Rochester NH History - The 1939 Opening of Spaulding High School

Built on 33 acres of land between Chestnut Hill Road and Wakefield Street. Spaulding High School was designed with a bomb shelter in its basement and a giant clock tower which dominates the landscape. The clock tower reminds one of a classic New England Meeting house. It has been named the “most beautiful public high school” in New Hampshire and when it first opened it was a city wide celebration.
The September 14th 1939 edition of the Rochester Courier was larger than normal newspapers because It contained a special supplement commemorating the brand new School. There was an opening ceremony on September 9 with speakers expressing gratitude to the Spaulding Family, live music, and a patriotic flag raising. Tours were also given of the new school to the public.

[@marilynbrenner9002]

Thank you for this history of Spaulding. I went to junior high there for two years and graduated from high school there in 1954, so it was used for junior high for some years in the 40s and for many years after. I have often compared our school with modern Scandinavian schools that offer so much to their students. It is wonderful to see and read this article about a school that we more or less took for granted at that time and can now feel so privileged to have been able to attend.
With great appreciation for this splendid video!
Marilyn Brenner

[@JerrySneirson]

I graduated from Spaulding High in 1957. I remember the principal on the right side of the photo as Mr. Cotton.

[@janetprizio8535]

What a wonderful and informative podcast! Thanks so much for sharing it, Bob and Lisa. 🥰👏

[@josephbateman7742]

During my freshman year, I was allowed in the teachers' lounge which used to be the library from what I understand. (The room behind the columns and above the lobby) it is stunning and still mostly original in there. Best view aside from the towers.

[@cadetflamen12]

It’s pretty cool to learn more about my school. Thanks for posting!

[@MrPokemon251]

Nice job Bobby, I loved your history walk last month!

[@Prez76]

And all the rooms looked exactly like this until around 91 or so. It sure has changed. Auditorium is still pretty much the same though

[@James-ui4ed]

Class of 1999