School Days

September is a time of change, leaves turning, weather cooling, and the start of school. Many years ago in Pearl River, the only school in this section of Orangetown was the Orangetown Public School Number #7 also known as the School Down the Hill. It was first located on the property of George Bush who operated a general store mid way on the hill which makes up orangeburg road. The first school building was built in 1820. this structure became too small. Eventually this building became part of the Lindermann home on that road. The second was built in 1830, on the site of the now-gone Naurashaun Elementary School. This served the community for fifteen years, when another school was built slightly west in 1845, and gave a stability of memory among school children when they would reminisce about their school years. This school served the community until 1893, when  factory owner Talbot Dexter gave in to city and foreign women who did not like the long walk their children would have to take back and forth to school. Dexter was relying on families to settle and work at the factory. This was doubtful, as some men left his employment because of the school distance situation. He rented space above the blacksmith shop of John Burdef next to the factory. In 1894, a large modern school house was constructed on land donated by William Braunsdorf on the corner of Franklin Avenue and William Street. This school served until 1922, when a brick fireproof building with indoor plumbing was built. This school served its purpose until 1963, when our current high school was built and still serves us today.