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1842 to 1983
MILFORD INDIAN PRIDE
WEPAWAUG CLASSBOOK
WETOMHIS NEWSPAPER
(Wepawaug Times of Milford High School)
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Milford High School was founded in 1842 following
an act of the State Legislature which allowed communities to establish a school of higher learning and to appropriate
public money for its support. It accepted students not only from Milford, but also from surrounding settlements.
In 1874 the Board of Education successfully proposed to join the Milford High School building with its neighbor,
the Town Hall, and add connecting rooms to accommodate a growing student population. These new high school
quarters shared space with governmental offices, a grade school, jail facilities, and the G.A.R. room (a
large meeting room that was later used as a theater). This extensive and splendid building, known as the "Old
Town Hall" was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1915.
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 An architectural marvel, The "Yellow Brick Building" erected
in 1908 on land once home to an inn / tavern (known to have been frequented by George Washington) served as quarters
for Milford High School until graduation of the class of 1951.
Initially this new central
school building housed not only the high school, but grades 1- 8. High School classes were assigned to four rooms on
the third floor. An assembly room was used for study periods. In June 1909 there was no high school
graduation as the once 3 year course of study was extended to four years and included college preparatory, scientific,
and commercial courses. Gradually several elementary schools were built throughout town to accommodate younger
children and "The Yellow Brick Building" housed only grades 9-12. By mid 1930 it was evident enrollment
would continue to escalate and high school students would require larger quarters. However, World War II
restrictions made it impossible to even consider construction of any new school buildings. Eventually
Milford High School was forced to go on double session. Upon conclusion of hostilities, city
fathers and the board of education collaborated to construct a new high school building.
Renamed sometime
during the 1950's, "The Toulsen Building" became affectionately known as "Old"
Milford High School. It served as part children's library and part overflow home of Central Grammar
School students for a number of years. Eventually "The Toulsen Building" was utilized as a
Milford High School Annex when crowded conditions again necessitated space for an ever increasing student population.
Still a formidable edifice, "The Yellow Brick Building" has been completely remodeled and is known
today as River Park Apartments, an affordable residential alternative.
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 Construction of a new Milford High School building began in 1949 and was completed to accept students in September
1951. STATE OF THE ART in concept, design, and structure, it offered students a greatly expanded course
of study. All departments were enhanced and every effort made to provide a modern, comprehensive high school
which would meet the need of all students whatever their interests.
The 1,500 seat auditorium
was completed just in time for Seniors of 1951 to use it for graduation ceremonies. Students of the class of 1952 were
the first to graduate after attending classes in the new high school. September 1951's incoming Freshmen
are forever distinguished as members of the first class to complete all four years of study in a
modern and untraditional setting. Unfortunately, by their graduation in 1955 this impressive structure
had reached capacity. Once thought to be large enough to accommodate students in grades 9-12 for decades, by
1956 it was necessary to hold some classes in the old high school building. In 1957 Milford High School
was again forced to go on double session.
Subsequently, additional secondary schools of learning were built
first in the West Shore and later in the East Shore districts. They eased stresses of escalating pupil
population driven by a post WWII housing boom. Subdivisions and winterizing of summer cottages changed Milford
from a widespread agricultural and limited manufacturing community with a large influx of summer visitors to a small
yet diversified city. The class of 1973, numbering in excess of 475, holds the record of being the largest
graduating class in the history of Milford High School.
When an anticipated baby boom of the 1970's
never materialized and the number of births declined, so did school population. By 1980 it was evident that Milford
no longer needed three high schools. Therefore, after 141 years, due to declining pupil enrollment, Milford High School
was phased out. The building closed for renovations in June 1983. It emerged some time later as "Parsons
Government Center".
Home to many city governmental departments, The Parsons Center also
serves as a consolidated base for Milford's Board of Education which had previously been housed at many scattered sites
though-out the city. The gymnasium continues to be used for Department of Recreation activities and the auditorium is
utilized as a cultural venue by many groups.
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MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL ALL CLASS REUNIONS CELEBRATED THE LONG IMPRESSIVE
HISTORY OF THIS INSTITUTION IN 1983, 1993 AND 2003. NET PROCEEDS FROM THESE EVENTS HAVE BENEFITED THE MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
EACH JUNE A SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO A JONATHAN LAW AND JOSEPH FORAN HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATING SENIOR
THE MILFORD BANK IS HONORED TO
SPONSOR ALL CLASS REUNION 2008
COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL CLOSING
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SAVE THE DATE
MHS ALL CLASS REUNION
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013
MHS
SPIRIT CONTINUES TO LIVE ON
ATTEND THE ALL CLASS REUNION
SUPPORT MHS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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