Hundred year old Catholic school closes for financial troubles

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- They've taught students for more than a hundred years but a Catholic school in New London was forced to close its door because of financial troubles so now they're getting ready to sell all of their stuff.

In New London so many people have memories and connections to St. Mary Star of the Sea School and come this weekend they can come down and maybe purchase a piece of their history.

"We have many items from our science lab," said Alice Schroeder, St. Mary Star of the Sea.

Even the soap stone science class tables and dozens of desks are being liquidated.

"We have a hundred years of stuff. It goes from the most personal, probably the vase that a second grader brought to the teacher to very specific things like the microscopes," said Schroeder.

Educators and everyone are welcome to take home part of this Catholic school which educated families for generations.

There are marks on the floor that are actually pretty interesting. Each one shows where a desk and chair were so you can see that back in the 50's the rooms were full.

But times changed and finances made it tougher to make the grade. Last June the tradition ended as teachers and students shared sad goodbyes. Alice Schroeder had the emotional task of cleaning out the classrooms.

"Part of the grieving process of closing the school," said Schroeder.

The building may someday serve as another purpose, to continue the tradition of helping the community.

"Perhaps supportive housing or veterans housing," said Father Robert Washabaugh, St. Mary Star of the Sea.

The sale starts at 10:00 a.m. on Friday and is open first to Catholic educators and then open to everyone Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.