THSSH has released another Online Collection of documents—this time featuring Bernards High in Bernardsville, NJ.
Bernards High was built in 1905. Two years later a class of two–Effie Beekman and Florence Rowell Conklin–became the first students to graduate. Until construction of Watchung Hills High and Ridge High, Bernards was the only high school in northern Somerset County. Over the years, students came from Bernardsville, Bernards Township, Bedminster, Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone, and Passaic (Long Hill) Township.
The collection covers graduating classes from 1907 through 1952. Among the documents that may be searched and viewed are graduation programs, alumni directories, and newspaper clippings. The alumni directories are particularly valuable in that they sometimes reveal the residences of individuals after graduation and married names.
Highlights discovered in prior searches include:
–School curriculum for 1912-1913
–newspaper article on 1935 undefeated football team
–high school diploma from 1935
–short autobiography by Bernards High graduate (and Ridge High Track Coach) Laurence Smith.
Did your parents or grandparents go to Bernards? Click on the link below to start searching for your Bernards High graduates:
Search Bernards High Collection
TIP: For the most expansive Advanced Search within the Collection, input a name or other search term in the Description field.
My Mom was born in August 1919 and graduated from Bernards High. I’m assuming she graduated in 1937. She always said she had 8 students in her class. I did a search of her name and did not see any results. Is there a way to get further information? My Dad, George W. Bird was born in Liberty Corner in February 1918. I’m not sure if he would have attended Bernards High.
Thank you, Leonard Bird
Hi Leonard,
The current online collection does not cover the 1937 class very well. THSSH does have other material like yearbooks which are unscanned for the moment. If you are local, you can make a research appointment by emailing research@thssh.org. Please include your mother’s name when she graduated and we can tell you if a visit will be worthwhile. The Bernardsville Library Local History room may also have materials from that time.
Thanks so much for your reply. My mom’s maiden name:
Charlotte May- born in August of 1919. She would have turned 18 in August 1937. I believe she graduated Bernards High in 1937
Leonard Bird
Hello Mr. Bird – I checked our records at the Bernardsville Library Local History Room and we have yearbooks for both the class of 1937 where I found your father and 1939 where your mother is listed. We have graduation pictures also. If you are interested please email localhistory@bernardsvillelibrary.org and I can email you the photos.
Hi,
Great work that you are doing.
I am interested in reviewing the 1935 yearbook. My Pop was born and raised in Bernardsville and graduated from BHS in 1935. His full name was Michael Anthony Gianetti. I would absolutely love to see any pictures or other facts about the class. I am his son, Peter Gianetti
Thank you
Hi Peter,
Thanks. I checked the yearbook inventory at the THSSH and we do not have the 1935 BHS yearbook. Your best bet would be to contact localhistory at the Bernardsville Library to see if they have a copy (see above comment by Pat Bankowski).