In 1858, the year Inwood’s first school was constructed , the area wasn’t yet known by its current name. Locals, of whom there were few, all referred to the region on Manhattan’s northernmost tip as “Tubby Hook.” Folks downtown hardly even considered the backwater region as being part of their city.
So imagine the surprise when a monolithic, rectangular red-brick structure capped by fourteen chimneys rose from a cow pasture on what we now know as Academy Street and Broadway. Everyone, locals included, were puzzled as to the need for such a large and modern structure. There were barely enough children in the area to fill even the first floor. Besides, children in those lean times, like their parents, literally lived off the land, and were needed in the fields to care for the crops and herd cattle. Who really had time for school?
According to the late Kingsbridge historian William Tieck, “the growth of the Tubby Hook school was so slow that during the first thirty or forty years of its existence only the lowest floor of the three story structure was used. Because School Commissioner James MacKean was one of the prime movers in the erection of the building, it was long known as “MacKean’s Folly”. The land itself was donated by Isaac Michael Dyckman, who retained an active interest in the school until his death in 1899.” (Schools and School Days in Riverdale, Kingsbridge and Spuyten Duyvil, 1971).
More than a century before Tieck’s seminal work on the history of education in the Kingsbridge section of New York, a reporter from the New York Herald visited the old Ward School 52 as part of an annual examination of city schools.
According to the article, dated June 16, 1865, “The new and progressive schoolhouse at Tubby Hook is one of the most interesting monuments of that beautiful and romantic region. Yesterday the annual examination of the classes was made by Mr. S. S. Randall, the General Superintendent of Schools, with the assistance of Assistant Superintendent N. A. Calkins, H. Kiddle and William Jones. There were eight classes—five grammar and three primary—consisting of one hundred and fifty children in all. They were under the management of Mr. G. Miller, the principal, and his three pretty and intelligent lady assistants. Indeed, all the lady teachers of New York are pretty and intelligent—so much that, in this respect, they differ from the teachers of other cities. They seem to be appointed for their beauty and intellect. The examination was careful and searching, and embraced mathematics, astronomy, geology, history, grammar and a variety of other studies. All the classes acquitted themselves well, and the result of the examination was by no means discreditable to them.”
Ah the ladies…but we digress.
The sturdy old building stood for nearly a century, with civil war heroes and other famous men passing through its doors before it was demolished in 1956 to make room for an addition to the newly constructed J.H.S. 52.
What follows is a 1911 newspaper description of Inwood’s first public school during its prime:
The Sun
March 26, 1911
TUBBY HOOK’S OLD SCHOOL
ANTIQUATED STRUCTURE UPTOWN WHICH HAS A HISTORY.
Something About the District in Which It Stands—Many Well Known Men Went to School In Old 52—The Late John B. McDonald One of Them.
In the upper end of the city, on Manhattan Island, surrounded by up to date apartment houses, electric railroads underground, and in the near distance over-head trolley roads, the elevated part of the subway as well as the main line of the New York Central Railroad, stands an old fashioned brick schoolhouse where formerly a genuine excuse for absence from school was given by the parents of pupils as “the boys were needed to drive the cows to pasture.”
Up to about twenty-five years ago the place, 206th Street and Broadway, was known as Kingsbridge Road. Inwood: locally and unofficially it was also known as Tubby Hook; muddy in winter, dusty in summer and looked upon by a non-resident as not being part of the city of New York. The origin of the name Tubby Hook may be traced to a family named Tubb who lived in the neighborhood of a point of land just a short distance south of the Spuyten Duyvil. This locality was later known as Inwood on the Hudson, warranted by the extensive woods surrounding the Dyckman tract of land, and is known now as Dyckman street and Broadway, about a hundred feet south of where the old schoolhouse stands.
To get at the history of this old familiar landmark, which is part of our present local school system, it is necessary to inspect the records of the township of New Haarlem, of which Washington Heights forms a part. A few years after the town was established in 1658 by the last of the Dutch Governors, Peter Stuyvesant, the famous one legged soldier recognized the need of some one person to perform the duties of a schoolmaster for the poor children of the district; the population of Manhattan Island at this time, December 4, 1663, was about 2,000 souls. The Schepens, or Magistrates, held a lengthy meeting, and at its close “a capable man” was appointed; but the very limited means of the residents prevented them from contributing toward the schoolmaster’s salary.
