Alloway’s Beloved Educator M. Elizabeth Remster Teaches Her First Class on September 5, 1895
ALLOWAY — On September 5, 1895, an 18-year-old local woman stepped into the 1856 Lambert Street schoolhouse to lead her very first class. That young educator was M. Elizabeth Remster, beginning what would become an extraordinary 48-year continuous teaching career in Alloway Township. Beyond her legendary role in local education, she holds a special place in my own family tree as my great-great-grandfather Smith Remster’s first cousin once removed (making her my second cousin, three times removed… whatever that means).
Deep Local Roots & Historic Ties
Born Mary Elizabeth Remster on April 7, 1878, in Stockingtown to Joseph Sheppard Remster Jr. and Anna Emmell, her historic connections ran deep. Her mother was reportedly a direct descendant of Betsy Ross. Long before taking charge of the district, her earliest spotlight was on stage performing in “Old Maids’ Society,” a turn-of-the-century community theatrical. (I have a photo of this that I will dig up shortly.)
A Half-Century of Educational Leadership
Miss Remster’s devotion to local children quickly elevated her within the district. In 1901, she was elected Principal of Alloway High School, serving until the high school program was discontinued in 1911. She then assumed leadership as Principal of Alloway schools and Township Schools Supervisor. Following the 1925 township-wide consolidation, she became Principal and 8th-grade teacher at the new Alloway Township School.
Indomitable Character and Local Generosity
Remembered as an “indomitable” educator who ruled her classes well, Miss Remster was equally defined by her quiet local kindness. As a teenager living on South Greenwich Street, she used to push the baby carriage of newborn neighbor Clifford Bell; years later, she served as his schoolteacher for almost his entire education. When tragedy struck neighbor George Shimp and his ancestral home burned down, Miss Remster donated a building from her own property to help him rebuild.
A Lasting Legacy Preserved in Family Album
By her retirement in June 1943, she had completed 48 consecutive years in Alloway classrooms, followed by seven years of countywide substitute teaching and tutoring well into her 80s. On her 80th birthday in 1958, 600 residents gathered at an Open House celebrating her life, where the School Board announced that the new facility on Cedar Street would carry her name.
Most of the photos within this article are from my personal family’s collection and offer a rare glimpse into this history to honor a remarkable local life.
