This week's jigsaw puzzle: Bicknell Schoolhouse
Before the iconic white schoolhouses (see below) we all have in mind, Norwich’s earliest classrooms could be rough indeed.
This 16 x 16 square “schoolhouse” in Norwich was built in 1827 for $92, plus $8 for a stove. It was basically an open shed with a woodstove:
By 1865, the superintendent lamented the school was "unfit for such a purpose." He described a January session with pupils and teacher
"huddled and shivering around a stove in the little open shed. But all were disposed to make the best of the situation - a bright and promising set of pupils, a credit to the district"
It’s hard to fathom now, but Bicknell Schoolhouse was just one of 20(!) different schoolhouses in Norwich in 1869:
This image from page 29 of the fascinating Norwich Barn Survey and an email from a long-time resident of Bradley Hill wondering about the foundation got me interested in that “S.H”:
When I found it, I got goosebumps thinking of children studying here nearly 200 years ago.I say “foundation” but it was really a two-layer course of flat stones arranged in a square.
Take note of the fallen tree on the left.
You can see that tree and the stone wall from this week’s puzzle in this picture:
More reading and exploring here:
One-Room Schoolhouses in Norwich Times
Norwich is fortunate to have two former schoolhouses serving as community centers.
Consider joining and supporting these:
Other resources:
Images of America: Norwich by Margaret Cheney and Fran Niles
Norwich Historical Society Norwich School Tour
Thanks for reading,
Cameron Cross
The Curioustorian