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| Photo courtesy of Rose Andrews-Symonds |
After
more than a year of resolute and reverent reconstruction, a replica of Casco’s
old Quaker Ridge Schoolhouse, or Friends School, was opened to the public this
week on the grounds of the Casco-Raymond Historical Society museum.
Nearly
100 visitors attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the museum complex on Route
302 in Casco. Society curator Rose Andrews-Symonds said she heard the comment
“How beautiful” numerous times during the three-hour open house event.
Andrews-Symonds, who also curated the original building before it was destroyed
by fire in 2018, continued, “It’s quite breathtaking to it see (back) almost in
its original state.”
Few
who gathered for the occasion failed to notice the front steps. The imposing
granite treads seemingly invite the visitor to enter. Some were retrieved from
the debris of the former structure, and some were donated by Society member
Louise Lester.
Upon
entering, just past the cloak room, one knows for sure they are stepping back
in schoolhouse time. Rows of old-fashioned desks in long, straight rows await
scholars of an earlier day (two of the desks are originals from the old
building). Benches, a faded globe outlining countries long ago renamed, an
original 1861 wall map of Maine, a standing bookshelf containing atlas’, early
grade-readers and other books dated in the 1800s, a large teacher’s desk, an American
flag and a wood stove complete the experience.
The
old-style interior construction, including walls, trim and floor was completed
entirely by Tim Symonds, with assistance from grandson Daniel.
“We’re
filled with history,” said Andrews-Symonds, “it’s important to preserve where
we’ve been (in order) to know where we’re going.”
The
original Quaker Ridge Schoolhouse was built in 1849 on Quaker Ridge Road by the
son of a founding settler in what was known as Quaker Hill, or Quakerville. Run
by the Society of Friends (Quakers), it operated continuously until 1942,
except for the year 1920 when it closed temporarily due to low enrollment. Also,
around that time, indoor toilet facilities were added. An open house was held
in the 1950s; it was reported that scores of former pupils and teachers
attended.
In
1971 the schoolhouse was acquired by the newly formed Raymond-Casco Historical
Society and moved from its prominent perch on Quaker Ridge to a spot next to
the fire station in Casco Village. The structure secured a listing on the
National Register of Historic Places in the late ‘70s. Long range plans for the
building included restoration and moving to the RCHS museum complex on Route 302.
That was just about to happen when arsonists destroyed the building last year.
Also consumed by the flames were irreplaceable books and documents dating to
the 18th century, including an official proclamation announcing the
election of George Washington as president. Plans to build the replica in the
new location began almost immediately.
Resources
for the reconstruction of the Quaker schoolhouse, including money donations and
in-kind services, came from dozens of businesses and residents. Andrews-Symonds
said the town of Casco, Hancock Lumber (especially employee Bob Thibodeau), and
Society members Skip and Zeena Watkins were just a small fraction of the
volunteerism and donations received for the project.
Asked
how the new schoolhouse would be utilized, Andrews-Symonds said it now becomes a
part of the regular tour of the museum complex, which includes three other
buildings. She said the museum is now closed for the winter but will open for
school groups this fall, adding “It’s important for the kids to understand the
progress of life.”
