Woodsville High School History -
by Clara Dickinson Weeks

In the early days of our country's development, every little hamlet with a handful of settlers had its trading center or store. It was here that the men of the vicinity, seeking diversion from their daily labors, often met for a game of checkers or chess around the cracker barrel. At the same time, leading problems of the day were discussed pro and con. This group became known as the "store court". We might be surprised if we knew the power behind this little group in the election of Presidents, Governors, and town officers in particular. Many a project originated in the "store court". Woodsville may have received its name there. At any rate, it was at the store of John L. Woods which is now our American Legion Home, that plans for our first schoolhouse were discussed. There were only a dozen or two families in Woodsville at the time. It appears that up to this time (1840) the district had joined with the Bath district No. 10 across the river and that Union Schools had been maintained in a schoolhouse on the Ammonoosuc River Road, west of what is now (1953) known as the Raymond Hill Farm. The Woodsville District No. 13 was established in 1840 and the first meeting of the voters, called by the selectmen was held May 20 in that year. At that meeting, Russell King, Nathaniel Dickinson and Jona B. Rowell were chosen a committee to report a plan for a new schoolhouse, the expense of building same and location of site. Meeting adjourned to meet third week in October. No one attended the meeting and nothing was done, but on November 10, 1840, at a special meeting, it was voted to have a school three months in the year and that the master board with the scholars. Where the school was kept for the next six years is not mentioned in the record. It is logical to suppose that the pupils continued to attend school in Bath.

Nothing more was done until the annual meeting of 1847, when it was voted to appoint a committee to see whether we join with Bath district or whether we furnish a place in our own district for a school. At an adjourned meeting April 9th it was voted to appoint Russell King to ascertain legal course about building a schoolhouse in Woodsville District No. 13.

After several adjourned meetings, all held at the store of John L. Woods, it was voted to build a schoolhouse in Woodsville and Mr. Witherell was appointed committee to fix upon the location and secure title to land. At adjourned meeting held July 3rd, Mr. Witherell reported that he had not been able to secure a piece of ground to set the house on. At an October meeting, it was voted to raise $220 to defray expenses of building a schoolhouse and location for same and said schoolhouse be ready by December 1 next. It seems that it was found that all these votes and proceeding had been illegal and it was necessary to begin anew, so meetings called on petition of 4 voters held November 4, 6, & 20, 1847, the matter was taken up in earnest. It was voted to build a new schoolhouse and that Messrs Woods, King and Hall be a building committee, that D. P. Kimball be a committee to lay out the spot for the house and assess the damage therefore by agreement with John L. Woods and that $220 be raised to build house and furnish location. It was voted to raise $31 in addition, the last mentioned sum to defray expense of stove, stovepipe and outbuilding, making $251 in all. There were meetings December 4th and 11th but no business was recorded. In the meantime, Mr. Woods of the building committee proceeded to build the house. This was not the end, however. A meeting called on petition of voters was held at the newly built house January 17, 1848 to see if the district will vote to build a schoolhouse or purchase the one already built and take the money therefrom. It was voted at this meeting that Russell King, George Witherell and J. W. Morrison examine the house to see what alterations should be made, if any. The report of the committee made at an adjourned meeting January 22 is one of decided interest as indicating the character of Woodsville's first schoolhouse and the methods of transacting school district business. In 1848, report of above committee follows: "We the said committee beg leave to report that the seats and writing desks are too narrow and too high and were imperfectly put up and finished, therefore they should be taken down and rebuilt. The window casements are too narrow and new ones should be put up. In many places the lathing is so imperfectly not nailed as should be, from which cause the plastering will soon be off and have to be repaired. There is wanting some finish about the entry door, the lathing in the entry should come off in part and put on more substantially and plastered and sealed up with seasoned boards. The work generally is done in a very slightly and imperfect, shammy manner in the inside of the house. The chimney is not what it should be, therefore a new one is required and some of the lumber was imperfectly seasoned, we think, from appearances. After due examination we are of the opinion it will cost $21 to make these repairs and put up three more seats for small scholars, one in front and one on each side of the teacher's desk, which should have been done, we think, when the house was built. We, therefore, recommend that the said Woods make the foregoing alterations or amendments to be done in good faith, with good materials, and in a workmanlike manner or make $21 reduction from the original contract made with said Hall and King, being $215 that the district raise to pay for said house, otherwise build another house." An adjournment was had for a week to give Captain Woods time to consider this ultimatum and at the adjourned meeting, it was voted to accept the schoolhouse built by J. L. Woods with $21 deducted from the $215. Russell King was chosen a committee to make the alterations and amendments recommended at a cost not exceeding $21 and the meeting adjourned February 1st.

