History of Lincoln Street School

The elementary schools in Exeter have a unique history. The Lincoln Street School is located on land that once belonged to the Robinson Female Seminary campus (1869-1955). In 1869, William Robinson left provisions in his will for a trust that would provide a free high school education for the females of Exeter. Mr. Robinson envisioned a Seminary that would match Phillips Exeter Academy in providing a superior education for women. Robinson Female Seminary became one of the first public high schools for women in the state of New Hampshire. When the school closed in 1955 to make way for a co-educational high school, the Robinson Trust donated the Seminary land to the city of Exeter for a new elementary school, the Lincoln Street School.

Lincoln Street School opened its doors September 7, 1955. The school greeted 456 students for grade levels one through six. At that time the school was a 12-classroom, one story structure with Vivian Wood as the principal. Today, these twelve classrooms are located in the front of the school. There were only two entrances to the building. There was no gym and no cafeteria. Those activities were held in the Robinson Female Seminary until the building was destroyed in 1961. After that the students went to Main Street School for gym and lunch.

To accommodate the growing number of students, an addition to the school was added in 1960. This addition became a cafeteria and a second level which is now third grade. Next, in 1978, the fifth grade wing and an expansion of the library was completed on the back of the school. In 1990 the gym was built.

Grades	Number of Students in 1955	Number of Students in 2005
3rd	83	167
4th	85	175
5th	64	165

As Lincoln Street School continues to grow the light of the building will continue to shine brighter, day by day, year after year.

Take your place in history and send us your memories! You must be at least 18 years or older. We would love to hear about your experiences at Lincoln Street School and see any pictures you might have.

Just e-mail us your Lincoln Street School Memories

Please answer these questions:

Your name when you were associated with Lincoln Street School
What year did you attend Lincoln Street School
Your fondest memories of Lincoln Street School

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School History