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(Excerpt from “47” Alumni Newsletter Vol. 45 No. 45 Fall 2013 – Winter 2013/2014)
Moses E. Josephs Auditorium Upgrade
“The Story of My Life”
By Dorothy Cohler ‘57
My name is Moses E. Josephs Auditorium. I was named after Moses, one of the first graduates of P.S. 47 School of the Deaf in 1910. I am located at East 24th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
In 1925, I was built as an auditorium when the new school was erected on East 24th Street. At first I was used as several classrooms for the students from the 1865 building, at East 23rd Street. Once the school was completed in 1926, I became an auditorium.
I am fitted with 500 used wooden chairs, 10 iconic columns, a tile floor, a stage with curtains, and several large windows. On my right side is a grand piano, and on my left side is a set of three flags representing NYC, the state and the school. Onstage, there is an American flag on the right side.
It always gives me great pleasure to see, during assemblies, the students proudly march down the aisles to their seats. They remain standing while the color guard, of which I am very proud, marches to the front. The captain passes the flag to the sergeant, and then the school salutes the emblem of our country and recites “Pledge of Allegiance, “The Star Spangled Banner,” “My County Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America.” After all the students have been seated, the assembly begins with a show.
My most memorable day has always been when the graduates received their diplomas. I am so proud of them because I remember them as young students, and I hold this dear.
After 88 years, it is time for me to say goodbye to the old me and welcome the new me. I can’t wait to see the 500 new sturdy wooden chairs, the new paint, and the new floor tiles. I will also beam proudly in the new stage and auditorium lights. I’m glad the piano and the four flags will remain with care.
When I am done with my makeover in the spring time of 2014, I will happily welcome all of you, and all of the students marching down the aisles to their new seats.
Photo Gallery
June 3, 2011 Appearance – Dedication Ceremony of The Moses E. Josephs Auditorium
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June 2013 Appearance
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September 2013 Appearance
Auditorium Foyer
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September 2013 Appearance
Auditorium
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Spring 2014 Appearance
Page last updated August 11, 2014