Looking for all Former Students, Staff from Exeter Area Junior High School!

The Exeter A.R.E.A. Jr. High School was a happening place from 1967-1998.

As you may be aware, the old Jr. High Building is being sold to Squamscott Community Commons (SCC), a local non-profit group dedicated to bringing a vibrant community center, including a “Y”, to Linden St. Last March, a substantial majority of voters from the six SAU #16 towns approved the idea of selling the old EAJHS building to make way for the center.

After careful investigation, the SCC group has determined that a new building will, in the long run, be less expensive and far more satisfactory than trying to re-hab the old jr. high building. Demolition is expected to begin this summer.

Anticipating the demise of the building, several former EAJHS teachers have begun writing a book about the school – a factual history, but enlivened with lots of “color” from former students, teachers, parents, and community members. We have already met with a local publisher who is very interested in not only publishing the book but also providing lots of assistance along the way. It would be great to have the book ready for the big “reunion” planned for this summer, but a Holiday Season 2007 release might be more realistic.

Many of the leaders of SCC are long-time area residents who are most aware that EAJHS was not only an outstanding school, but also recognized throughout the state. Consequently, they want to do everything possible to perpetuate its memory. In addition to the summer reunion, they have also helped us set up a web-based survey for former students, teachers, et. al., to share experiences and memories of EAJHHS. You can try it here:
Click here to take survey


We hope that you are not only interested in remembering those times but also willing to play at least a small role by contributing to the book. Some ways you can help:

• Record your memories of some happenings on Linden St–in your class & beyond
• Get the word out and glean goodies from former student and colleagues
• Remind us about happenings in your dept., clubs, sports, special events, etc.
• Research some of the records at the SAU Office
• Dig through old copies of the Exeter News-Letter at the Exeter Historical Society
• Other ideas?

We have already been talking with many former students and their parents. Every one of them has been excited by the project and wants to contribute in some way. Our regular meetings (in old Rm. 232 at EAJHS) have included Tom Meehan, Florence Condran, Charlotte Taylor, Dana Wyman, Bob Graves, Lin Roy, Jane Chisholm, Anne McLaughlin, Eileen Cunniffe and Ken Berry.
We look forward to hearing from you!

PETER SMITH & JEFF HILLIER