The schoolhouse was thus completed and was occupied for district schools until the completion of the new two story schoolhouse in December 1872, which was erected at a cost of $5,980.36. The old schoolhouse was sold at auction to Ezra Mann and converted into a dwelling house. It still stands below the library at the foot of South Court Street.

It was in the year 1872 the village had outgrown the $215 schoolhouse and on the question of building such a structure as was really needed, the village had the greatest fight in its history. The history of that fight was interesting. What need the village had of such a big building was more than many could understand, but the supporters of the new school, by agreeing to pay the taxes of some of its opponents carried the day and a pretentious building with two large rooms on the first floor and a hall above was built in that year. The building was finished in the early part of 1873. In 1874 the school report of the town of Haverhill had this to say: "No. 13 has erected a beautiful building at a cost of $6,000, which is very creditable to the enterprise and taste of the inhabitants of that prosperous village. It is designed for a graded school and is fitted up with all modern improvements for convenience and comfort." The dedication of the building was celebrated with a dance which people far and near attended. In the two rooms on the first floor were the intermediate and grammar grades. The first teachers were Miss Mary Stevens in grammar grade, Miss Josie Foie, intermediate and Miss Addie Ramsey taught the primary grade in the hall above. For nearly ten years, besides for primary school purposes, this hall had served as a place for all social gatherings, church services, private school, etc. Increased population demanded another school room, so on March 7, 1885, under the sponsorship of the Board of Education consisting of Ezra B. Mann, Albert Leighton, Herbert Remick, Samuel Page, James Sawyer and Seth Stickney, District No. 10 in Bath was united with Woodsville Union High School District and was put in charge of Bernard Child of Bath, who taught three terms. The school was organized into a high school district. A long list of male teachers followed as principals of the school, without apparent success.







Many attempts at grading the schools had been made, but in the Fall of 1894, under the Principal A. B. Libbey, the nine grades were established. There were three grades in the primary department, three in the intermediate, three in the grammar, the hall accommodating both grammar and high school pupils. In that year Miss Ellen Stocker was in charge of the intermediate and Miss Marie Collins the primary. In November, Miss Collins resigned and that was when your historian took over. Having been hired by the following Board of Education: Clarence Randall, Dr. O. D. Eastman and Benjamin Dow. Miss Ellen Stocker was a graduate of Plymouth Normal School, was an excellent teacher, a strict disciplinarian and in every way a credit to her alma mater.

Headmaster Libbey found the increased number of pupils and the merging of grammar with high school grades was failing to work out satisfactorily. The district, hoping to improve conditions, voted money at the next annual meeting (1895) to finance a partition separating the grammar room from the high. At the same time, the old roast or freeze box stoves that had stood in the far corner of each room for many years were replaced by a central steam heating system and lavatories were installed in each room. Our former heating system had been run by the janitor, who built fires on the morning and piled a large pile of wood on the floor by the stove for the teacher to use while it lasted, then the scholars were expected to take over, so this new setup was an event.

Mr. Libbey was engaged for another year 1895 and Miss Clara Holmes of Peacham taught the grammar grades. Both resigned at the end of the school year, 1896. Up to date, work of the lower grades had seemed to meet the approval of the district, so both teachers continued their services. Miss Rose Annis of Passumpsic was engaged to succeed Miss Holmes.

The problem of the day was the search for a suitable headmaster, which was the duty of the Board of Education; then Clarence Randall, Dr. O. D. Eastman and Joe Bittinger. Their attention had been directed to one Samuel W. Robertson, who had been teaching in Gilmanton, N.H. and the board was successful in securing his services for an indefinite period. Samuel Robertson was born in 86 Cherokee Reservation Park Hill Mission, Oklahoma, the son of eastern parents who went there as missionaries to the Indians of Will Roger fame. Mr. Robertson received his early education in the Mission school conducted by his father and mother. In due time he was sent East for further educational training and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and Dartmouth College. His experience, background and personality fitted him for leadership.

