UPDATED 1/8/25 – More on the Hoaglands of Blawenburg.
These 41 wooden class plaques hang along the front corridor of the Hopewell Elementary School, and list the names of the members of each graduating class from 1926 to 1966.
They start in 1926 when the school was built, and end after 1966 when the school changed to kindergarten to 6th grade (no longer continuing through 8th grade).
The then Hopewell Grammar School opened in 1926, replacing the previous Grammar School on Model Avenue. The original building is the section that fronts on Princeton Avenue. The school was later expanded with a 1968 classroom addition along Prospect Street, and a larger 1997 addition along the south side that included a cafeteria and gymnasium.
- View the Hopewell Elementary School Class Plaques (PDF)
The Plaques
The Hopewell Elementary tradition of memorializing each graduating year with these class plaques actually started in 1947.
Representatives of the classes from 1926 through 1947 helped create the class lists and solicit contributions for the plaques.
Norman Hoagland, a member of the first class to graduate in 1926, created the first 21 plaques, which were presented at the graduation ceremony. (See more on the Hoaglands of Blawenburg.)
The plaques are made of pine and shaped as shields, approximately 11 x 14 inches. They contain the names of graduating students in two or three columns, ranging from around 15 to 30 names.
The shields are decorated with class colors selected by the students, including blue, blue & white, blue & gold, and red & white.
There also is a School Principals plaque with the names of the principals since 1926, from the first, Bertha Scott, to the current principal, Scott Brettell.
- View the Hopewell Elementary School Class Plaques (PDF) for photos of the 41 class plaques.
Thanks to the staff of the Hopewell Elementary School for information about the plaques and the school.
See below other school information in the History Project, including histories, names and mascots, and copies of yearbooks, graduation programs, and other materials.
Please contact us if you have photos, documents, or other materials to share on the history of Hopewell Valley schools.
More on Hopewell Valley Schools
Posts on school materials, including yearbooks, graduation programs, and plays.
- See also post on St. Michael’s Orphanage and School
Browse all School materials in the Image Album and Pamphlet Collection:
- Hopewell Schools History Posters – Hopewell Elementary School at the Harvest Fair
- Images – Hopewell Valley Schools Album – Class photos, classrooms, etc. (search by name, etc.)
- Pamphlets – Hopewell Valley Schools – Yearbooks, commencements, etc. (select by town, name, etc.)
Hopewell Valley Schools – History
- Post on Hopewell School Mascots – and the Frog – School names, mascots and logos
- Post on The Timberlane School Name – The Timberlane Drive development
- Post on Learning Your Letters – School Signs – Princeton High School (1919 / 1920)
- Post on Toll Gate and Hopewell Elementary School Centennials (2026)
Hopewell Borough Schools History – Grammar & High Schools
- Post on Hopewell Elementary School History – Hopewell Schools History posters
- Documents on Hopewell Borough Schools – Briefs and Posters
Hopewell Grammar School (Model Ave.) – 1888 – Posts & Materials
- Post on Model Ave. Grammar School Annex – Jewelry, invention, guitars, metalwork
- Post on c1912 Hopewell Grammar School Kids – Photos on Model Ave.
- Post on 1920s Hopewell Teachers – Scott & Scharring-Hausen
- Brief – Hopewell Grammar School Summary Brief (PDF)
- Brief – Hopewell Grammar School Annex Summary Brief (PDF)
Hopewell Elementary School (Princeton Ave.) – 1926 – Posts & Materials
- Post on the Hopewell Elementary School Centennial – history and additions
- Post on Hopewell Elementary School Class Plaques – 1926-1966 – Photos and names
- Post on 1941 Hopewell Elementary School Newspaper
- Post on 1952 Hopewell Elementary School – Graduation program and yearbook
- Pamphlets – 1956 Hopewell Elementary School “Hi-Lights” Newsletters
- Pamphlets – All Hopewell Elementary School Pamphlets – with yearbooks, graduation programs, newsletters
- Brief – Hopewell Elementary School Summary Brief (PDF)
Pennington Grammar School – Posts & Materials
- Post on 1950s Memories of Pennington – Mike Thomsen – Building evolution
Hopewell High School (Columbia Ave.) – 1910 – Posts & Materials
- Post on The Confusing Hopewell Firehouse – and Boro Hall and High School (1910)
- Post on 1917 Hopewell High School Yearbook – “Blue and Gold”
- Post on 1920s Hopewell High School – Commencement / Class Day books
- Post on 1924 Hopewell High School Program and Ads – Senior class play
- Post on 1927 Hopewell High School Diploma & Autograph Book
- Pamphlets – All Hopewell High School Pamphlets – with yearbooks, graduation programs, diploma
Hopewell Valley Central High School(s) (Pennington) – 1929 / 1958 – Posts & Materials
- Post on 1950s Memories of Pennington – Mike Thomsen – Buildings, school days
- Post on Central High School 1962 Practicum Report – School operations
- Post on Central High School 1961 Student Handbook – Rules & Clubs
- Post on Business Classes at Central High School, c. 1966 – Typing & bookkeeping
- Post on Central High School Class of 1966 – 2016 Reunion Scrapbook – Valley Images
- Post on Central High School Curriculum: 1962 & 1976 – Booklets
- Pamphlets – All Central High School Pamphlets – Yearbooks, graduation programs, curriculum
See also the Document Archive for additional historical school materials.
