Falmouth Elementary School
Falmouth Elementary School
Apr. 14, 1928—Dean B. Y. Tynan of the Fredericksburg State Teachers College presented to the Stafford County School Board a plan for operating the Falmouth Training School (later Falmouth Elementary School not to be confused with the Stafford Training School that served African American students):
- Grades 1-3, total of 76 children, would remain in the Falmouth building “under the control of at least four well qualified student teachers and one supervising teacher.”
- Grades 4-7 to be transported to the new 18-room Campus Training School at Fredericksburg State Teachers College where they would be combined with “average and proper training groups of pupils from Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania.”
- The cost of transporting these students to be borne by the FSTC and the bus route to cross the Free Bridge, “this route to be followed as long as the road along the river is passable.” The School Board approved of the plan (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, pp. 136-137).
June 4, 1928—Staff at Falmouth Training School:
- Mrs. Helen Carmachael, Supervisor of student teachers from Fredericksburg State Teachers College (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 143).
Jan. 7, 1929—Four Falmouth citizens complained about the Falmouth Training School and the Campus Training School, “which is furnishing all instruction for the first three grades taught at Falmouth School as well as the upper four grades which are transported by the said college to the Campus Training School on their campus and there instructed.” Amongst their complaints:
- frequent changes in teachers and poor teachers;
- “very poor instruction, and no discipline. Pupils and student teachers often running wild in the woods and have to be looked up when needed;”
- “Discrimination against Falmouth Children, and such remarks as ‘Falmouth Brats’ from teachers”
- inability of the poor people of Falmouth to dress and fix lunches for their children.”
- The School Board promised to investigate. “Nothing more definite than this was promised.” (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 159).
Jan. 15, 1929—A committee of the Stafford School Board visited the Campus Training School and the Fredericksburg State Teachers College to investigate the claims made by the four Falmouth citizens. They determined:
-
- 35.41% of the new Stafford students were academically below average;
- Training school associated with colleges offer expanded opportunities to students with a superior type of instruction and extra-curricular activities beyond the reach of other schools.
- The Board members visited classes in action and were impressed by what they saw.
- They noted the advantages that were beyond anything Stafford County could offer at the present time:
- a modern school building valued at $75,000;
- a library with 1,600 volumes;
- a “modern laboratory with running water” and modern pupil equipment, including science equipment;
- an average of 29 students per teacher;
- a building with five acres and then under construction a baseball diamond, basketball courts, the use of a swimming pool and other of the college facilities;
- highly qualified teachers with advanced degrees;
- high school offerings of short hand, type writing, bookkeeping, Home Economics, commercial arithmetic, etc. that were not offered in Stafford schools.
The Falmouth Training School was under the supervision of Helen W. Carmachael who was teaching grades 1 through 3 with two student teachers in each room. The committee members were impressed by the lessons being taught and the learning taking place. Among various comments in favor of the instruction taking place they observed, “There appeared to be not the slightest discrimination against the Falmouth pupils. In fact, there seemed to be a great deal of interest shown in them from the president of the college down to the student teachers in the classroom.” The Board decided to have grades 1 through 4 taught in the Falmouth school using four rooms in the building with at least two student teachers per room and at least one supervising teacher for the four rooms (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, pp. 160-164).
Feb. 4, 1929—The committee members who drafted the above report wrote, “This committee reported the school as an excellent institution, and by far better than Stafford County can offer at the present time. The recommendation of this committee was that the present contracts for elementary as well as high school work, be continued for next session” (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 165).
Feb. 27, 1929—The Board approved the plan to teach grades 1 through 5 at Falmouth (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 168).
Apr. 8, 1929—Due to the opposition of people of Falmouth to the transportation of the younger children to Fredericksburg, the School Board agreed to have grades 1 through 5 taught at Falmouth, “instead of the first three as in the past.” Falmouth parents were given the choice of sending their students to Falmouth or to the Campus Training School. Grades 6 and 7 were to continue at the CTS (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 172).
Feb. 10, 1930—“Upon recommendation of the Supt. of schools, who explained the conditions existing at the Falmouth Training School to be such as is to make a continuance of the present arrangement with the State Teachers College to be impractical in that there is continued and violent opposition within the town of Falmouth, it was moved by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Rose and passed unanimously that the present arrangement be discontinued and teachers, not to exceed 4, to be appointed in the regular manner by the county school board” (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 118).
