Superintendent Marcus Ware discusses the history of Bowe Elementary School at the 100th birthday event.
Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — Administration, city officials, teachers, alumni and students gathered in the Bowe School gymnasium on May 15 to celebrate its 100th birthday.
The Patrick E. Bowe School was constructed between 1924 and 1925. It was designed by George H. Eugene and Sons, architects from Chicopee, and built by M.J. Walsh and Sons, contractors from Holyoke.
The total cost was $215,000 for the building and $40,000 for the equipment. At the time, the mayor was Joseph M. Grise and the superintendent was John J. Desmond Jr.
When the school officially opened on May 15, 1925, it included 689 students and 18 teachers. However, structural concerns led to the school’s closure in September 1928, when the state building inspector withdrew the safety certificate.
Students temporarily relocated to the Robinson and Valentine schools before Bowe reopened in April 1929, undergoing necessary repairs.
Fast forward to today and current Superintendent Marcus Ware talked about the long history that school has had in the community.
“We’re here to celebrate a remarkable milestone. For a century this school has stood as a beacon of learning and growth and one of the spirits and prides of Chicopee. Bowe has on average had about 40,000 students come through these walls. Maybe some of your parents, maybe some of the teachers in the room,” Ware said.
Ware also estimated that between 500 to 1,000 teachers have also worked at Bowe Elementary School throughout the years.
“That’s a lot of individuals; that’s a lot of impact. You may not realize that right now but as you get older, that is a significant impact. That means your teachers you see each and everyday have seen so many faces, so many little ones that have come through their halls and have got into adulthood and now we’re coming back to celebrate all together. Just take it in, you’re apart of something that is very, very special,” Ware said.
Bowe Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through grade 5. Each class and teacher were at the celebration in special shirts to commemorate the special occasion.
Bowe Principal Sherri Chrzanowski shared how much it meant for her to be able to celebrate the 100th birthday as she is retiring after this year. She discussed the learning, leading and lasting legacy the school has had.
“What a remarkable day this is. We’ve gathered here in the heart of Chicopee to mark a milestone that few schools ever reach, the 100th anniversary of our beloved school, our centennial. One hundred years of pencils scratching on paper, of backpacks over small shoulders, of laughter echoing through the halls and of lives shaped within these very walls,” Chrzanowski said.
Ware and Chrzanowski thanked the teachers and staff for all that they do. The event also featured pictures of the school and alumni from the past 100 years.
The whole school also prepared songs to celebrate the 100th birthday that they performed in unison including a parody of “We Will Rock You,” changing the words to “Bowe School is 100.”
Mayor John Vieau was at a conference so could not attend the birthday celebration, but Rachel Beaudoin read a statement on his behalf.
It read, “We are proud to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Patrick E. Bowe Elementary School. A momentous occasion that honors a century of dedication to learning, growth and community in Chicopee. This milestone reflects the commitment of generations of students, educators and families who make Bowe a place where learning thrives, and futures begin. Here’s to 100 years and 100 more. Congratulations and happy birthday, Bowe.”
