In 1890 the Trustees of Ramapo Local School district No. 6 voted to construct, "for no more than $800," a "new" school-house to replace the one then located where the Hugh Gassner Firehouse now stands. The older school had been in existence since 1854, at least, and probably much longer. It must have been that older building that gave Red Schoolhouse Road it’s name, because the newer one was buff color, as far as we know, until recent years.

             Two additions to the building followed quickly, one increasing the length by twelve feet and the other creating an "ell" at the far end. Electricity was brought into the schoolhouse in 1922. In the 1930’s, indoor chemical toilets replaced two outhouses that had stood behind the school, one to each side, and shortly after that modern plumbing and heat were installed.

District No. 6 trustees met regularly, overseeing the budget and management of the school. Elbert Talman, whose family had a long history in the area, served on the Board of Trustees for 49 years, settling a record for longevity in the State of New York - one that stands to this day.

             Gradually the district narrowed the age range of pupils at the school. Beginning in the late 1920’s, it began contracting with larger districts for the education of its oldest children. The advent of the school bus made this possible. By the time school centralization came to Rockland in 1952, only the first three grades remained in the Little "Red" Schoolhouse.

SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS

             Students walked to and from school along dirt roads from miles around. Depending on the weather, the walk might take an hour or more. Brothers and sisters attended, with as many as 50 children from all eight grades being taught by one teacher

Before the schoolhouse acquired iron-sided desks, such as those in the Museum, wooden bench-style desks in rows filled the room. Children sat, youngest to oldest, from front to rear. The front-most seating section of the writing surface was left vacant for the grade level that was called forth by the teacher to recite and be taught, while the rest of the pupils worked or listened in, waiting for their turn. Students in those days had to be quiet, teachers used a wooden ruler or hickory stick to enforce discipline. And the dunce’s stool in the corner was a more prolonged sort of disgrace.

             To save on money, slates were used for practice work, such as spelling and arithmetic. For this rural community, there was great emphasis on thrift. Students had, perhaps, two changes of wardrobe that they alternated for school days. (No designer jeans!) The Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and a song began the school day. There was much practice of penmanship, using a dip pen and ink. Memorization of states, their capitals, and names of presidents in order were important.

Being widely read and having knowledge of geography were sources of enjoyment and pride. Children who had never been beyond Rockland County and northern New Jersey voyaged afar in books. These pupils were outdoor and horse-oriented, since automobiles were luxuries few families could afford until well into the 1920’s. The outdoor relief of recess each day saw children divide into teams to play "Anthony Over" or "Red Rover." There was a sameness to childhood games and recreation in schools across the country - marbles, jump ropes, "jackstones," and tag. 

THE MUSEUM

After centralization, Ramapo Central School District No. 2 (as East Ramapo was first called) used the schoolhouse for kindergarten and the primary grades, special education and pre-kindergarten, as needed, until 1971. At that time, Spring Valley Senior High School history teacher Ralph Braden envisioned saving the schoolhouse and turning it into a one-room museum.

With approval and sponsorship of the centralized school district, now called East Ramapo, Braden gathered a work crew of high school students to paint and fix up the building. He solicited donations of cash and memorabilia, developing a collection of furnishings, books photographs, and miscellany that form the foundation of today’s Museum offerings, His death in 1986 put a temporary halt to public access to the museum and to its further development. However, after refurbishment of the Museum, groups of students once again visited and were provided with an exciting hands-on learning experience provided by Museum Coordinator Carole Morrill. Mrs. Morill also held weekend open houses for sightseers who came from near and far.

 COMING SOON...THE FUTURE OF THE SCHOOLHOUSE

             In 1997 the Little Red Schoolhouse Museum doors closed again for fiscal reasons. East Ramapo continues to own and maintain the site. The district is interested in obtaining the funding necessary to once again open the Red Schoolhouse doors and is seeking creative ideas from our community. If you have a funding suggestion please let us know and perhaps our children and community will once again have the opportunity to take an authentic trip into the past.