For decades, the Cooley Schoolhouse sat quietly on the Clark family property, a relic of a bygone era when one-room schoolhouses were the heart of local education. Weathered by time in history, the building had a second chance. That chance came on August 26, 1980, when a determined community effort brought the schoolhouse to its new home at the Salmon Brook Historical Society, ensuring its legacy would live on.
The roots of this historic move date back to 1972, when George Tuffin, a longtime member of the Historical Society and a former First Selectman, approached Merrill Clark with an ambitious idea.
Tuffin asked if Clark would consider donating the schoolhouse, which had been on his property for decades, to the Historical Society. The idea resonated with Clark, who had attended the one-room schoolhouse along with his sister, Anita, and even his father, George. In fact, his mother, Myra Clark, had taught at the school for fifteen years, making the building an integral part of the family legacy.
Originally built in the 19th century, the schoolhouse has been unused since 1948 when the town opened the Consolidated School, which would become Memorial School. Over time, the structure suffered vandalism and neglect, but it remained structurally sound. Seeing its potential as a historical exhibit, the society took on the challenge of relocating and restoring the schoolhouse.
Raising the necessary funds proved to be a significant hurdle. George Tuffin launched the “Friends of the School House” campaign, rallying the community to contribute to the cause. A major boost came in the form of a $7,500 Challenge Grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which required the Society to come up with another $2,500 to pay for the move and restoration. An auction held on August 10, 1978, along with generous donations, successfully met the goal, securing the necessary funds to proceed.
The physical move was no small feat. The Morris Movers of Morris, Conn., were contracted to transport the building, while local builder Robert Bernard was tasked with removing and reattaching the roof to ensure clearance under power lines. On moving day, August 26, 1980, East Street and Salmon Brook Street were temporarily closed as the truck carrying the historic structure made its way south to the Salmon Brook Historical Society at 208 Salmon Brook Street.
Once relocated, the real work began. Volunteers and historians spent the next two years restoring the interior and exterior, repainting the building, and carefully curating period-appropriate furnishings, including a wood stove and vintage school desks. By 1982, the Cooley School House was fully restored and ready to welcome visitors eager to experience a slice of Granby’s school history.
Thanks to the passion and perseverance of the Granby community, a vital piece of local history has been preserved for future generations to enjoy. Today, the schoolhouse stands as a cherished exhibit, open to the public during the Society’s summer tours so visitors can feel the experience of being in a one-room schoolhouse. If you want to learn more about the Cooley School house or Merrill Clark, please join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling, 860-653-9506, or go online at www.salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com