Junior School Frieze - Haddonfield, NJ - Frieze Art on Waymarking.com

The two significant friezes may be found in the two busts of a woman's head and a young girl's head, both wearing hats, one a young girl, the other a lady. Topically, this could represent teacher and pupil but for deeper underlying symbolism I'll guess it represents the old century and the founding of Haddonfield and the coming new century and the child like innocence it was hoped to bring. Just a guess and probably way off.

Once a small, two-story red, brick school house has today become a huge, expansive junior school. But, look to the left and you will see unchanged, the original structure from 1890 with its fabulous artwork is completely intact and unchanged. This is a very rare example of brick on brick art, the art being cast brick/stone.

One would be hard-pressed to find a more artistically enhanced school then what would find here. There are these really cool faces built in relief of the brick wall. They are very detailed and quite remarkable. There are also rectangular tablets of relief work as well on the sides, front and rear of the school. I sped a wreath surrounded by a sheaf of wheat on both sides, en-bordered in rectangular coping. Whatever was on the right side was covered long ago in the early 60s at the first expansion. I also saw relief work of flowers, designs which were perhaps symbolic if plenty and industry and other important particulars. Look at the gallery and prepare to be impressed.

For a slightly more detailed and informed (but entirely unimpressive) physical description of this site, I have added information from the original nomination form sent to me by John P. Byrne, National Register Database Manager (John_Byrne@nps.gov), Department of the Interior. This narrative was created March 16, 1979, mailed in to Washington, D.C. and evaluated April 18, 1980 and finally approved on July 21, 1982. Thanks to this designation and the efforts of the community to stop developers in the early 70s, Haddonfield is permanently protected and is one of the best example of an intact Colonial America. This school represents a natural consequence of the late Victorian expansion of homes and the people who occupied them. One final note, after reading the narrative, one might wonder if the supervising architect who created the narrative bothered to get closer than the street to survey this property. He definitely missed all the best and intriguing parts.

2 story original brick school building, built in 1890. Wood cornice work and cast stone belt course. Some brick in pattern. Now headquarters building for the new 2 story school done in red brick, colonial architecture with pedimented 2 story columned entrance. Old Victorian building most interesting and harmonious with Lincoln Avenue Dwellings. --- National Register of Historic Places Inventory -- Haddonfield Historic District Nomination Form

If you have half a mind to explore this waymark and the hundreds of others in this historic area, go to this WEBSITE, you will see where all the free parking in town is located as well as all the other historical areas. The are several close-by public parking areas. Parking is difficult on Lincoln Street as the Junior School is directly across the street. Obviously, parking during a weekday when school is in session is out of the question...too suspicious. I would recommend parking on Chestnut Street and walking the 300 feet to the school if you are so inclined to visit it. On the weekend, park where ya want.

If you are interested in learning more about this well-preserved historic district, you are encouraged to visit their WEBSITE.