Tabernacle Historical Society

In 1936 the two room school house was moved from the Town hall site to a new four acre location a short distance away on Carranza Road. There are no pictures of the actual move but it has been said that a team of horses was used to pull it down Carranza Road.

The new/ renovated building was dedicated on 8 December 1936. In it were not only the four classrooms, but also a full basement, kitchen, lunchroom, modern lavatories and an assembly room for 200 people. A school office was also used for the doctor and a nurse as well as a small library.

By 1942 the wartime shortage of gas made it difficult for staff to commute. The Board of Education closed the school from 2 November to 9 November. It was reopened when assurances were given that adequate gas ration stamps would be supplied to staff. Another issue this year was a teacher shortage. Substitutes were teaching in three of four classrooms. Luckily replacements were located, and all classrooms were taught by full-time teachers.

The original 1909 schoolhouse remains within this building. In its new location it was set on the right-hand side of the new building, on a raised foundation. Duplicate classrooms were built on the left side and a uniform brick veneered siding was placed across the front of the school building.

According to a 1936 article in Burlington County Educational News, here is a description of the renovated building.

In 1943 Mrs. Harriett Haines was asked to return to teaching in September. She lived close by and could walk to the school building. She taught fifth and sixth grades.

Classroom shortages in 1947 led to overcrowding so kindergarten was divided into two half-day sessions.

In the Spring of 1950 plans were made to enlarge the school. The Office/library room became a classroom to relieve lower grade overcrowding.

By the fall of 1950  September enrollment was 172 students in four classrooms plus the former office room.

In September of 1951 the auditorium became a classroom and the small primary room became the eighth grade. Construction began on two more rooms and plans were made for an additional two rooms. This would result in eight classrooms, a teachers room, an office, upstairs lavatories, enlarged cafeteria, kitchen and auditorium.

During 1961 with enrollment over 330, and average classroom size over 40, thoughts of additional construction came forth. In the Fall, architects recommended a new building in lieu of further additions. 

And then in 1963 eight acres were purchased on New Road and construction began on stage one of a building program.

On October 26, 1991 a reunion was held for the classes of 1947 and 1948. Only three members could not be located and, unfortunately two had passed away.