Woodbridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

School Number 1

Photographed By John A. Lande

1. School Number 1 Marker

Inscription. Classes began January 1877.
First high school graduation 1883;
two graduates.
Became Woodbridge Township District
Administration Offices.
Built 1876

Erected by Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 40° 33.332′ N, 74° 16.834′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of School Street and Brook Street, on the right when traveling south on School Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 428 School Street , Woodbridge NJ 07095, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General Nathaniel Heard (within shouting distance of this marker); Fulton Street Train Wreck (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boynton Beach & Sewaren House Hotel (about 400 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge (about 400 feet away); Woodbridge Speedway (about 500 feet away); A Snapshot of Woodbridge History (about 500 feet away); Woodbridge History Trail (about 600 feet away); M.D. Valentine & Brothers (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodbridge.

Regarding School Number 1.

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Built in 1876, School No. 1 was the first free school in Woodbridge, designed by architects C. Graham & Son of Elizabeth. It was dedicated by the Board of Education on January 20, 1877. A special ceremony was held, in which the keys of the building were presented by Mr. Howard Valentine to the school’s first principal, Mr. Henry Anderson. Valentine was the son of James Valentine, and the brother of the founders of M.D. Valentine and Brothers Co. of Woodbridge. Mr.James Valentine sold the property upon which the school stands for $2,000.00. Unfortunately, some of the most distinctive features of the old school building can no longer be seen in their former glory, as the building was later altered. The structure was originally constructed with a tall tower which housed a clock and bell. Its clock was purchased from E. Howard & Company of Broadway, New York City for $600.00. The bell, which rang daily to call students to class, was purchased at a rate of $0.50 per pound from Meneley & Limberley. It weighed approximately 1500 pounds. This same bell currently stands in front of the Parker Press Memorial Park monument along Rahway Avenue. Its inscription of #24 pertains to School District #24, of which School No. 1 was a part. For over a decade, the school accommodated 400 students from kindergarten to twelfth grades. High school courses were added to the curriculum in 1887 and were

Photographed By John A. Lande

2. School Number 1 Marker

taught at the school from 1888-1910. Among the many subjects taught at the school were Chemistry, History, Geography, Rhetoric, Mathematics, English, Literature and Composition. Classes were held at School No. 1 until 1961. Today, it houses the Woodbridge Township Board of Education Administrative Offices, thus continuing the building’s legacy as a place of education.

County Survey:
Style: Franco-Italianate
Wooden porches and clock tower have been removed; cornice and pediment boxed with synthetic siding.

Built to accommodate 800 students at the "enormous" cost of $27,300, this was an example of educational consolidation at a time when small wooden neighborhood school buildings were still the rule. Thanks to its imposing size and design and especially to its clock (made by the N.Y. firm of E. Howard) it became a symbol of local pride. The bell, still in existence though not in place, is inscribed with the names of the School District Clerk and trustees, the masons and carpenters, and the motto "Wisdom is better than Gold." Alterations have compromised a good deal of its architectural integrity, but it is still possible to see what an impressive civic ornament this school once was.

Photographed By John A. Lande

3. School Number 1 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2022, by John A. Lande of Woodbridge, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 276 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 12, 2022, by John A. Lande of Woodbridge, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.