| Originally children
from Wyoma Square used a chapel on Auburn Street as a
school until seventy students moved to a newly built schoolhouse
on Boston Street in the year 1770. Miss Nana Pickering
was the first principal, and the school was named after
her in 1884 when an addition was completed.
When educational studies developed the
idea of a "Junior High" system, Pickering
was the first to be built in the city. On December 6,1917,
a cold Tuesday morning, Pickering opened, costing $236,000
to build and $58,000 to furnish (A fancy house can cost
that much today and $8000 might furnish one room!).
In 1927, a Columbia University group of educators recommended
an addition to be built. After World War II, the addition,
including the gym, the west wing, and the Sisson School
next door were completed.
The 50's are remembered as "Happy
Days" at Pickering. Principal George Cosgrove had
the unique ability to recognize each student by name.
He organized field trips to New York and ski trips.
He was assisted by Mr. Joseph Mc Donald, the school's
first vice principal in 1962. He later became principal
and retired in 1985, when Mr. William Mc Guinness became
principal. During his first years, Mr. Mc Guinness revitalized
the sports program, advanced placement courses, and
developed a larger library.
The middle school concept added a complete
6th grade cluster. The class of 1998, Pickering's 80th
graduating class, is the first class having students
attending Pickering for three years.
"Pride
in our past; confidence in our future"
Pickering's motto, just about sums up the history of
Pickering.
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