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Worcester,Mass - Places of the Past, Boys Trade
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Description
This postcard, presumably from the year 1910, depicts Worcester Boy's Trade immediately after it was constructed in ca. 1907. Founded by Milton Higgins in 1909, the Worcester Boys Trade High School was located in Armory Square. It was one of the first trade schools in the state. The building (known as Building C as part of the Worcester Vocational High School campus)remains nearly the same today, however the top domed windows were removed and borded up in the late 1960's, and the building itself was renovated in the late 1960's. It still serves as the main building of the Worcester Vocational High School campus, and is home of nearly all academic classes in Worcester Voke.
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  • wikipedia.org - (report)
    Worcester Technical High School (WTHS), is a vocational-technical high school in Worcester, Massachusetts. It opened on August 28, 2006 replacing the old Worcester Vocational High School (formerly Worcester Boys Trade School) in the middle of downtown Worcester.

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User Stories and Comments

The following are comments left about Boys Trade from site visitors such as yourself. They are not spell checked or reviewed for accuracy.

Matthew Kacavich - Report this comment
This postcard, presumably from the year 1910, depicts Worcester Boy's Trade immediately after it was constructed in ca. 1907. The building (known as Building C as part of the Worcester Vocational High School campus)remains nearly the same today, however the top domed windows were removed and borded up in the late 1960's, and the building itself was renovated in the late 1960's. It still serves as the main building of the Worcester Vocational High School campus, and is home of nearly all academic classes in Worcester Voke. (As a note, I am a 2000 graduate of Worcester Vocational High School :))
Founded by Milton Higginsin 1909, the Worcester Boys Trade High School was located in Armory Square. It was one of the first trade schools in the state. Now known as Worcester Vocational High School, it is in essentially the same location.
Sara Lindberg - Report this comment
I am a 2002 graduate of Worcester Vocational High School, and it is now a coed school, and there are over 17 trades now in the school.
Michael A. Nemirow - Report this comment
A great place to have gone to school. As a 1968 graduate, I can attest to the quality of vocational training and of academics. When this school is gone from its current location, Worcester will lose a great part of its history.
Sam Tramontana - Report this comment
I went here in 1987 and 1988 until going to David Hale for Banking and finance, this was a wonderful building i remember it all too well.
Peter D. DeHaven - Report this comment
I graduated from Boy's Trade High in 1975 from the Carpentry program. I went into the army thereafter and then onto college to graduate with a bachelor's of science in vocational education. I worked in my trade for 12 years ,ten of which as an indipendant construction contractor in the state of Texas. I got certified in 1988 to teach construction carpentry. I taught one year in high sckool and moved on a position as a construction carpentry instructor in a texas state prison where i have been teaching eleven years years now. I would love to go back to worcester and teach at Boy's Trade in the Carpentry department.
I am a student of Worcester Voke and all though this building is a part of history it is also very old and is constantly having problems but buliding c is where most of my class time is spent...
Richard R. Carlson - Report this comment
I'm a 1950 graduate of Worcester Boy's Trade School,I found the quality of vocation training excellent.I went further in my career into Quality Assurance with the U.S. Govt.,Boston Army Base,Procurement Div.Boston,MA my career into Quality Assurance with thr U.S.Govt.,Boston Army Base,Procurement Div.Boston,MA
Richard Smith - Report this comment
My grandfather my dad and myself graduated from Boys Trade.I graduated in 71,and the 4 yrs spent there were great.We had the best food ,the hottest cars and a great basketball team.School one week shop the next.Also NO homework...Used to line up at the windows at 2;15 to check out the girls from North high.I would love to hear from other people who graduated at the same time. Now living in sunny Florida .
Mike Leonard - Report this comment
I was part of the last graduating class before it went coed completly. I owe my mechanical skills to my instructors. The class of 1991 was a memorable one. It will be a great day for the up and coming trades men and women to finally have a new school. Unfortunately it will be a sad day for all of us who had the oportunity see be part of the great history of that building. You could almost feel "Milt" in the hallways.
George Roberts - Report this comment
I'm a 1974 graduate of Worcester Boy's Trade. In early 1970, I made the decision to take the test for enrollment at WBTHS. In hindsight, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. While training me for my chosen trade, they also provided an academic education that permitted me to go to the college. The words that ring so clear are, "Red on top, white on the bottom." How does one say thank you? Then, to merely say thank you is to cheapen the gift.
