The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Historical Society to celebrate schoolhouse’s birthday
MORRIS — The Morris Historical Society is hosting a 250th birthday party Aug. 7, for the Mill Schoolhouse.
Circa 1772, the school was originally located near the Morris Dam in what was then the South Farms section of Litchfield. For over 100 years, children went to elementary school at the Mill School. Its most famous pupil was John Pierpont, lawyer, poet, Civil War chaplain, and the grandfather of the banker John Pierpont Morgan.
In 1980, the school moved from East Morris to Morris Center. The building was in good condition, considering its age and the fact that it had been moved twice. Most of the old windows were intact, interior partitions remained, and five old desks are intact.
The Mill School today is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and is a remarkable example of earlyschoolhouses.
The celebration begins at noon in the Morris Town Hall with refreshments and birthday cake. At 1 p.m., there will be a short program followed by the Morris Open House beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Reading Room, Library, Town Hall, Congregational Church, James Morris School, Fire House, Museum, and Mill School will all be open for visitors.
At 2:30 p.m., the Morris Beach and Rec is sponsoring a concert on The Morris Green featuring the Dim Lights, Thick Smoke Bluegrass Band. At the conclusion of the concert the Raffle Drawing will occur.
The historical society is sponsoring a raffle to benefit building repairs. First prize is a king size Amish quilt, and other prizes are a painting of Old Engine 2, and gift certificates from local businesses Giovanni’s Restaurant, Popey’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Bella Luna Gift Shop, and The Deli.
Tickets are available at The Deli, 7 West Street, Morris, Bella Luna at 11 Watertown Road, Morris, or contact eddorsett@optonline.net to order tickets. At the conclusion of the concert the Raffle Drawing will occur. Winners do not need to be present.