June 2, 1930—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Thomas Apperly grades 6 and 7
- Mrs. Louise Peyton grades 4 and 5
- Miss Clara Huffman grades 2 and 3
- Miss Aline Hughes primer and 1
(School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 130)
Mar. 2, 1931—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Bruce Neil, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Louise Peyton grade 3
- Margaret Monroe grade 2
- Miss Arline Hughes grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 144)
May 2, 1932—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mr. C. H. Payne, principal grades 4 and 5
- Mrs. Louise T. Peyton grade 3
- Miss Virginia Clift grade 2
- Miss Mary Brewer grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 170)
July 3, 1933—Bids were accepted for painting Falmouth Elementary School, to include 2 coats of paint, tightening all loose boards. Low bid submitted by T. W. Brooks for $40 (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 101).
Nov. 6, 1933—T. B. Gayle applied to the State Civil Works Administration for money to repair various school buildings. Falmouth Elementary need general repairs, construction of a retaining wall, and “2 new large toilets, walks to these & road” with the estimated cost of the project $475 (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 112).
Dec. 4, 1933—The Board scheduled maintenance work on the school, to include construction of a retaining wall, filling behind the wall, 2 large toilets and walkways to these and to the road–$1,425.00 (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 112).
May 7, 1934—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Ruth Canaday, principal grades 4 and 5
- Mrs. Louise T. Peyton grade 3
- Miss Virginia Clift grade 2
- Miss Aline Hughes grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 125)
May 6, 1935—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Miss Gladys Staples grade 3
- Miss Virginia Clift grade 2
- Miss Aline Hughes grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 147)
June 1, 1936—School Board member J. Wesley Sullivan reported that Berea, Falmouth Elementary School, Enon, Union Branch, & White Oak schools were in need of extensive roof repair (School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 174).
May 3, 1937—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Miss Virginia Clift grade 3
- Miss Margaret Tyson grade 2
- Miss Aline Hughes grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1925-1937, p. 199)
July 6, 1937—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Miss Virginia Clift grade 3
- Miss Margaret Tyson grade 2
- Miss Aline Hughes grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 1)
July 6, 1937—Falmouth Elementary had 4 wood stoves & J. A. Ellington was awarded the contract to supply the wood (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, 4).
Dec. 6, 1937—Falmouth Elementary was “badly overcrowded” & the superintendent recommended transferring children living east of Cool Spring Run to New Hope School (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 12A).
Feb. 7, 1938—School Board “refused permission to the Falmouth Elementary School to hold a dance at the Falmouth High School. The former policy of allowing dances by invitation only appearing the best plan for those schools located near large centers of population such as in the case of Falmouth High School” (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 14).
May 2, 1938—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Mary G. Cadow grade 3
- Miss Margaret Tyson grade 2
- Miss Alene Hughes grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 21)
Mar. 6, 1939—Board minutes include a list of schools for which money was owed to the State Literary Fund. Falmouth Elementary owed $200 (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 49).
May 12, 1939—A delegation of citizens & patrons of Falmouth Elementary asked the Board to make improvement to the school to include central heating & inside toilets. The Board explained that funds were not available at that time. Someone from the delegation replied that “funds seemed to be plentiful for improvements at the high school and that they thought something should be done for the elementary school.” The Board agreed to have some of these improvements attended to (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 54).
Aug. 7, 1939—Falmouth Elementary had 4 wood stoves & Jobe Newton won the contract to supply wood (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 61).
Aug. 7, 1939—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Mary G. Cadow grade 3
- Mrs. Margaret VanAuken grade 2
- Mrs. Aline H. Carter grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 63)
Feb. 5, 1940—Dr. Donohoe, Stafford Sanitation Officer, and Miss Orth, County Nurse, presented to the School Board Dr. Jackson, the new County Health Officer. The Board agreed with Dr. Donohoe’s plans for water systems at White Oak & Falmouth Elementary and they requested that he move forward with the work (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 78).
June 17, 1940—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Mary G. Cadow grade 3
- Mrs. Margaret VanAuken grade 2
- Mrs. Aline H. Carter grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 89)
May 5, 1941—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Mary G. Cadow grade 3
- Mrs. Louise B. Cralle grade 2
- Mrs. Aline H. Carter grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 118)
Aug. 4, 1941—Jesse Olive was awarded the contract to supply wood to White Oak, New Hope, Little Falls, Falmouth Elementary School, and Leeland (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 122).
