Presentation on Gilmanton's historic school houses

In the latter half of the 19th century Gilmanton had as many as 18 school houses scattered around the town.

On Tuesday evening, August 24, the Gilmanton Historical Society's former president, Jon Hall will offer a program, illustrated with slides, identifying each schoolhouse.

The meeting will take place at the Gilmanton Academy building (Town offices) in Gilmanton Corner. Refreshments and social hour begin at 7:30 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 8 p.m.

In 1857 (when Upper Gilmanton became the Town of Belmont) the Town of Gilmanton had 18 one-room schools to serve a population of about 2000 people. By 1895 the population had halved to 1000 and gradually over that period most of the schools were closed.

Today some have been converted into homes or other uses, only cellar holes remain of others, while two (Kelley school house and Smith Meeting House school) remain as buildings used by citizens of Gilmanton.

In his presentation, Jon Hall will locate all of the schools and show historic photos of many of them.

The Historical Society's 2004 series will present its final program on September 23, "They Sawed Up a Storm," a program on women "lumberjills" in the 1940s. That meeting will include a brief annual meeting and election of officers and members of the board.

Anyone interested in serving on the board of directors or on any of the committees, please contact the

nominating committee, Carol Wagner at 267-7639 or Barbara Angevine at 267-6132.