Although the new school, Lincoln Ave. School , opened in September, 1956, and the old school was “officially” closed, the new building could not accommodate the newly started Kindergarten class and the Grades ones and twos. They continued to use the old building until a new wing was built on the new school in 1959, when the two rooms were added to the eastern end of the school. The new rooms could be used as an assembly room by sliding back the removable wall. Here are comments from former students of the classes that attended the old school after the new one opened.
“I attended the old school on Church Street in the latter years (circa 1958-1960) The new school on Lincoln Ave, was already accommodating the higher grades, but we kindergarten to grade two students, were still in the old school whose upper floors were partially condemned.
My recollection is that our Kindergarten was in the basement, and Mrs. Hortop's grade ones were on the main floor.
I have fond memories of the "boys" and "girls" entrances, the rope bell and the general old fashioned style of the place. The bathrooms were upstairs and still operational. I remember investigating the boys facilities, and finding the old style fixtures to be quite an education for a five year old!
After looking at some pictures of my classes in Grades l and 2, I confirmed what I thought about the closing date of the old school. I have clear memories of attending Grade 1 at the old school. My sister, Kathy Hogarth, and Ron's brother, Roger Doble, also remember going to kindergarten at the old school. Since I was born in June 1951, my Grade 1 year would have been 1957-1958. That was the first year for kindergarten at the school. I remember being ticked that my sister, a year younger than myself, was beginning school the same year that I was!
