Memories of Lalor School... continued
by Gale Szajna

The fourties...

In the  40's the students from the Broad Street Park area attended Wiley School for kindergarten, Rowan School for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, Wiley School for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade, and Lalor School for 8th grade. Whew! Jean Hart attended Lalor School in the 1948/49 school year for 8th grade. Prior to that particular year the students from the Broad Street Park area were bused to Lalor School but in September 1948 the bus was taken away. As the parents put up a fuss to get the bus service restored the six children attended Lalor School. The School Board gave them the option of either getting a bus to Yardville School or walking to Lalor School. The six students had already bonded with the Lalor students so they decided to continue to attend and walk to school. That year Jean met her future husband Howard Riley at Lalor School. She remembers it being Miss Catherine Donnelly's last year as Principal. The teachers included Ms.Chance, Ms.Marriot, Ms.Reedhead, Mrs.Furgenson and Ms.Burrichter.  The beloved Mrs.Borden was still  the kindergarten teacher. She was in charge of the "shows".  That year Mrs.Borden built a surrey that Jean rode in as the chorus sang 'The Surrey With the Fringe on the Top".  Jean fondly remembered that Friday nights were "Canteen" at Lalor School. They would dance and listen to records under the supervision of teachers and parents. She also recalled that the PTA had presented her with a cash award as first prize for the most A's.  Her friends Arlene Seabridge received second prize and Roberta Green third prize. Fred McRoberts recalls" the school being heated by a coal furnace and the janitor,Harry carrying the buckets of cinders out the back door".  Many of the boys played baseball and Lalor School had a team. They played Kuser Annex and Yardville. Howard Riley, Muzzy Fletcher, and Charles Tiggett were on this team among others. The gym teacher was their coach.  Howard Riley said,"They were always the champs". 

I believe at this time Mr.Charles Mitchell became the Principal of Lalor School.

Picture taken by Mrs.E.Webster Hogan ( teacher ) approximately early 1940's in front of Lalor School.

  Memories continued...