HEDGE SCHOOL HISTORY
by Winifred Avery
(a Hedge School "Grandmother")

The Hedge School, located on Standish Avenue in North Plymouth, received its name from Isaac Hedge for whom the pond was named and who originally owned much of the property in the area.

In 1909, the Town of Plymouth, realizing that the north part of town had increased in population decided to build another school. They appropriated $20,000.00 to purchase a lot and the erect a brick school house. The lot finally purchased was on the westerly side of Standish Avenue, a little north of Cherry Street. Hedge School was opened in the fall of 1910 and was instantly filled by students from the Bourne Street and Knapp schools, and was expected that the Hedge School would soon have an addition as the Cordage Company was bringing in many new people.

In 1911 they planned for an addition of four more rooms in the rear of the existing building and appropriated the money to go ahead with this plan. In 1921 the town brought in portable classrooms which remained until 1924. They also saw the need for a larger playground and bought property adjacent to the school to enlarge it. In 1923 they approved the addition of an auditorium and four more rooms and more land was purchased to give them the needed space. They completed the addition in 1924 in time for the September reopening. This gave the school 12 classrooms, an auditorium with a stage, a principal's office and a doctor's room. It also had a new heating plant installed but still needed more playground space since some of the area did not drain well and must have been muddy in the spring. Land at the rear of the school was purchased and the play area extended. The school committee could see they would need more classroom space in the near future and suggested they would have to take property that at that time had dwellings on it, this never occurred. Mrs. Mary A. Brown gave a piano to the Hedge School as well as a weather vane, which can still be seen working on top of the school. The town put in sidewalks and curbs the length of the school at this time and granolithic walks were laid to the six entrances and the lawn was completed. The town bought land that contained an icehouse from Louis Pederzani to add to the existing playground. The icehouse burned twice, once in 1927 and again in 1943. This is where the parking lot and small park are now located.

In the 1950's the children were able to learn about banking since they were able to deposit their money while in school. During this time the 6th grade boys were used as crossing guards.

When the 80's arrived we realized that our auditorium was sadly inadequate and were able to rebuild it, which has helped us utilize that space to better advantage. We also brightened our cafeteria with a new coat of paint. The library was moved and is more enjoyable in its new location, (the former room "13") in the basement. As to the playground it is a far cry from the original small muddy schoolyard.

In the 1990's we celebrated our 80th birthday with a weeklong event that included an open house in which all known alumni were invited back. There was also a dance where Hedge was recognized by the State of Massachusetts. Finally, a Dinner Theatre sponsored by the Hedge School staff and students celebrated the birthday.

As we go onward into the 21st century, the Hedge School will make every effort to meet the demands of an ever-growing town and country.