The best they could do was to give two dozen schepels of grain each for his support. The absence of money made it obligatory on the part of the Magistrates, Daniel Tournier and Johannes Verveelea, also Jan Pieterson Slot, who could not write his own name, to petition the Director General and Council of New Netherland for a grant in aid of the appointment of Jan La Montegne, Jr., son of a physician, who was one of the first settlers of New Haarlem. At the time of his appointment the future schoolmaster, who was secretary of the Board of Magistrates and a parish clerk, resigned to take up his new duties at a salary of fifty guilders ($20) per annum, which was considered “the least possible salary.”
For seven years, or until 1670, Mr. La Montagne served in the capacity of schoolmaster, when he moved away. Hendrik Van der Vin succeeded him and fulfilled the same duties at a salary of eight times as much as that paid to Mr. La Montagne. The increase in the schoolmaster’s salary was evidentially too much for the residents, for when his salary was not forthcoming in 1678 it became necessary to make a house to house canvas for subscriptions, which netted 300 guilders, an matters were squared with New Haarlem’s second schoolmaster, at least for the time being. This subscription, together with the rent of the town meadows, was devoted to the salary and support of Mr. Van der Vin, who agreed after some persuasion to accept it for the first year, after which his full salary was assessed upon the residents. The town also voted to rebuild his residence. Nevertheless he lived in poor circumstances and finally fell into debt, the town being compelled in 1682 to pay a bill of $6 for Van der Vin’s pens, ink, paper and writing material.
Reginald Pelham Bolton, a civil engineer, and a well known resident of Washington Heights, whose ancestors owned considerable property in the neighborhood of Bolton road, just west of Broadway and near the old schoolhouse, has in his possession a large quantity of old time official records, one of which bears testimony that Van der Vin was a gentleman well acquainted with Latin and Spanish, remarkable for his accuracy, methodical in his habits and very precise in his duties as a clerk.”
He was succeeded by John Tiebout, who resigned after some years and gave way to Guiliaem Bertholf, who served for one year. Tiebout returned and served until 1690, when he and his family of twelve children moved to Bushwick. Tiebout was succeeded by a young man, a recent arrival from Vlissingen by the name of Adrien Verrautl, and “judging from his penmanship, a scholar,” who filled the place until 1708 when he became voorleser at Bergen, N.J., being recommended by the people of New Haarlem.
Religious discussion of an acrimonious nature left the town without a schoolmaster for about fourteen years, or until 1722 when John Martin Van Harlingen arrived from Holland, who held the position until 1741, although for a long time after this the New Haarlem church people made no appointment. The war of the Revolution did away with education; something more important at this period, many sought protection inside the American lines, returning after evacuation to find their homes ruined.
Chapter 189, Laws of 1801 enacted by the Legislature then holding its twenty-fourth session at Kingston, N.Y., provided that a sum of be raised by a tax for the further support of government, such moneys to be invested in real securities and the interest thereof to be expended for the instruction of poor children in the most useful branches of common education. A town meeting was held in this year and arrangements were made to lease a portion of the common lands to establish an academy for the education of the children of the township, these lands were then situated in the old Ninth ward of the city of New York and caused considerable controversy with the city. A legislative act caused the land to be sold, the proceeds to be placed in the hands of various trustees, who paid $3,500 to the trustees of the “Hamilton School.” The exact date of the establishment of it is in doubt, but references show it to be prior to 1820. Valentine’s Manual shows the Hamilton free school to be located at 181st street and Fort Washington avenue, the teacher then (1852) being Hosea B. Perkins, who died in 1903, the trustees being Isaac Dyckman, Tunis Ryer and John P. Dodge. This school was the predecessor of the present school system on Washington Heights.
In 1858, when the population of Manhattan Island was about 750,000, the Tubby Hook school—now Public School 52—was formally opened, the land upon which it stands being given to the city by the late Isaac Dyckman, on condition that a school be erected thereon. Until recent years only the first floor was used.
