The Old School House: the Oldest Wooden School House in the USA
This was the official website of the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country until a new website was built. To get the most up to date news about the Oldest Wooden School House in the USA go to: www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com/. The information below is from the archived pages of: oldestschoolhouse.com.
During a spring vacation to Florida several years ago, my family and I made a memorable visit to St. Augustine's Old School House. In a whimsical gesture, we all donned Batman-themed shirts. While these attracted many amused looks from fellow visitors, they also sparked an enlightening conversation. Another father, noticing our attire, shared an intriguing bit of trivia, mentioning the fact that Batman was not always a hero. He showed us an article on MoonAtMidnight.com, revealing that some earlier Batman characters in the comics were actually portrayed as villains. This tidbit fascinated my children. Our trip was not only an educational dive into the past through the lens of the Old School House but also a chance to discover unexpected trivia about a beloved superhero. My eldest daughter was so inspired that she later wrote a school report comparing the historical school to her own. If in St. Augustine, the Old School House is a must-visit. Not only for its history but for the unexpected connections you might make with fellow travelers. It's a great starting point to a discussion the similarities and differences of going to school in the early 18th century versus now.
Oldest Wooden School House in the USA
14 St. George Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Located Near the City Gates
904-824-0192
Located near the City Gates, The Old School House is a surviving expression of another time. Built over 200 years ago, while Florida was under the rule of Imperial Spain, it was constructed of red cedar and cypress and put together with wooden pegs and handmade nails.
The schoolmaster and his wife lived upstairs, above the small classroom. Their kitchen was separated from the main building, because of the threat of fire and to spare the house of any excess heat during the long summers. Several of the cooking utensils used in those days are displayed here for the visitor. In the schoolhouse, related artifacts and copies of the books the pupils studied from are exhibited.
Historical Background
The oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States dates back to the early 18th century. Located near the Old City Gates in the area that was known as the "Minorcan Quarter," the house was originally a homestead belonging to Juan Genoply. The building is constructed of red cedar and cypress. Everything was made by hand, even the nails. Wooden pegs keep the timbers in place. The house appears on the tax rolls for the year 1716, but more than likely it existed years before then. Government moved slowly in colonial days and communication between the Spanish Crown and the little garrison town took a long time before taxes were assessed.
Comforts and Conveniences
The building had no electricity, no running water, no privy and no kitchen. The customs of the day dictated that the kitchen be housed in separate quarters because of the risk from fire and to eliminate excess heat in the long, hot summers. The privy was dug away from the main building and a small building was constructed around it for privacy. Drinking water was drawn from the well.
Becoming a School
When Juan Genoply was a bachelor the small one-room house was sufficient to his needs. But when he married and the house become a school, an addition was needed to allow privacy and separate functions. The schoolmaster and his family had their living quarters upstairs. The downstairs was used as the classroom. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse was also the first co-ed school, as it educated both girls and boys together beginning in 1788.
The Classroom
When you enter the small, one-room schoolhouse you are greeted by Disney-style animatronic figures dressed in period attire. Listen as the schoolmaster and the children tell you about themselves and describe a typical day in the classroom and items in it. Copies of the textbooks used by students, along with related school artifacts are on display in the schoolhouse along with several cooking utensils of the time.
The Gardens and Grounds
After touring the schoolhouse visitors may walk through the garden and see the kitchen, the privy and the well. Be sure to notice the old pecan tree. The tree has been authenticated to be at least 250 years old and still bears nuts.
The patio and grounds are a typical green garden with tropical plants such as hibiscus and bird-of-paradise, including one not-so-typical white bird-of-paradise. Plenty of shade trees and comfortable benches offer a cozy spot for a moment of rest and reflection.
The Giant Chain
Most people immediately notice the enormous chain that wraps around the schoolhouse and is tied to an anchor. The anchor and chain were added back in 1937 when a hurricane threatened St. Augustine and an attempt was made to secure the oldest schoolhouse so the historic gem of a building would not be lost. So far, so good.