Nov. 3, 1941—A group of patrons from Falmouth Elementary School asked the Board to have the school bus take children directly to the school rather than letting them off at Jett’s Corner, a distance of about 150 yards from the school. No action taken until the Board understood more, “which seemed unjustified in view of the short distance involved and the difficulty of turning a bus at the school” (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p.129).
Dec. 15, 1941—A delegation from Falmouth Elementary School requested the Board to provide janitorial services to the school, “giving such reasons as the extreme smallness of their children, a majority being under 10 years of age, and having to go on the school truck, which fact makes it impractical for these small children to help with the cleaning as was possible in some other schools.” Board agreed to provide $2.00 per week for this purpose for the 1942-43 session, “the teachers and patrons agreeing to make up the remainder so that a janitor might be employed” (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, pp. 132-133).
May 4, 1942—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary:
- Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal grade 4
- Evelyn L. Williams grade 3
- Miss Ada V. Pollock grade 2
- Mrs. Aline H. Carter grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 143)
Sept. 8, 1942—The Board approved “extensive repairs to the roofs of the Falmouth Elementary and the Berea Schools, where the said roofs are in such poor condition as to endanger the building and make the classrooms unsafe to the health of the children due to the dampness following rains from which these buildings have very poor protection” (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 153).
Sept. 7, 1943—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary:
- Mrs. Katherine M. Bernard, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Pearle M. Stevens grade 3
- Miss Ada V. Pollock grade 2
- Mrs. Louise S. Cralle grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 172)
Nov. 1, 1943—A letter was received from Mrs. Katherine Bernard, principal of Falmouth Elementary School in which she “requested a release from contract so that she might accept a position offered her by the City School Board of Fredericksburg, which position carried with it a larger salary and a permanent appointment to a teaching position in the said city.” T. B. Gayle supported her request, though “several members expressed some doubt as to the wisdom of granting such a request.” The Board finally voted to approve her request (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 176).
Feb. 1, 1944—T. B. Gayle reported on the resignation of Mrs. Cralle of Falmouth Elementary School. “He stated that he was unable to force this teacher to remain at the school due to the fact that at the time she accepted the school last fall, she reserved the right to leave when her husband was induced into the army” (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 179).
June 5, 1944—A delegation from Falmouth Elementary School requested that the Board make provision “for inside toilet facilities” at the said school. The Board estimated the cost would be about $4,000, which would include drilling “a deep well, deep well pump, building for pump and toilets, toilet fixtures, pressure storage tank of 500 gal. capacity.” T. B. Gayle and the FES committee appeared before the Board of Supervisors and requested an appropriation of that amount. The Supervisors agreed to provide $2,000, the school board to pay the difference, “if possible.” The School Board agreed but felt it was a large expenditure on a four-room school “when there were others in the county which could make the same demand” (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 185).
June 20, 1944—The lowest bid for drilling the well was offered by Mitchell Pump and Well Company of Petersburg, at $4.75 per foot. The Board ordered the work to commence at once. They also authorized Gayle to proceed with the other work at the school, including the installation of plumbing, painting the school, and other repairs (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 187).
July 3, 1944—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary:
- Mrs. Agnes H. Raines grade 4
- Mrs. Pearle M. Stevens grade 3
- Mrs. Gertrude H. Edwards grade 2
- Miss Ada Virginia Pollock, principal grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 190)
Aug. 7, 1944—T. B. Gayle reported that the Mitchell Company had drilled down to about 250 feet without striking a sufficient stream of water (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 192).
Sept. 5, 1944—Mitchell Co. finally hit water at 334 feet. The cost of the well, testing, installation of the pump with a larger motor and 500-gallon pressure tank was $1,839.39 (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 193).
Oct. 2, 1944—T. B. Gayle reported on the crowded conditions at Falmouth Elementary School and said he had transferred 15 children to Little Falls School and had hired Mrs. Virginia H. Jones as an extra teacher at Little Falls (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 194).
Oct. 2, 1944—T. B. Gayle reported on the work at Falmouth Elementary and all was completed with the exception of the small addition to the building to house the pump and for use as a coal storage room (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 194).
Nov. 6, 1944—T. B. Gayle reported that work at Falmouth Elementary School, which was still incomplete, had cost in excess of $4,000 (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 195).