In 1903 a change was made in the building, which measured 40 by 70 feet, with classrooms about 16 square feet, the census of the old red school being less than 150, an addition of twenty-five square feet was added, the class rooms enlarged, the top floor occupied, giving more room, making the census of the school at the present time about 300, including about two dozen in the kindergarten. At the same time that the addition was made the old familiar brick walls were given a coat of paint and the “old red school” became a rich cream in color. It is only within the last few years that the old time stoves were replaced by steam heat.
It is questionable if any school in greater New York can show a list of well known graduates that are more respected in the community, among the alumni being the Rev. William J. Cummings and two brothers, John and Frederick; Lieut. Samuel K Allen, a graduate of West Point; his brother, Ethan Allen; J. Crawford McCreery, a partner of the dry goods firm; Samuel Isham, the artist and author; also his brothers, William and Charles; Dr. Norton Denslow and William Wallace Denslow, the well known illustrator and cartoonist; Elijah Cutts, late Senator from Minnesota; Joseph Keppler, artist and editor of Puck; Counsellor William Flitner and brothers, Walter and Charles; and William S. Hartt, director of the Tropical Fruit Growers Association. The old school also furnished some civil war heroes, such as Col. Charles N. Swift and Thomas C. Wright, both of whom rose from the ranks during the war; Col. Cornelius Schermerhorn, John Whalen, first Corporation Counsel of Greater New York and at present the president of Bank of Washington Heights; Blake Wales and his brother Alexander, Corporation Counsel of Binghamton in 1908; Robert Veitch and his son Charles of Dyckman Street; Theodore and Benjamin Barringer, both physicians, Former Alderman John J. McDonald, Andrew Thompson, one of the active members of the Stock Exchange; his brother William, and last but not least John B. McDonald, “the man who dug the subway,” and who died a week ago.”
The following images and text come from the 1857 Annual Report of the New York City & County Board of Education:
[…] For more, read this great article by Cole Thompson at My Inwood. […]
I was in the last class to attend the old building. Went to PS98 in ’56 and when I came back for 7-9th grade it was JHS52, and the cafeteria and gym had replaced the old building.
I graduated PS98 in 1962 and JHS 52 in 1965. k thru 6 teachers Miss Grow, Mrs. Bader, Miss Stewart, Mrs. Weiss, Mrs. Edelman , (not sure of 5th grade), horrible Mrs. Shindler for 6th grade. Still think about how mean she was. JHS 52… Had Mr. Polokoff for girl’s gym, Mr. Risbarg for Social Studies, Mr. Taft and a wonderful English teacher, can’t remember his name right now.
Many pleasant memories of “the old neighborhood”. I attended Kg – 3rd at PS 52, 4th – 6th at PS 98, then, back to PS 52 (in 1955) for 7th and 8th. 🙂
Veronica –
You were in those schools at the same time I was. I went to 52 for grade 1-3, then PS 98 for 4-6, then back to Jr. HS 52 for 7 and 8 – I was in class 7-1 and 8-1, leaving for Music & Art high school for grade 9/freshman.
I was in Miss Haggerty’s nursery school in Payson Park and then Miss – I forgot her name – I used to remember it – kindergarten in the Ft Tryon Park playground before 52.
Another kid from my 7th – and I think first part of 8th – forgot now – not sure if I should mention names, but it can be deleted if felt to be inappropriate – turned up last year and I had a brief correspondence with him – and that kid was Gerald Amster, a rather colorful character, even back in school days. There’s a book and a film about him.
Could we have been in the same class? I do remember Veronicas…
Larry L.
I went to metal shop and electric shop in that building in 1955
I went to metal & electric shop in PS 52 in 1955 in the old building
I attended IS 52 back then it was known as JHS 52 from September 1975 – June 1978. I went there from 6th grade to 9th grade. Had many wonderful teachers too many to recall. Mr. Dritsas, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Carter, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Sperring, Mr. and Ms. Raphael, Ms. Garcia, Mr. and Mrs. Risbarg, Mr. Perman, Ms. Batista, Mr. Small, Mr. DeMeglio, Ms. Young, Ms. White, and countless other. Later on I returned as a Math teacher in 1990 and taught there for 18 years. Working alongside many teachers who nurtured and taught me many valuable lessons I appreciate until this day.
I graduated JHS 52 in 1976. I remember Ms. Young and Ms. White from Chorus and Ms. Roberts from English.
