Brick Academy facts for kids
|
Basking Ridge Classical School
|
|
The Brick Academy
|
|
 Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 15 W. Oak Street Basking Ridge, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1809 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001185 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 21, 1976 |
The Brick Academy is a historic brick building located in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It was built in 1809 in the Federal style. This building was originally constructed to house the Basking Ridge Classical School. This school was a very important place for education in its time.
Today, the Brick Academy is a museum and the headquarters for The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills. It helps people learn about local history. The building is a special landmark that shows us what schools were like long ago.
Contents
A School for Bright Minds
The Basking Ridge Classical School existed even before the Brick Academy building was constructed. It was founded by Reverend Robert Finley, a local Presbyterian pastor. He ran the school from his home.
As the school grew, more space was needed. So, in 1809, the brick building we now call the Brick Academy was built. Reverend Finley's school became very popular. The number of students grew from less than 12 to sometimes as many as 40!
Students came from both nearby and far away. Many were from important families. The school was a top-notch preparatory school for boys. Most of these boys later went on to the College of New Jersey. This college is now known as Princeton University.
In 1817, Reverend Finley left Basking Ridge. He became the president of the University of Georgia. After he left, the "Brick Academy" company was formed in 1828. The building continued to be used as a school. It was a private school first, then a public school starting in 1853.
What's in a Name?
The name "Brick Academy" can sometimes be a bit confusing. People often use it to talk about students who attended the Basking Ridge Classical School before 1828. They might even use it for students who were there before the brick building was even built in 1809!
For example, Samuel Southard is often said to have attended the "Brick Academy." However, he graduated from Princeton in 1804. This was five years before the brick building was constructed. So, he attended the Basking Ridge Classical School, but not the building known as the Brick Academy.
Who Studied Here?
Many important people attended the Basking Ridge Classical School. Some of these students went on to have very successful careers. They became leaders in government and education.
Here are a few notable students:
- Samuel Lewis Southard (1787-1842) was a U.S. Senator. He also served as the Secretary of the Navy. Later, he became the 10th Governor of New Jersey.
- Theodore Frelinghuysen was a United States Senator. He was also a candidate for Vice President in 1844. He later became the president of Rutgers College.
- William Lewis Dayton served as a United States Senator. He was a candidate for Vice President in 1856. During the Civil War, he was the Minister to France.
- Commodore Robert Field Stockton was a naval hero. He played an important role in the Mexican War.
What Happened Over Time?
The Brick Academy building has had many different uses over the years. It started as a private boys' school. Then, it became a public school. After that, it was used as a meeting place for different groups. It even served as the Bernards Township municipal building for a while.
In 1976, Bernards Township leased the Brick Academy to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills. This society now uses the building as its main office. They hold public meetings there. They also run a museum, a one-room schoolhouse exhibit, and a research room. You can even take an online virtual tour of the Brick Academy.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 21, 1976. This means it is recognized as a very important historical site. It is special because of its role in education, philosophy, and religion.
Timeline of the Brick Academy
Here's a quick look at some important dates for the Brick Academy:
- 1795-1798: The Basking Ridge Classical School was likely founded by Reverend Robert Finley.
- 1809: The Brick Academy building was constructed. It became the new home for the Basking Ridge Classical School.
- 1817: Reverend Finley left New Jersey to become president of the University of Georgia.
- 1828: The Basking Ridge Brick Academy Company was officially formed.
- 1853: School District #12 in Basking Ridge opened a public school in the Brick Academy building.
- 1896: The College of New Jersey changed its name to Princeton University.
- 1904: The Brick Academy was sold to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
- 1924: Bernards Township, New Jersey began renting the building for its municipal offices.
- 1948: Bernards Township bought the building and continued to use it for municipal offices.
- 1975: The Bernards Township government moved to a new location.
- 1976: The Township leased the Brick Academy to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills.
- 1976: The Brick Academy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2008: The top floor of the Brick Academy was restored and opened to the public.
- 2009: The Brick Academy celebrated its 200th birthday!
