FALL RIVER — Five generations? Becca Collins wondered.
Attending last month’s dedication of the mostly new Durfee High School, the owner and president of Collins Construction in the city was confident that the Collins family boasted at least four generations of Durfee High School students. That list, she was sure, included herself (Class of 1993), her daughter Anecia (current Durfee junior), her late father Jimmy (Class of 1969) and her late grandfather Francis Collins Jr. (1929). But was there one more?
The mystery remained about her great-grandfather, Francis F.L. Collins, founder of F.L. Collins Builder in 1928.
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Searching for photos online, Becca came across one her Aunt Jane had posted. It was a fabulous old Durfee High football team photo, with Francis F.L. Collins himself dead center, holding the pigskin and looking a tad menacing. From there, Becca was able to determine that her great grandfather was an esteemed member of the B.M.C. Durfee High School Class of 1906.
Five generations of Hilltoppers, confirmed.
For Becca Collins, that stands as more than a family footnote. It hits close to home. She played soccer at Durfee. She sends her daughter to Durfee. From 2018 to 2021 she served on the School Building Committee.
She bleeds Durfee red. Red and black, if possible.
“I’m very proud to be from Fall River, but more importantly a Hilltopper,” Collins said. “Fall River has taught me so much about diversity and hard work, Durfee gave me so many opportunities in education and life while being a Hilltopper gave me a sense of community and teamwork that has really carried through in my career and raising a family.
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“While sitting at the dedication I was just so excited for what’s to come for this next generation of Hilltoppers.”
The Herald News in no way assumes that the Collins’ story is unique. In fact, we want to know about other families whose Hilltopper roots may run five generations (possibly more) deep.
After all, Bradford Mathew Chaloner Durfee High School has been around since 1886.
Please send us a note at
ne**@he********.com
— we’d love to hear from more of you!
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