Scotty Robertson - Report this comment
Most Worcesterites in the past would have though that Worcester Boys' Trade High School was for the non academic young men not thinking of College. I am sure there were many that had continued on to college using their knowledge gained from the many fine teacher's that actualy had the hands on experience. I was one of the fortunate ones to have played in the high school band which gave me the experience to have played with the U.S. Marine Corp Band. Professionally, I was an application engineer for optical products (laser beam mirrors, night vision and optical gun sights). Proud to have gone to Worcester Boys' Trade High School.
Domenic Belsito - Report this comment
Worc Boys Trade a great school with a lot of history, Grad 1967 Plumbing Dept , we had the best teachers an apprentice could hope for,oldtimers in the trade who knew all the tricks that are not learned today they not only thought you the trade,they thought you discipline and respect for you and your fellow workers,neatness and a skill that I use and refer to there teachings every day, I'd like to thank a few of them most arn't here anymore but i'll never forget them Mr Farrell, Mr, Carl Carlson , Mr Arthur Norton, and Mr George Loans, Mr White ,Mr Butler, Mr Langervine and many more from our shop and students thanks to Worc Trade
Joseph Dyer - Report this comment
As a graduate of the Class of 88... i remember it being the best school in the city.. you cant beat 2 years of Academics and 2 years of Shop.. My best teachers were my carpentry instructors.. Mr. Mitchell Sr Mr. Mitchell Jr, Mr. Francise , Mr. Bear.. and mostly.. Mr Solomon ( rest on peace Mr. S ) .. Good luck to all the future grads from Voke
Warren Rosenlund - Report this comment
In 1937/8 [?] I was at the trade school. They had a special machinist course as the factories needed them badly. At graduation I went to Reed-Prentice on Cambridge St. We wondered why Japan was buying so many old fashioned lathes - all belt driven when everyone else wanted motor driven. We found out soon enough - that's when Pearl Harbor got hit.
Jonas F. Rudy - Report this comment
I graduated in 1978. This was the year that the school went co-ed. I was the Editor for the Trade Winds paper in 1978. I was in the Gaphic Arts Department. I really enjoyed my years there. I hope the school continues for a long time to come. Thanks Boy's Trade for a good start in my adult life.
Will (Billy Sturtevant) Marengo - Report this comment
I attended Boys' Trade and graduated in 1977. My first couple years were great (top 20 in the class); but, like many others, I started hanging around the partiers and lost my educational edge (bottom 20 in the class). After graduation I entered the Coast Guard. Now retired (from the U.S.C.G), I'm ready to graduate from the University of West Florida with a degree in Elementary Ed. Boys trade was academically sound, and the teachers were great. Mr. Gingras and Mansfield were my shop teachers; my favorite non-shop teacher was Mr. Moran (P.E.). I don't know how the teachers survived with all that testosterone around; I couldn't handle it, it takes a special person to work at WBTHS/WVTHS - and most of the teachers were extraordinary.
Arthur "Fuzzy" Nichols - Report this comment
I graduated in '69 from the Painting and Decorating Department. I went into the Navy 1 year after graduating and everytime I had to paint something I could hear Mr. Mansfield saying "Make sure you don't leave any holidays! I spent 23 years in the Navy, obtained my Bachelor's degree from Columbia College and a Masters in Psychology from Troy State University. I've spent 10 years as a teacher in a Special Ed setting and am now a High School Guidance Counselor. Not to shabby for a kid who's 8th grade counselor advised him "You'll never make it through a real high school, have you thought about going to Boys Trade instead." I guess he didn't expect me to get the education I did from Boy's Trade. Thank you Mr. Mansfield, Mr. Smith, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Wheeler.
Worcester Voke, as its called, opened their new school this year. Im not sure if they use this building though...
Carl Aldrin - Report this comment
I graduated in 1963, specializing in Automechanics. I took another P.G. course in Screw Machines & Machine and tool design. This Institute made it possible for me to get such a fantastic handle on mechanics, that in 1984, I was nominated as the Quality Assurance Representative of the Year for the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency for numerous accomplishments including saving over 6 Billion Dollars, monitoring Fraud Waste and Abuse. I had the great pleasure of working on programs such as the Hubble Space telescope and acquired numerous certifications in Nuclear, Electronics, and Aircraft just to name a few. I will always remember Mr. Combs, Mr. Lucture, and Especially Msr. Butler Jr. and Sr. one of the greatest math teachers ever. Go Blue and Gray
Chuck Hamilton - Report this comment
My Dad went to Boy's Trade before he went into the Air Force to serve in the Korean War. He always spoke highly of the teachers and the quality of education he received.
