This Day in History: 1952-04-23
In a letter to Stephen Birch Jr., the Mahwah Board of Education explained its reasons for rejecting Birch’s offer of s plot on Ridge Road free for a new high school. The Major reason was the location of the major AT&T trunk line across the property. Contacts were made with the telephone company which indicated that it would be at least five years before the line could be either buried or re-routed. The reason cited was the present shortage of copper wire and other critical materials. The board requested that Birch reconsider their earlier suggestion as to the exact piece of property to be deeded so that both a new school and playing fields might be located without encroaching on the AT&T right of way. The Board asked for clarification of one additional point and the withdrawal of another. They asked for a reply within one week. The letter was signed by Mildred H. Helier, District Clerk. There was considerable controversy about the Board’s stand. Many felt that his second condition, that the property be used for a school building and other educational and public purposes was perfectly clear. They also believed that the Board was being petty in rejecting his call that the town vote on the acceptance of the property. Another Board meeting was planned for May2nd. There was no public knowledge of any reply Birch might have made to the Board’s request. (Bristow)