Winchester Residents Say Farewell to Vinson-Owen [VIDEO]

The had been opened for only a few months in 1961 when Principal Clare Corcoran decided to allow students to paint the windows.

Not every student was given this privilege though, that task was left to the sixth graders.

“We decided to let the sixth graders paint the windows because we kept having birds crash into the side of the school,” said Corcoran, who was the school’s principal for the first 24 years. “We had to do something.”

But even though the building is approaching its 50th birthday, Corcoran will be sad to see it torn down.

“I hate to see it close down,” she said. “I’m sorry they weren’t able to fix it. I just love the way it was built into the side of the hill. It was such a special place.”

Next year, students at Vinson-Owen will head to Parkhurst for two years, while a new building is being built. According to Superintendent William McAlduff, the current building will be torn down in the fall.

But even though many current and former parents, students and faculty feel as though it’s time for a new building, this Vinson-Owen will be missed.

“It was such a small, personal place,” said Connie Papas, who was the School Committee chair from 1976 to 1985. “It was everybody’s ideal neighborhood school.”

I think it’s time for a new building,” said Nancy Richardson, who sent her three sons to the school. “I think the spirit of the building will remain, but it’s time for a new one.”