When I moved to Lewiston in 1947, we bought a home just above Farwell Street, on Webster. It was an area as nearly residential as was available in Lewiston at that time. The property had extended footage back to Dimsdale (an unpaved road). We learned that Webster was one of the first streets cleared in winter – a big advantage as snowfalls were really deep in those days. Also, the location was convenient.
Beyond Webber Avenue (a short block uphill) the area was sparsely developed, as was the general area behind our house. It seemed a satisfactory area in which to raise a family. So, as the family grew, we completely remodeled, enlarged the house and developed the yard.
As our two eldest boys approached school age – about a year apart – local schools became a concern. It was a bit shocking to learn both boys would have to attend an ancient four-room building at the corner of East Avenue and Sabattus, now the site of Elizabeth Ann’s gas station and store.
It was harsh reality to find such facilities still existed whereby several grades had to share one classroom, as well as the general attitudes toward education. Coming from a mid-west urban environment where even my parents had attended up-to-date facilities, and derived quality education, the reality motivated action.
Thus was born my very first involvement as a municipal activist.
Along with Marcia Bell, the Caseys and other parents of affected students, we literally haunted City Hall and council meetings. Ernest Malenfant, a railroad gatekeeper, was mayor.
After dedicated involvement and determination, the antiquated building was eventually condemned due to inadequate heating ability. Once the ancient school building was closed down, students were bused to other schools.
Parents came together with determination and dedication. There was a warm, congenial spirit that bred success and precipitated action by downtown politicians.
Finally, ample land was obtained on Farwell Street, between Warren Avenue and Charles Street, extending back to Columbia Avenue. Eventually the new Farwell School was built, one of the finest in the city. Pride was engendered and a close neighborhood feeling developed.
A wonderful gentleman, Denny Davis, became principal. He knew practically every student and parents personally by name. Exceptional teachers, such as Dick Babb, were hired. He later pursued an outstanding career with the Auburn school system.
Mrs. Wait and others linger in the memories of many. All of this contributed to a family atmosphere. Granted, that was before mothers were employed outside the home and single parents were the exception rather than the norm.
We founded a Farwell PTA, which was extremely active. Then we founded a city-wide PTA, all with active parental participation. In turn, this led to a seven-year curriculum study group, chaired by Bud Bechtel of Bates faculty. For five years, this group met regularly at Jordan Junior High, studying elementary education. This was followed by two years on junior high.
Recommendations included teaching a foreign language, among other things. All recommendations hinged on faculty and finances, and finances decreed faculty.
In the days before school buses, students walked to school. Streets were relatively safe. Through this experience children learned independence. They grew to know practically every yard, house and many occupants in their neighborhood.
So times change and a new generation of parents is holding forth. It is most gratifying to see the ongoing spirit and support for the “new” Farwell School. And the process that will bring it to reality.
In this process, it is hoped that attention will be paid to the grounds surrounding the school, and not left to become an afterthought. Farwell now has a splendid row of maturing trees all along the front of the building. In the hearings on the new school construction, there has been no explanation how these trees will be handled.
Very possibly it will be less costly to transplant many of these fine specimens then it would be to buy replacements or even tiny trees that would be inappropriate.
Hopefully, planning will involve the transplant of most of these trees which now add so much to the original structure.
As a caring neighbor, I still harbor interest in our neighborhood and its family school, amid all good wishes to those who are carrying on this neighborhood’s spirit.
Natalie D. Dunlap lives in Lewiston.
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