Dana Tamblyn - Report this comment
I was in the electrical class of 1973 (73-G). I didn't finish shcool there as I had moved to New Hampshire a short time into junior class. The time spent there was the best and i would give just about anything to go back and do it all over again. the teachers were great.
Michael Sweet - Report this comment
I was in class 77C at Trade. It was a great experience. I have stayed with my trade (electrical) all these 30 years and don't regret a thing. My father was in class 56C and my brother was in class 79C. I am also fotunate to be wotking at the new Voke School at Green Hill and am very proud to be applying my trade at this school. Worcester can be very proud of the new school which I know will be one of the best in the nation.
R Zubowich - Report this comment
Igraduated from Boy's Trade ,class of 1955. I was shocked to learn that it went co-ed. Should have been so, in 55.Feel cheated. I only used my trade a few months before switching occupations. I feel most of th 4 years at trade were a waste, except for meeting new friends. Nice photos and site by the way.
Raymond P. McNamara - Report this comment
I graduated with the class of 1962 Worcester Boys Trade. I was in the Electrical class and I am still an Electrician hoding Mass& Rhode Island Licenses
I went to this school in the year 2000 untill 2005 i loved this school and would never regret going. I miss all my school teachers and staff, and all the fun that I had there.
Charles Buchanan- June 09, 2007 - Report this comment
I graduated from Boys Trade calss of 1977. I was in the Machine Practice Class. I had great years at Boys Trade and met many good friends. The education I gained from Trade has helped me in all my adult life. My time at Trade is only slighlty marred by the fact the my Diploma reads Worcester Voke, but my Class Ring states Boys Trade. The transition took place the year we graduated,a small price to pay for a great education; Go Blue and Grey!
Steve Consolmagno- July 27, 2007 - Report this comment
I also graduated in 1977 from Worcester Boys' Trade. I moved to southern California in '79 and was instantly hired at an electrical contracting firm. They loved us east coast guys because we had a work ethic and even more so - an education that the "natives" seemed to lack. Now living in the Boston area, I've had my electrician's license for over 20 years. I have a great position at Verizon doing Electrical & HVAC work, a job that would have been nearly impossible to hold had it not been for the teachers and instructors at Boys' Trade. Those same teachers and instructors contributed significantly to my success, and I will always be indebted to them.
John Di Liddo- September 30, 2007 - Report this comment
I graduated in 1973 from auto mechanics. I worked as a truck driver 32 years for Automatic Rolls. I moved to Maine in 1977 and worked for them until I retired in 2007. I now own a trucking company in Arundel Maine called Diliddo bros. inc. Ha I have one semi unit but it keeps me going.My class back then was 73A.
David Rivenburgh- January 09, 2008 - Report this comment
In my younger days I had a good friend who was trained at boys trade school as a plumber we both went our seprate ways and i went to the service in 62 when i came home bobby was allways working and for a very fair selery thats becouse of the great training he recieved at the trade schol
Eric- June 23, 2008 - Report this comment
My Mom's Dad graduated from BTS in 1928 and taught Cabinet Making there for a short time in the 1940s. My Dad graduated as a Pattern Maker in 1947. In fact, all my Dad's brothers graduated from trade school as well. I went there for two years ('80-'82) before I decided it just wasn't for me and transferred to South High Community. Dad still attends his reunions and came away really impressed with the new school that just opened. What a difference from the original at Wheaton Square. A great school for those who are gifted in the trades!
Brenda Waugh Frields- October 21, 2008 - Report this comment
My father, Arthur Franklin Waugh (also called "Sonny") was born in 1921 and attended the Boys Trade School. Does anyone know if there are school yearbooks or class lists available for viewing anywhere?