Dec. 4, 1944—T. B. Gayle reported that the work on Falmouth Elementary School totaled $4,250 (School Board Minutes, 1937-1945, p. 197).
July 2, 1945—Board approved contract with B. L. Lucas Construction Company to add two classrooms to Falmouth Elementary School for $6,150, subject to the additional expense “for raising the foundation to match the present building, and the necessary changes in the roof construction to match the present building, provision for such not being in the first plans” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 3).
Aug. 6, 1945—Board approved a contract with B. L. Lucas Construction Co. to add two classrooms, “to conform to the type of construction in the present building, except for such improvements as cloakrooms ventilators, wash bowls and drinking fountains, also the addition is to be storm sheathed and subfloored, regardless of whether such is in the old building.” The revised cost was $6,750 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 5).
Jan. 1, 1946—T. B. Gayle reported on the following changes “in the teaching corps of the county.” Mrs. Elizabeth Willard to replace Mrs. Deaderick at Falmouth Elementary School. Mrs. Margaret Pharr was employed as an additional first grade teacher at same school (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 13).
Feb. 4, 1946—A delegation from Falmouth Elementary and Falmouth High Schools complained about “the student drivers on the school busses operating near their homes. They stated that these young drivers were irresponsible, speeded their busses, made love to the young girls riding on the busses and in other ways were unsatisfactory. They stated that they were not going to send their children to school under such circumstances.” The Board agreed “to do what was in their power to control these conditions and would secure mature drivers as soon as such were available” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 15).
June 3, 1946—The Board was informed of “alleged unsanitary conditions” at the Falmouth Elementary School “which conditions had been complained of by Mr. Payne of Falmouth…It was agreed to have a ‘No Dumping’ sign erected at the school where the community has created a nuisance by dumping, also to have dirt hauled into this school lot to cover that refuse already dumped there” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 24).
Jan. 6, 1947—The Board discussed providing janitorial services to Falmouth Elementary School and to other county schools “where there is no such service provided at present” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 41).
Sept. 2, 1947—T. B. Gayle reported on the program of work to provide cafeteria space in the basement of Falmouth Elementary School. He hoped the space would be ready by Nov. 1. The cost of the work and equipment to be approximately $2,000, “but would be a good investment as there were about 200 children in the school and a great deal of dissatisfaction on the part of their parents because no lunch room facilities had been previously provided” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 61).
Feb. 2, 1948—“Mrs. Fines and Mrs. Wood, patrons of the Falmouth Elementary School were present and requested full time janitor service at the said school. The Board explained the fact that increasing costs of all school services and materials had been so high that funds were not available to give such service to the smaller schools” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 72).
Apr. 20, 1948—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Helen Whitlock, principal grade 2
- Mrs. Agnes Raines grade 5
- Mrs. Elizabeth Willard grade 4
- Mrs. Pearle M. Stevens grade 3
- Mrs. Elizabeth Thorburn grade 2
- Miss Madaline McWhirt grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 78)
Sept. 7, 1948—T. B. Gayle reported that the cafeteria at Falmouth Elementary School had been improved by installation of a new gas stove (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 87).
Jan. 3, 1949—The Board agreed to connect Falmouth Elementary School to the water system now being installed in Falmouth (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 95).
Feb. 7, 1949—The Board approved the use of Falmouth Elementary School by Falmouth Baptist Church for a Church School to be held in June of this year. The Board also approved the use of the grounds and toilets (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 97).
June 6, 1949—Mr. W. F. Harris, Jr., recently elected President of the Falmouth Elementary School PTA, requested the following improvements be made to the said school:
- Playground graded and surfaced
- Stove boards placed under stoves for protection and appearance
- Part-time primary teacher as it appeared that enrollment in first grade would exceed 50 students.
The Board agreed to obtain estimates on the playground and to have stove boards installed. There were no funds available for an additional teacher (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, pp. 106-107).
June 6, 1949—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Helen W. Whitlock, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Barbara B. Forbush grade 5
- Mrs. Elizabeth Willard grade 4
- Mrs. Pearle M. Stevens grade 3
- Miss Madaline McWhirt grade 2
- Mrs. Elizabeth Thorburn grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 109)
Aug. 1, 1949—The Board agreed to sell the deep will pump from Falmouth Elementary School to King George County for $200, approximately half of the original cost (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 130).
