From Mountain Parish to Wilbraham: A History of Our Schools

Springfield began funding schools in the “Outward Commons,” or Mountain Parish, as early as 1737, continuing annually until Wilbraham’s incorporation in 1763. Appropriations started at £3 and gradually increased, reaching £35 old tenor by 1749, though much of this growth reflected the depreciation of paper money. Between 1750 and 1755, yearly grants ranged from £4, 13s, 4d to £6, 16s, 7d.

By 1752, a schoolhouse had already been built. Committees were appointed to review construction costs and determine suitable locations for future schoolhouses. The town eventually granted £6 to Ensign James Warriner to reimburse those who had funded the building. Tradition places this early schoolhouse on the west side of Main Street, near today’s Gazebo Park. One notable teacher, Ezra “Master” Barker, also served as town and parish clerk. Remembered for his discipline, wit, and exceptional penmanship, Barker’s clear, legible records remain a valuable resource for historians.

Following Wilbraham’s incorporation in 1763, the town voted £15 for school support. By 1775, the town had ten school districts and raised approximately $126 for schools, though only two schoolhouses existed: the Mountain Parish school and one on Ridge Road. Many classes were held in private homes, with teachers boarding at students’ houses for periods of three to twelve days. This practice fostered close relationships between teachers and families, leaving lasting memories in the community.

In 1791, the town appropriated £100 to assist in building schoolhouses, a practice continued for several years. In 1792 and 1793, additional funds supported a grammar school in the district where Samuel F. Merrick resided, open to all town students. Families were required to contribute firewood, and teachers were held accountable for compliance.

Throughout the 19th century, schools gradually improved. By 1820, geography with an atlas was introduced, and arithmetic and grammar instruction became more common. Private schools supplemented public education, including those led by Rev. Mr. Witter, Rev. Ebenezer Brown, Elder Alvin Bennett, and Rev. Mr. Warren, enabling children to receive quality instruction without leaving town.

On November 8, 1825, the Wesleyan Academy, later Wilbraham Academy, opened, offering higher education opportunities for local youth. The Academy’s co-educational model continued until 1911, after which boys resumed studies there in 1912, while girls attended nearby high schools in Springfield, Palmer, or Ludlow.

In 1867, the town voted to abolish the District School System, transferring oversight to the selectmen, who assessed the school properties. The appraised values of the twelve schoolhouses and their land ranged from $49.00 to $365.00, with a total value of $2,440.00 for all Wilbraham school property. Each former district was credited with the assessed value of its property, and the school system was reorganized, reducing the number of schools from twelve to eight. Over time, instruction in art, drawing, and music was gradually added, with dedicated teachers beginning in 1896.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries also saw civic engagement in schools, including the provision of flags for each building in 1892 and tuition support for high school students at Wesleyan Academy starting in 1893. Miss Mary L. Poland became superintendent for Wilbraham and neighboring towns that year, providing skilled oversight for local education.

Historical records reveal the evolving value placed on education. Dr. Samuel F. Merrick noted in 1831 that early appropriations for the Mountain Parish were modest compared with the $750 spent on schools that year. Dr. Stebbins observed at the centennial, “Never, probably, were the public schools in better condition than today,” emphasizing steady improvement over the decades.

Teachers’ experiences illustrate the realities of early education. In 1834, a teacher in a neighboring town recorded receiving $150 for the year, with $52.26 remaining after board and necessary expenses. Women gradually assumed leadership roles in school governance; Mrs. S. F. White became the first female school committee member in 1890, followed by Miss Evanore O. Beebe in 1905, who served continuously thereafter.

From these modest beginnings, Wilbraham’s public schools evolved steadily, reflecting the town’s enduring commitment to education and the belief that investment in schools strengthens both individuals and the community.

No. 1 Stony Hill School, built in 1870 and once known as the “Atchinson School,” is located at 713 Stony Hill Road. In 1942, it underwent extensive remodeling and was converted into a private residence. Old Meeting House Museum