HISTORY OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Education started with the early settlers in Old Centre. In 1764 Winchendon made its first move towards public education. One of the earliest schoolhouses was built in Old Centre around 1770 and a second brick school was built there in 1786. A century later in 1864, with an increase in town growth, $2,200 was expended for the support of the public school system which included ten district schools with one teacher for each school with students ranging in age from five to twenty. These women teachers were forbidden to marry. One of the oldest on room schoolhouse in existence today is privately owned and is located at 221 Glenallen Street.

Memorial School was built in 1975 and was named in memory of all persons who have served our children through the public schools. Memorial School opened its new doors on the first day of school, Wednesday September 3, 1975.

The School Dedication was on October 19, 1975. The General Contractor was John H. Connor and the Architect was Ronald W. Whittier. Memorial School housed Kindergarten through Fifth grade. The number of students attending was 840. The total cost of the project was $2,870,000.

Children were moved out of the White, Tucker, Marvin, Woodcock, Poland and Streeter Schools into the new Memorial School. Grades Six through Eight moved into the Old Murdock, Poland and Streeter Schools.

The first principal that served at Memorial was Loring R. Stevenson. Leon LaPlante made and carved the Memorial School entrance sign. The entire sign was made from California redwood and it is still standing.

Today, Memorial holds grades Kindergarten through Third. A few additions have been added to the school. A unique playground was built in 1986. This playground was erected in four days thanks to parents and volunteers from every part of the Winchendon community. The community continues to preserve the beauty of the structure. A state-of-the-art computer lab was put in place. The number of students attending this year is about 530 with 27 classroom teachers. The Memorial principal is Jane Hall and assistant principal is Maureen Moran.

The White school on Glenallen Street burned down. The Tucker school was torn down and a fire station was built. One of the oldest and largest school, Woodcock in Waterville, was sold and is now apartments. The Streeter school is leased to the Veterans and the Poland school is currently vacant.

The Marvin School has been renovated and holds the Preschool and Head Start programs. The Old Murdock School has been renovated and holds a museum “Top Fun Aviation”. Upstairs is used to hold school and town functions.

Then there’s Toy Town Elementary that holds grades four through six and Murdock Middle High School that holds grades seven through twelve.

Researched by: Deborah Giordano 2002