principal of Aroostook State Normal School in 1907, following the resignation of the school's first principal, Irving O. Bragg.

Over the next 23 years, Principal Merriman served as an excellent role model to faculty, staff, and students, as he encouraged the start of, and he participated in, many school activities and functions. He was very respected by everyone, and brought a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment to ASNS. His service helped mold the University into what it is today.

The first major change in the school during the time that Merriman was principal occured in 1910 when the first summer session was held. The summer session provided students the opportunity to further train for teaching children. Another change was the construction of the Administration Building (Preble Hall) in 1921, a much-needed facility in order for the school to function adequately. Sadly, the original building of ASNS burned down during Merriman's time as principal; however, one year later, in 1924, a new building (South Hall) was erected where the old one had stood. The curriculum also changed while Merriman was principal, as the freshman class of 1934 entered ASNS under the new, 3-year program.

Principal Merriman's involvement with the overall functioning of ASNS, and his interaction with the students left an impressive mark on the school. He modeled a positive attitude, good moral character, and involvement with his school as a whole, which showed that he really cared about the people involved in his school and about the success of the school. In 1940, President Merriman retired from ASNS, but he had left a great mark on the school.

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Page Updated: April 30, 1998
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