Imagine arriving at your one-room school by "carry-all," then when the bell rings, lining up to enter the Trap Fall School, built in 1872. Remember: girls on one side, boys on the other! Quietly take your seat--younger ones sit in front, 13 and 14 year-old students in the back, closer to the woodstove. After morning exercises, study reading, arithmetic, history, geography, or practice penmanship. Wait for recess when you might be able to quench your thirst from the dipper and bucket of water someone brought from a nearby home. When your education is complete and if you're lucky, you may be able to attend high school in the Ferry School on Howe Avenue in the borough of Shelton.
The Trap Fall School district was established in 1854 and was one of between nine and twelve (depending on the year of operation) independent school districts within what is now Shelton. One teacher, usually a young unmarried woman, taught all ages. Older students often helped the younger ones with their lessons. A school year consisted of two sessions-winter and summer-and the biggest expenses for the district were the teacher's salary and wood for heat. Homework was not given. A small high school classroom was housed in the Ferry School in downtown Shelton, with the first class graduating in 1889. By the early 1900's, several one-room schools consolidated and were eventually replaced by Huntington School and Lafayette School, both built in 1911.
Originally located near what is now Trap Fall Reservoir, the schoolhouse was used as quarters for farm laborers, then as a storage shed by the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company before it was donated to the Shelton Historical Society. It was moved to its current location in 1971. Restoration of the sills and millwork took place in 1997-1998. Interior colors applied at that time replicate the originals.