Sept. 3, 1949—Board received an estimate of $1,200 to grade and surface the Falmouth Elementary School playground, but they considered it too high (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 132).
Nov. 7, 1949—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Barbara B. Forbush grade 5
- Mrs. Helen W. Whitlock, principal grade 4
- Mrs. Elizabeth N. Willard grade 4
- Mrs. Pearle M. Stevens grade 3
- Miss Madaline B. McWhirt grade 1
- Mrs. Elizabeth D. Thorburn grade 2
- Mrs. Marie Mitchell grade 1 (part-time)
(School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 136)
May 1, 1950—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Mrs. Helen W. Whitlock, principal grade 4
- Dorothy R. Castles grade 5
- Elise D. Kimball grade 3
- Gertrude H. Edwards grade 2
- Madaline B. McWhirt grade 2
- Elizabeth D. Thorburn grade 1
- Patricia N. Combs grades 2-3
(School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 152)
Oct. 2, 1950—Falmouth Elementary School was badly overcrowded and the 6th grade was transferred to Falmouth High School (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 167).
Nov. 6, 1950—T. B. Gayle explained the “Primary School Plan” being implemented this session at Falmouth Elementary School. The plan, which was not well understood by parents, “was causing some complaints.” The Board felt that the plan would improve primary teaching, however (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 169).
July 19, 1951—Board received a letter from Julian Brooks “with reference to use of part of the Falmouth Elementary School lot for pasturing, all expenses to be borne by Mr. Brooks. The Board agreed to this provided the permission of Mr. J. L. Pratt, adjoining land owner was obtained” (School Board Minutes, 1951-1958, p. 7).
Aug. 16, 1951—The Board discussed the rapid development of Ferry Farm subdivision and considered the purchase of land nearby for construction of a new school in the future. A new elementary school to serve those families was then under construction and T. B. Gayle stated that when that building was completed, “that there should be sufficient classroom space available in the Falmouth Elementary School…When this is done the number of grades to be taught in the Falmouth Elementary School will be reduced and space made available for a large number of primary children there” (School Board Minutes, 1951-1958, p. 14).
May 5, 1952—The Board approved the recommendation of Mrs. Grace Chinn to serve as assistant principal for the Falmouth Grammar School for 1952-53 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 48). Note: Falmouth Grammar School was later renamed Melchers Elementary.
June 17, 1952—Mr. Plymale “requested use of the Falmouth Grammar School Grounds for the annual Carnival of the Falmouth Volunteer Fire Association and for use of the same grounds on August 19th for a one day circus for the benefit of the same organization.” The Board voted unanimously to approve the request (School Board Minutes, 1951-1955, p. 53).
Aug. 5, 1952—Board agreed to fund $10,000 for the “complete repair, renovation and improvement of school plant” at Falmouth Grammar School (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 61).
Sept. 2, 1952—Board agreed “to allow the use of a Soft Drink Vending machine in the teacher’s lounge at the Falmouth Grammar School (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 67).
Oct. 7, 1952—Board approved the use of Falmouth Grammar School for a benefit dance for Mr. Harding (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 74).
Oct. 7, 1952—Furniture from Enon School to be moved to Falmouth Grammar School at once. Mr. Kilian reported “that a Victrola from this school which was intended for Fal. Gr. School had never reached the school although it had been loaded by the teacher on the school truck” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 75).
Nov. 11, 1952—Mr. Billy Gordon of the American Legion requested permission to use the Falmouth Grammar School for a benefit for the Legion. The Board approved (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 76).
Nov. 11, 1952—Mrs. Henderson, principal of Falmouth Grammar School, said that programs to benefit Stafford High School should be held there rather than at the smaller schools (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 76).
Nov. 11, 1952—The Board approved the purchase of first aid kits for Falmouth Grammar School and Stafford Elementary, these “to be the large size units such as sold by Peoples Drug Store for about $7.00 each” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 77).
Dec. 2, 1952—Mr. Kilian reported on the condition at Falmouth Elementary School caused by the “State Highway turning water over grounds” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 80).
Jan. 6, 1953—Board approved the use of Falmouth Grammar School on Jan. 30 for a dance to benefit the National Infantile Paralysis Fund and use of the same building by Bethel Church at some time mutually agreeable (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 82).
Jan. 6, 1953—Mr. Kilian noted the need for repairs to the gutters on the Falmouth Grammar School and the need to move playground equipment (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 82).
