Learning about the Clarkson Schoolhouse

Submitted photo of the Clarkson Schoolhouse.

Learning about the Clarkson Schoolhouse

Mary Edwards, of the Clarkson Historical Society, wants the public to learn about the tours of the historical school house.

Q. Where is the Clarkson Schoolhouse? I've never seen it.
A. You're not alone. You have to actively look for this building because it is tucked away behind the Clarkson Community Church, just east of the intersection of Routes 104 and 19 on the right hand side as you're going east on 104 (Ridge Road).

Q. Why is it important? Who cares about it?
A. It's important for two reasons. 1. It is a rare, Greek Revival, two-story, two-room Schoolhouse. (Most rural schoolhouses were one room schoolhouses, rarely two.) 2. It's an important part of Clarkson's history and shows the value early settlers put on education.

There are still several people who went to this school from the 1920s to the mid 1950s who have fond memories of their elementary school days there. (And some of them are currently being interviewed by SUNY-Brockport anthropology students.) Many town residents and those in the Clarkson Historical Society think it is an architectural gem that fits in very well with the historic architecture that Clarkson is noted for, and as such they wanted to preserve this beautiful building.

Call Edwards at 637-5810 for more information on the schoolhouse and the preservation efforts being undertaken.