It's the final chapter for our old school. At approximately 9:20 a.m. today, crews began the demolition of the 1927 Dorchester School building. At least 125 onlookers gathered on the streets and alley throughout the morning. Many stood in silence as the first bricks fell.As of 11:30 a.m., most of the old gym and a portion of the new addition hallway had been reduced to rubble.
Earlier in the morning, the one-room schoolhouse -- which had served as a classroom for pre-school, as well as fourth, fifth and sixth grades throughout the years -- was razed.
According to officials at the school, the demolition process will likely take two full days to complete.
* UPDATE: 5/19, 10 p.m. *
As of this evening, much of the main building remained standing for one more sunset. The stage of the old gym remained, as well.
The Times was e-mailed several dozen photos from half a dozen bystanders who witnessed today's historic event. We thank those who took time to send us their shots, since only two members of the Times' staff were able to attend the first day of the demolition -- and neither owned nor felt comfortable using a digital camera.
Here are scenes from today, as crews put an exclamation on the end of an era. (Simply click on a picture for a closer view.)
If anyone out there has pictures or possibly video they can post, that would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAllen
DHS Class of '86
I can't believe that there was not a walk through the old building before they started demolishing it. I would have been there as well as many other people. I spent my whole K-12 in that school and I was very sad to hear of the demolition of the building without one last walk through. I think whoever said it couldn't be done should be bannished from the school forever. Thanks alot for nothing.
ReplyDeleteSad but exciting. So many memories but so much promise for the future. What else can be said?
ReplyDeleteThere were plenty of opportunities to see the school. In the past few months I have been 4 times (Weekend and Weekday), and I live 2 hours away. If you really wanted to see it, you could.
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts a little after seeing those pictures.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous above that there were plenty of chances to see the school before today. The only thing that would have been better is if one of the events were held on a weekend. I only caught an hour of the wrecking crew after work.
When I clicked on the photos of the stage in the old gym I saw some familiar names painted on the black wall.
ReplyDeleteIf I could ask, with utmost understanding to the volunteer status of the Dorchester times, that you make all the pictures available. Perhaps you could upload them to a Picasa Web Album (part of Google, as is Blogger.)
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Allen
Class of '86.
We will work on that, Allen.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see it go .......... now you city slickers know how we felt when they closed down our country schools............................
ReplyDeleteto cynical richard...............
ReplyDeletecome on now...i seen you shedding tears while you were watching the building being torn down..........
country school........third grade was the best 4 years of your life