Children pose at their desks inside the old Boynton School, circa 1959. Today, the building is home to the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
It’s not unusual for former students of the old Boynton School to stop by the building that now houses the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center. But it is unusual when 250 of them do.
That will be the case Feb. 28 during the Reunion Bash, a day-long fundraiser honoring the kindergarten-through-12th-grade institution built in 1913.
“It actually should be a lot of fun,” said Suzanne Ross, executive director of the museum. “A lot of people do want to come and see their old school.”
Among them: a woman who was a student in the 1930s.
“So if I did my math correctly, she’s how old?” Ross quipped.
The guest list also includes an 83-year-old alumnus who lives in Fort Lauderdale
“As he put it to me, if he’s still alive, he will be there,” Ross said.
Honorary chairpersons are Curtis Weaver, 86, and Nain Weaver, 83, original Boynton Beach residents who attended the school as children, grew up together, fell in love and got married.
The Reunion Bash will feature a daytime event geared toward families with children, grandchildren and undoubtedly great-grandchildren, as well as an evening reception for adults. On tap are costumed characters, school pictures and tours of the building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and libations, live music and a silent auction of old classroom chairs painted by local artists from 6 to 10 p.m.
Chairwoman Barbara Barlage wants the event to become an annual affair.
“I feel that the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum in east Boynton is one of the most important things we have downtown,” Barlage said. “It’s been influential for Boynton Beach, and what we’re trying to do now is just bring more of an awareness.”
Funds raised will pay for exterior and interior renovations, new exhibits and programming.
“We hope that it’s successful enough that it will be a signature for us each year,” Barlage said. “So it’s kind of an experiment.”
If You Go
What: Reunion Bash to benefit the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (daytime event) and 6 to 10 p.m. (evening reception) Feb. 28
Where: 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach
Cost: Free for daytime event; $75 for evening reception
Information: Call 742-6780 or visit schoolhousemuseum.org or facebook.com/schoolhousereunionbash
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