No. 6 School House - Leominster, Massachusetts

school

No. 6 School House, Leominster, Massachusetts
corner of Pleasant and Wachusett Streets
Only one room school house still standing today in Leominster

HISTORY

In our late twentieth century culture, we hardly question the manner in which our school system is conducted. A school committee elected by voters throughout the city seems natural. A superintendent of schools hired by said committee is logical. However, this was not always the procedure.

The records of School District #6 begin in 1836. From this early journal it is possible to reconstruct the early years of education in the district, which was probably similar to other districts in Leominster.

Early in the new year, voters of the district met at the school to organize for the year. Adult males were the only voters. A moderator, clerk, and agent--also known as Prudential Committee members, were duly elected. The duties of moderator and clerk were simple. The agent had to do more work. It was he who paid all bills, procured the necessary supplies and probably attended meetings of the Prudential Committee. Voters attending the district #6 meeting decided the dates of school sessions, the length of sessions, and the age of those attending school. They also decided other matters such as from whom to purchase firewood, who would board the teacher. Sometimes they recommended who to hire to teach. Occasionally other business occured. The matter of a library seems to have been important in the mide 1840's. Rules were revised and a librarian chosen. An entire meeting was devoted to planning the dedication of the new building.

In the very early years three sessions were held, two summer and winter or men's class. Ten weeks, a few weeks' break, and another ten weeks was typical of summer sessions. No one under the age of four was allowed at summer terms. The winter term ran about twelve weeks. The youngest age of scholars in the winter varied. In the earlier years, age nine was the youngest, but gradually the age limit was lowered to six and one-half years.

The main role of the Town of Leominster seems to have been furnishing the money. The agent procured from the town treasurer the amount needed to pay the bills and buy whatever was necessary. Items such as chalk, crayons, a tin dipper and cup, and brooms were needed every year. Some years two brooms were necessary. The agent paid the teacher's salary (at the end of the session), the bill for boarding the teacher and the cost of the firewood. He also kept an exact record of the money received and spent.

This system of overseeing schooling continued until 1872, when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandated that cities and towns supervise all aspects of education. From 1872-1939, the #6 School continued under the direction of the school committee.

Our brief history is about the present school building. It is the third to be located at the site. The earlier ones were much smaller and were set nearer the road. Also the heat came from a fireplace. The amount of wood needed for heat declined when the new building was in service.

From the indication of records, poems, and readings at the dedication, the district had been in need of a new building for quite some time. Prior to 1852 the school population was large:

1838 - 79 students
1839 - 82 students
1840 - 70 students winter session
1840 - 59 students summer session

In 1841, there were two teachers for the winter term. In 1842, no scholar under nine could attend the winter session. If the sessions were too crowded no scholar under ten would be allowed to attend. The final decision was left to the discretion of the teacher and the Prudential Committee. A library was housed in the building for several years. During the winter session of 1843 an evening writing school for adults was conducted by the teacher.

When the new school was finally built, Leominster paid for the building and desks. The people in the district raised money by subscription and individual stones were sold. Each year apples from trees in the yard were sold. This money was used for furnishings for the new building. Maps, a globe, curtains, a clock and the ever necessary broom were bought.

In November of 1851, at a meeting outside the building, plans were made for the dedication. A committee was chosen for the dedication and also to submit a plan for "decorating the playground." Three days later they reported "set two evergreens and a rock maple by the fence on each side of the house." An elm tree and an ash were to go on the eastern border.

In 1863, more trees were set out. By 1871 a new fence was needed. The purchase is described in detail:

24 posts from Ezra Powers for 25 cents each
24 rails furnished by John Buss at $2.87 1/2 per hundred
500 feet pine boards at $2.75 per hundred from E. Powers

In 1939, the school committee voted to close #6, the last remaining one room school in Leominster. As September 1939 came, the school was empty and silent. No teacher ringing the bell to call children to classes, no hum of activity, and no lessons recited, no laughter, shouting, running at recess. The pupils in a different school. The teacher, Mrs. Elsie Powers Fischer, transferred.

The world was preoccupied for war had begun in Europe. Two years later, America became involved and was fighting for her way of life. The school house stood empty, forlorn and desolate, but changes were coming. In 1949 a neighborhood group requested persmission to use the building for a community center, it then became the #6 Community Center.

The #6 Community Center

In days before television became so popular, the # 6 was a very active place. The building was open nights during the week and neighbors met to socialize and swap the latest news. New recipes were introduced by housewives and the men traded tales of the latest developments and farm procedures.

The Worcester County Extension service was very active with the farm community and representatives taught classes in dressmaking, drape making and canning.

The women made bandages for the military at Fort Devens and visited the local Army Hospital with gifts for ailing soldiers. They also made frequent visits to the City Infirmary on Union Street with gifts and candy for the patients.

The Red Cross taught First Aid at the Center and many a member attended.

As the center became more active and times were better, donations were made to many charities, including the Polio Fund, Easter Seals and the American Red Cross.

In the Spring of 1987, the Leominster Historical Commission, in recognition of Irma Whitney, planted a white dogwood tree in front of the school bordering the Memorial Garden and Mr. Gregg Hathaway, of Leominster Monument, erected a granite marker with a plaque acknowledging her service to the #6 Community Center.

Today, the #6 Community Center is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the school. With the help from dues and the annual Christmas Fair, they are able to keep the building in the best of appearance. A remembrance of times gone by, and a proud historical site for the City of Leominster.

Thanks to Anna Lavoie for providing the information on the #6 School House.

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