Black River Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Black River Academy
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | 14 High St., Ludlow Village, Vermont |
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| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Clinton Smith |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Richardsonian |
| Website | Black River Academy Museum |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000108 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1972 |
The Black River Academy is a really old and important school building in Ludlow, Vermont. It started as a school way back in 1835. For many years, it was the main high school for the town.
The building you see today was built in 1888. It has a special style called Richardsonian Romanesque. Because of its cool architecture and long history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Today, this historic building is home to the Black River Academy Museum. It's a fun place to learn about local history!
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What Does Black River Academy Look Like?
The Black River Academy building is a big, three-story structure made of brick. It sits on a strong granite base. You can find it on High Street, not far from the Ludlow village green.
The roof has a unique shape with different sections. One corner has a tall, four-story tower with a pointed roof. The windows are all different sizes, but most have a rounded arch at the top. You'll also see bands of cut stone that go across the building, making it look even more interesting. The main door is set back in a deep, rounded archway.
A Look Back: The Academy's History
Black River Academy first opened its doors in Ludlow in 1835. It was a busy school, serving as Ludlow's public high school until 1938. That's when a brand new school was built for the town's students.
The very first academy building actually burned down a long time ago. After that, the school used a church building for 44 years! Then, in 1888, this beautiful new building was constructed.
Famous Students of Black River Academy
Many important people once studied at Black River Academy. Can you imagine going to school with a future president?
- Calvin Coolidge: He became the 30th President of the United States!
- Paul P. Harris: He was the person who started Rotary, a huge worldwide organization that helps communities.
- John Garibaldi Sargent: He worked for President Coolidge as the U.S. Attorney General. This job means he was the top lawyer for the U.S. government.
- William W. Stickney: He became the Governor of Vermont.
- Ernest Willard Gibson: He served as a United States Senator for Vermont.
- Abby Maria Hemenway: She was a famous author and historian who wrote about Vermont's past.
After the school moved out in 1938, the building was used for a while as a place where people could recover from illnesses. Since 1972, it has been the Black River Academy Museum, sharing the history of Ludlow with everyone.
More to Explore
- Ludlow Graded School: This school is right next door to the academy.
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Windsor County, Vermont: Learn about other historic places in the area.
