Leland L. Silliman, principal of Purchase School for 30 years, lived his life helping and guiding children. He could be friend, advisor or leader to his students, staff and parents and was respected and admired for the firm and fair set of rules he established for all.

As a student, Mr. Silliman was quick to learn. He was valedictorian of both his grammar school and high school classes at the age of 10 and 14! At 17, he had completed his college education and his first position was as a very young principal of Purchase School. Mr. Silliman also taught all subjects to the seventh and eighth grades, including music, art and physical education.

An avid sportsman, he spent many after-school hours and weekends taking children to the Y.M.C.A. to swim or to Madison Square Garden for athletic events. A trip to Yankee Stadium was on the list at least once a year.

As a young boy, Lee, (as he was called by his friends) attended Boy Scout Camp. His proficiency in swimming and diving earned him the honor of performing a one-man show for the governors of New York and New Jersey. The camp director recognized the potential of this young but mature camper and he wisely promoted Lee to head of waterfront and, eventually, to head counselor. Summers were always pleasant and relaxing for Lee because, in contrast, winters were spent studying and working on a farm or digging ditches to cover school expenses.

Perhaps it was the summers at Boy Scout Camp that inspired Mr. Silliman to write children's books; perhaps it was his love or sports and animals; perhaps it was simply his love of children. But from the campfire storyteller, making up stories as he went along, Mr. Silliman was singled out to write a story with the hero a member of a Boys Club of America! Three of his books became Junior Literary Adoptions. It was no wonder book fairs at Purchase School were something special. Where else could a student have their book personally autographed by the author, their principal?

In his latter years, major back surgery curtailed many of the physical activities Mr. Silliman had shared and enjoyed with his students. Although he experienced much pain and discomfort, he continued to work in the style for which he was so well known. Whether it was one student, an entire class, one teacher or an entire staff, no problem or question was ever regarded as too insignificant in Mr. Silliman's office. He listened with discerning compassion and he spoke quietly, with a certain air of dignified authority. His judgements were sound, his advice reasonable and practical. This close and personal relationship made him respected and admired by students, staff, parents and friends. It is through their efforts that the life-long concerns of Leland L. Silliman will be perpetuated in the interest-free loan fund that bears his name.