Nigel price- November 06, 2008 - Report this comment
I graduated in 1990, I enjoyed every day I was there. Just wish I was able to find out more information about class reunions for our class. It seems as I relocated to another state it was very difficult to keep in touch with that type of information. If anyone can obtain any type of information in reference to the graduating class of 1990, please post info. Thanks Nigel Price
Paul Ciaccio- November 26, 2008 - Report this comment
Class of 68 To all of you who didnt make it to the 40th reunion you missed a good chance to reaquiant yourselves with our classmates . Thanks to all those who had a hand in setting it up.
Ruth H.- January 15, 2009 - Report this comment
Regarding Worcester Trade School, my brother, Harry Bilazarian went to school there from 1941 to 1944. He was quite an athlete, co-captain of the football team in his junior and/or senior years (?) with Mr. Francis Donaher as coach. Can anyone give my family any more information...does anyone remember him? He's 81 years old now and not well. We were trying to gather as much school information as possible. Thanks for any information anyone can give.
Michael LeBlanc- February 09, 2009 - Report this comment
I have a group picture including my dad, Laurie LeBlanc, from the early 40's that my mom thought might be "Worcester Trade School".
Randy- April 21, 2009 - Report this comment
My father Bob Phelps)pitched for Trade in his senior year-1946. He is 80+ now and searching for his box scores from those games. If anyone could help us out, please e-mail me randy01430@comcast.net or call my dad 978 827 5266.
John Sbrogna- May 16, 2009 - Report this comment
Class of 1979. Boys Trade Schoolhad some of the best teachers. I made my living in the auto industry ten years. Mr.Dupont, Mr.Smith, Mr.French, Mr.Lamenenger, Mr.Butler,Mr.Wheeler were some of the best .
chad- June 19, 2009 - Report this comment
I am at the new Worcester Tech i think its time for a new photo because are school is a wonderful place its a beautiful school
Tim Pellegrino- August 20, 2009 - Report this comment
I graduated in 1981 Carpentry 81W. led by Mr. Loftus who was the(greatest carpenter of all time) Lynch, Mitchell, Francese, Dunbar. Were all great instructors of the trade.
Lulu b- October 20, 2009 - Report this comment
Hey does anyone know when Graphic Printing Started at Boys Trade?
ED BOMBARD- December 12, 2009 - Report this comment
I was in the class of 1959. Six day after getting out of school I was in the US Navy. After the navy was back in my trade. WBTHS was a great school for a lot of us guys back in the good old days.
Don Willar- December 15, 2009 - Report this comment
1972 grad Carpentry moved to fl. after the blizzard of 1978
John Taylor- January 20, 2010 - Report this comment
Graduated with the class of 1962 Worcester Boys Trade (Carpentry), with a lot of help and consideration from Mr. Loftus, Lynch, and Dunbar (was a problem child). Was in the Navy Reserves as a Senior and went active a year after grad, served 23 years, retiring in 1984 as a Master Chief Legalman (E-9) and settled in Pensacola, FL where I started a second career with Navy Civil Service at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, finally retiring in 2007 with a combined naval career of 45 years. Visit Worcester now and then to visit brothers still living around Indian Lake.
William (Bill) Raymus- March 08, 2010 - Report this comment
A 1965 graduate from Boys Trade High School (Welding) Mr Crowe was my welding teacher. Spent 20 yrs in the US Navy as a welder and other jobs in the Shipfitter and Hull Technician Rate. Worked for a goverment contractor did welding and fire fighting systems for 20 yrs until my knees and legs gave out. Currently live in Norfolk Virginia on Disability. Highly recommend a Trade Scool education to all that cannot afford to go to college
don willar- March 10, 2010 - Report this comment
hey ken white r u still alive
jim sadowski- March 10, 2010 - Report this comment
to Brenda Waugh Frields- October 21, 2008 Regarding Class Year Books. Believe the City Library has copies of most.
Jon Garrepy- May 25, 2010 - Report this comment
Graduated in 1990. I see that Mr. Nigel Price commented already. Not sure if you remember me but we had some of the same classes. I was in the drafting program and went into the Marine Corps in Jan 1991 and have been a Marine ever since. I miss those high school days, great school, great friends.
