What happened to the little one-room schoolhouse? Well, residents of Warren Township, near Plainfield, know what happened to seven little one-room white schoolhouses. Fifteen years ago the local board of education opened modern Central School and offered the seven one-room schools for sale. Nearly all are now dwellings and some are striking examples of the architect's art. Rapid educational strides have been achieved in Warren Township since that event. Recognition came recently in the selection of Mrs. Edith Binker as the nation's outstanding public school teacher of 1945. Award was made after a former pupil, Rita Eversole, now of Avon Lake, 0H, wrote the sponsors of a coast-to-coast radio program, outlining Mrs. Binker's qualifications. A checkup by a committee of college professors followed and the teacher from Central School was chosen. A visit into Mrs. Binker's classroom is a restful experience. The calm, quiet attitude of the teacher was reflected in the harmonious group of pupils. She teaches departmental English and science in the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth grades and supervises the school glee club. A rural school teacher for nearly 20 years, Mrs. Binker shies from publicity "I certainly don't feel I am any more deserving of such an honor than any one of my teacher colleagues," she told this reporter. Ralph F. Juppe, principal of Central School, was apologetic when reporters visited the school, explaining that classrooms were not up to par because of last-minute graduation plans, "and all these photographers constantly disrupting our routine." However, the principal was generous in his praise of Mrs. Binker's teaching ability, adding, "she is most deserving and I certainly hope she will remain with us." Mrs. Binker has been granted a leave of absence in order to take advantage of a year to study at a Midwestern university. She was graduated from school in Tulsa, Okla., taught there one year, then in East Millstone, Somerville and Warren Township. She lives in a modest home in Bridgewater Township, near Somerville, and plans to return to Central School where she earns $1,950 a year. Her total prize from the radio program was $2,500, of which $1,500 is for further education . "It's really the harmonious atmosphere of this school system and not I," she said. "It's no chore working among such a friendly group - it just brings out the best in one." "From rags to riches" might be used as a comparison between the first little school in Warren Township and the modern, well equipped Central School of to-day. The Smalleytown School at Mountain avenue and Stirling road, so named after that section of the township, served its purpose during the early 1800's. Pupils from Watchung, Warrenville, Springdale, Union Village, Mt. Horeb, Mt. Bethel, Coontown, North Plainfield, Green Brook and South Stirling attended. In later years Watchung, North Plainfleld and Green Brook broke away from Warren township and built school systems of their own. For many years the Smalleytown School stood vacant after a new school was built a short distance away. The name Smalleytown disappeared and the new one-room school, much larger, was called South Stirling. Recently the Smalleytown school was converted into a home tenanted by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schweitzer. The South Stirling school was bought by Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Coleman and converted into a colonial type home. The township was later divided into six districts. A school was built in each. One of the oldest is the Warrenville School on Warrenville road, built in1847. In recent years it was purchased by a retired school teacher who converted it into a dwelling, retaining all the original structure, inside and out, and adding several wings. The Mt. Horeb section was served by a school built on Mountainview road. The Mountainview School was one of the last sold by the school board. It is now used as a summer home. Down the mountain several miles stands the Round Top School. named after the road on which it was built. It is the only schoolhouse not modernized. In its original form it is used as a barn by Mrs. Jennie Nuse, the owner. The Mt. Bethel School on Mt. Bethel road is now the recreation hall for the picturesque Roman Catholic church across the street. The Springdale School. on Washington Valley road, was bought by Mr. and Mrs. George Hendershot and converted into a home. "We are very proud of the progress of education in this township," William B. J. Reitze, veteran member of the Board of Education, said yesterday. Mr. Reitze has been a member of the School Board 20 years, has never missed a meeting and has served as president four years. "We are contemplating an addition to the school at present," he added. A five-room addition would cost about $90.000, it is estimated. Plans have been drawn and the school board will shortly put the matter of floating a bond issue up to the electorate. "This is not a wealthy community, either," added Mr. Reitze, "but the people are school-minded. And that, in any community, is important." [Newark Sunday Call, Picture Magazine, June 30, 1946] © Warren Township Historical Society |