Oldham Building Committee Demands Immediate Action Over Construction Delays and Poor Workmanship-August 20, 1963

The Oldham School Building Committee called an emergency meeting following a stormy session marred by heated clashes and the dramatic walkout of general contractor Edward Goverman. Committee members united in condemning what they termed severe construction deficiencies and poor workmanship at the new Oldham Elementary School, casting serious doubt on whether the facility will be ready to open for the September 4 start of the academic year.

Superintendent of Schools Philip O. Coakley admitted that no alternative plan has been prepared in the event of a delay, noting that the opening is now viewed with “a great deal of apprehension.” Committee member Mrs. Ellen A. Dixon led the criticism against Goverman, citing a cascade of structural grievances including defective exterior tile work, the use of unlabeled paint, roof and window leaks, unground concrete floors, short-cut steel beams with aluminum plate covers, and a failure to clear massive rocks from the landscaping. Frustrated when Mrs. Dixon directed her questions to architect George H. Stoner rather than himself, Goverman declared, “There’s no sense in my sitting here,” and strode out of the meeting room.

Architect Stoner and Clerk of the Works William Snyder conceded that workmanship had fallen short in multiple areas. Snyder noted that the contractor had failed to maintain proper on-site supervision or deploy the skilled labor demanded by project specifications, frequently substituting lower-paid laborers instead. Committee member Ambrose J. Kelly sharply criticized the project as a “patchwork job,” estimating that accepting the building in its current state could force the town to spend $125,000 to $150,000 on repairs within five years, and predicted a 30- to 60-day opening delay. Committee member Arthur B. Rodgers added that he had flagged 32 roof leaks months prior due to improperly installed flashing.

Rather than hire an outside engineering firm as initially proposed by Mrs. Dixon, the committee voted unanimously to summon representatives of the company bonding the construction project, alongside Town Counsel Walter J. Gotovich and architect Stoner, to review legal options, demand accelerated corrective work, and address potential damages. (

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger