Midvale School





Photo: Unofficial.Net Collection.

What it once was......


The Midvale School was built as a gift to the community by Abram S. Hewitt, a former Mayor of New York and owner of Ringwood Manor. The school was opened in 1902 and an expansion was completed in 1911. After serving as a school through 1998, the building became the Gladys M. Rhinesmith Administration Building. The structure was vacant since 2000 and sold at auction only to be razed in January of 2004.




Photo: Wanaque Golden Jubilee Booklet, 1968

"The occasion is the dedication of the new Midvale School in 1902. This photo shows the Grade 1 - 8 student body and its benefactor, Abram S. Hewitt (seated at left with white hat) born 1822, died 1903. At left of Hewitt is the principal of the school, Richard Baxter."

Below, a portrait of Abram S. Hewitt from the Ringwood State Park, Ringwood Manor collection.



Photo: Ringwood State Park








Photo: Unofficial.Net Collection








Photo: Sandy Lawson Collection (photographer unknown).



Photo: Sandy Lawson Collection (photographer unknown).

....what it became......




Photo: Unofficial.Net (3/2007).

.....and what it is today.

Currently, the site is nothing more then a vacant, weed strewn lot. The sale and demolition of the building was, to say the least, controversial. The building had been recognized by many members of the community as architecturally and historically significant. As indicated, the school was built by Abram Hewitt. His connection to the structure in and of itself was significant. Add to this the firm of McKim, Mead and White who designed the building. This architectural firm was one of the most noteable of its time, having designed the Brooklyn Museum and the Pennsylvania Railroad Stations in both New York and Newark.

More can be found on McKim, Mead and White starting with the Wikipedia entry.

An article of interest can be viewed on the Preservation New Jersey website regarding attempt made to preserve this building.




Photo: Unofficial.Net Collection.


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