Daniel Ustinovich- May 29, 2010 - Report this comment
Class of 1955, Machine Shop. So many times over the years I recall the training we received and just marvel at how little the present generations know about mechanical things. We are certainly blessed to have had such great teachers who had hands on experience to relay to us. The school had so many trades from which to choose and industry needed workers with those skills. It was easy to get employed. The skills we attained were not limited to the trade we studied for, we were taught how to apply those skills to other areas of labor as well. We were taught to think things out, to be engineers so to speak. I came across my drafting drawings recently and I commented; "did I draw these"? Mr. West taught us well. I went on to Worcester Junior and studied Tool Engineering, My work took me to be a Quality Control Engineer and Manager, mostly in the defense industry, I taught Statistical Process Control, and Engineering drafting. Now retired and residing in Spring Grove, PA.
Daniel Ustinovich- June 08, 2010 - Report this comment
Class 0f 1955, Machine Shop. I recall the days when the Machine Shop was moved into the new building across the street where the ball field was.The movers made a big hole in the wall and built a street to floor platform so that the machinery could be moved onto it and lowered by a crane to the trucks parked on the street. We got some new machinery from the Navy Department. Bill Ritchie and myself were cleaning a big floor mounted radial arm drill and had the arm at 90 Degrres to the base and ths saddle all the way out to the end of the arm when the whole machine tipped over and rested on the end of the arm. The machine had not yet been bolted to the flood. The movers came in and used block and tackle to get it back to upright position. As Seniors, Bill and myself converted the lathes from gang pully drive to self powered. We mounted the brackets to the rear of the lathe and mounted the motors on them. No more overhead gang pullies that screeched when the clutch was engaged. The main shaft really screeched when Mr. Bill Sweeny threw the main switch to get the gang moving. The leather pully belt from the big motor drive would slip and screech until it was in harmony with the pully and up to speed.
Charlie Hancock- July 02, 2010 - Report this comment
Class of 1954, Electrical. Transferred to Classical High in Senior year in order to qualify for WPI. Eventually got BSEE and MBA. Still working as an independent consultant. Walter B Dennin was the Director. Played football for Fran Donaher.
Richard Bousquet- February 04, 2011 - Report this comment
class of 1968 I was in class 68-c carpentary shop with mr Dunbar Mr.Loftus and mr Lynch. we had 3 ladies for the first time in the school Kathleen, susan, and marcia all in the print shop. when did they change the mascot from the mechanics to the bulldogs? i went in to the navy in nov 1968 and retired in feb 1989 i now live in jacksonville fl.
A. Korzun- June 24, 2011 - Report this comment
I am a graduate of 38c and would like to know if anyone is still around. Does anyone know if they are having wny class reunions? Please if anyone has any pictures of the school past or present can you please email them to mcgheegal@yahoo.com.
Richard Swett- August 06, 2011 - Report this comment
I graduated from Boys Trade in 1975 from the cabinetmaking dept. The training and teachers where excellant. I ended up in the construction field as a self employed contractor (S&T Carpentry) with my partner and friend Jim Turner who graduated from the painting dept. in 1972 or 73. The training gave me the foundation and confidence in working with all the tools of the trade.
Ron Dufault- August 08, 2011 - Report this comment
I was a 1959G graduate. My trade was in the electrical dept. Worked at the old Reed & Prince after graduating but didn't continue in the trade. Have many, many great memories of Worcester Boy's Trade High School.
Jim Grimley- December 03, 2011 - Report this comment
From the Class of 75, Automotive. This is a great school. Like no other and needed now more than ever. If anyone form class of 75, automotive is out there send me a message. jmgriml@yahoo.com
bobby hogan- December 08, 2011 - Report this comment
class of 73,miss all those basketball nights with my teamates.I dont think it will be that great again for a while. I hope this finds all of you healthy,and god bless. bobby
Bob Dodd- February 16, 2012 - Report this comment
Graduate of electrical class 73C. I am currently living in Winter Park, Fl and work as an Electrical Maintenance Tech for Lockheed Martin on the launch pads and support buildings for the Delta rockets at Cape Canaveral. Boy's Trade was a great experience and I found that it gave me an advantage over other electrical techs that learned their craft out in the field. Having the electrical theory that was taught and the motor controls that was taught gave me a big advantage. Go Worcester Voke!