Very cool, I graduated JHS 52 (Inwood JHS) in “81. Some of the names you mentioned are so familiar…..Mr. Perman, Mr. DeMeglio. The teacher I was most fond of was Mr. Kirschenbaum (Mr. K) our music teacher / director.
Mr. Pearlman and Mr.smalls my favorite gym teachers. RIP Dimiggleo. He used to smoke cigars in his office. Whole floor smelling like cigars. I think I remember you not sure. Maybe from me going into your class room from another class. Lol. I was a bad ass. RIP to the security guard Bruce. He used to give me cigarettes lol. I was there from 95 till 98 got kicked out for fighting Mr sacafield idk if I spelled it right. The dean at that time. Good old days.
I remember Mr. Dimiggleo!!!! He was always cool with me. Awwww 🥹🥹 I graduated from 52 in 96. I attended from 91 to 96. Beautiful memories ♥️♥️♥️.
Hello I was wondering if you have any class pictures 1975?
Looking for a picture of my aunt
Nydia Cruz.
I received my diploma from “52” on 27 June 1952. Abraham Wiener was the principal. I lived on Academy Street between Post and Nagle Avenues and would walk to school every day. The red brick “Annex” was connected to the main school by a bridge. The only class I remember taking in the Annex was a shop class. We used to play in the schoolyard all year long and in the summer the main building was open for use of the gyms for baskeball, shuffleboard and othe indoor sports. I remember meeting a tall, skinny red-headed guy one summer name Vin Scully who later became famous as a baseball announcer for the Dodgers. I believe he was a summer activities director of some type. I attended “52” for three years; 7th, 8th and 9th grades. I remember most of my teachers who were instrumental in preparing me for the test for Stuyvesant High School. Included are Binello, Bernd, Harwood, Virgilio, London, White and Hoover. I have fond memories of the old Annex. It’s a shame they didn’t preserve the it as a historical landmark.
Attended school in 1966 and 67 in 3rd grade. First school I attended in US after coming by way of the Cuban Freedom Flights. Will never forget the day I missed the bus and got lost going back home on foot. My dad was furious. Did not know the bistory of PS 52 where I learned to speak English..will treasure my memories of this school now even more..thanks.
I went to P.S. 98 from 1946-1951 and JHS 52 from 1951-1954 followed by George Washington High School 1954-1958. We took our metal and electrical shop classes in the old building with Mr. Farrell and it was a rare opportunity to learn a trade. Those years you were tracked by your class number. I was in 7-3, 8-3 and 9-3. The Principal was Abraham Weiner. I must admit I was not the best student contributed by my interest in girls. I was in love for the first time with Carmen Cruz. I made best friends those year that have continued for 60 years. We were allowed to go home for lunch and there was a garden in the north end of the playground.
We lived in the Inwood Area from 1955 till 1971 and first went to PS 152 on Nagle Avenue from 1956 till 1958 and then we were transferred to PS 98 , where we when there from 1958 till 1963. We were at PS 52 till 1966 then on to George Washington High School. I enjoyed reading the story of the Ishams and Isham Park. And really enjoyed the old images. What was real interesting some of the Ishams children went to PS 52 ( the original building)
I went to 52 from 1948 thru 1950. I was in the sp class and we won the softball tournament 2 years in a row. my home room teacher was Mrs. Mayer, but my favorites were Mr. Harwood, and mrs. Virgillio. (I think I was in love with her).
Does anyone know what happened to them?
Please feel free to contact me directly.
Billy Stone
Attended P.S. 52 from kindergaten in 1941 through Jr. High in 1947. Then GWHS where I graduated in 1952. Remember the Principal Mr. Abe Weiner, but also Miss Daugherty before
him. She was very much a turn of the century lady. High collared blouse, long skirt, glasses on a ribbon that pinched on to her nose, and upswept hairdo. Yes, the boys all had a crush on Mrs. Virgilio.
