06/04/2026
A Very Special Homecoming: William "Bill" Dougherty, NE Class of '52, and his family traveled to North English on Wednesday to donate some historical artifacts to the English Valleys History Center. The items included a large oval, golden-framed, WWI military portrait of Bill's father, Horace Boies "Harry" Dougherty, his casket flag and a letter written from France during WWI. Bill greeted members of the board and community with a "vice-grip" handshake and many detailed memories of his growing-up days at North English. He recounted gameplays of the famous 1949 football game against Montezuma as if it were yesterday; "I was there and saw the whole thing!" Bill's father and mother, Harry and Daisy (Simmons) Dougherty were for many years the manager and switchboard operator at the North English Mutual Telephone Co, beginning in 1927. Daisy retired in 1956 and had seen many changes in the telephone system over the years. After a short presentation of the historic items and family and group photographs, Bill toured the History Center, Veteran's room, and the North English and EV schools memorabilia, yearbooks and composite displays. At each stop, many more stories were shared. The donated items are on display in the Veteran's Room. Many thanks to Bill Dougherty, his son David and family for their special visit and donation! Here's some images and history.
