Pattengill Families Celebrate 100 Years at Annual Ice Cream Social
![A decorative wooden arch sign reads 'Pattengill Ice Cream Social.' The word 'Pattengill' appears at the top in bold blue letters on a cream-colored block, while 'Ice Cream Social' is displayed in large teal cursive lettering with a bright pink cloud-shaped backdrop. The sign is set against a lush, sunlit green tree canopy in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780491800/berkleyschoolsorg/vzqxg5dbwsdgw0qbeswr/149cf9b7-7bd2-4b9f-aa9f-1f8297773769-dsc_4084_cov.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780491800/berkleyschoolsorg/vzqxg5dbwsdgw0qbeswr/149cf9b7-7bd2-4b9f-aa9f-1f8297773769-dsc_4084_cov.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780491800/berkleyschoolsorg/vzqxg5dbwsdgw0qbeswr/149cf9b7-7bd2-4b9f-aa9f-1f8297773769-dsc_4084_cov.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780491800/berkleyschoolsorg/vzqxg5dbwsdgw0qbeswr/149cf9b7-7bd2-4b9f-aa9f-1f8297773769-dsc_4084_cov.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780491800/berkleyschoolsorg/vzqxg5dbwsdgw0qbeswr/149cf9b7-7bd2-4b9f-aa9f-1f8297773769-dsc_4084_cov.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780491800/berkleyschoolsorg/vzqxg5dbwsdgw0qbeswr/149cf9b7-7bd2-4b9f-aa9f-1f8297773769-dsc_4084_cov.jpg","width":2200}])
On May 27, 2026, Pattengill held its annual Ice Cream Social featuring a variety of activities and treats. This year also included a special activity, dedicating a historical marker plaque honoring Pattengill’s centennial birthday.
Students enjoyed all the ice cream social activities like carnival games, face painting, an inflatable obstacle course and ice cream. The PTA also had baskets to raffle off, a highlight of the evening.
When it was time to celebrate Pattengill’s 100 years, Superintendent Scott Francis addressed the crowd, sharing fun historical facts and acknowledging Pattengill’s tight community that is 100 years strong. Next, Don Callihan from the Berkley Historical Committee, presented the unveiling of the historical marker plaque. This plaque was a gift from the Berkley Historical Committee and now resides outside of the original main entrance. Mr. Callihan also attended Pattengill as a student, and shared a brief summary of Pattengill’s history, beginning in 1925. Principal Shamika Womble thanked the Pattengill community and encouraged the ice cream social guests to review the historical photos on the front lawn and visit more artifacts in the new multi-purpose room.
The event was a fun celebration of another great school year for the entire Pattengill community.
Fun Facts About Pattengill’s History, by Don Callihan
- The third and fourth schools in the district were Pattengill School, formally dedicated on February 3, 1926, and Burton School, in Huntington Woods, dedicated the week of February 14, 1926.
- Pattengill and Burton were designed by the architectural firm of Lane, Davenport, and Peterson.
- Pattengill School was designed to be expanded. The January 8, 1925, edition of the Hazel Park Tribune read, “Only 6 rooms of the plan will be put up at this time. The cost of this portion will be about $53,000.”
- The Pattengill cornerstone was laid on May 24, 1925, and was cemented in place after numerous articles had been placed inside.
- Pattengill School was named after Michigan’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Henry Romaine Pattengill, 1893 - 1897, who championed free textbooks, compulsory attendance, and teacher certification.