2020 Tour B4 Demolition

This remembrance from Kathy Peterson Thom

After 97 years, Central Avenue Grade School will be torn down.  On Thursday, March 12, 2020, several old-timers met to say, “goodbye.”  Our oldest guest was Edward Krysiak who graduated from FP in 1958.

The kindergarten class made us a “Welcome Class of 63” sign and the staff provided fruit and cookies.

The principal had planned tours of the classrooms, but minutes before we arrived she learned about the mandatory school closings (due to the coronavisus pandemic), so plans changed quickly!

Many of the little ones eat their breakfast and lunch at school, plus the school closure would create daycare issues for working parents.  The principal’s quick action and concern for her students was heartwarming.

We had a swift walk-by tour of the building and many of us filled-in stories along the way.  One of the highlights was Carli Carlson’s reminder about our Christmas pageant when he brought his donkey, and the 6th grade boys had to push it onto stage! (The good old days!). Does anyone recall who played Mary & Joseph?

It was great fun to visit with one another and it is true that most spaces appeared smaller than we remembered, and old friends never go out of style.

They were planning on having a community Open House in May, but that may be put on hold.

Several photos from that gathering are attached.