Woodsville High School had never been a going concern. They had a curriculum of a kind and high school subjects had been taught at random, but school was never organized into classes. While speaking of organizing, we must not forget that Miss Annis took over more than half the unruly pupils from the former room and with plenty of tact and strong will, organized a model grammar school of these grades. Her arrival at the time had much to do with Mr. Robertson's success. Miss Annis was a woman of rare intelligence, well versed in the technique of teaching and I think many of the local grandparents of '53 will agree with me that she had discipline, strange as it may seem . She had neither normal school training, nor finished academic coursework. She made full use of the talent God gave her.

Soon after Mr. Robertson took over in August, the work of organizing a high school began. The aforesaid Board of Education and interested citizens met with Mr. Robertson to help in formulating the courses of study and in due time they met the approval of the State and on August 31, 1896, Woodsville High School had its beginning. There were fourteen students in the high school , seven of whom were later graduated from higher institutions. Eugene M. Dow of '97, the first and only graduate of that year, entered Dartmouth College. He passed his college entrance examination without conditions and graduated as valedictorian of his class. George C. Randall, Class of '98 graduated with honors from Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont. Raymond C. Jones, Class of '98 graduated from University of Vermont. Osmond Barker, Class of 1900 graduated from Norwich University. Winnie Winslow was a graduate of New Hampshire Normal School. Emily Bell, Lulu Currier and George Blake took business courses.

Early during the first term, Mr. Robertson realized the need for better government and almost simultaneously with the organization of the high school, he came to school one morning armed with a baseball and bat and soon a baseball team was in order, which changed the whole attitude of school life for the boys, giving it a new look, so to speak. The strategy of organizing the school and the team so nearly at the same time, worked out to the advantage of the school, for no one who did not have a passing mark could play on the team. Mr. Robertson reasoned that one way to get along with the boys was to be a boy, so at once he donned a baseball suit and ever after played on the team. With a little practice they were ready to compete with other schools. Then was born the Woodsville Union High School and the present baseball team. For many successive years a bat was awarded by Mr. Robertson to the boy who scored the best batting average for the year.

To further promote the interest of the school, Mr. Robertson engaged a friend, a Mr. John Sargent, an elocutionist of some ability to train pupils for prize speaking contests. This proved a helpful part of their education as well as a boost for the school. The contest was given annually and being of far reaching interest, warranted a packed Opera House. On one occasion Littleton High School, priding itself on having good prize speaking material, suggested an interscholastic meet and Franconia, Bethlehem and Woodsville were invited to compete at Littleton. The contestants put on a good show to a packed house. Prize money was to be taken from door receipts. They were so financially successful that Littleton suggested doubling the prize money, to which all agreed, but to Littleton's consternation, the first prize went to Willis Howe of Woodsville, a freshman in knee trousers, who spoke "How the Old Horse Won the Bet" including plenty of action.

Mr. Sargent continued to teach prize speakers until Luvia Mann, one of his winners, decided to take up that work and after graduating from Emerson's School of Oratory, took over the work and coached for many years with great success. She was succeeded by Mrs. G. Hampton McGaw.

The Lyceum and debating club created much interest since both boys and girls had an equal chance of participating in the various programs. Before Mr. Robertson's resignation, the club had become quite famous for carrying off high honors in interscholastic contests.

The popularity of our high school grew by leaps and bounds, bringing in many pupils from outside. By the time eleven high school students had graduated, twice as many were ready to go. In the meantime, railroad business had increased, new families were moving into town and grades were becoming so crowded that the primary scholars had to come in two sections until the first grade was moved to Mr. Hill's stoneshed and was taught by Miss Eastman. By 1899 the present schoolrooms had become so congested that a larger building was a must. Grades had been reorganized, more teachers hired and both Mr. Hill's stoneshed and the upper floor of the Hose house had been utilized to accommodate the overflow. In spite of conditions just mentioned, one group of citizens favored enlarging the old building, the other group, believing this was poor economy, objected. Several special meetings were held to consider the matter of building and hot discussions were held outside, mostly concerning taxes. Groups seemed to be represented by Scott Sloan for and Samuel B. Page was swayed by the opposition. Mr. Sloan was supported by such forceful people as George Kendall, Dr. O. D. Eastman, Mrs. Henry Mann, Mrs. Mary D. Randall and other influential citizens and when the final vote was taken, the yeas had it by a large majority.

