E is for Education

Collage of School Photographs

These images are reprinted from photographs in The Brick Store Museum’s archival collections. They date from 1870 to 1939 and represent students and activities from the following area schools:

Alewive District 8, Burnham, Centennial, Cousens, Kennebunk High School, Kennebunkport High School, The Landing, Pine School, Park Street, Swan Street, Unitarian Churchyard School and West Kennebunk.

Park Street School Sign

Park Street and Cousens Schools closed their doors, and 487 students (kindergarten through third grade) and staff moved into the newly constructed Kennebunk Elementary School on Alewive Road on November 29, 2004. Shortly thereafter, the Museum approached the school district about acquiring the two schools' signs still mounted outside the vacant buildings.

Both signs were officially presented to the Museum during Kennebunk Elementary School's public grand opening and dedication ceremonies held on March 4, 2005.

Brick Store Museum Collection. Gift of Maine School Administrative District 71, 2004.

Cousens School was constructed in 1934-35 on property purchased for $2,500. The intent was to alleviate overcrowding at the Park Street and Swan Street Schools—two of fourteen area schools at that time. The school was named for Nathaniel Cousens, known for fighting in the Revolutionary War, being the first resident to settle on the west side of the Mousam River, and serving as a town selectman for over two decades. Opening day at Cousens School was September 9, 1935, with 129 students. Teachers' salaries averaged $23.29 a month.