FRANK BEST- May 22, 2012 - Report this comment
CLASS OF 1972 AUTOMOTIVE. LOOKING TO FIND A COPY OF THE YEARBOOK FOR 1972 ..IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION ..PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT FJBEST@CHARTER..NET
Constance- June 26, 2012 - Report this comment
My father is turning 80 this August. He's been talking for the past 2-3 yrs. about wanting a yearbook from his class at Boy's Trade. If anyone has info on how/where I can get one please let me know. Thank you.
ken olson- August 21, 2012 - Report this comment
1962 grad great school lots of good memorys carpentry i live in portsmouth nh retired. would be great to here from some class mates.
Raymond Anderson- October 13, 2012 - Report this comment
I was in the class of 1965 in the electrical dept. I have many great memories, greatest of which was playing football for four years under one of Worcester's greatest (and toughest) high school coaches. After leaving Trade, my life took a major chang, having entered the ministry, I retired four years ago having spent over 32 years as a Hospital Chaplain. PS The new school looks great!
Danielle- May 26, 2013 - Report this comment
I am a 2009 graduate and I spent only one year at the old school til we were transferred to the new school they just made. I honestly loved the old school so much better I mean if I never went there I obviously wouldn't have known what it was like but with having the freedom to go outside during lunch and not having a teacher be up your butt all the time for walking in the hall just to the bathroom I liked the old school better. With the new school we could bearly go to the bathroom, couldn't leave the lunch room and the main thing I loved at e old school was how culinary could make nd serve the lunch. With the new school they had nasty lunch and culinary wasn't allowed to make it. W had a bakery /store and only the teachers were able to buy stuff ( which made no since ) but other then that the school was okay. There was definitely alot of fixing up they would of had to do to fix the old voke. I graduated in 2009 from painting nd decorating
mandy warren- June 06, 2013 - Report this comment
I went to Worcester voke graduated in 05 can't wait for the 10 year reunion..in regards to reunions the school doesn't do them either someone from the class has to do it like the class president or anyone who wants to but the school doesn't help out with any of it
FRANK E- October 09, 2013 - Report this comment
CLASS OF 1989 CARPENTRY
Tim Blanchard- November 01, 2013 - Report this comment
Graduated automotive 1987 I have some great memories at this school.
Dennis G. Fleming- December 05, 2013 - Report this comment
Class of 1974-B, Plumbing Dept. also WITI 1977. I had a great time at Boys Trade. Im retired from the Com. of Mass. Dept. of Corrections as an Industrial Instructor-3, Director of Engineering. It was my education at Trade that got me my plumbing gas fitters license, as well as my oil burner tech, cert. welder. Im proud to be a trade grad. There where great teachers and staff there. its sad to see there tearing it down now. not all, but quite a bit is gone. I loved playing sports for trade. and then for WITI next door. it will always be Worcester Boy's Trade High School Mechanics in my heart.
Bruce Desautels- March 12, 2014 - Report this comment
Class of 1978-C Electrical. After graduating from WVTHS, I attended East Coast Aero Tech for 2 years and got my FAA Airframe & Power-plant license, then went to work as an engine mechanic for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft's Experimental Division in E. Hartford, CT. After 6 years I took a position as a Heavy Maintenance mechanic with Eastern Airlines in Miami FL, and stayed with them until they closed. Moved back to CT. and worked for Gas Turbine Corporation as an engine overhaul mechanic for 9 years, until they closed. Then worked line maintenance on cargo aircraft at Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, and on corporate aircraft for Gulfstream at Barnes NG base in Westfield. My last aviation position was with Shuttle America as an Maintenance Controller in Windsor Locks ... During all that time I was also attending college at Elms in Chicopee (pre-law)and STCC in Springfield (Mechanical Engineering and Architectural Design). My wife and I moved to SW Nebraska in 2005, and purchased 12 acres of land. Here, I worked as a Draftsman and Purchasing Manager for an outfit that built custom modular homes. That company closed, so now I am a CAD draftsman for a Design-Build company in McCook that constructs Grandstands. Presently I am studying viticulture and plan to open a winery in 3 years, after we finish building our new home.