The question of location became a debatable factor. William (Bill) Ricker insisted that King's Plain was the only place for a schoolhouse and he had his following. He offered good money for the lot where the old schoolhouse stood and refused to be denied, but the lot was district property and he was helpless. It was decided to use the original location. At another special meeting it was voted to bond the district for $20,000 and the work of construction soon followed. Next came the question of moving the old building. It was purchased by Charles Davison with the understanding that it was to be moved intact to some place where it still could be used to serve the school until the new schoolhouse was ready for occupancy. The prospect of this feat amazed the man of the street, but in due time a company from Concord, N. H. was hired to do the job. They arrived in Woodsville via freight train loaded with horses, derricks, huge rollers and other equipment and after a little time, were they surprised to see the old schoolhouse go rolling across Dr. Miller's garden to Charles Davison's lawn and placed there ready for the first day of school in September.

The work of constructing the new building went on and by 1901 people were again coming from far and near to inspect our new brick schoolhouse on the same lot as before. There was modern lighting, heating, ventilating, plumbing etc. and ample room for high school and grades with one room to spare, after grades had been reorganized. Mr. Robertson, Miss Annis, Miss Stocker, Miss Eastman and Miss Underwood were retained for several years as was Miss Desmond the new primary teacher.

Grandpa Lord (William) acted as a janitor and helped keep order in the lower halls until old age overtook him. He will long be remembered. After the old schoolhouse had been vacated, Mr. Davison remodeled the lower floor to be used for business purposes and made the upper floor into a dance hall. Many a lass and lad of 40 or 50 years ago will recall tripping the light fantastic loe in Davison hall. Anyone wishing to see parts of the old building today may call at Billy Brill's, where they will find it transformed into a very unique and attractive dwelling, having used the knotty pine, wide floor boards and every part complete from the old school house of 1872.

In 1905 Mr. Robertson resigned. His inbred missionary spirit followed him throughout his nine years of service, when he raised the standard of the school from his "bat and ball" in 1896 to a creditable high school of 59 pupils and two assistant teachers in 1905. Fifteen students had graduated with honors from various colleges and Woodsville High School was really on the map, the son of an Indian missionary being its founder. Mr. Robertson's last few year's of teaching were spent in Santa Barbara, California. where he was known throughout the city as "Daddy Robertson."

Mr. Robertson was succeeded by Norman J. Page, a native son, a graduate of Haverhill Academy and Dartmouth College. He followed with new achievements. He readily saw the need of a Superintendent of Schools and through his help and advise, the present union was formed and in 1907, Fordyce T. Reynolds was hired to fill that position. Mr. Page resigned in 1907 to accept a more remunerative position in Lisbon. Mr. Frederick Wallace followed and taught one year. Mr. Reynold's work began, when from a list of several applicants he recommended Elbert E. Orcutt as headmaster to succeed Mr. Wallace. Mr. Reynolds proved a valuable asset to the progress of our schools as have his successors.

Elbert E. Orcutt who served so efficiently as headmaster of Woodsville High School, for a ten year period, was born in West Burke, VT. He received his elementary education in that town, then completed his four year high school course at St. Johnsbury Academy in three years and enrolled at Yale College in 1903. At Yale, Mr. Orcutt won a Robinson Latin Prize in both his freshman and sophomore years. As a junior, he was awarded the Winthrop Prize for proficiency in Latin and Greek poetry. He was graduated in 1907 with high honors and a Phi Beta Kappa key. After teaching Latin and Greek for one year at Chattanooga University, Mr. Orcutt was offered a full instructorship at that institution, which he declined because of his desire to return to northern New England. The position of headmaster at Woodsville High school fulfilled his needs and Mr. Orcutt capably fulfilled the many needs of our growing high school. He was young, brilliant, energetic, and a man of vision. He foresaw the need for a broader curriculum to provide the diversified requirements of the larger student body. His progressive ideas and ability to make them realities contributed greatly to the stature of the high school, as an institution of learning. During Mr. Orcutt's tenure, Woodsville High School was granted certificating privileges to its graduates, by the New England College Entrance Board.

