Education First and Foremost
City of Belfast, United States
<b>The Original Town Hall</b> (left) and Academy (right) were both built in the early 1800s on the Town Common and served as schools into the 20th century. As student enrollment increased, the buildings became over-crowded and out-dated (photo c. 1900). The school committee, recognizing the need for improved facilities, voted to build a new school and in August of 1923 construction of the William G. Crosby School began.<p><i> Inset:</i><br> The new school was named for Crosby, who served as Maine Governor (1853 & 1854). It was fully funded with contributions from the community, the City, and Crosby's wealthy granddaughter Anne Crosby Johnson. Belfast Area High School, a consolidated school, replaced Crosby in 1965. Movie buffs may recognize the school from the 1957 movie "Peyton Place."