The former Essex High School in Essex, NY stands hidden behind trees on the edge of the main village on School Street. This was the last school that operated in the town.
This square, brick school was built in 1908. This new school replaced the Union School situated in the center of town. Union School had been in use for less than 50 years; however, new heating, teaching theories/methods, and other philosophies and technologies evolved that made the town of Essex feel that a new school building was needed.
Despite its name it served both elementary and high school students. According to Essex Town Historian Shirley LaForest the high school part of the school closed in 1950, but the complete closing of this school occurred in 1966.
Today, most children of Essex attend schools in either Willsboro or Westport. This building is currently a residence.
Architectural Details
This foursquare, Romanesque style was a strange choice for the new school because it was an older style not much represented in Essex before (Images of America: Essex on Lake Champlain. 83).
Two first-floor windows on the front facade are unique in that they are rounded and decorated with an arched stonework design above the windows. The other windows on the school are squarely or rectangularly-shaped.
The square cupola rests centrally atop the roof next to a single chimney. Perhaps this cupola contained the school bell? If it once did, does anyone know if it remains today?
The school is constructed mainly of brick, although there is some stonework, including the foundation which was cut from local limestone.
If you attended this school, have photos you’d like to share, or know anything else about the school feel free to share any memories in the comments below or contact us!
Additional Resources for Essex High School
This map (with satellite image overlay) will help you locate the Essex High School and see how its location relates to other historic buildings in the historic district.
View Discover Essex on Lake Champlain in a larger map
References for Essex High School
Belden Noble Memorial Library. Essex, New York: An Early History. Burlington, VT: Queen City Printers, 2003. Print.
“Essex: An Architectural Guide.” Essex Community Heritage Organization, 1986.
Hislop, David C., Jr. Essex on Lake Champlain. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2009. Print. Images of America.
Related articles
- Union School (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Vintage Stereoview: Wilder House (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Merchant Row Mansions in Essex, NY (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- 1954 LCT Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
The Essex School had classes from 1-12, back when I attended. How did they get the land upon which to build the school in 1909?
Thanks for your comment, Tilly. And your question, though I have to admit I would have figured you to be the best one to answer the question about how they acquired the land… Let’s see what we can dig up.
The school was actually in use until the early/mid sixties – current owner
Very interesting! Can you tell me how you know–was it in some documents or you’ve spoken with someone who attended school there past 1952? Perhaps another reader can enlighten us as to a more exact date?
I just walked up School st for the first time – lived here 6years – what an awesome building. So neat to have this resource to find out it’s history! Thanks
Welcome back! Glad you enjoyed the wander down (up?) memory lane. We would love to hear and share one of your Essex stories!
I attended school in this building for kindergarten through 3rd grade. I was born in Hanuary 1957 so I think that should have it in operation through 1967?
In 1948 Essex school had 87 students total. 6 girls only in 12th grade. 2 girls and a boy in 11th grade. I don’t remember the rest I had the year book and gave it to my library. I went to a 4 classroom 1st gade- 8th grade. In Wisconsin . It was built in 1911 with 2 restrooms. A lunch room in the basement. It was on 5 split levels
. Later I went to another small school 1st-6th grades. Built in 1966. Still in use. 60′ x 143’8″one story. I have seen several one room school houses. Been in a few to. Can you tell me the dimension of Essex high school?. And how many classrooms was there an office or rest roomr?What was in the lowest level? It’s a shame that this beautiful school was abandoned.
Hi.
The building is not abandoned; it was purchased from the town in 1970 and has been in continuous use as a vacation /second home since that time. The interior has been renovated over the years and the exterior and grounds maintained. The footprint of the building is approx. 45′ x 50′. There were approx. 7 classrooms, 2 rest rooms, and an office.