How soon they grow up! Here are three photos of the Hopewell Elementary School class of 1956, kindly shared by Rich Anderson. The photos also are annotated with the names of many of the students. The final photo is the 8th grade graduation, and the two earlier photos probably are the Kindergarten and 2nd grade classes.
== Also below: Hopewell Elementary 1956 – Yearbook – Newspaper ==
- View the full Hopewell Elementary Class of 1956 Photos and Names in the Image Gallery
How many of us still have photos like these from our early school days, much less can identify the other kids? For Hopewell Elementary classes, we have additional materials from 1956 and other years that help in remembering historical information, including Yearbooks (with names and photos), school newsletters, and the class plaques that list all the members of classes.
- See below for more on Hopewell Elementary and other local schools and high schools
Do you have similar historical materials from local schools to share?
Hopewell Elementary 1956 Yearbook
The 1956 Hopewell Elementary “The Graduate” Yearbook is a gold mine of historical information, including lists of the school staff, and student descriptions of class history and events.
There also are plenty of more lighthearted insights into the class members, including attributes (Best Bluffer, Coolest Belts), vital statistics (height and weight ranges for girls and boys), impressions (favorite saying, pet peeve, noted for, needs most), and even a timeline of the school year.
But the best part is four pages of photos of the class members, with notes on their nicknames, address, and activities.
Plus there’s a fascinating “You Are The Most” list for the teachers and staff – from “Best all-round” and “Nicest for small children,” to “Handiest” and “Best dishwasher,” to “Most attractive” and “Best figure.”
- View the Hopewell Elementary 1956 Yearbook (PDF)
- View all the Hopewell Elementary School Yearbooks in the Pamphlet Collection
Hopewell Hi-Lights Newspaper
Finally, also from the class of 1956, we have two issues of Hopewell Hi-Lights, from February and June 1956. This was a school newspaper, with contributions from kids in different classes. The masthead includes editors for news, features, sports, entertainment, and art & advertising, plus business managers, and Mrs. Gantz as the advisor.
These have plenty of class news, including sports, music, class trips, and school events. There are also student comments, poems, winning essays from the 1955 contest, and recommendations for top movies, TV shows, and books (including Dragnet and Guys and Dolls).
The back pages include jokes, crosswords, connect-the-dots, and coloring pages. (“What is the value of the moon? Just four quarters.”)
- View the 1956 Hopewell Hi-Lights in the Pamphlet Collection
Does anyone know when this newsletter was produced at the school – Were there were other issues that year, or during other school years?
Please contact us if you have photos, documents, or other similar 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.