In 1912, Mr. Orcutt succeeded in convincing the people that we needed a new high school building. It took no store court or Cold War to put the project across. In the spring of 1914, one of the most modern high school structures was ready for occupancy on King's Plain. Ample provisions were made for commercial and domestic arts classes besides for the regular academic work. A course in domestic arts was added to the curriculum in 1915. In 1917, medical inspection was introduced into the schools and Dr. E. M. Miller acted as school physician. This same year, a boys' basketball team was organized and joined the North Country League. In 1918, grades seven and eight were formally approved as a junior high school by the State Department of Public Instruction. Music was introduced in both high schools and grades in 1918 and for some time Miss Helen DuQuid acted as instructor.

At the close of the school year 1918, Mr. Orcutt resigned. The school report of that year had this to say. "Mr. Orcutt resigned to accept a position as headmaster of Plymouth High School. For ten years he had been the efficient head of the Woodsville High School and was chiefly responsible for its substantial growth in numbers and for its high rank among the schools of the state. His long and scholarly service will not be soon forgotten by his many pupils and friends." The number of pupils in high school at the time of Mr. Orcutt's resignation was 130.

In 1918, Mr. G. Hampton McGaw became headmaster of Woodsville Union High School, an office which he filled most ably for 23 years. Mr. McGaw was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Boy's Central High School in that city. His college was Wesleyan University from which he graduated with the coveted honor of being a Phi Beta Kappa man. Since it was his wish to specialize in the teaching of languages, Mr. McGaw spent a season at the University of Geneva, perfecting his mastery of languages, particularly French. In addition to his scholarly qualities, Mr. McGaw is a man of high ideals and strong moral and religious convictions. His aims may best be expressed by quoting his own words from a town report in which he stressed "punctuality, accuracy in scholarship, widening vision of world affairs, love for work and desire for service." Woodsville Union High School has been singularly blessed, all along the way, in the outstanding superiority of its leaders.

In the fall of 1918, 132 students were enrolled in the high school and the enrollment increased steadily until 1922-1923-1924 when it fell off slightly. Since 1925, the number of students has grown steadily and the progress of the school has kept pace.

The appointment of Miss Lottie M. B. Underhill as school nurse, in 1920, was a notable step forward. The checking of visual and hearing defects among students as well as advice on general health and personal hygiene contributed greatly to the physical and mental well-being of the students.

There were 133 students at Woodsville High School in 1922. This year marked the introduction of a preliminary session beginning Thursday prior to the regular school opening on Monday. This proved to be a time saving device and permitted class work to start smoothly on the first school day. Also, in 1922, Mr. May, Deputy Commissioner of Education, reported that Woodsville High School merited commendation for exceeding state requirements in Spanish, French II and French III. Credit for this high rating belongs to Mr. McGaw. Classes at this time were so large that in many instances the auditorium had to be utilized as a classroom.

During the 1920s, extra curricular activities such as baseball and basketball became self-sustaining. Woodsville High School joined the New Hampshire Debating League and made a good showing in competition. Over a five year period, the Lyceum spent $700 for permanent school equipment. In 1925, a 38 week school year was adopted and an extra teacher was added to the staff. The high school had an excellent orchestra, published "The Cycle," and participated in Alumni Education Week. Through 1926-27-28, registration continued to increase. It might also be noted that while throughout the state, the average cost per high school student was $107, the cost in Woodsville was $77.

The death of Norman J. Page in May of 1930 brought a personal and professional loss to the high and lower schools he had served so faithfully. His judgment and foresight were of great value to the school and the community. Mr. Edward A. Janes succeeded Mr. Page as Superintendent of Schools.

The high school suffered another great loss during 1930, in the death of Perley N. Klarke, who had contributed so generously for many years of his time and talent in developing high school orchestras. Larkin Hosford, who previously had been bandmaster, courageously took over Mr. Klarke's work and served the high school well as its music master.

By 1933, Woodsville High School was beginning to feel the pinch of its ever increasing enrollment. The laboratory and commercial rooms were overcrowded and alterations and additional equipment were badly needed. With a depression in full sway, however, appropriations were shrinking. Nevertheless, both the laboratory and the typewriting room were enlarged and the high school facilities were accommodating over 200 students by 1934.

