Strafford Union Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Strafford Union Academy
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | NH 202A and 126, Strafford, New Hampshire |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001155 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1983 |
The Strafford Union Academy, also known as Austin Hall, is a very old school building in Center Strafford, New Hampshire. You can find it where New Hampshire Routes 202A and 126 meet. This building was constructed in 1833. It is one of the best-kept school buildings from the early 1800s in New Hampshire. Today, the local historical society takes care of it. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 because of its importance.
Contents
What Does Strafford Union Academy Look Like?
The Strafford Union Academy building is on the east side of Center Strafford village. It sits on the north side of the intersection of New Hampshire Routes 202A and 126. It is a two-story building made of wood. The roof has a front-facing gable, which means it points towards the front. The outside walls are covered with clapboards.
Special Features of the Building
A small tower rises from the front of the roof. It has a square bottom part. Above that is an eight-sided belfry, which is a place for bells. A round, dome-shaped cupola sits on top of the belfry.
The front of the building has three sections and looks balanced. The main entrance is in the middle. The decorations on the front are in a style called Greek Revival. This style uses flat moldings and square blocks at the corners. The triangular part above the entrance, called a pediment, is fully decorated. It has a half-round fan shape with slats in the center.
Inside the Old School Building
Inside, each floor has large rooms that were used as classrooms. There is also an entry area with a staircase on one side. Some of the original plaster walls have been covered with newer materials. The entry area has been finished with pine wood.
History of Strafford Union Academy
The academy started in 1833. It was both a private high school and a training center for the Free Will Baptist church. This church group began in nearby New Durham. The school served both purposes throughout the 1800s. Its connection with the Free Will Baptists ended in 1881.
Changes Over the Years
The Strafford Union Academy continued as a private high school until 1902. That year, the school moved to a new location. Later, the building became home to the Austin Cate Academy. Now, it is where the Strafford Historical Society keeps its museum.
See Also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Strafford County, New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 291: Strafford Union Academy 1833–1903 / Austin-Cate Academy 1904–1981
