This blog entry is part of an ongoing project called “One Room Schoolhouses in CT”). If you’re interested in the history of one room schoolhouses in CT I suggest you purchase CONNECTICUT SCHOOLHOUSES THROUGH TIME by Melinda K. Elliott. This book has been a very helpful resource for me as I did my research. At time of writing this book was available on AMAZON.
The Melrose Schoolhouse, located in the village of Melrose in East Windsor, Connecticut, is a historic gem with a rich past. Built around 1850, it was part of the town’s reorganization of schools into twelve districts. This one-room schoolhouse served as the 7th District School and was a cornerstone of education in the area until 1938.
During its time as a school, the building witnessed generations of students passing through its doors. However, in 1938, the school closed, partly due to damage caused by a hurricane. Shortly after, the building found a new purpose as the home of the Melrose Library, which operated there from the 1930s until its closure in 1950.
Following its time as a library, the schoolhouse became a meeting place for local community groups. Over the years, its historical significance was recognized, and efforts were made to preserve it. The Melrose School Restoration Committee took on the task of restoring the building, ensuring that its Greek Revival architecture, including the later addition of a Neoclassical front portico, remained intact.
Today, the Melrose Schoolhouse stands as a testament to the village’s history and the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage. It is part of the Melrose Historic District, which was established to protect the area’s historical landmarks. The schoolhouse continues to be a symbol of the educational and cultural legacy of East Windsor.
1 Above information derived from: www.historicbuildingsCT.com, patch.com, eastwindsorchamber.com and Microsoft Copilot.
All images photographed with a Sony Nex 7, 24.3 mp, mirrorless camera and a Sony 18-55 3.5-5.6 lens
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