HARMONY ROAD
MICKLETON, NJ

Photograph of the Little Red School House taken circa 1900.
Graciously donated by Daphne Hollingshead
(Click on the photo to see a much larger version and closeup)

In 1808, Samuel Mickle and Samuel Tonkin contributed 2 acres and 10 perches of land to the Upper Greenwich Preparative Meeting.

On January 5, 1809, it was agreed to build a schoolhouse and the following amounts were subscribed for its construction -- Samuel Paul, $60; Samuel Tonkin, $96; Samuel Mickle, $100; William Pine, $66; William Lippincott, $40; George Mickle, $50; Isaac Jones, $20; Isaac Cooper, $50; Thomas Clark, $45; William Becket, $20; William Allen, $20; William Haines, $10; Edward Gill, $20; Cooper Paul, $20; Isaac Reeves, $15; Jedidiah Allen, $10; William White, $13. With a total of $655 the schoolhouse was built, originally 27 feet by 33 feet. The bricks were burned on William Pine's farm.

The schoolhouse was reported finished on January 4, 1810 and classes began on January 8, 1810. George Mickle was the first teacher.

Photograph of the Little Red School House taken circa 1900.
Graciously donated by Pete Miskofsky

It was used by the Friends until the mid-1800's when it became a public school. Benjamin Heritage (1833-1912) was a much-loved teacher for many years at the Little Red Schoolhouse. He was a distinguished botanist and in charge of botanical exhibits at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.

In September of 1863 a frame classroom was added to the north side of the school for $295.28. Until 1874 this was the only school in the village.

It continued as a Friends school until 1908. From 1910 to 1926 it was rented by the East Greenwich Board of Education and served as a public school for the lower grades. [Brochure, Little Red Schoolhouse]

In 1925 it was no longer used and laid idle for many years.

1937 photograph prior to renovations

Following 1926, the building was used by the YMCA under the leadership of Raymond C. Thompson and R. Raeman Borden. They repaired and repainted the interior, removed the desks, had electric lights installed and made it a place where other community meetings could be held. In 1933 a Girl Scout Troop under the leadership of Helen P. Thompson and Emma P. Engle also held meetings here.

In 1937 this structure was recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey of the United States Department of the Interior for its Archives at the Library of Congress [Brochure, Little Red Schoolhouse].

In 1941, with the help of funds from Floyd Warrington's First-Day School Class and Amos and Dorothy Peaslee, The Little Red Schoolhouse was restored and enlarged under the guidance of architect Vincent Kling so that it could be used as a recreation center for the neighborhood. That same year a committee, called "The Little Red Schoolhouse Committee" was named to maintain the schoolhouse. Each year members of the community work with Friends to raise money for maintenance of the schoolhouse. [Centennial 37]

On December 27, 1941 the building was reopened with a dance for the "young bloods" of the neighborhood. The following day saw the formal opening of the building as a community center. It was attended by many who had passed through its grades in the past. [Brochure, Little Red Schoolhouse]

The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) are among the largest and most heavily used collections in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. See the photographs, floor plans, and documents submitted in 1937 regarding this historic building.

The Little Red Schoolhouse in 2003
Photograph by Janice Brown

The Little Red Schoolhouse Today
[from Brochure, Little Red Schoolhouse]

Today The Little Red Schoolhouse is a Community Center under the care of the Mickleton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. The building is used by local residents and interested persons for wedding receptions, family reunions, christenings, anniversary and birthday parties.

Inside the building are all the facilities needed for a pleasant gathering. The building is heated, the kitchen is fully equipped with dishes and silverware, refrigerator and a large stove. The screened porch has sliding glass doors. A brick terrace behind the building offers additional space for outdoor dining in good weather. The spacious grounds offer plenty of room for outdoor recreation, or just relaxing under the big old trees. Tables and chairs are included and, of course, bathroom facilities.

During the year, the Little Red Schoolhouse Committee holds fund raising events, including the yearly Strawberry Festival to raise funds for its preservation, maintenance and upkeep.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Little Red Schoolhouse Committee or in renting this charming building may contact them at their official web site.

Please note: No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Schoolhouse or on the grounds.