When Binghamton, JC, Endicott Opened High Schools on the Same Day

Three Broome County high schools held their first classes on the same day more than a century ago - and two of the schools remain in use today.

It was 110 years ago that Binghamton, Johnson City and Union-Endicott High School all opened their doors to accommodate a rapidly-growing population in the Triple Cities.

Students began attending classes in all three buildings on September 7, 1915. The schools are located along Main Street, now designated as Route 17C.

The big event was heralded in a front page story in the Binghamton Press and Leader headlined: "Three New High Schools for Students of Binghamton and Its Suburbs Will Be Officially Opened Tuesday."

According to the newspaper report, the communities had the "honor of having (the) finest new educational institutions that modern methods can erect."

The article stated the Binghamton school had "a capacity for 1,200 pupils" and the original Johnson City school was "built for 600 pupils." The initial capacity for the Union-Endicott High School was reported to be 1,000 students.

An addition to the Johnson City building opened in 1916. The village high school on Main Street was used until 1970. It later was turned into the NY-Penn Trade Center.

A $20 million mixed-use project now is being developed at the site. The complex will include 55 apartments and a teaching facility that will be used by Broome-Tioga BOCES.

The high schools in Binghamton and Endicott are still open. They've been renovated and expanded over the years.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Inside the former Johnson City High School on October 7, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.