Historic School House Challenge

[JasonW]

As I drive around the great state of Vermont it's very common to see old school houses doting the roadsides and country landscapes. One that I drive by on a daily basis got me thinking.

I wonder how many of us see these old schools and give it little thought as to the history of the buildings and take for granted the presence of time gone by in their communities or near by townships.

My challenge to you all is this. Seek out these places, take some pictures and find out what you can about the old buildings. Once you've got as much or as little information as you feel necessary, post it here.

Whether it be an existing school that has been around for 100 years and still running or an old, little school house that the community outgrew I think the History with photo documentation would be very interesting to all.

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll make the first post. Hope you'll take this challenge, and good luck.

[JasonW]

Located in the small community of West Pawlet, Vt time stands still at Braintree School House.

Built in 1852, this small brick structure was once filled with as many as 22 students of all ages and 1 teacher. Recent efforts by local craftsman and Historical society have made sure this school house will be admired by many for years to come.

Some of the brick had been vibrated loose from years of traffic from the near by road that is also the main route for trucks and large farm equipment. The brick was replaced in some cases and re-pointed where needed. The road was moved just a little bit further away from the school and repaired to cause less vibration. The original outhouse that was removed years ago was re-located back to it's original spot on this historic piece of land.

Even though you get a real sense of the past from the outside of this school house, the history of our ancestors really kicks in when you enter the building. The first thing you notice is the small wood burning stove in the middle of the house surrounded by students desks. All are neatly arranged and facing front where you'll find the teachers desk still adorned with that great big hand held bell that would be used to get the attention of children who might be outside playing or who might need to regain focus on the daily lesson.

Branitree School House:

[Bodger]

The first elementary school I attended was built in 1880. It later became a cabinet shop, "Hap's Cabinets".

It was torn down in the 1980's and an apartment house is there now. A real shame. The old school was built with bricks, and had lots of wrought iron.

[Strat HD]

Went riding today. Hmmm... Where should I go? So I went to the schoolhouse on the outskirts of town. This place has school fieldtrips going there all the time. The curators dress in period attire and they have a train set up for the kids next door. Here's some pics.
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[JasonW]

Here's a great old one room school house I pass bye when I'm traveling to Dutchess County, NY. I got a chance to go inside yesterday and get some photo's. The writing below is from the plaques that are hung on the wall's inside.


The Stone Schoolhouse

"This ancient structure is the best known Landmark in the town on Hoosick. It was built in 1842 at the request of Mrs. George Tibbits, wife of George Tibbits the largest land owner in the town of Hoosick at that time. The Tibbits family had 10 tenant farmers on their vast land holdings. It was Mrs. Tibbits feeling that the children of the tenant farmers should have some schooling. So, the school was built at the crossroads near what was the center point of all working farms. The Tibbits family called their estate "Neppimore Vale"."

[JasonW]

"It started as a private school, supported by the Tibbits family. In 1879 it became part of District #15, after the New York State Legislature realigned the assembly of Districts. There are no records of it ever being supported by common school district taxes. The names of the Teachers who taught there were never recorded, with the exception of Mr. Hanks from Petersburg. The last class to be held ther was in 1917. Bill Webster, Rudy Marshall, and Charles Prebble were among the students.

[JasonW]

You would probably imagine this old schoolhouse out on some quite back road in the country at this point. The fact is, it's owned by a chain convenience store/gas station. At first look it's a sort of odd location for this store being that the old school house is there. On the other hand, it a very busy intersection connecting two towns and two States. I have to hand it to the "Stewarts" store; they are very proud of the place and if any time you want to go and see the inside of the building, they will graciously unlock the doors for any visitors. I thank them for that.

[Dusty]

I wish I had a picture to post of the school house my grandmother taught in. It was a tiny wooden struture that sat alone in the middle of the country. About the size of a one car garage.
My mother actually attended her first year of school there in 1955-56. After that the old school was left abandoned to rot.

[JasonW]

I wish I had a picture to post of the school house my grandmother taught in. It was a tiny wooden struture that sat alone in the middle of the country. About the size of a one car garage.
My mother actually attended her first year of school there in 1955-56. After that the old school was left abandoned to rot.

New York and New England seem to be very pro-active about Preservation. It's a shame that other States don't seem to treasure the past as much. Some States are finally catching on, but much is already lost.