Brick Academy facts for kids
The Brick Academy is a historic building in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It was built way back in 1809. This special brick building was first used as a school called the Basking Ridge Classical School. It helped prepare young boys for college, like Princeton University. Over the years, it has been many things, from a public school to a town office. Today, it's home to a historical society and a museum.
|
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 famous brick building in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It was built in 1809. This building was created for the Basking Ridge Classical School. This school was already running before 1799. It was led by a local pastor, Reverend Robert Finley.
During Rev. Finley's time, the school grew a lot. It started with fewer than 12 students. Soon, it had about 25 students, sometimes even 40. Students came from many places. They were often from important families. The school was a top-notch place. It prepared boys for the College of New Jersey. This college later became Princeton University in 1896.
In 1817, Rev. Finley left Basking Ridge. He became the president of the University of Georgia. By 1828, a group called the "Brick Academy" corporation was formed. The building kept being used as a school. First, it was a private school. Then, in 1853, it became a public school. After that, it was used for other things.
The name "Brick Academy" is sometimes used incorrectly. People might say students attended the "Brick Academy" before 1828. Or they might say students went there before the brick building was even built in 1809. For example, Samuel Southard is often said to have attended the "Brick Academy". But he graduated from Princeton in 1804. This was five years before the brick building was constructed.
After serving as a private boys' school, the Brick Academy became a public school. It was also a meeting place for groups. It even served as the town hall for Bernards Township. In 1976, the Township leased the Brick Academy to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills. This society uses the building as its main office. They hold public meetings there. They also run a museum, a one-room schoolhouse, and a research room.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 21, 1976. This was because of its importance in education, ideas, and religion.
Famous Students of the School
Many important people studied at the school connected to the Brick Academy.
- Samuel Lewis Southard (1787-1842) was a very important person. He served as a U.S. Senator. He was also the Secretary of the Navy. Later, he became the 10th Governor of New Jersey.
- Theodore Frelinghuysen was a United States Senator. He ran for Vice President in 1844. He also became the president of Rutgers College.
- William Lewis Dayton was a United States Senator. He ran for Vice President in 1856. He was also a Minister to France during the Civil War.
- Commodore Robert Field Stockton was a hero in the Mexican War.
Timeline of the Brick Academy
Here are some important dates for the Brick Academy and the school it housed:
- Around 1795-1798: The Basking Ridge Classical School was started by Reverend Robert Finley. Students either lived nearby or with Dr. Finley.
- 1809: The Brick Academy building was constructed. It became the new home for the Basking Ridge Classical School.
- 1817: Rev. Finley left New Jersey. He traveled to Athens, Georgia. He became president of the University of Georgia shortly before he passed away.
- 1828: The Basking Ridge Brick Academy Company was officially created.
- 1853: School District #12 in Basking Ridge opened. It used the Brick Academy building as a public school.
- 1896: The College of New Jersey changed its name to Princeton University. This happened during its 150th anniversary celebrations.
- 1904: The Brick Academy was sold to other groups. These included the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
- 1924: Bernards Township, New Jersey started renting the building. They used it for their town offices.
- 1948: Bernards Township bought the building. They continued to use it for town 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 officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2008: The top floor of the Brick Academy was restored and opened to the public on November 11.
- 2009: The Brick Academy celebrated its 200th birthday!
See also
