Vance Smith, Helen Smith, Martha Fleming Coe and Helen Robinson

This photo was taken on June 4, 1961, at the fortieth reunion of the Worthington High School Class of 1921. It features three teachers who taught at the high school during the early 1900s. From left to right: Vance Smith (and his wife Helen), Martha Fleming Coe, and Helen Robinson. The photo was taken at the home of Warren G. Harding, II, a member of the class of 1921.

The 1921 Worthington High School Oracle identifies Vance Smith as the superintendent of schools for Worthington. Smith left the post in 1922 to teach mathematics and business in the Columbus public schools, but he and his wife Helen continued to live in Worthington, and they stayed active in civic affairs. Smith served as chairman of Worthington’s Sesquicentennial celebration in 1953.

Martha Fleming taught home economics and “domestic science” at Worthington High School through 1920, before joining the Columbus public schools’ teaching staff. In 1927 she married Elmer Coe, who owned a prominent dairy farm on Olentangy River Road just north of Henderson. Martha Fleming Coe continued to teach in the Columbus schools after her marriage.

Helen Robinson joined the Worthington Schools as high school principal in 1910 and held that position for 25 years until her retirement in 1935. Her duties also included teaching dramatics, French, geometry, and literature. Helen and her sister, Gertrude, moved to Worthington with their family in 1904. Gertrude taught English at The Ohio State University and, together with Helen, assisted with dramatic productions around Worthington. Like Vance, Helen Robinson stayed active in the community after her retirement. She and Vance both served on the Worthington Public Library Board. Robinson also served on State Library of Ohio Board, and was active in the Worthington Women’s Club and the United Methodist Church.