News » Dumont Schools
So much development in Dumont has occurred since we graduated, and we probably wouldn't recognize certain areas or be able to find particular buildings as they no longer exist. As youngsters, we finally came together from our various elementary schools into Washington School. Some arrived in sixth grade and others in seventh. Our memories of the place are probably as varied as each of us: Mrs. Sagarian, Mr. Farese, Miss Belpedio, Mrs. Graple, gym class in the attic, rifle range in the attic, high ceilings, cement front yard, assemblies in the attic (a lot went on in that attic).
The original building was constructed in 1888 with its property being purchased for $1,000 and construction of the school costing $5,000. Additions were built on in the years 1901, 1906 and 1912. In 1918 high school classes began in the school and continued until Dumont High School was built in 1932. That structure saw additions in 1955, 1961 and 2007.
Eventually, however, new schools were built and Washington Schhol got passed on to the Dumont police department and borough hall and served in that capacity for many years. But in 2019, the old building was torn down after more than 100 years of service to the community. It's sad demise is recorded in pictures in the photo section of our website. The ground breaking ceremony for the new Dumont Municipal Complex on the site of the Washington School/Borough Hall was held on September 6, 2019.
As a side note, the town holds an annual Dumont Day at Memorial Park. This year it was held on September 17, 2019 and featured The Nerds, food, rides, a beer garden and ended with fireworks to celebrate its 125th anniversary.