From the time ground was broken for the new Rush-Henrietta Central School to the occasion of that new building’s dedication, 745 days elapsed. And, to those who lived in Rush and Henrietta - and far beyond - the wait absolutely was worth it!

The construction of the Rush-Henrietta Central School, now known as Roth Junior High School, had gone well. The $1.5 million school - a commitment of $17 million in today’s dollars - was designed to serve 1,000 students all under one roof.

As the dedication date approached, anticipation grew. The May 17, 1952, issue of the Democrat and Chronicle described the excitement at the time:

“Dedication of the new Rush-Henrietta Central School tomorrow afternoon has interest for this entire area. In part this interest stems from the fact that Rush and Henrietta are part of the large Rochester neighborhood, in part from the object lesson which we have here of the way in which the little old country schoolhouse of the past has grown into the ultra-modern structure of today. Motorists driving by this neat, low lying building on its 65-acre plot have noticed no resemblance whatever to little red schoolhouses. Here in one glance they have seen how far education has traveled in this age of central schools, populated suburbs and motorized buses.

The town is to be congratulated on the completion of this splendid dream, which has been long in the making. Here under one roof both high and elementary grades for 900 pupils will be taught. Eleven buses will travel 660 miles daily carrying pupils to school and home again. At the ceremonies tomorrow, school officials of the town and others who have had a part in the construction will stand by as Mrs. Frank Gannett, member of the State Board of Regents, dedicates the school. A notable advance has come to an important section, and this entire area joins in marking the day of dedication.”

Our past few posts focused on the first six years of the district after centralization in 1946. Stick with us in the weeks to come because soon we will discuss other Rush-Henrietta schools we know are near and dear to our community’s heart.

[Post 11] #75posts75years

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