Mark Epstein- April 09, 2014 - Report this comment
Class of 1970, Unfortunately I experienced a lot of antisemitism during my 4 years. It was tough. I recall many occasions I would walk into the bathrooms and find my name with horrible comments and drawings of myself, my mom and sister. I kept it to myself and never told anyone. It was only a few idiots who treated me this way. I remember walking past the painting dept as a freshamn and I got jumped and beaten up. I was to little to defind myself and didn't tell anyone because I was afrid it might happen again. I have great memories of the faculty though. Mr Maddous, Mr Butler, Don Lemenager, Henry McGee, Elmer Haskell, Ray Salvo, Don Lamoje, Dick Mansfield, Jack "THE SHOT", Fran Donoher, and Lester Shae were my favorites. I enjoyed my basketball teammates,, Red Balcius, and Bobby Euranis, and Donny Henderson were great guys. I have two college degrees and work and coach basketball in Charleston SC. Fortunately my years at Worcester State bring back better memories.
Ron Beliveau- April 27, 2014 - Report this comment
class of 1983 machine shop, joined the Marines in Nov 83 , did my four years in Hawaii, came back to Mass to do my trade , 1988 was hired at Lowell corp. still there , plant manager . youre trade stays with you for life.
Philip Stone- February 08, 2015 - Report this comment
I was in the class of 77c on the fifth floor. Played on the football and baseball teams. I was ranked 28th academically my Freshman year, but that ended when I started hanging around with the wrong people and became a very rebellious teenager. The teachers there had a very positive experience on my life. Stoney
Louis Schraffa- February 27, 2015 - Report this comment
I graduated in 1957 from the electrical dept. I joined the Navy after graduation and spent 4 years as a electrician. 1961 I went to work for a union electrical contractor and spent close to 40 years working for them. I am proud to this day that it was my high school. I often refer to it as Wheaton Square Academy just to screw with people. was My school.
Barbara Ballinger- May 13, 2015 - Report this comment
Was the original building opened in 1907 or 1909, have seen both dates? thanks, need info for an article
John Sherwin- May 17, 2015 - Report this comment
I attended Boys Trade for several years 71-73. I wish that I was able to go through all the trades. The Automotive Technology Shop helped feed my thirst for electrical and mechanical knowledge. I went on from being a National Guardsman (mech 63B) to the Air Force Satellite Communications Systems. I have supported our troops in Iraq 2006-2010 from Mosul, Tikrit, Fallujah and other forward operating bases. Now back in Worcester, I wish to start a manufacturing company. I need contacts, supporters and financiers that believe that the best industrial products were born here in Worcester Massachusetts.
Kevin VanCott- August 18, 2015 - Report this comment
Carpentry 1984 Mr Mitchell, Solomon, Iandoli & Francese Great crew KVC34@YAHOO.COM
Jim Dowd- December 04, 2015 - Report this comment
I went to WVTHS and graduated in 1982 from the auto shop. At that point they had changed the name from Boys trade to the WORCESTER VOC TECH.HS. I had problems and was in trouble a lot and the school was very tolerant and forgiving. I joined the Army reserve 63B my junior summer to get out of town for awhile and complete basic training and came home and graduated. No other school would have put up with half the guys I was there with. I used my Trade school and Army training to get a Government mechanic job and retired after 30 years from the Army Reserve and the civil service.
Herb Wollerman- January 26, 2016 - Report this comment
I graduated in 1977 (77-c), now it's almost 40 years later and I have successfully retired from the Electrical Trade. I am one of the few "Series Streetlight" experts in the world. Our theory instructor Mr MacNiel showed us an incandescent light bulb, and some high voltage wire and said that series st. lights would be obsolete by the time you graduate. I spent a good part of my career maintaining, troubleshooting, and converting them to parallel LED's. Class of 77 was the last year to get a "boys Trade" class ring, and the first year to graduate from Worc. Voc. Tech. H.S.. Thanks to all the great teachers and staff, and i'll never forget the class of 77-C. "Does anyone want to buy a flashlight?" :)
Frank P Statkus- May 04, 2016 - Report this comment
Class 1959G, electrical trade graduate. Four (4) years USAF, HF Communications technician. Associate degree Worcester Junior, Bachelor Northeastern and Masters WPI. A great school with lots of memories. Career - Electrical Engineer and Program Manager at Raytheon.
