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 was has been a very helpful resource for me as I did my research. At time of writing this book was available on AMAZON.
Rimmon Schoolhouse
Corner Rimmon Rd.& Pinesbridge Rd.
Beacon Falls CT
Circa 1799
This one room schoolhouse has some wear on it as might be expected from a building built in 1799. Many times these old schoolhouses are owned by either the town or the historical society but that’s not the case here. From what I can determine this still remains a privately owned building as the town did not bite when it was recently put up for sale. The town has not allocated funds for the purchase and does not have a suitable parcel of land to place it. There is also monies required for restoration and upkeep if they did purchase it. However, I am reading that the town is trying to form a committee to rehab the building. That confuses me because I don’t believe they own the structure. Perhaps they are working with the current owner.
Settlers moved into Beacon Falls in 1678 and the current day town of 6000 residents was established in 1871. Rimmon School was built in 1799 and saw it’s last students in 1953.
As I walked around this building it was clear to me, without seeing the inside, that it needed a lot of work. What concerned me the most was the diminishing condition of the stone foundation. I don’t know if there were actual structural concerns but it’s possible. Of course rain and critters will find their way into the basement. The roof was covered with a tarp clearly reflecting it’s need for replacement. The shutters, which were barely intact, were sealed shut by means of a bent over nail. The exterior cladding needed to be sanded, repainted and some siding replaced.
Saving this building will be a labor of love and for those interested I’d suggesting calling the Beacon Falls town hall for information.
All images were photographed with a Sony A7RV, 61mp mirrorless camera and a Sony 24-70 f2.8 GMII lens.
ISO 100, aperture priority at various shutter speeds and apertures.
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