Woonsocket High School - Quiver Yearbook (Woonsocket, RI)

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14 THE QUIVER THE OLD BUILDING (Read at the laying of the corner-stone of the new High School.) Now that we are to have a new high school and are to leave the old building which has been occupied for that purpose so many years, it seems proper that a little of the history of that building should be given. The first high school building was in course of construction during the years 1848-1849. It was erected at a cost of about $8000 on land given to the district by the Hon. Edward Harris. On Friday, October 16, 1875, it was destroyed by fire. Because of the energy of the superintendent and trustees not a single day was lost, and the following Monday school was opened in the Social block. Plans were immediately drawn by William R. Walker of Providence for a new high school. They were accepted and the contract, which called for the completion of the building by the first of December, 1876, was awarded to Nathaniel Elliott of Woonsocket. The late J. B. Fontaine, father of Architect Walter F. Fontaine, who de signed the new building, was superintendent of construction. The building was a brick structure, with an underpinning of granite. On the first floor, which was to be used entirely by the grammar department. there were four class rooms with ample dressing rooms for each and two offices. On the second floor, which was to be used by the high school, there was a study hall, a recitation room, a reception room, two offices, and two rooms which could be used for a chemical laboratory and a “philosophical” room. The approximate cost of the building was $35,000. On April 19, 1877, the dedication of this new high and grammar school house was held. An address by Hon. L. W. Ballou was read by Rev. C. J. White; the delivery of the keys was made by Charles Nourse, and they were accepted by A. D. Vose, who transmitted them to Dr. George W. Jenckes. chairman of the school committee; prayer was offered by Rev. J. E. Hawkins; addresses were also made by Col. Amos Sherman. Rev. J. L. Miller. Rev. E. E. Thomas, and Hon. Thomas Steere; the dedicatory ode and a poem were by Erastus Richardson; a letter from Francello G. Jillson was read. Music was furnished by the Woonsocket Cornet band, which volunteered its services. In 1895, on account of the growth of the high school, tw'o additional rooms were taken from the grammar department on the first floor. The school still continued in growth, and in 1902 the whole building was taken. The building is at present the same as when

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THE QUIVER 18 Jack and I decided to take a sleigh ride; so, after putting on extra sweaters, we made our way to the barn. In cold weather a horse is always anxious for exercise, and we found it an exceptionally hard task to harness him, as he refused to stand. It was so cold that 1 warmed the bits by placing them in cold water before putting them into the horse's mouth. If I had not taken this precaution, he would have suffered from his tongue clinging to the bits. At length we were ready and started out of the barn into a night, the beauty of which 1 shall never forget. We turned the horse towards the country, thinking that we should enjoy the ride more in the open. A coldness of such severity brings with it a strange stillness. We could hear every sound as the horse struck the ground or as our runners touched a stone or any other article. Over it all the moon threw its light, which the snow reflected, and made everything as bright as day. In the wide, open fields, it was especially beautiful to see the long, unbroken stretch of snow, which looked like a setting of millions of diamonds. The shadows thrown by the trees had almost a weird appearance. Occasionally we heard a door creak and shut, and out would come a farmer to attend to his livestock in the barn. Very ii'stinctly we could hear the snow crackle under his feet as he performed his various chores. Once the stillness was broken by the whinnying of a horse as his master entered the barn. Once we crossed a railroad track, and although we had ample time to reach the other side, we could distinctly hear the puffing of the engine and that peculiar grating of the car wheels that one heats in very cold weather. In spite of the low temperature, we drove for over two hours and neither of us felt the least bit cold. I think there is something fascinating in listening to sleigh bells and we both hated to turn toward home. On reaching the barn, we carefully blanketed the horse and gave him an extra warm bedding. My friend came into the house, and you can imagine that we both had good appetites after that drive. Really, Bob. it was wonderful: the keen, frosty air. the beautiful sight of the moon and snow, and the strange stillness that zero weather brings. Think of the difference there is in our climates, you in the k.nd of flowers, and all here covered with snow. Now, please write me of your experiences in your southern home. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain Sincerely, RALPH FLYNN, ’14.

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THE QUIVER 15 erected, except for a few minor changes. Two dressing rooms on the first floor have been made into a typewriting room, and folding partitions have been placed in the hall so that it may be divided into two class rooms. The room formerly used as a physical laboratory has been this year changed to a class room, Owing to the increase in enrollment. The old building has given satisfaction as a high school until now, when it has become too small for the large classes which enter. It will be used by the upper grammar grades and possibly as a manual training school. To close, I will read the dedicatory ode by Erastus Richardson which was given in 1877. I. “To Thee, Almighty, ere the birth Of Ignorance and Night! Great Architect of Heaven and Earth, And source of Life and Light! From whom Truth lit her sacred flame At Eden’s Eastern gate— This Temple now in Learning’s name We humbly dedicate. II. “Around these consecrated walls May Hope and Peace entwine; And may these bright and classic halls With golden halos shine. May every teacher be inspired By the Great Teacher’s love. And every pupil’s heart be fired With Wisdom from above. III. “O, unto this our fervent prayer, Thy gracious Ear incline— And every breeze our songs shall bear Unto the realms divine. And where this dome now casts its shade Immortal Truth shall reign; And we shall feel that we have prayed And labored not in vain.” RAYMOND RICHARDSON. 15.