Mar. 4, 1953—Resolutions from the PTAs of Falmouth and Stafford Elementary Schools asking that additional teachers be employed so as to relieve principals of teaching duties. The Board said that funds were not available to do so (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 90).
Apr. 7, 1953—Board planned on installing extra toilets with sewerage disposal system at Falmouth Grammar School, estimated to cost $4,000 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 94).
May 12, 1953—For insurance purposes, Falmouth Elementary School was valued at $15,000 and contents at $2,000 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 98).
June 2, 1953—Board approved the installation of heating systems at Falmouth Elementary and New Hope (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 99).
Aug. 4, 1953—T. B. Gayle reported on “repairs and alterations to Fal. Elem., Stafford Elem., and at Falmouth Grammar School” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 105).
Sept. 7, 1953—Board received statements from the State Department of Health pertaining to “future sewerage disposal problems of the Falmouth Grammar School. The Health Department said that before they could approve the application for funds to construct the proposed toilet additions at this school, “the School Board must agree to provide either for a new sewerage disposal system or for connecting with the sewer for the Falmouth Village.” The Board agreed to provide same within two years (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 110).
Oct. 12 1953—Board was seeking bids for the installation of new heating systems at Falmouth Elementary and New Hope Schools (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 113).
Oct. 12, 1953—Board had applied for money from the State School Construction Fund to add toilets to the Falmouth Grammar School (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 114).
Nov. 2, 1953—Leaks in the roofs at Falmouth Elementary School and New Hope were being addressed (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 116).
Nov. 2, 1953—Board gave final approval for construction of additional toilet rooms at Falmouth Grammar School along with “the necessary changes in the basement room to convert to a full size cafeteria” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 117).
Nov. 2, 1953—Board to act as its own contractor “for the construction of a boiler room and a 30’ flue at the Falmouth Elementary School” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 118).
June 14, 1954—Board heard a report on the result of a poll taken of PTA members and school children “as to a new name for the Falmouth Grammar School, which name is confused with the Falmouth Elementary School. The name chosen was, Gari Melchers School in honor of the nationally known artist of that name who lived at Falmouth” (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 143).
July 12, 1954—Teachers at Falmouth Elementary School:
- Helen W. Whitlock, principal grade 3
- Elsie D. Kimball grade 3
- Gertrude H. Edwards grade 2
- Mary Jane Guinn grade 2
- Elizabeth D. Thorburn grade 1
- Madaline B. McWhirt grade 1
(School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 147)
There is a gap in the minutes.
Jan. 9, 1956—A list of values of school buildings and contents was compiled for insurance purposes. Falmouth Elementary was valued at $20,000 and the contents at $2,000 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 21).
June 11, 1956—School Board members Kilian and Greenlaw said that Falmouth Elementary School needed additional toilet facilities and the Board agreed to explore that possibility (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 35).
May 13, 1957—Two rooms at Falmouth Elementary were scheduled to be painted (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 71).
Sept. 9, 1957—145 students were enrolled at Falmouth Elementary in grades 1 – 4 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 81).
Apr. 22, 1958—For insurance purposes, Falmouth Elementary School was valued at $24,000 and contents at $3,000 (School Board Minutes, 1945-1958, p. 116).
July 7, 1959—Board agreed to defer the proposed brick veneer work at Falmouth Elementary School (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 158).
Sept. 14, 1959—Board agreed to “Provide for toilets for the two rooms on the south end of the building as children in these rooms must pass through other classrooms to reach the present toilets” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 163).
Nov. 9, 1959—Board discussed the employment of Mrs. Jean Stuart, “for special work with four retarded children in the Fal. Elem. School” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 171).
Mar. 14, 1960—Thomas Berry, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Gibson of the Falmouth Elementary School PTA discussed with the Board plans for improvements to said school. They “expressed interest in having interior needs fully met before the expense of brick veneer for the school was undertaken” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, pp. 184-185).
Apr. 13, 1960—Board approved payment in full of the cost of cafeteria equipment for Falmouth Elementary School, which was expected to cost between $900 and$1,000. “Of this amount the Falmouth Elem. P.T.A., will be expected to refund the School Board approximately $300.00” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 190).
Sept. 12, 1960—T. B. Gayle reported on the need for a special teacher for mentally retarded children. Two such children were at White Oak School and seven or eight were at Falmouth Elementary. He recommended employing Jean Stuart, “she to hold her classes in a new room at Falmouth Elementary” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 214).
