Egg Harbor Township has a long tradition of providing good schools for our children. During the late nineteenth century most of our communities had their own neighborhood schools. Each were centrally located in the community so that the children could walk from their homes every day. Each school had a bell tower with a large bell that would toll a few minutes before the children were due to enter. Parents nearby could also hear the bell and would hurry any late children out the door and send them on their way.
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English Creek School c.1904 |
This school had a large central classroom that accommodated all classes from first through eighth and beyond to the advanced classes, grades nine through twelve, that we now call high school. Many times the older students would assist the teacher by teaching the younger ones. Reading, writing and arithmetic were the primary lessons, but literature and history were also taught. Each classroom had a picture of our first president, George Washington, hanging on the wall, as if watching all the children.
Ms. Zilpha E. Brandis was the teacher when this photo was taken. Ms. Brandis previously taught school in neighboring Linwood, NJ. She is shown in the photo, 8th from the left. She is joined by 29 students and one adult man (extreme right.)
Shown to the rear of the school is a fence which surrounds the Privy.
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English Creek School as it looks today |
After this school was shut down, it was sold and converted into a home.
Recently renovated, it is located near the intersection of Zion and Somers Point-Mays Landing roads. |
