Winthrop’s Story

History is the story of many.  When asked to write up the history of Winthrop, I went to a few of the “story keepers.”  Like all cultures, Ipswich has its share of individuals whose recall and knowledge help us remember times past.  From collecting artifacts to recording little-known tidbits of information, we have these story keepers to thank for maintaining our roots.

To begin assembling Winthrop’s story, I went to Howie Bowen who, not only has a great role in Winthrop’s past having worked in the building for many years, but is also maintaining his Uncle Harold’s writings and pictures, a story keeper from long ago.  Additionally, Paul and Kathleen McGinley, neighbors and incredible history buffs, are story keepers with great tales to share.  I thank all of these incredibly resourceful people.

There are many of you who can add to this history collage.  With just a wisp or ribbon of information the picture becomes more robust.  Please feel free to stop me to share a tale, and I’ll keep reworking this history.  Collectively, we’ll be the story keepers of Winthrop’s past.

                                                                                    Sheila Smith-McAdams

 

People make things happen.  Each day and age has its own “movers and shakers.”  In 1859 a group of prominent Ipswich citizens created a trust for the purpose of purchasing the land and erecting a new High School.  One donor stepped forward with a considerable sum with the condition that the building was erected prior to 1874. 

In 1872, a lot was purchased on Central Street, the site of the existing Winthrop School.  Even though the fund was considerable it did not support both the land purchase and building a structure.  Richard H. Manning’s $15,000 contribution, as well as funds from the legacy of Joseph Green Cogswell, provided enough funds to build and the doors were opened in August of 1874.  The appropriately-named Manning School housed the High School, with Martin H. Fiske at the helm, and two of the upper grades of the Grammar School, overseen by Joseph I. Horton.

In 1895 a new Grammar School was needed.  Once again, location was discussed and the final purchase was made of the Barker property conveniently located next to the Manning School on Central Street.  At this time, Harold Bowen reports, the Manning School was being used for grades 6-8.

A separate wooden building was erected 500 feet from the Manning School and called the Winthrop School.  The space between the two buildings was to allow for expansion, a wise decision since, in 1914, an over-crowded Payne School forced the building of an addition.  With the addition, the Winthrop School housed grades 1-8.

By 1950 the old Manning School had been removed, leaving the Winthrop School on site.  In 1957, the wooden structure was no longer viable, in need of considerable repairs and the townspeople decided to reconstruct the school using brick.  This brick construction is what you see today with the exception of the western-most portion of the building, another addition that was added in 1987.

 Awaiting your stories.