Rhode Island Schools In The Early 1800s Are Nothing Like They Are Today
By Bonnie Poisson
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Published February 06, 2018
In the past, getting an education was a much simpler affair. Here in Rhode Island, we still have some wonderful examples of charming old school houses that are still standing.
1. District # 8 - Hemlock Foster Center School House
This school house was built before 1824 and has been remodeled several times in the 1950's and 1970's.
2. Paradise School, Middletown
This historic school building at Paradise Avenue and Prospect was built in 1875 and housed one classroom.
3. Belknap School, Johnston
The first school on Greenville Avenue was built in 1790 and was the first school in town. The current building was built on the same site in 1892 and was used as a school, then an American Legion building before being acquired by the Johnston historical society.
4. The "Little Red School House" in North Smithfield
It was built in 1877 and was used in some capacity by the school system right up until 1975 when the North Smithfield Heritage Association took over upkeep.
5. Read School, Coventry
This school is one of the best preserved of Coventry's school houses. It was built in 1831.
6. A Portsmouth school house built in 1725.
Called The Southernmost and built in 1725, this may be the oldest school house in America. It's behind the Portsmouth Historic Society on East Main Road.
7. Witherbee School, Middletown
The original 1892 structure on Green End Avenue was destroyed by fire and replaced by this building in 1907. It is now maintained by the Middletown Historical Society.
8. District 6 School House, East Providence
This historic school house at 347 Willett Avenue in East Providence is still in use today as a meeting house. It was built between 1864 and 1874.
9. District School House #2, Charlestown
This school house was originally in the Quonochontaug district and was moved to its current location on Old Post Road in 1973. It was built in 1838 and is maintained by the Charlestown Historical Society.
10. Hall School, Exeter
This 250-year-old building on Ten Rod Road underwent renovation in 2012, 2013 through the Exeter Historical Society's "Preserve RI" grant.
These little school houses that dot the landscape remind us of a much simpler time. What’s your favorite old school house in Rhode Island?
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