Pete Johnson- May 14, 2016 - Report this comment
Wow! I got bounced around in the Class of 78 . Think I was with almost class. Great teachers at that time , auto shop Mr Smith one of my favorites, Mr French , Mr Dupont a genius , Mr Kelly and of course Mr Anthony Cogoli. These people were WWII types . Got out in June 1978 and was down at Ft Knox within two days . Have been in law enforcement for thirty years
george day- June 18, 2016 - Report this comment
class of 82b love that old school
frank Litchfield- October 31, 2016 - Report this comment
Class of 1949 Cabinet Making. Worked for 55 years building Church Furniture. Thank you Mr. Arthur Balthazar my instructor
Joseph G. Neeland- May 04, 2017 - Report this comment
Great to hear all of the comments from Worcester (Boys Trade) Vocational Technical High School Graduates. I too graduated in May of 1990 with Nigel Price and Jon Garrepy. I do remember both of your gentlemen when we were just "boys" as I started at the ripe old-young age of 13 and graduated at 17 years young. Nigel was great in sports and in just about anything he put him mind too. Jon was also great at most things as I remember his great artwork in our Class of 1990 Year Book. I graduated in Graphic Arts/Printing Class and my favorite Teacher was and is Mr. Santos "Joseph" LaSorsa who I have not seen in over 28 years until two years ago and now my wife and I attend the same church as he and his wife in Shrewsbury, MA. WOW what a blast from the past!!!
Bobby hogan- March 22, 2018 - Report this comment
I can’t believe 45yrs and never contacted about any class reunion. I believe John Roberts was out class president, so if anyone has any info if there ever was one please let me know. If it never took place, let’s make it happen! God bless and hope to hear from any classmates of 1973. You can reach me at my e-mail. Strokerz55@gmail.com
Chuck Robert- April 10, 2018 - Report this comment
Finished carpentry class of 72. Was shy of graduating by 3 months but never regret the times and experiences gained. Need more trade schools molded around this institution across the US.
Mark EPPY Epstein- June 11, 2018 - Report this comment
I went to Trade because I was struggling in JR High, After I got there I hated my printing trade I was enrolled in. I went on to p to Graduate from Worcester State where I played basketball. I also received a Masters Degree from The Citadel. Looking back I realize the attending Trade was the best thing that I ever did. The experience made a man out of me. Even though I didn’t use my Trade the faculty was UNBELIEVABLE! The most dedicated and caring group of teachers assembled anywhere in America! Second to none! They made us feel like a big family. I just visited my old basketball coach in Barre last month, Jack “The Shot” Foley. Even though I didn’t stay in touch with any class mates, to this day I have the utmost respect for those that have gone on and had careers in their trades. While I worked as a high school Guidance Counselor I tried to guide many of my students to get trained and work in the trades. Thank You to Don Lemenager who became a second dad to me.
Doug Sagar- September 04, 2018 - Report this comment
Graduated from Worcester Boys Trade in 1975 Welding. I so appreciate the education I received. Teachers were great. One of My favorite teachers was Ken Wheeler. I think he taught us Algebra before becoming the head of academics When the kids wouldn't pay attention he would say " you can do it here, you an do it at summer school or you can do it at some other school." He was awesome. I loved the fact that they would actually kick kids out of school if they didn't pass the classes or were trouble makers. They tolerated nothing. I wish all the schools did this.
Jody Dyer- December 18, 2018 - Report this comment
Hello there, I am a writer and am looking for information on my client, Bob Asselin. He would have been at Worcester Boys Trade School somewhere around 1959-1965. He was TALL and thin and a scrapper. Please email me if you remember him. dyer.cbpublishing@gmail.com THANK YOU!
Art Smick- October 28, 2019 - Report this comment
Graduated from Worcester Boys' Trade High School in 1968 as a machine shop major. My fondest memories were playing football for Coach Francis Donaher and Coach Dominic D'lillio. One of my fondest memories was being named co-Captain after my Freshman Year! Went on to be a Worcester Police Officer for 30 yrs.
Bob- May 09, 2020 - Report this comment
Class of 79. I saw the story of Sir Vival on Chronically. Would love to hear from folks that remember Walter C. Jerome who worked with students to build the worlds safest car leading up to its introduction in 1958. Any details you can remember are appreciated. Go Mechanics!!!
Kim Sivret- April 07, 2021 - Report this comment
I'm looking for someone with the first name of Dave from the Class of 1953. He was a good friend of my dad, Robert T. Sivret (c/o '51). I believe they may have served in the USAF together. I have a picture of him, but no last name.
Leo Mallette- December 10, 2021 - Report this comment
I attended in 1970 and designed the yearbook cover but never got to see it. Can anyone email me a pic? earthtoleo@gmail.com

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