The computer-generated transcript of this page:
Other Public Schools include the Truman J. Moon Elementary School which opened in 1955 and was subsequently enlarged and John W. Chorley Elementary School opened in September, 1968.
Middletown has also had a variety of private schools over the years, including St. Joseph's, St. Albert's, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. One of the best remembered was the Ursuline Academy which was on the corner of East Main Street and Grand Avenue, now the site of Kanan's Furniture store. Originally the farm of Israel Wickham, it was eventually acquired by Jonathan Ogden who built a half-mile race track on the site in 1857. On November 10, 1859, Ogden opened the Empire House hotel on the site. It was used as a private residence and a girl's school until it was purchased by the Ursuline Order in 1886 who established a private academy. The school closed in June, 1952. In September of that year, it was heavily damaged by fire, and torn down in 1957 to build the Acme market.
In February, 1947, Middletown Collegiate Center was started using the Middletown High School, then on Grand Avenue. This was in operation until 1949.
Orange County Community College was organized through the efforts of Fred Germain, Jr. and others. Webb Horton built his mansion at 115 South Street in 1902-06. Designed by Frank J. Lindsey, the well-known Middletown architect and builder, it features fine craftsmanship and a large Tiffany window. Eugene Horton inherited the mansion upon his father's death in 1908. When Eugene died in 1918, John H. Morrison inherited the home. Under provisions in Mr. Morrison's will, his wife, Christine, had use of the estate for the rest of her life, with the mansion going to Horton Hospital after her death.
However, Horton Hospital agreed to give up rights to this property to the community College after a committee was formed to raise money to reduce the hospital's outstanding debts. Christine Morrison, whose husband had died in 1946, agreed to relinquish her lifetime use of the estate, which then allowed use by the Community College. Christine Morrison died July 16, 1977.
Horton Mansion is now the administration building of the College. When the college was dedicated October 19, 1950, the principal speaker was Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Classes were held in the carriage house. Over the years, the college has expanded greatly from the population of 165 students and two buildings. Webb Horton's mansion is now called Morrison Hall. On February 1, 1951, Edwin H. Miner became the college president, succeeding Fred Germain, Jr., who had been acting president.