One of the most notable events in the history of the high school and of the town took place in this decade. A new and modern community building was built and dedicated on November 10, 1937. The new building, adjacent to the high school building, boasts a large auditorium of sufficient size to house such activities as graduation exercises, proms and dramatic productions, as well as sports events such as basketball games. Showers and locker rooms in the basement provide facilities which were badly needed and of great convenience to participants in all sorts of high school activities. The Community Building was constructed at a cost of $58,000 and has a seating capacity of 1000.

At the beginning of another decade, it is interesting to quote the variety and scope of activities at Woodsville High School. Basic studies and social activities continue as in previous years but many things have been added in which all students participate. Weekly assemblies are held, often with an outside speaker, Lyceum programs, publication of "The Cycle" and the biweekly news sheet "Cycle Chatter," the Quill and Scroll Society, orchestra, band, chorus singing, visits to governmental agencies and to manufacturing plants, meetings for conduct of school affairs, service, connected with the buildings, health inspection, tuberculin tests by state agency technicians, junior public speaking, patriotic essay contests, the senior play, and competitive speaking at Durham, comprise a long and impressive list. The public has contributed generously to the broadening and development of our high school students. The alumni provide an Attainment Award. Dr. Perley Speed sponsors the Music Award. The American Legion donates cups for athletics. The D.A.R. arranges a pilgrimage to the state capitol. The Rotary Club invites interested youth to their weekly meetings. Countless individuals have helped with food sales and provided transportation for out of town events.

After guiding the destinies of Woodsville High School with great success for 23 years, Mr. G. Hampton McGaw resigned as headmaster in 1941. His term of office was by far the longest of any headmaster. Since he remained on the high school staff as instructor of languages for several years more, the school continued to benefit from his talent and understanding.

Mr. J. Harold Moody succeeded Mr. McGaw as headmaster. Although he remained with the school but two years, Mr. Moody's achievements were notable. As a student during the Depression, he entered Dartmouth and worked his way through the first two years of college. Then, because of financial difficulties, he had to abandon his college career temporarily. Later, he returned to Dartmouth and graduated with honors in 1931. He then took his master's degree at Columbia University and has gone on to become a successful Superintendent of Schools in the Hillsboro district.

Mr. Moody's tenure occurred during the war years. At the suggestion of the Army and Navy, more technical studies were introduced into the high school curriculum, particularly aeronautics. The building of physical fitness and morale were stressed. Girls did part time work at the hospital and boys worked in garages to learn mechanical skill. In 1942, a basement game room was installed to provide recreation for out of town students who remained in the building during the lunch hour. Mr. Moody taught science and mathematics but resigned after two years. In 1942 also, Mr. Janes resigned as Superintendent of Schools, succeeded by Richard Martin and Wesley Douglas. In 1946, Mr. Phil Bennett assumed the duties of Superintendent and remains to the present time. Mr. Anatole Pendo followed Mr. Moody as headmaster of Woodsville High School. Mr. Pendo came here from Berlin, NH, where he had taught in the high school and also served as sub-master of the junior high. He is a graduate of Norwich University and later took his master's degree at Bates College. Mr. Pendo had been active in athletics throughout his college and teaching career and in addition to teaching mathematics, has served as basketball coach and developed teams of championship quality.

Woodsville High School has been following national progress all the way. Modern equipment such as fluorescent lamps, gas stoves for the laboratory and domestic science rooms, and new heating plants have been added. Great credit is due to the foresight of the executives who from its very beginning have struggled, sometimes against unfavorable odds, to build Woodsville High School into the fine institution it has become.

Due largely to the inspired efforts of Mr. Phil Bennett, a new vocational building is the most recent addition to the facilities of the high school. Here will be provided training in technical skills for those students who wish to learn them. At present, a course in auto-mechanics is available, also home economics and a wood shop. Later on, a class in welding will be offered. Evening courses in the new building will also be available for adult education.

