Macfarland High School - Fabella Yearbook (Bordentown, NJ)

Page 12 text:

Ig X '-...Agri R Chemistry laboratory about to go! 140, 000 Hzgb School Fira December 7, 1941, the date of the Pearl Harbor catastrophe, is probably the only date in our memories that overshadows January 9, 1942. On this latter date at 1:10 P. M., a fire, starting in the rafters, was discovered in our high school. While an alarm was being sounded, teachers directed the evacu- ation of seven hundred pupils from the school. The students filed out in an orderly manner, and confusion was at a minimum. The wraps of the students had been left in the school as the lockers were not easily accessible. It was near zero weather, and the pupils stood shivering in the cold until they were instructed to go to the nearby Catholic Church. VW, V N ansa. Flames over our school. Claiming coats. Bookkeeping room on way out E81

Page 11 text:

School. Miss Burr also attended Swarthmore Col- lege, Rider College, and Rutgers University. After a brilliant educational career, she received a B.C.S., B.S. in Ed., and a Master of Education degree. Elected principal in 1934, Miss Burr witnessed the expansion of the school building, when eight rooms were added in 1957. The following year the new wing was named Foster Hall in memory of Miss Georgie W. Foster. The main building was dedicated to Mr. MacFarland and named Wil- liam MacFarland High School. Mr. Oberholser, Miss Flynn, and Miss Burr were instrumental in bringing about many changes. Commercial, Physical Education, Agriculture, and Home Economics Departments have been added to the courses of study offered. A full program of Extra-Curricular Activities is now available, in connection with this the General Activities Fund is maintained. For the last six years the high school has had the services of a full time librarian. Miss Burr and Mr. Oberholser continue to guide each class through its hardships until the ultimate goal has been reached. Reading the hearts of all our students and graduates, we hope that these two will continue to serve our school, as principal and superintendent, for many years to come. A test of Bordentown's educational strength occurred on january 9, 1942, when fire partially destroyed the high school building. Praise was extended to the administration, faculty, and student body, from local, county, and state authorities for the excellent discipline maintained during the evacuation of the building and for the rapidity with which new quarters were established and the work of the school resumed. It is hoped that in September, 1942, the rebuilt high school will be ready for occupancy and that the improvement effected in the building will mark a forward step in Bordentown's educational history. We are glad to present this list of educational leaders in Bordentown. We believe that schools are not just buildings of stone and woodg they are important in direct proportion to the caliber of the school executives. These men and women herein pictured have influenced the lives of the pupils under them and have done much in the creation of worth-while citizens of our communi- ties. Not to be forgotten are the teachers who, too, have given of their best through the years to en- courage boys and girls to make the best possible men and women. i7 Miss GEORGIE FOSTER Principal 1880-1919 MISS MINNIE FLYNN Principal 1920-1933 Miss ANNA T. BURR Principal 1954-

Page 13 text:

Remains of the auditorium. The fire could not be controlled by the local fire companies, and aid was summoned from many outlying communities including Burlington, Florence, Florence Station, Roebling, Crosswicks, White Horse, Allentown, and Ham- ilton Township. lt was long after 6:00 P. M. before these fire fighters left the smoldering ruins. A large part of the second floor and all of the auditorium were completely destroyed. The books in the library were water swollen and useless. All class rooms on the first floor were water soaked and smoky, but not greatly damaged. Many of the wraps were saved and returned to the students. Those whose be- longings were destroyed received speedy compensation. The entire loss was estimated at 3B140,000. The building will be reconstructed as soon as possible. Because of the war and priorities, the plans for rebuilding have been hampered. It is hoped that the school, with many improvements added, will be ready for occupancy in the late fall. kkeeping room before complete destruction. In memoriam of departed glory. Over the top with the hremen l9l