But emotional wounds were easily reopened at the weekend, when former pupils, staff and members of the communities surrounding the schools gathered for the first Henley, Otokia and Taieri Ferry Schools and District Reunion at the weekend.
Twins Adrian Irving and Anne McLeod (70) were the youngest former pupils of Otokia School at the reunion.
They studied at the school for one year before it burnt down in 1946.
Mrs McLeod said she could still recall the sadness when their beloved school was destroyed.
"We had only been there for a year when it happened. We used to live across the road from the school.
"Mum and Dad woke us up to see it.
"It was a sad day. We had to go to school at Mosgiel District High School after that."
Mr Irving said the fire meant he, his sister and the 15 remaining pupils on the school roll, rather than make the short jaunt across the road to school each day, had to catch a bus for an hour each day to get to school.
"It was quite traumatic for us. We were only 5 at the time."
Nicola Lord (13) was one of the last pupils to attend Henley School before it was closed by the government during the school reviews in 2003.
She, too, was only 5 when the doors were closed.
"It was pretty sad. The thing about Henley School is that it was like a family - everyone knew each other so well because it was such a small school.
"I went to Outram School after Henley closed."
No-one from Taieri Ferry School attended the reunion.
The school was closed in 1924.
While some wounds from yesteryear were still fresh in the mind, Nicola said, "Life goes on."
All three agreed time was a great healer and it was good to catch up with old teachers, fellow pupils and members of the community.
About 230 people attended the reunion and celebrated with a get-together and photographic display on Friday evening at the West Taieri Rugby and Scout Hall at Outram.
On Saturday afternoon, group photographs were taken and the reunion cake was cut, and the reunion dinner was held in the evening.
The event concluded with a bus tour, a church service and a barbecue lunch on Sunday.
Although the schools had been closed for many years, it was hoped the tradition of holding a reunion every 10 years could be continued.
