WATERLOO — St. Joseph’s Catholic School will be closing its doors at the end of this school year in May. Due to low enrollment and economic issues, the decision was made to close the school.
A timeline of the evolution of the St. Joseph’s School is as follows.
In 1904, a four-classroom school that included living quarters for sisters was built. The project costed $8,000 and enrollment included 66 children, grades one through seven. The school was built near the church on S. Washington and Polk Street.
In 1920, the Rueckheim residence on Polk Street, on the west side of the church, was purchased to serve the primary grades. The enrollment was 87, and it is thought that this was referred to as “the little school.”
In 1949, the former Peters home on S. Washington Street was purchased for the Sisters. Primary grade instruction took place on the main floor. At that point the “little school” was torn down to make additional parking and playground space.
In 1959, the school saw an enrollment of 137 children. As enrollment increased, a new school was discussed and eventually, land was acquired on S. Monroe St. across from the Church’s Parking Lot.
Also in that year, a gracious bequest of $100,000 was received from William G. McKay in addition to many other donations totaling $200,000 for the cost of the new six-classroom school on S. Monroe St., which also included a kitchen and a gym. The new school opened in September of 1963.
Past and present St. Joseph’s School students, Sisters and teachers from 1904-2024 are invited to come together for a Commemoration Mass on May 18 at 4:30 p.m..
A social potluck dinner and short program with memorabilia, pictures, sharing stories and a short video of past and present school life will finish the day of remembering St. Joseph’s Catholic School.
Any pictures, memorabilia, are welcome, more information call Barbara Pache (608) 655-324
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