The end of another school year may bring a mix of feelings. Teachers and students can look at their accomplishments with pride and feel exhilaration as they break for summer vacation, but also feel a bit sad to say goodbye to the relationships and sense of community formed over the last nine months.
This year, Tonawanda teachers and students are also saying goodbye to their elementary schools. Mullen and Riverview Elementary Schools hosted their last classes in June, as the district prepares for the new state-of-the-art Tonawanda Elementary School to open in the fall. Still, their legacy will live on.
The Historical Society of the Tonawandas is helping preserve the memory of Mullen and Riverview. Secretary/Treasurer Skip Johnson said the effort began with the closing of Fletcher Elementary, the building being transformed into Tonawanda Elementary.
“Dr. Oldenburg has reached out to us on historical issues over the last several years and he thought since Fletcher was a school that had been there for 80-some years and there were a lot of people who went to it, and we’re now going to tear down a good chunk of it, with the rest of it being completely remodeled, maybe the citizenry that went to the school would like to walk through the halls one more time,” Johnson said.
“Understanding that our community has a strong connection to Fletcher School, it was important that we partnered with the Historical Society to offer opportunities for our community members to get inside the oldest remaining school in Tonawanda before it is renovated and remodeled," Oldenburg said.
Together, the Historical Society and the district organized special Warrior Walks that toured Fletcher. Johnson said Warrior Walks are usually tours through Tonawanda neighborhoods. These were through Fletcher.
“Generationally, a lot of people went to that school. I got a kick out of watching people going up and down these hallways that maybe 50 or 60 years ago, maybe more, they were in there,” he said. “That went over very well. I would say 125-150 people.”
It went over so well, in fact, that Warrior Walks were organized through Mullen and Riverview.
"As Mullen and Riverview Schools closed in June, it was necessary to offer tours of the schools for interested residents,” Oldenburg said. “Elementary schools have a special place in the hearts and memories of many people. Some of our fondest educational experiences and relationships began in these places. Our district values and recognizes the significance of these schools closing and was sure to provide opportunities for people to recall such fond times."
“Mullen and Riverview both opened on September 4, 1957. These were neighborhood schools built in response to the baby boom,” Johnson said. “And everyone swore their allegiance to their elementary school. A bit of our identity was what elementary school we attended.”
Johnson said the Historical Society has a file on each Tonawanda school that’s been in existence, including all yearbooks from upper grades. Class pictures, research and an abundance of newspaper clippings are among the elementary collection. In the case of Fletcher, the Historical Society has a movie of its 1937 groundbreaking. In the case of Murray Elementary, which preceded Fletcher, the Historical Society has its original red school bell in its archives.
“I can only keep what someone gives us,” he said. “I don’t want a picture of Aunt Ethel and Uncle Fred standing in front of the fireplace, but if they’re standing in front of the school, please don’t throw them away. Give them to us. They’re of historical significance.”
Johnson said Tonawanda may be entering a new chapter in the education of its elementary children, but the city can still honor its past, while enjoying all the benefits of a new future at Tonawanda Elementary.
"The Tonawanda City School District is proud of our continued partnership with the Tonawanda Historical Society,” Oldenburg said. “Together we have been able to offer important and valuable experiences for our community as the school consolidation plan comes to completion."
Warrior Walks through Fletcher and Riverview are also available on the Warriors Walk Wednesdays Facebook page, where they have had hundreds of views. Also visit TonawandasHistory.org for more information.