Page 28 - North Haven Magazine Issue 17 Winter 2021

Mildred Wakeley:
Mildred Wakeley:
Mildred Wakeley:

Respected Educatortor
Respected Educa
Respected Educator
by Marisa Hexter
“My first impression is that she must be the most highly respected woman in town,” said Leno
Berniere, former police chief, in an interview about Mildred Wakeley in the 1970s. Lifetime
North Haven residents might have heard the stories of the self-described “strict disciplinar-
ian” as a teaching principal at Center School. Others may know her by name only as what
was once Center School is now named the Mildred A. Wakeley Community and Recreation
Center. But many of those stories of Miss Wakeley do not tell the story of an innovator of
children’s education in North Haven. Mildred Wakeley

orn Mildred Anna Wakeley on Febru- Mildred left Center Elementary in 1965 when
Bary 5, 1903, in Trumbull, Connecticut, she moved to Green Acres Elementary School
she was the daughter of Miles Bradley and as Principal when it opened the same year. Af-
Jennie Wakeley. She went to Bridgeport Cen- ter 46 years of service, 44 of those in North
tral High School before moving onto the Haven’s education system, Mildred retired in
State Normal Training School, where Mil- 1968 but was still active in the community.
dred graduated in 1922. Her first teaching Many of the children she once taught and su-
job was not in North Haven, but back in her pervised were now well-established members
hometown at Nichols School from 1922 to of the town.
1924. She then became a Teaching Principal
in Trumbull until 1927 when D.C Allen, a
prominent figure of the North Haven school Celebration at School - 1948
system (and author of *Three Centuries of
North Haven School History*), brought Mil- ers, principals, and superintendents, saw
dred to North Haven as a Teaching Principal how North Haven was changing after World
that same year. Mildred held this position War II. A complete overhaul was needed
until 1943. In 1944, Miss. Wakeley’s title in the school system. By 1948, North Hav-
changed to Supervising Principal. en’s education system was revamped into a
modern and fresh network. Innovations of
that time included a full-time secretary for
each principal, a coordinated transportation
system, and new equipment for each school.
Ridge Road Elementary School was also
opened the same year, which Mildred helped
with as well. Field trips, while they were not
a new concept, were now paid for by the
school, instead of funded by the pupils. Mil-
dred advocated for a school lunch system in
town (with help from the Parent-Teacher
Council, now the PTA, which she founded in
1948), which led to North Haven having one Golden Deeds celebration
of the first lunch programs in the state. She
Mildred as a child helped train incoming teachers to the school While Mildred never married, she had a close
system and helped develop a program for all bond with many, including her neighbor
Much of Miss Wakeley’s stories come from teachers as well. Eva Louise Bradley, the composer and music
her years of service as principal at Center teacher. In her retirement, she spent much
School. Many can recount her rigorous atti- On top of all these accomplishments within of her time at home with her Persian cat. On
tude towards good behavior from her pupils. the education field, Mildred Wakeley never April 10, 1981, Mildred died at the age of 78.
Her form of correction was physical, often rested. The list of activities, commissions, as- Her service was held at the North Haven Con-
with a ruler in hand. In an interview later in sociations, and clubs she was a part of would gregational Church and her eulogy was given
her life, Mildred explains many of the stories be too long for just one article, but here are a by Anthony Capiro, principal of Clintonville
of her reputation grew through exaggeration. few which show her wide range of causes and Elementary.
Many times, these stories often overshadow personal passions:
the multitude of accomplishments and tire- Many remembered her strictness, but also re-
less efforts Mildred worked on throughout - Member of the National Grange in which she membered her dedication to the profession
her career to better the educational system held a Degree of Flora and her influence over the school system.
in North Haven. - North Haven Park Commission Miss Wakeley truly wanted every child she
- North Haven Memorial Library Association came across to get an education she knew they
With degrees and certificates from UCONN, - Exchange Club deserved.
Yale, and New Britain Teachers College, in - Delta Kappa Gamma - Zeta Chapter
- Eastern Star
Education, History, and Administration and - North Haven Congregational Church
Supervision, plus her years of experience in
the field, Miss Wakeley was prepared for her Needless to say, Mildred was quite a busy
most challenging task. She and other teach- woman!

North Haven Magazine - Winter Issue 2021
28