May 8, 1963

Sebago School, operated in Miami, Fla., since 1959 by Mr. and Mrs. L. Matthews Werner, former St. Louisans, is closing, they have informed friends here.

For 35 years Matt and Margaret Werner conducted the Sebago Club, a work and play group, in St. Louis County for children from prominent St. Louis families. The Werners began the enterprise in the 1920s as a “gypsy operation.” Later the Sebago purchased property on Warson road, where there were tree houses, a stream and a giant slide. Buses, named Battleship and Peanut Roaster, took Sebago youngsters to country club swimming pools and on other outings.

In 1958 the Werners closed the club and planned a life of semi-retirement. However, the following year they moved to Bayshore drive, Miami, where Sebago School offered a small group of boys and girls a program of educational and personality development. In announcing that they are closing the school the Werners said they are now in their sixties and deem it unfair to start another group.