It is unfortunate that because of their numbers, it is impossible to pay tribute to our many fine grade and high school teachers individually. It has been their task to lay the foundations for the high school and college students of the future and to inspire in them a love for learning. Without their loyal and patient efforts, little progress could have been made. Many girls from this and nearby districts have been successful teachers in our schools. Among them are Ada Mann Rowden, Mary Mitchell Mann, Manola Cutting, Muriel Wood, Florence Warden Gibson, Frances Deming Larty, Clara Tuttle, Lilias Warren and at present Giovannina Castello, Helen Franklin and Florence Lang.

Within the relatively brief span of 56 years, our school has developed from the one senior $5000 building to its present impressive standing among New England schools. High educational standards have been maintained all the way and in all departments. Its alumni is represented with distinction in many fields of activity and in many corners of the earth.

With the leadership of its fine superintendents, headmasters, instructors and athletic directors, and the loyal cooperation of the public and its students, Woodsville Union High School district has made big business of turning out young men and women well equipped to meet life with high intelligence and good sportsmanship. We view it proudly because it is a community institution which fully justifies our pride.


Biography of Historian (Woodsville Union High) by Madeline Weeks Kirk 1953

Clara Dickinson Weeks, who has done the research, pertinent to, and the writing of "A History of the Woodsville Union High School District" is now in her 83rd year. She was born December 3, 1870 in Barnet, Vermont, the eldest daughter of Curtis and Florinda Dickinson and granddaughter of Nathaniel Dickinson mentioned in the school history, as a member of the town's first school board. Her father, as a youth, lived in one of Woodsville's oldest houses located on Ammonoosuc Street. He attended school at the first schoolhouse at the foot of South Court Street.

Clara Dickinson's earliest ambition was to become a school teacher, a goal not easily achieved in an era when schools were few and far apart and the education of women was of relatively minor importance. She attended the village schools of Barnet and took further preparation at McIndoes and St. Johnsbury Academies.

In the 1880's and early '90's it was not necessary for a girl to be a high school graduate to become a teacher. The requirements seemed to be that the teacher should be slightly older (this was not always true) and somewhat more advanced educationally than her pupils. However, each teacher was required to pass an examination given by a County Superintendent of Schools, who subsequently made frequent checks on their work. At the age of 17, she became a teacher. The State offered two weeks of Normal School training for its teachers and she attended these sessions each year.

It was a practice of this early period to transfer teachers each year from one school to another, so that no teacher remained longer than one school year in the same place. Therefore, Miss Dickinson had varied experience, having taught at Joe's Brook, Waterford, Barnet, East Barnet and Passumpsic, all in Vermont.

In 1894 , she was engaged to take charge of the primary department in Woodsville. This was a long and rather awesome step, as it meant moving from a four grade room of twenty five pupils to a much larger school which boasted between sixty and seventy children in the primary grades. At Woodsville, she was assisted two hours each day by a high school student, Miss Belle Fox. Clara Dickinson remained as primary teacher until 1898 when she married Dr. F. G. Weeks, Woodsville's first resident dentist.

The rearing of six children, all of whom attended the Woodsville schools, brought an end to her school teaching career, but intensified her interest in school affairs. She served as a member of the School Board from 1907 to 1910 and was influential in bringing about the appointment of our first school superintendent. Two of her nine grandchildren are graduates of Woodsville High School and three great grandchildren are growing to school age.

In addition to her constant interest in the schools, Mrs. Weeks has been active in many other fields of community enterprise. Gifted with an excellent soprano voice, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was a faithful worker in the Universalist Church for many years. She is a past President of the original Woodsville Women's Club and served tirelessly in their many fine causes, such as the establishment of a Milk Fund for undernourished children, the clinic for immunizing children against diphtheria and she was a member of the committees sponsoring these movements. She was also active in the development of the Community Field and the planting of the maples, which now border the Field. For several years she was Chairman of the Committee which produced the Club's annual flower shows.

At what most people would call retirement age, Mrs. Weeks assumed another job; that of dental assistant to her husband, who was in failing health and worked with him until his retirement in 1940, after 46 years of service to the community.

If, as my mother's biographer, I may be permitted a brief paragraph of my own, I would like to say that she entered into the project of writing a history of the Woodsville schools with a youthful heart and enthusiasm to match. She has searched her memory, which is amazingly accurate. She has done research among town histories and town reports and garnered her facts carefully. She has interviewed "old timers" and explored many avenues for authentic information, and despite her years has been as happy as a school girl in doing so.