Oct. 10, 1960—A study of overcrowding in the Stafford schools suggested adding two rooms to Falmouth Elementary School (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 221).
May 8, 1961—Board approved the expenditure of $633 for the addition of an auditorium at Falmouth Elementary (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 247).
July 12, 1961—Board opened bids for primary furniture for Falmouth Elementary (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 258).
Sept. 11, 1961—Falmouth Elementary then had 182 students in grades 1 through 4 (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 269).
Sept. 11, 1961—A study of projected school building needs noted that it would not be wise to expand Falmouth Elementary and that this study concurred with one done in 1954 “that ultimate abandonment of the Falmouth Elementary School Plant should be envisioned by the local school authorities” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 279).
Feb. 12, 1962—Mr. Gibson, president of Falmouth Elementary School (PTA?), thanked the Board for improvements made at the school and stated “that everything at his school was most satisfactory” (School Board Minutes, 1959-1962, p. 310).
Nov. 12, 1962—Board approved payment of $83.93 for an electric heater for a trailer at Falmouth Elementary School (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 18).
Dec. 5, 1962—Board authorized the installation of a new electrical service at FES, “which is badly needed at that school” (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 27).
Jan. 14, 1963—Bids were opened for the installation of a new 200 ampere service at FES. A question about the lowest bid resulted in postponing the decision (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 32).
Feb. 11, 1963—Shannon Electric was awarded the bid for installing the new electrical system (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 35).
Feb. 11, 1963—Board approved an underground sewer line over a small corner of the FES lot for the St. Clair Brooks Park to connect with the Falmouth sewer line (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 36).
June 10, 1963—Permission granted to the Falmouth Cemetery Association to use FES for a meeting on June 27 (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 59).
July 8, 1963—Lester Groves, custodian at FES, asked for a pay raise. The board asked T. B. Gayle to look into the matter (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 64).
Feb. 8, 1965—Board discussed the advantages and disadvantages of small elementary schools. T. B. Gayle and Alvin Bandy agreed that small school such as White Oak, Falmouth, and New Hope “offered the community many advantages over a larger consolidated school at a distance” (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, pp. 150-151).
June 10, 1965—For insurance purposes, the FES building was valued at $50,000 and the contents at $5,000 (School Board Minutes, 1962-1965, p. 182a).
July 12, 1965—Unspecified work was underway at FES (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 1).
Sept. 3, 1965—Miss Kelly Mae Ellis was hired as a 3rd grade teacher at FES (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 15).
Jan. 11, 1966—Mrs. Barbara Beale was hired as a Special Education teacher at FES (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 44).
Aug. 9, 1966—Superintendent reported that the “Falmouth Elementary School dumping area has been closed again. It had been temporarily opened in order that dirt from the Falmouth Church could be used” (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 79).
Sept. 13, 1966—Some overcrowding was reported at FES (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 83).
Sept. 13, 1966—Mrs. Marian Faye Novak was hired as a 1st grade teacher at FES (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 84).
Dec. 19, 1966—A motion was made and seconded that the new school to be built on Manning Drive should be named Falmouth Elementary School. The motion passed unanimously (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 92).
Dec. 19, 1966—Site work had commenced at the new FES (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 93).
Dec. 12, 1967—Alvin Bandy presented a letter from the Stafford Park Authority regarding the disposition of the old FES. “This authority is quite interested in securing this property, if at all possible” (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 135).
Feb. 13, 1968—The board discussed the disposition of the playground equipment at the old FES and decided that principals of other Stafford schools could choose any of it they would like to take (School Board Minutes, 1965-1969, p. 147).
Sources:
Stafford County School Board Minutes, July 1925 – July 1937. Stafford County School Board Offices.
Stafford County School Board Minutes, 1937 – 1945. Stafford County School Board Offices.
Stafford County School Board Minutes, 1951 – 1955. Stafford County School Board Offices.
Stafford County School Board Minutes, July 1951 – June 1958. Stafford County School Board Offices.
Stafford County School Board Minutes, Jan. 12, 1959 – June 30, 1962. Stafford County School Board Offices.
Stafford County School Board Minutes, 1962 – 1965. Stafford County School Board Offices.
Minutes of the School Board of Stafford County, July 12, 1965 to June 10, 1969. Stafford County School Board Offices.
