Ashford Academy
Preserving History and Inspiring Shared Education
Situated on Fitts Road, the Ashford Academy stands as a testament to the town’s commitment to education, community, and historical preservation.
The Ashford Academy stands as a testament to the early educational endeavors in rural Connecticut, providing a glimpse into the past while reminding us of the importance of education in shaping communities. Its architectural significance, historical context, and lasting legacy make it a landmark worth preserving and studying for generations to come.
Architecture
Built in 1825, the Ashford Academy is a 2 1/2-story clapboarded structure. Its principal elevation faces south towards what was once the village green of Ashford Center. The facade features three bays, with a window between two entrances. The entrances are marked by simple pilasters and a narrow molded cornice. The side elevations boast three windows on the first story and four on the second. The building’s most striking feature is its molded cornice, which forms a complete return across the gable, housing a full-sized attic-story window. Atop the roof’s ridge sits a hip-roofed belfry, a c. 1850 replacement for the original open belfry. The interior retains much of its original features, including wide-board floors, plain window and door surrounds, and beaded casings on structural members.
Historical Significance
The Ashford Academy is not just a building; it’s a symbol of education’s evolution in rural Connecticut. As the oldest public building in Ashford, it holds a special place in the town’s history. Originally serving as a village green surrounded by taverns and a Congregational church, the site now stands as a testament to the town’s educational past. Architecturally, the Academy embodies the distinctive characteristics of country Federal-style architecture, illustrating typical Federal interpretations of Georgian and Classical precedents.
Historical Context
In the early 19th century, academies like Ashford were founded throughout Connecticut to provide advanced education beyond basic reading and calculation offered by rural district schools. These academies, often supported by a combination of public and private funds, aimed to teach literature, science, classics, and other higher subjects. After the Civil War, small-town academies declined as high schools became more prevalent, but buildings like Ashford Academy remain as a testament to this educational era.
Legacy
The Ashford Academy was founded around 1825, originally as an addition to a schoolhouse in the town’s Fifth School District. Shares in the academy association were offered, and only one teacher was hired per term, with some years having no academy classes at all. The last academy session was held in 1875, after which the building continued to be used as a district school until 1949. The Academy’s architectural details, such as quoins, pilasters, and formal cornices, were uncommon for public schools of the period, highlighting its exceptional educational purpose.
In 1988, the Ashford Academy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in American history and education. This designation underscores the importance of preserving this historic landmark for future generations.
Additional Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashford_Academy
- https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/88002649_text
- https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/2fba2486-d345-4fb5-9917-9b4cfb7919bd
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