She was a WWII widdow, her husband having been killed when serving in the Navy. I recall that the School Nurse was also a very attractive young woman. My teachers ranged from lovely and fun to terrible and almost abusive. Mrs Cohen was one of the best and Miss Form was notorious for her temper. I can recall her dragging a poor boy down the hallway as she screamed,”Look at this little rat”. Mr. Leonard taught Electric Shop and would have the class hold hands in a circle while the boy on each end held an electrode from a generator. As he cranked the handle a shock went through us until we couldn’t let go. We had wood shop and sheet metal shop as well. Great memories. So glad I found this site.
John Stone (Attended before my parents divorced and remarried as John Goldstein)
This is a wonderful history of the school. I remember the old building! I was 11 when it was torn down and replaced by the gym/cafeteria building. I attended P.S. 98 from Kgn-6th grade, and then went to what then became JHS 52. I remember Principal Abe Wiener, and my favorite teacher, Mr. Grosser, who taught math. A lot of good memories there…
[…] least three of Isham’s children, Samuel, William and Charles, attended P.S. 52 on nearby Academy […]
I went to PS 98 starting in the late Fifties. I had Mrs. Newberger, Miss Etlinger, then Mrs. Lewis for both 4th and 5th grades. She was an amazing teacher – and my classmates were a very interesting and gifted group. I had the honor to have partnered with Jimmy Lee and we won the City Science Fair in the 4th grade. Some of my classmates were Andy Kowal, Elliott Hurrowitz, Irene Price, Janet Judge, Amy Brenner, Elizabeth Asch, Robert Sachs and of course my good friend, Jimmy Lee.
PS98 I had mrs. Eisenberg, Mrs. hunt, Mrs. Ettlinger, Mrs. Schindler and Mrs. Lewis.
My best friend was Mark Mayo.
I went to kindergarten at p.s. 152 in 1957. My two teachers were Mrs Simon and Miss Seigel. I was transferred to p.s 98 after the building i lived in at the dyckman projects was deemed to be in a different zone. I had Mrs. Bader for first grade, Mrs. Bickhart and later Mrs. Mcgrab for 2nd grade. Third grade was Mrs. Gluck. Fourth was Mrs. Dauber and fifth was Miss Rothblatt who went on to marry my gym teacher Mr. Kauffman. Sixth grade teacher was Mrs. Baranker. In 1964 i started 7th grade at p.s. 52. My homeroom teacher was Mr. Harris. Some of the teachers i remember were Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Stecker, Mr. Keisler and Mr. Gallan for gym. Mr. Tobin was my home room teacher in eighth grade and Mr. Perry for 9th grade. High school i attended was George Washington. Great neighborhood and great memories.
To Dan … was Mrs. Stecker a very short woman? I had a substitute teacher at Washington Height’s PS 189 named Mrs. Stecker, and her son attended the school, too.
I went to PS 152 from 1952 to 19th (kindergarten to 6th grade). Sixth grade teacher was Miss Lang. We made marionettes in her class the entire year. She was attractive but older and had a mirror in the door of her closet where she always put on her make-up.
I then went to JHS 52 for 7th to 9th grade. I was in the 7-2, 8-2, 9-2 classes. Graduated in 1962 and went to GW.
I attended 52 from 65-68, after attending 152 for elementary school. Mark Mayo’s comment intrigues me because he and I were friends at 152 before he was “redistricted” to 98. I lived in the Dyckman projects in bldg 5 which remained at 152. I never saw him again. When I got to 52, Mark was nowhere to be found, and I assumed he had moved. But I was friends there with several folks he mentioned: Eliot Hurwitz, Janet Judge, and Robert Sachs. After 52, however, we all went our separate ways and to separate high schools, but it’s great to hear again these names from my nearly forgotten youth of a simpler time!
January 11, 2015
I attended JRHS 52 (Inwood JHS) from 1953 to 1955 for 7th – 9th grades, the SP classes. I am wondering what happened to many of my classmates. I went on to George Washington H.S., graduating in 1958, then Antioch College in Ohio, and finally, Boston University for graduate school. I would like to hear from classmates from that time. There were 2 SP classes at that time, and we formed friendships among the two classes.
I am so glad I came upon this sight. I was very interested in seeing any history of P.S. 152 on Nagle Ave. and JHS 52 on Academy.
I attended 152 from 1955 to 1962 and then went right to 52 until 1965. I then attended Stuyvesant H.S. from 1965-1968.
