More stunning photos from the collection of Laura Varilek
Maplewood has had three high school buildings. Some of the images that Ms. Varilek was kind enough to share have caused me to take a look at our historic record. You get to look too. I think it is worth mentioning that James C. Sutton Sr. was very active in the establishment of the first school in the area. He was the board chairman until 1866 when his son, John L., took over. He, in turn, was succeeded by his brother, James, Jr., who served until 1908. The district had continuous leadership from the Sutton family, the father and his two sons for over fifty years! In 1882, the site was purchased and a one-room schoolhouse was erected and called Bartold Valley School. The site was directly across Manchester from our present day city hall. Miss Ella Smith, who taught for forty-two years (1867-1909), is in the center of the rear row. Boy, she looks like fun, doesn’t she? Mr. Thomas’ daughter, Emma B. is next to her as is Sarah Harrison, Ms. Varilek’s great-great grandmother. One of my sources says another room was added in 1889. At first the school was called the Bartold Valley School. This was later shortened to just the Valley School. In 1892, a four-room two-story addition was added. In 1901, the first brick building was added- a two-story, four-room addition in front of the eight wood-frame rooms.
In the above image, the four-room wood frame building can be seen in the rear. The area was having growing pains that the school administrators were continually trying to accommodate.
