The Annual Open House Weekend at the Historical Society will feature a photographic display of school pictures. The exhibit “School Days, School Days” will show photos of students, teachers, and principals dating from 1889 to the l960’s. The exhibit is part of the statewide Open House for Historical Society’s and Museums throughout Connecticut. The society, located at 686 Savin Ave., across from the Green, will be open Saturday, June 9, 10-4, and Sunday, June 10 from 11-4. Admission is free.
The photographs include graduating classes from the High School as well as many of the elementary schools in the city. Many of the more than 50 pictures show the changing hair styles and dress for young ladies alongside the changes in attire for boys some wearing knickers to long pants in the early photos. Also of interest is a section of short biographies of leading school principals such as Mae Carrigan, Alma Pagels, Elizabeth Mackrille, Mabel Casner and other educators. One highlight of the exhibit includes the weekly salary payments for members of the early teaching staff.
In addition to the pictures, visitors will be able to peruse High School Yearbooks “The Blue Flame”and a number of issues of “The Rostrum” the High School newspaper from the society’s Archives. A collection of Middle School registers will also be available for public viewing. The Registers include student’s addresses, attendance information and absences for Bailey and Giannotti Middle schools but do not record academic records.
For further information call the Society (203) 932-0088.