Schoolhouse Renovation
Next, the crew consisting of Mike Stiers, Gary Grashow, Ben Moore, and Mike Compos (show at right)
took over. First, they installed underground power and
security lines from the museum to the schoolhouse.
Most of the original wood siding was carefully removed, sanded clean and
reapplied exposing the back of the original cedar clapboards. The pine
exterior trim was restored. Many parts were custom made to keep the
original architectural details in place. Mike Stiers and Ben painted the
siding, windows and trim.
Every time they opened up a wall, decisions had to be made. Rotted studs
were replaced, posts were patched and reinforced, and screening was
installed to deter rodents. An exterminator was hired to eliminate
hornets, carpenter ants, moths and other insects.
Next came the old windows. Only the sills were reusable. Gary made new
parts in his shop that matched every detail of the original units. After
hours searching, he stumbled upon reproduction Babcock latches to
secure the movable sashes. What a find!
The Schoolhouse was built in 1855. Wind-bracing that
reinforced the old post and beam frame had been chopped
out carelessly - not carefully fitted around the rough
openings. It's likely that 1855 framers would have been
more precise. When the windows became part of the
schoolhouse is a question that remains unanswered.
Work continued repairing the walls. The schoolhouse front
door came from the old Garrison House which was owned
by the Toppan family. They adjusted its massive box lock,
refurbished its inside finish, and carefully repaired and
repainted the exterior.
Mike Compos and Ben and Betty Moore painted the inside—walls, ceiling, and
trim. The schoolhouse started to come alive. The battleship grey painted
floor which stood out like a sore thumb resisted sanding. After many
hours spent, the crew won the sanding battle. A hard natural finish was
applied, and the floor became a new feature of the project.
They surprised Betty Moore by making and hanging two
new blackboards. Although electricity was not available
in 1855, four electrical boxes had been added previously.
This allowed them to electrify four new wall sconces.
Move-in day finally arrived on August 23, 2022. Lori
Cotter, Pat Bushway, and Betty Moore worked with the
crew to clean and place the furniture. Betty and
Ben washed windows and hung wall displays. Life
returned once again to Hampton’s only remaining one-
room schoolhouse
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