In the series ... "I REMEMBER THE ROCKAWAYS"... Stevie S. Stevens

  
A newly-constructed Far Rockaway High School waits in eager anticipation of its first student bodies!!
The new high school as it appeared in May of 1929 - before its official dedication - situated on an entire city block - shown at the unpaved intersection of Oceancrest and Bay 25th Street. The building as shown has not yet been outfitted with desks and chairs and no shades appear at the windows. By the end of August, the school will be "up and running" and well prepared to provide those essentials necessary for the education of youth arriving from every area of the entire 11 mile Rockaway peninsula. Professional photograph executed by Gorodess - This contribution thanks in part to the collection of Stevie S. Stevens.
 
 
 
The formal side of the newly constructed Far Rockaway High School. Situated on one entire city block, shown at the yet-to-be-paved intersection of Cornaga Avenue and Bay 25th Street - this is the entranceway to the formal foyer - with impressive inlayed flooring and a marble staircase, a fitting accompaniment to a large auditorium having the capability of seating almost one thousand persons. Professional photograph executed by Gorodess - This contribution thanks in part to the collection of Stevie S. Stevens.
  
 

These photographs/lithographs display the new school building in May of 1929 - several months before official dedication. First classes will begin at this location early in September under the direction and guidance of Principal Sanford J. Ellsworth.

The architectural design is from the New York studio of William H. Gompert and the actual construction was performed by the firm of Ptasy & Fehrman, Inc. Ground-breaking was performed in late 1927 and the work was completed early 1929. Prior to construction of the new high school building, only one abode had occupied this location; a private residence bearing the street address of 821 Beach 25th Street - Wavecrest section of Far Rockaway, New York.

The new facility as shown with original landscaping has yet to be equipped with learning essentials and windows are not yet draped. It is anticipated that sometime over the next few summer months, the interior of the building will be completed and that those items necessary for the education of the children of Rockaway will be properly installed. The facility employs 10-foot ceilings for adequate ventilation and during winter months will be heated by coal-burning furnaces.

These images shown appeared in the June 1929 issue of "The Architect" - an exclusive publication of the building trades.