.As we begin the process of getting back to some kind of normality, many Somersworth children are finding themselves back in their school buildings. So I felt it was a perfect time to take a look back at one of Somersworth’s long-standing educational institutions, its high schools.
I say high schools because the city has had three buildings dedicated to the pursuit of higher education over its history. This week I’m going to take a look at the first two of those schools.
Somersworth high schools would begin their journey in 1850 when the first was built on the highest point in the city atop Prospect Hill. Now if you are thinking but isn’t that the same site as Hilltop School? You would be right.
Before Hilltop was built there, another building would be erected and that high school would be known as the Great Falls High School on account of this portion of Somersworth then being referred to as “the Village of Great Falls in Summersworth.”
That building would also hold the distinction of being the first public high school in New Hampshire and would take the dtate legislation of 1848 creating what was known as the ‘Somersworth Act’ before building could commence. Now, there were private high schools in the dtate such as Pinkerton Academy, but Somersworth was the first district to be granted a public high school.
The original high school, which proudly sat atop Prospect hill for 77 years would cost the then-town the princely sum of $10,536.89 to build and for equipment. The location was decided by a committee and the land was purchased from the Horne family on Nov. 14, 1849 for the sum of $1,000 and consisted of three acres.
The structure itself was built by John Hussey and despite some serious digging I have unfortunately yet to discover the name of the original building’s architect. The high school for many years would house both grammar school and high school students.
The very first classes would enter the building in the spring of 1851 and be 100 in number. The first students to graduate would do so at the close of the March term in 1851. For the first five years of its existence, high school students would attend the school for 40 weeks of the year and those weeks were divided into ten-week terms. After those first five years, they would be divided into three longer terms, which we are now more familiar with today.
It would not be until June 15, 1927 that things would change on the interesting landscape of Prospect Hill. This was the date that construction of the new high school would begin. It would mean that the old structure would need to be taken down and that according to records was no mean feat. Once accomplished though, the new building would be completed at breath-taking speed at least when it comes to construction. From start to finish the project would be completed in just 19 weeks.
This new school would cost $125,000, with $92,902 of that being eaten up in construction costs.The remaining balance would be used to equip the new school. The architect of this structure would be Charles G Loring of Boston who would incorporate the latest in thinking in high school designs. The new building would be three stories high and the walls were constructed from water-struck red brick with Indiana limestone trims. With over 170 windows, the building was known for its light which also at the time included a state-of-the-art electrical system. The crown in its jewel however would be its gymnasium complete with maple floor and a balcony that included seating for around 250 people.
It’s hard to believe that the building has been standing over the city for almost 100 years. Of course, nowadays it is no longer either a high or elementary school having been discontinued as an educational institution in 2011. Nowadays it is home to many of those who were educated there as it was transformed into Hilltop apartments by developer Eric Chinburg. Like so many of the older buildings in the city, I wish it could talk but alas this is not the case. So like all who enjoy history, I rely on old newspapers, records and people relating those stories through the ages.
Next week, I’ll take a look at the present high school and perhaps revisit the old Hilltop School which I know means so much to all those who have trodden those hallowed halls over the past 170 years.
Somersworth Festival Association Craft Fair
Don’t forget this Sunday is Mother’s Day and if you haven’t purchased your gift yet, the Somersworth Festival Association has you covered. They will be holding a Spring Craft Fair in the parking lot of Holy Trinity Church on High Street. The fair runs from 9 to 3 p.m. and will offer a little of something for everyone this Saturday May 8th.
That’s all I have for this week, so until next week, please continue to take care of yourself and continue to be nice to others.
This article first appeared in Fosters Daily Democrat on May 5th, 2021.