The annual Open House Weekend at the Historical Society will bring back some memories of “School Days, School Days” in West Haven Public Schools. The photography exhibit spotlighting schools will open Saturday, June 9 from 10-4, and Sunday, June 10 from 11-4, at the Poli House in West Haven, 686 Savin Ave., across from the Green. Admission is free.
Photos of graduating classes from various Elementary schools and the High School is sure to evoke happy memories for many as the more than fifty photographs show the distinctive changes in style and attire over the period from the late l9th century to the mid-20th century. Several of the photographs include the names of students originally signed by the graduates.
In addition to the pictures visitors will be able to look through various High School Yearbooks and a number of issues of “The Rostrum” the high school newspaper some as early as the 1930’s. Also the society’s collection of Registers from Bailey and Carrigan Middle Schools will be available for public viewing.
Among the highlights to be seen will be the teachers and administrators salary record book including the surprising monthly payment record in l909 for Edgar C. Stiles the Superintendent of Schools.
Also of interest will be a section of biographical information on familiar school principals including Mae Carrigan, Alma Pagels, Elizabth MacKrille, Mabel Casner , and Anna Molloy.
The Open House is an annual event held throughout Connecticut for historical society’s and museums.