The two comments that I read here that really got to me were Miss Simon & Miss Siegel in PS 152. I had a crush on Miss Siegel, and, in fact saw her many years later at a reunion at the Nagel Ave. YMYHA. Also, Mr. Risberg; he kept our 8th grade Social Studies class after school for misbehaving. This was Friday Nov. 22nd 1963. And when a boy named Michael came in to tell him about the events in Dallas, he thought it was a ploy to get us dismissed. How about that guy? Of course we finally got dismissed, and can still see everyone crying in the street as I was walking home. If there is anyone out there who can remember these events let me know.
Hello Richard
Do you remember Miss Brisbane the language teacher at 52? I attended 52 from 63 to 64 then on to GWHS
I attended PS152 from 1955-1962 and then JHS52 from 1962-1965. I then went to Stuyvesant H.S. from 1965-1968.
I recall having Mr. Risberg for Social Studies and on one occasion he kept our class after school for misbehaving. This happened to be on Friday afternoon November 22, 1963. Soon a boy came in and told him what had occurred in Dallas. He thought it was a ploy to get us dismissed. But he soon found out that it was true and sent us home. A day I will never forget, of course.
Also I had Miss Simon and Miss Siegel for kindergarten in PS152 in 1955.
Hi Richard! You were my classmate in JHS 52. At the time I had a large nose and you always teased me. You were pretty cruel. You or Stephen Fryer hid my bag behind the radiator. You guys made fun of Mr. Risbarg. Btw I think he has passed. I hope you became a better person. Sincerely, Irma
[…] took a personal interest in the work. McDonald was familiar with the region, having attended Public School 52, just blocks from the tunnel […]
I taught math at 52 from 1968-1969 during the infamous teachers’ strike. Worked with Mike Levien, Mike Fisher, Sonia Ginsberg, Nettie Gonzalez (probably have the spelling wrong on some of these).
Hi Mr Rapaport,
I went to JSH 52 1968-71. Before that PS 152
I also remember that strike. Especially when the police surrounded the school shoulder to shoulder.
Does anybody have a copy of the Yearbooks from those years?
I’ve been trying to get my records from there, and they seem to be lost.
As they can’t find them. And I thought these records were kept secured.
Thanks for the memories
Eddie
[…] alleged visit of the city newspaper reporter, that a legitimate excuse of a tardy schoolboy, at the public school, was that he was delayed by his driving of the cows to […]
Attended PS 52 1952-55 for 1st (Mrs. Auerbach), 2nd (Mrs. Smith) and 3rd (?) grades, then on to PS 98 for 4th (Mrs. Brogan), 5th (Miss Smith – until she became pregnant and had to leave) and 6th (Mrs. Velger), and back to JHS 52 for 7-9 SP classes, finishing in 1959. I’ll never forget the 2 principals (Mr. Weiner at 52 and Mr. Rothman at 98), and Mrs. Minnie Wecker, the ferocious algebra teacher.
Ate many a “black and white” pastry from the Blue Bakery on the way to school!
Greetings,
Having a debate about the tin signs that used to be on schoolyard fences.
It threatened us with a fine, if we killed a praying mantis.
Does anyone else remember that?
Do you by chance have a photo?
I remember clear as a bell the one on PS 98, on West 211th side, next to 531 W. 211.
Cannot find an image anywhere.
Help.
Please and thank you.
I remember Mrs Getz (who became Mrs. Schwartz) at PS 52 in the early ‘50’s – my first love!
Wow
I forgot I even wrote this
That’s how old I am getting
I went to JHS 52 ., Gtaduated 1948.
Dont remember my teachers names.
We had to wear white dresses and shoes at graduation. I got my dress at Lerners.dept.store.
Went home for lunch on Sherman Ave,
MY father was Dr. F.Grossmann.
THE good old days.
I went JHS 52, I was in the SP program. We completed 7th, 8th and 9th grade in 2 years graduated in 1960. Went on to George Washington. Don’t remember graduation, but we had our senior prom at the Trocodero ballroom on Dyckman St.
Went to JHS 52: Graduated in Jan 1950. Went on to Theodore Roosevelt in the Bronx– Fordham Road- Went there because I wanted to study German and they did not teach German at George Washington HS. I have a picture of my 9B2 class.
