Bernards Township teacher Louise M. Flint compiled a scrapbook during the 1930s and 1940s that looked back at the early history of Maple Avenue School, or Basking Ridge School as it was called. Mrs. Flint credited Mrs. Fred Kampmier, Sr., with giving her the following early facts and construction photos.
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Basking Ridge School – Maple Avenue
Original one story building completed in 1902
Contractor – Michael King of Liberty Corner
Stonework – in charge of Mr. Apgar of Mendham
Second story – added in 1906
Contractor was Charles Wesselcraft [Westlecraft] of Bernardsville.
First teachers
Miss Henry Miss Bingham
Miss Smith Miss Lum
Mr. Neer Miss Frost (in 1904)
First Graduating Class – 1902
Nellie Bailey
Bertha Sanders
Florence Collins
Allen Connolly
Walter Edgar
Leon Harmer
List of Principals of Basking Ridge School
Willett Neer
Oscar Fischer
Stanley Wilson
Harold Price 1923-24
Harold Katerman 1924-25
Elon Barber 1925-28
Sanford B. Ross 1928-29
Jack B. Twitchell 1929-
The school, which was demolished in 1973, stood on the present site of the Bernards Township Library. See also: Maple Avenue School Pennant.
Louise M. Durkee Flint (c.1889-1976), began teaching in Bernards Township in 1924. Her husband, Frederick C. Flint died in 1934. Mrs. Flint was a life member of the Basking Ridge Historical Society (now The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills) and served as trustee for nine years beginning in 1962. Her scrapbook is now in the archives of the Society.
