To: <harts@tidewater.net>,
"Florance Merrifield" <lewflo@tidewater.net>,
"Hope Chase" <hopeichase@gmail.com>,
<wijones@tidewater.net>,
Cc: "Jim DellaPenna" <jdellapenna@nc.rr.com>
Subject: South Hope School House

To all:

I volunteered to do some research regarding the number of remaining one-room school houses in Maine.

As of 2005, there were purportedly a surprising eight one-room school houses still open and operating. Relative to restored one-room school houses just in the Mid-coast area, we find the Hodge School in Union, associated with Matthews Museum, and Lincolnville and Belmont schools managed by their respective historical societies. An internet check turned up numerous other schools in the state.

I e-mailed Isabel Morse Maresh, Belmont Historical Society, and received a nice response. The Belmont schoolhouse is on the National Register. She stated Belmont had not sought any grants, however she suggested we could contact Montville Historical Society as they have in the past received grants for their buildings and are in the process of applying for further grants.

I called Maine Historic Preservation Commission to see if they might have some suggestions. Christi Mitchell, Architectural Historian, spoke with me and sent me information regarding obtaining National Register recognition. She was instrumental in securing recognition of Union Common on the National Register this past year.

I described the current circumstances of the building and made Ms. Mitchell aware of the fact that the building is to be moved. She contends that if the building was placed on the National Register, then grant money would likely be easier to obtain. There are several problems regarding obtaining this status. Typically, the building should not be moved – she did state we could make a case that the current location is unsuitable and since the likely spot for relocation is such a short distance away and centrally located in the village that the schoolhouse served, then moving might not be an obstacle. However, she stated the building should be on the Register prior to moving.

Ms. Mitchell pointed out that quotes for restoration would have to come from architects and carpenters known for their historic building restoration experience. She further stated all repairs would have to be completed with original or facsimile of original materials i.e. the windows, sills and all, would have to meet the specifications of the original construction; this is why she said an experienced restoration architect and carpenter are required for accurate quotes. Regarding a specialist to move the building, she said there is someone in Rockland who goes by the name Beaver – she apologized for not knowing his legal name, but I imagine any qualified mover should be acceptable.

The schoolhouse pictures on the Hope Historical Societies website, taken by Bob Appleby, appear to meet the requirements for the application for National Register recognition. I understand there have been some quotes for restoration and moving – if these are from qualified people, perhaps it would be a simple matter of updating (more than likely nothing is simple).

In support of a request for National Register recognition is the fact that it appears the school was built circa 1856 (the 1889 Hope Town report gives some concern stating the District 7 schoolhouse had “been rebuilt the past year”) and the school operated until 1955 or 56 – need clarification relative to which year it closed. Anyway, about 100 years of operation is significant; most of the existing schoolhouses appear to be younger or to have operated for far less time.

Another point in support, Brian Powers made me aware that Fogler Library, at the University of Maine, had connections to the Fogler family of South Hope. I have spoken and followed up in writing with Special Collections at Fogler Library. The library is named after Raymond H. Fogler, born in 1892 in South Hope, Maine. According to the 1900 US Census, he is eight years old and resides in South Hope; his sister Mattie teaches school. He, his sister and mother move to West Rockport after his father dies. What I have asked Special Collections to research is whether, in their seven boxes of memorabilia given them by Raymond Fogler, is there any mention of school attendance in South Hope. I have also asked for pictures. Logically, if he was eight years old in 1900, one would presume he attended the nearest school, which would have been School District #7.

Might there be any other prominent alumni?

I hope I have summarized my actions and thoughts adequately. I will continue to conduct research. Please do not hesitate to come back to me with questions or recommendations.

Wishing you all the best for this holiday season,

Cindy DellaPenna

Raleigh, NC

A group of interested individuals met, elected a secretary and a chairperson. Steps were taken to get estimates for moving the building from its current location to town property in South Hope.