The Franklin Ave School turns Eighty One Years Old

    As we drive or walk down Franklin Ave. many of us pass unknowly some thing that has serves the town for eighty-one years. It is the Franklin Lakes Middle School. when it was dedicated on  November 21, 1931 it was known as "Franklin Lakes School No. 1" When construction was completed it was the first modern  school in town.

     On a saturday afternoon the dedication began. William H.Hill was the Master of Ceramonies. The Honorable John A. Spargo, Assistant Commissioner of edication for New Jersey, was the princopal specker. Mr. Delbert Teter made the welcoming address. Other short taks were given by Moyor william V. Pulis, Mr. J.H. Dyners of the Architect Firm of Huesmann,Dynes, and Osborne. The music was furnished by the Bergen Concert Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Herman DeYoung.

    During the dedication the school received the following gifts. A Bible was presented by the members of the Masonic Order of Franklin Lakes. A flag by the JR.O.U.A.M. and D.of A. A library wa given by the Home and School Association. A book of old school records was given by the Rainbow Garden Club. Mayor Pulis donated the shovel he used to break ground for the construction of the school. A silver trowel that wa used to lay the cornerstone was given by the Campgaw Hardware Company. Mr. Delbert Teter, President of the Board of Education, received the gifts.

    Over the years FLMS had a number of things to be proud of. It was the first school to be built of brick in the town.  During WORLD WAR II the students producded a news paper. It wa called "The Vuctory News" and was sent to all in service from Franklin Lakes. Many responded with how much they loved reading it and the joy it brought. It was continuded through the war. In 1944 the students raised $ 3335.75 in bonds for the war effort. The school received the "Schools At War Flag." The students formed and marched in the first Picket Line in the history of the town. ( See the Wyckoff Blog " The Picket Line Comes to Franklin Lakes") Some of the students answered the call to jion the Civilian Defense of the town. Some became Messengers to the Fire Department. At the time the Fire department was located next to the school. It is now the Offices of the Board of Education.           

    During the "cold War" of the 1950's once again the students and school did very well. They alway got high marks in the Civil defense drills and tests that were conducted. This is just a few of the firsts and accumplishments of the students and the school in the first eighty-one years. We look forward to the next eighty-one years.