Historic Schoolhouse's Major Renovation Is Fully Underway In Avon

AVON, CT — A 161-year-old one-room schoolhouse in Avon is getting a major renovation, with the work expected to be unveiled during a public open house in September.

The Avon Historical Society began work Aug. 5 on the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse at 3 Harris Road.

The three-part project includes repainting the interior, repairing a 19th-century pulley system used to raise and lower a chalkboard, and fixing several small holes in the roof.

The schoolhouse's last major renovation was completed in 1976 for the nation's Bicentennial, although minor upkeep has been performed during the past 15 years, according to the historical society.

The latest project is being undertaken as the country marks its 250th anniversary.

"When discussing history, I think it is important for us to keep things fresh for our community, both young and old," Avon Historical Society President Terri Wilson said. "I can think of no better way to continue the celebration of America's 250 than to preserve and commemorate this iconic 1865 schoolhouse."

The historical society operates the schoolhouse, while the Town of Avon owns the property.

The society is 51 years into a 99-year lease with the town, Wilson said.

"We at Avon Historical Society promise to keep this site an authentic building for future generations to explore," Wilson said.

Public Unveiling Planned for Sept. 26

The society plans to showcase the ongoing renovation during a back-to-school open house on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 26.

The event will include activities, giveaways, and photography, as well as the reopening of a time capsule sealed during the building's 1976 renovation.

Interior preparation and painting began Aug. 5 and were expected to take up to two weeks.

Thomas Mach Interiors of Simsbury is donating consultation and project management services for the painting. British paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball is donating specialized paint for the project.

Funding for painting labor includes donations from longtime historical society supporter Pat Moran in memory of her mother, Harriet Moran; proceeds from the society's TABLESCAPES 2026 fundraiser; and donations from Delmonte and Martha Davis of New York City.

Moran attended nursery school at the Pine Grove site in the 1950s. Martha Davis' mother, Arline Judd Olson, had been the oldest surviving former Pine Grove pupil before she died in 2016 at age 100, according to the historical society.

Documentary Planned for 2027

The renovation will also be the subject of a documentary planned for release in 2027.

"A Coat of History: Preserving the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse" is being co-directed and co-produced by Wilson and filmmaker Adriana Davis of Avon-based D-Squared Media.

The documentary will examine the preservation of the schoolhouse in the context of America's 250th anniversary and the history of public education.

The Pine Grove Schoolhouse operated as a school for 84 years and is listed on the state and national registers of historic places, according to the society.

Avon once had seven one-room schoolhouses.

After its years as a school, the building was used as a nursery school, Boy Scout meeting place, and dance school.

The historical society renovated it for the nation's 1976 Bicentennial and has welcomed visitors there for nearly 50 years.

The schoolhouse is typically open seasonally from summer through early fall on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

From June 30: 'Historic Avon Landmark Closed For Most Of Summer'