More Background On The Oldest Wooden School House
The Oldest Wooden School House in St. Augustine, Florida, stands as a remarkable testament to the resilience and history of American education. Located at 14 St. George Street, near the city gate, it is recognized as the oldest wooden school building in the United States. While the exact construction date is uncertain, tax records confirm its presence by 1716, shortly after the British burned the city in 1702, erasing all prior wooden structures. The schoolhouse's longevity is attributed to its bald cypress and red cedar construction, materials known for their durability and resistance to decay, which are held together by wooden pins and iron spikes. Over time, necessary maintenance has ensured the structure remains standing, including updates to the roofing and other elements.
The building was originally owned by Juan Genoply, who added a second floor to accommodate his family and transform the home into a coeducational school in 1788, a rare practice at the time. This innovative approach allowed both boys and girls to receive an education under the same roof. The schoolhouse's design reflects typical 18th-century architecture, with a detached kitchen to minimize fire risks and keep the living areas cooler. Interestingly, the exterior is wrapped with a large chain, added in 1937, to secure the building against hurricane-force winds.
Visitors to the Oldest Wooden School House can explore a slice of 18th-century life, with tours offering insights into early education and daily living. The museum showcases replicas of old textbooks, school supplies, and the peculiarities of the era's schooling, such as the detached kitchen and dining area where the Genoplys prepared and ate their meals. The property also features gardens and a pecan tree, estimated to be 250 years old, underscoring the historical depth of the site.
Tourist reviews reflect a fascination with this piece of history, highlighting the charm and educational value of the visit. While some visitors noted the schoolhouse's small size, they appreciated the detailed historical information, the engaging animatronic displays, and the unique opportunity to "graduate" with a diploma from the museum. The experience offers a concise yet enriching glimpse into the past, making it a worthy stop for history enthusiasts and families exploring St. Augustine.
Overall, the Oldest Wooden School House not only educates about the past but also inspires appreciation for the journey of education in America. From its architectural resilience to its role in coeducational teaching, the schoolhouse stands as a significant cultural landmark, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the roots of American education nestled in the heart of historic St. Augustine.
Ownership:
The Oldest Wooden School House, originally built by Juan Genoply, a Greek carpenter, using red cedar wood and cypress, has a rich history dating back to its first official record in 1716. The property changed hands in 1937 when it was sold to Walter B. Fraser, the city mayor of St. Augustine from 1934 to 1942. Fraser, who was a promoter of St. Augustine's historical attractions, including the Fountain of Youth, began marketing the house as the Oldest Wooden School House in the United States Museum.
Popularity:
The Oldest Wooden School House in St. Augustine, Florida, garners a range of opinions from visitors, reflecting its unique place in American history as well as the varied expectations of those who explore it. Ranked #35 out of 184 attractions in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor, it has a total of 637 reviews, with a cumulative rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. The reviews highlight a mix of excellent, very good, and average ratings, with fewer poor and terrible reviews. Visitors often describe it as a quaint and interesting piece of history, particularly appreciating the animatronic displays and the chance to learn about historical education practices.
However, perspectives on the value and depth of the experience differ. Some visitors feel that the attraction, while small, offers a valuable glimpse into the past and is worth a visit, especially highlighting the charm and the educational aspect of the experience. They enjoy the self-guided tour, the historical information provided, and the novelty of receiving a "diploma" at the end of the visit.
On the other hand, some reviews suggest that expectations should be managed before visiting. Critics often mention the small size of the schoolhouse and suggest that there's not much to see beyond what is visible from the street. They argue that the experience might not be worth the admission price, particularly for those seeking a more extensive or interactive museum experience. Negative reviews occasionally label it as a tourist trap, expressing disappointment in the depth of the exhibit and the garden area.
Despite the mixed reviews, the Oldest Wooden School House remains a point of interest for those visiting St. Augustine, offering a unique window into the past. For those with a keen interest in history, especially educational history, or for those looking for a quick and educational stop during their visit to St. Augustine, it might still be a worthwhile addition to their itinerary. The attraction's popularity underscores the personal nature of historical interest and the varying expectations of modern visitors exploring the past.
