September to Remember: School Days in Millville

Central School: The First Public Learning Institution in Millville, constructed in 1849 on the northwest corner of Third and Sassafras streets.

Photography by Millville Historical Society: Wettstein Collection

Millville Memorial High School: Opened its doors to students on September 5, 1925. On the northeast corner of Fifth and Broad streets, the school was built to commemorate local citizens who died in World War I.

Make this a “September to Remember” and visit two historic treasures in the City of Millville during Millville’s Third Friday on September 20, from 6 to 8 pm. A new photographic essay of Millville’s free public educational facilities entitled “School Days: When We Were Just a Couple of Kids” will be on display at the 1857 Millville Bank, the City’s first bank, now the Genealogical and Historical Library of the Millville Historical Society, located at 200 E. Main Street. Showcasing more than 25 schools, this photo exhibit begins with Central School, Millville’s first free public school constructed in 1849 on the corner of Third and Sassafras streets and continues through the opening of the new Millville High School on Wade Boulevard on September 23, 2023. The display includes information, vintage photographs, and memorabilia from various Millville schools. Many of these educational facilities have been demolished or repurposed.

Also open for the evening is the circa 1798 Baracha Dunn House, the oldest surviving building in downtown Millville, located at 204 E. Main Street. This historic structure just received a fresh coat of paint and repairs were made to some of its exterior structure. The interior is furnished with period pieces that reflect the era. Tours guides will share the fascinating story of the house’s first owner, Baracha Dunn, and the history of the Dunn House through its 226 years of existence. Additionally, Kathryn Saxton-Granato, a program specialist with South Jersey Curations, LLC will be preparing seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs for drying.

The 1798 Baracha Dunn House is listed on the Register of Historic Structures and Sites in Cumberland County. Built in 1857, the Millville Bank is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.