7-A1 in 1976, graduated from 9-A1 in 1978. Got skipped.
My besties had Mr K. for Music. I had Mr. Cohen for art. Music&Art graduate class of ’82. Now called LaGuardia. Good times long gone. Now I’m almost 59 & have lived in Seattle for 30 years and now Mesa AZ. But Inwood is always home! Glad I found this site.
I lived at 600 Academy Street. Went to PS 52 from Kindergarden to 3rd Grade, then to PS 98 for 4th to 6th Grade and then back to PS 52 or Jr High School for 7 to 9th grade and then to George Washington HS, the Dugen on the Hill. Those were the times. Those were the times. I am still friends with a few who were in school with me. Anyone remenber Frank Osman? that’s me. OK stay well everyone
These tidbits of remembrance about PS-52 are wonderful. I loved reading all of them.
I was born and lived most of the first 8 years of my life in Inwood. I was at PS-52 from K to 2nd grade (’51 to ’54), then we moved to New Jersey. I lived at 20 Post Avenue which was a stones throw from Dyckman St. and the Lowes Inwood Theatre. My grandparents lived at 650 W. 204th St. where my mother grew up. This is just off Broadway and cattycornered to the Dyckman Museum (aka Dyckman House).
At PS-52 I can only remember my 1st grade teacher was Mrs. Morse. My second grades teacher’s name might have been Mrs. Dushock.
I was raised in Inwood. I went to PS 98 from 1946 to 1951. I was in the IG Op class. Miss Daugherty was the principal until 1950. When she retired the IGOp class was renamed 6-6. (Early PC?)
Teachers were Miss Zic, Miss. Colgan, Mrs. Aiken (her son was in my class) Mrs. Hantman (her daughter was in my class)
Most of us ended up in the SP class at JHS 52. We were mixed in with kids from PS 152. Mr. Weiner was the principal. Miss Mahoney was my home room teacher in 7th. Miss. Monks was my home room teacher in the 9th grade.
We had shop in the old building. I still have the propeller tie rack we made in 7th. Grade.
The 1953 graduation was held in the Lowe’s movie theater on Dyckman Street and Post Avenue.
I remember you. We were friends. Knew you as Francis.
Best regards, Steve Harris
Besides reading the history of 52, I enjoyed the comments from my classmates. I went to 52 from 1949 to 1951. I went to 98 prior to than. I skipped the 3rd grade and then did the IGHP three levels in 2 years at 52.
My brother Frank and I lived at 117 Post Ave and walked to 52 starting at Post Ave and 204, crossing Sherman Ave, walked down to Academy and Sherman, then along Academy to 52. In 1951 the students could get a grey and blue hat marked Inwood 1951. My best friend Annette Spinosa would meet me at Post and 204 and we went together from there to 52. Although my brother ad I live 100’s of miles apart ,we reminisce often about the people and places in Inwood. I remember Virgilio, Abe Weiner and Auerbach. I’m 87 years old and sad that my best friend Annette died in the 1980’s. RIP Annette. You can remember me by my red hair.
My mother took my twin brother, Francis and I (Margaret Hughes) to our first day of Kindergarten at PS52, leaving our apartment at 29 Arden St., in 1950. While everyone was getting settled, Francis and I looked around and decided that this adventure was not for us. So we just walked home and told my mother of our decision! She put our hands in hers and marched us right back, to the great surprise of our teachers, who apparently were unaware of our escape! (Years later it made for a great story)
I attended PS-52 in 1971 -72 for a short while was elected president of the school. Until an incident. My 9th grade homeroom teacher was Mrs. Joanne Diaz ( mother of Nina Diaz – produced MTV Cribs). Mrs. Diaz and I became long time friends. I miss those years we spent writing letters and meeting for short visits. Mr. Mativa ( Nigeria) science teacher, possibly spelling his name wrong. I used to love hearing him pronoun the word “water” with his accent. He was amazing. He promised that if we graduated from high school he would give us a round trip ticket to Nigeria. I specially love my French teacher, I am not sure of her French last name spelling possibly Ms. “Popuier”. The French text book we learned from was written by her. I spent time going around her home to have tea and conversation. Amazing teachers who taught with compassion, dignity and love for their academic subject matter. I was so blessed by their dedication.