District School No. 4 (“Corners” Schoolhouse)

“Corner’s Schoolhouse #4

This Schoolhouse was built in 1814 and is also known as the “Block Schoolhouse” for its construction of foot-thick squared-off logs, which can be seen through a stove air vent on the south wall. The timbers were laid up like a log cabin with lime-and-sand mortar. The 1 1/2 inch thick sawn planks were nailed vertically on the outside of the logs, and clap-boards nailed on the planks.

A study by the University of Vermont revealed the original exterior color was yellow ochre; now restored to the building. The Schoolhouse was used in its early years as a church and for town meetings. Alterations were made in the 1930’s to conform to State standards of larger windows and electrification.

Originally located 1/4 mile east of Grand Isle Corners on the south side of the road now known as East Shore Road North, it was moved to the grounds of the Grand Isle Elementary School in 1954.

In 2003 the Grand Isle Schoolboard donated the Schoolhouse to the Grand Isle Historical Society. It was moved in late November 2003 to the grounds of the Hyde Log Cabin and is open to the public every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Weekend until Columbus Day.”-https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=75485

From the Grand Isle Historical Society:

“District #4 Schoolhouse:

The schoolhouse was built in 1814 by James Griswold, master carpenter and joiner. As early as 1900, it was known as the ‘Corners’ Schoolhouse and is also known as the “Block Schoolhouse”. It was constructed of foot-thick squared-off logs which can be viewed through a stove air vent on the outside south wall. Timbers were laid like a log cabin with lime and sand mortar. One-and-a-half inch thick planks were nailed vertically on the outside of the logs and clapboards were nailed onto the planks. Alterations were made in the 1930’s to conform to the state standards of larger windows and the addition of electricity. A study by the University of Vermont in 1989 revealed the original color was yellow ochre.

Originally, it was located one-quarter mile east of Grand Isle Corners on the south side of the road now known as East Shore Road North. It was moved to the grounds of the Grand Isle Elementary school in 1954 and became a functional school building.

In 2003 the Grand Isle School Board donated the building to the Grand Isle Historical Society. In an effort to provide the public an opportunity to view the building, it was moved in late November that same year to it’s present location. It is open to the public during summer hours.”-https://www.gihsvt.org/1814-schoolhouse

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