Even though George Hulvey was not the first County School Superintendent, most of the progress in the early days of the school system came through his inspired leadership. Superintendent Hulvey served as Superintendent of Schools for a period of 31 years (1886-1917) and, through his insistence on consolidation, the development of a high school program, and high levels of teacher certification and competence, made Rockingham County one of the model rural school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Before his appointment to the office of Superintendent he had broad experience as an educator, having held among other responsible positions, the principalship of Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Mt. Crawford schools. Mr. Hulvey was the organizer and first president of the Rockingham Teacher's Association, the first organization of its kind existing in Virginia prior to the formation of the State association. He was also an able writer on educational themes, many of his articles appearing in leading educational journals in the state.

At the opening of the Civil War, he was a soldier in the 11th Regiment of the Virginia Cavalry, a part of Turner Ashby's Brigade. In the second day's fight at the Battle of the Wilderness he lost an arm, May 2, 1862. After partially recovering, he was returned to his home. After recovering, he resumed his studies, completing his classical work at the University of Virginia in 1869.

In 1916, Harrisonburg became a separate school division under the leadership of W.H. Keister. Mr. Hulvey continued to serve the county until 1917, when he was succeeded by John C. Myers, who had been the Principal of Broadway High School. Mr. Hulvey served as a consultant to Mr. Myers for a year after his retirement.

Mr. Hulvey, the son of Madison and Carolinia Longacre Hulvey was born April 19, 1844 and died on May 10, 1920.


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