The Mattapoisett Historical Commission recently installed an informational panel detailing the history of the Center School on the grounds in front of the property. The panel provides a description of the school’s founding and pictures from its earliest days of operation. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Linda Ashley are pleased to share that a panel describing the history of the Center School was recently installed in front of the building by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission.
The 36-inch-wide, 30-inch-high panel sits on a metal beam planted into the ground, telling the story of the Center School’s founding, including pictures provided by the Mattapoisett Historical Society that depict the building’s early days. The panel, with the title “Historically Speaking … Center School,” also includes an image of a handwritten note from the philanthropist who funded the construction of the building, describing his intentions to provide the property to the town so that “the children are made happier and healthier.”
The installation of the “Historically Speaking” panel at the Center School was approved by the Mattapoisett School Committee in late March. The Center School panel is similar to another “Historically Speaking” panel installed by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission at the Mattapoisett Wharves.
The Center School history panel installation was first proposed by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission in January.
The new panel at the Center School describes how the building opened in 1899, when it was first known as the Mattapoisett School. The property was donated to the town by an industrialist and financier from Fairhaven named Henry Huttleston Rogers.
“The son of a former sea captain, Henry H. Rogers had spent his early childhood in Mattapoisett,” the panel states. “Rogers made his initial fortune in the oil refining business. Later his financial interests included railroads, steel making, and copper mining. A philanthropist, he was particularly committed to education and provided the funds for a number of public buildings, including a school in Fairhaven.”
Rogers and his wife Abbie attended the dedication of the new Mattapoisett Town Hall in 1897, when he was approached by a prominent member of the community, who told him that what the community really needed was a school.
On Oct. 27, 1897, at a special town meeting, attendees voted to purchase a lot on the corner of Barstow and Church streets “to erect a schoolhouse two stories high with a clock and all the modern improvements, and second to none in the state, so far as convenience and sanitation were concerned.”
The four-acre parcel of land used for the new school was purchased from the estate of Leonard Hammond for $1,500, and the architect selected for the project was Charles Brigham, one of the most important and prolific architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Following construction, the Mattapoisett School was dedicated on Jan. 4, 1899, with Rogers in attendance to make an address. The Mattapoisett School then provided an education to students in the first through 12th grade until 1905, when Rogers donated a new high school in Fairhaven, which was also designed by Brigham. The Mattapoisett School then continued to serve elementary grades.
Two small additions were made to the original Mattapoisett School building, including a six-room addition constructed in 1936, along with a cafeteria and kitchen in 1950. The original building was later renovated, and a large wing was added in 2004 to house kindergarten through the third grade, the panel states.
The layout for the historical panel was designed by Village Signs Inc., a small business in Mattapoisett.
The Mattapoisett Historical Commission celebrated the installation of the “Historically Speaking” panel as a way to educate the public about the legacy of such an important institution in the community.
“The Historical Commission is very pleased to be able to honor the history of Center School with the placement of a panel,” said Rachel McGourthy, chairperson of the commission.
Superintendent Nelson, Principal Ashley, Mattapoisett School Committee Chairperson Carly Lavin and Town Administrator Michael Lorenco all thanked the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for the valued contribution to the Center School property.
“It’s amazing to see the history of the Center School acknowledged and celebrated in this new panel,” said Town Administrator Lorenco. “I’d like to thank the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for this contribution, educating all of our students and community members about the history of this beloved building.”
“This historical panel is a beautiful addition to the Center School property,” said Chairperson Lavin. “It’s awesome to see our history acknowledged in such a way. Thank you to the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for taking the initiative to install this much-appreciated historical panel.”
“The ‘Historically Speaking’ panel has been a great addition to our Center School property,” said Principal Ashley. “The new installation is already receiving plenty of attention. This is a great way for our students, staff, parents and community members to learn about the history of the Center School.”
“The Center School has been a beloved institution in our community for nearly 130 years. I think the new panel is an excellent way to acknowledge that history and teach our students about the story behind the building,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I’d like to express our gratitude to the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for this valuable contribution. We deeply appreciate this effort to make our shared history accessible to all of our students, teachers and anyone who visits the Center School.”
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The new historic panel installed in front of the Center School describes how the building opened in 1899 and was first known as the Mattapoisett School. The property was donated to the town by an industrialist and financier from Fairhaven named Henry Huttleston Rogers. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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