Octagonal Schoolhouse (Essex, New York) Explained

Octagonal Schoolhouse
Nearest City:Essex, New York
Coordinates:44.3039°N -73.4022°W
Built:1827
Architect:Benjamin Gilbert
Architecture:Octagon Mode
Added:January 17, 1973
Refnum:73001190

The Octagonal Schoolhouse built in 1827 is an historic stone octagon-shaped school building located in the hamlet of Boquet in the western part of the town of Essex, New York. On January 17, 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.[1] [2]

History

The Octagonal Schoolhouse was completed in 1827 by mill superintendent Benjamin Gilbert was charged by mill owner William Ross to build it. The school was built using money and land donated by Mr. Ross, mill employees, and the three foot thick local stones. By 1870, attendance began declining and the school was closed in 1952.[3]

In 2015, Governor Cuomo awarded the Town of Moriah with Town of Willsboro and Town of Essex a grant to restore the schoolhouse and two other historic properties.[4]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.dalejtravis.com/barn/newyork/htm/ny01602.htm Dale Travis photo
  2. http://history.rays-place.com/ny/essex-ny.htm 1885 History of Essex
  3. News: Boquet Octagonal School. 2015-08-13. Essex on Lake Champlain. 2018-07-16. en-US.
  4. News: Governor Cuomo Announces $443,000 in Awards For Eight Adirondack Communities. 2015-04-15. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. 2018-07-16. en.