Garfield School
Photo provided by Sharon Zankel, Town Historian
Described by one architectural historian as "an ornament to the Town of Brunswick," the Garfield School houses the Brunswick Historical Society and the The Brunswick Community Library. Built in 1881 by Joachim Fileau, an Eagle Mills carpenter, at a cost of less than $3,000, the Garfield School replaced an earlier structure bearing the same name that was located on Garfield Road. The 1881 Garfield School served School District #2 for about 80 years before closing its doors with the opening of new classrooms at the "centralized school" at nearby Clums Corners. Following a public referendum, the Town of Brunswick assumed ownership of the building to provide a space for educational and cultural activities. Restoration of the old school was begun and in 1988, the Garfield Library (later renamed Brunswick Community Library) and Brunswick Historical Society assumed tenancy, offering residents as well as visitors the opportunity to once again enjoy the building's charm. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the Garfield School is considered one of the most unusual 19th century rural schoolhouses in the Capital District. The restoration and adaptive reuse of the Garfield School has earned the recognition of the Preservation League of New York State.
The Garfield School is located at 605 Brunswick Road (New York State Route 2).
©
2008
Town of Brunswick
336 Town Office Road, Troy, New York 12180
Telephone: 518/279-3461 FAX : 518/279-4352
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