ACSM01157, Arden School, June 1928, Faculty: Miss Govotas, Mrs. Danby, George Newcombe.
On Saturday, November 9th, the old Arden School on the Sherwood Green was once again filled with excited school “children” and eager celebrants to mark the 100th Anniversary of the building. The BWVC Committee held a grand celebration to mark the anniversary and the important place the building holds in our community. Former students came from far and wide to join the festivities and the afternoon did not disappoint.
As visitors gathered, they were able to enjoy the exhibits in Room 3. There they were treated to vintage home movies featuring events at the school in the 1950’s and ’60, as well a continuing slide show of images from Connee McKinney’s book on the Arden School. There were also four large display panels, featuring over 50 photographs of the building during its 100 years. The Arden Craft Shop Museum was pleased to partner with the Buzz and provided the period photos as well as the lobby window display.
As the crowd gathered in front of specially decorated stage, several claimed seats that were in the same spot as their desks had been as students. Garrett Colgan-Snyder served as the emcee. Representing the ACSM, Barbara Macklem opened the program with a history of the building, telling the story of its origins, its many uses and challenges, and its current importance as a community center.
Next, former students shared their memories of their years at the school. Sister and brother Annde Curtis Solway and Mike Curtis recounted the early days They were followed by Debbie Colgan who carried on the story and talked about the involvement of the parents with the school. She was followed by Maria Burslem and Ellen Dolmetsch, who told their stories (and escapades) of the 1950’s and 60’s. Finally, Robin Laskey Chipman recounted the last days and the bitter-sweet memories of the students when the school closed in 1969.
After the formal talks, the music continued and there was lots of time for old friends to gather and for everyone to enjoy the delicious buffet. And, of course, all enjoyed the cake – cut with great style by Annde Curtis as the oldest student present! There are many institutions in the Ardens – how fortunate we are that one of them is a building full of history that continues to serve new generations.
For the complete remarks made by Barbara Macklem please see the transcript here
As visitors gathered, they were able to enjoy the exhibits in Room 3. There they were treated to vintage home movies featuring events at the school in the 1950’s and ’60, as well a continuing slide show of images from Connee McKinney’s book on the Arden School. There were also four large display panels, featuring over 50 photographs of the building during its 100 years. The Arden Craft Shop Museum was pleased to partner with the Buzz and provided the period photos as well as the lobby window display.
As the crowd gathered in front of specially decorated stage, several claimed seats that were in the same spot as their desks had been as students. Garrett Colgan-Snyder served as the emcee. Representing the ACSM, Barbara Macklem opened the program with a history of the building, telling the story of its origins, its many uses and challenges, and its current importance as a community center.
Next, former students shared their memories of their years at the school. Sister and brother Annde Curtis Solway and Mike Curtis recounted the early days They were followed by Debbie Colgan who carried on the story and talked about the involvement of the parents with the school. She was followed by Maria Burslem and Ellen Dolmetsch, who told their stories (and escapades) of the 1950’s and 60’s. Finally, Robin Laskey Chipman recounted the last days and the bitter-sweet memories of the students when the school closed in 1969.
After the formal talks, the music continued and there was lots of time for old friends to gather and for everyone to enjoy the delicious buffet. And, of course, all enjoyed the cake – cut with great style by Annde Curtis as the oldest student present! There are many institutions in the Ardens – how fortunate we are that one of them is a building full of history that continues to serve new generations.
For the complete remarks made by Barbara Macklem please see the transcript here
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