Missing Middle Gate Float Gets Replaced

At the eleventh hour and after an unsuccessful attempt to find the missing little red schoolhouse float, the Middle Gate Labor Day Parade Committee sent out an SOS for volunteers to help build a new, small replica of the authentic structure that is situated on the current school grounds.

The spirit of the families that support Middle Gate came together one week before the parade to get the project completed. It was the vision of committee members Pete and Celeste Vodola and Desiree Galassi to create a true replica in a manner that would withstand the test of time.

From a miniature rough construction paper model, Mike Cook and his family built the solid frame using lumber donated to them. Chris Watkins, Cub master Jeff Timmons, Pete Vodola and David Galassi created the clapboard siding appearance by using bead board, which Mr Cook then assembled onto the frame. He paid close attention to detail right down to the shutters for the windows. The children from those families as well as the Capeci, Zimmerman and Ziluk families painted the entire structure and assisted in nailing the shingles onto the roof.

For the parade this year, posters, a new banner, and vintage style photographs taken by Mrs Galassi were used to celebrate education at Middle Gate then and now.

The spirit remained strong as more than 80 volunteers showed up to march in the parade, including first grade teacher Jay Mihalko and PTA president Sue Zimmerman dressed as colonial school teachers. Some of the parents and children participating in the parade dressed in colonial attire as well.

To show their support and enthusiasm for the school the Cub Scouts and Brownies, some dressed in vintage uniforms, decided to march with their school.

The love Middle Gate families have for the little red schoolhouse stems from its history. Originally part of Bear Hills School District, in 1850 the structure was moved from a site near the old Botsford Post Office to its current location, and is maintained by the Newtown Historical Society.