East students celebrate 60th anniversary of march
http://www.tuscbargainhunter.com/article/20121031/NEWS/710319995/0/tbh?sectioncat=tbh
By Kyle Valentini

October 20, 1952 remains memorable for the elementary students of the former Second Street School at Dover. Built in 1886, the school was closed in 1952 and replaced with East School at 325 Betcher Ave. where it still serves nearly 550 students in grades K-6 today. 

The Second Street School was remodeled in 1883 and in 1884 the third floor housed Dover High School until Oak Grove School was built in 1889. The Second Street School was later demolished.

Principal Jud Compton, with the help of staff and volunteers, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the march students, teachers and staff took from the old school to the new East Elementary on Oct. 30 despite wind, rain and cold. The Dover Marching Tornadoes led the march that recreated the route used in 1952. Once back at East, the band played the National Anthem while members of the Boy Scouts raised the flag. 

Prior to the march, former students gathered to reminisce in the gymnasium. Memorabilia from the school’s collection as well as from members of the community was displayed. A short film taken the day of the original march by June Limbach, mother of then first-grader Gary Limbach was shown.

“Every morning when I do the announcements I notice the archive book in my office,” said Compton. “I kept thinking how great it would be to share this heritage with the kids today and so we managed to put this program together.”

Margie Jones, of Dover, participated in the original march in 1952. “It was such an exciting day. I got to carry the flag,” said Jones. “I don’t know if I was the only one to carry a flag but it felt so special at the time. People forget that back then this was out in the country. None of these homes were here. Over there was Mr. Betcher’s flowers. We used to play on the beams while the building was still under construction. We would be afraid to come down because we knew we’d get the switch. I think the police had to be called a few times.”

Mary Glaros, whose maiden name was Lekorenos, was a sixth grader in 1952. “I live in Massillon now. My family used to own Candy Land in Dover. It was in the basement of a building. I remember the day we marched very well,” said Glaros. “There were big snowflakes falling from the sky and the streets were wet. It was cold but we didn’t care. Some of the older boys carried books from the old school to the new school.”

Compton gave tours of the building and former students were encouraged to introduce themselves. Many in attendance had so many similar memories and eyes brightened as stories were shared. “I remember the march very well,” said Karen Armstrong. “And I remember our school colors were blue and white.”

“I remember Mr. Youngen’s paddle,” said Bill Geib. “Seemed every Monday morning he’d read a list of names and if your name was on it you were going to get the paddle. He’d make us grab the lower rung of a wooden chair to make sure we got it good.” Otto Youngen was the principal of Second Street School at the time. John Karlis would be the principal of the new East Elementary School.

Published: October 31, 2012

New Article ID: 2012710319995