Trap Fall School c. 1872
Trap Fall School c. 1872
Trap Fall School was built in 1872 to replace an earlier structure. It was located near Huntington Street and Trap Fall Reservoir, which did not exist when the school was built. Eventually the building was acquired by Bridgeport Hydraulic Company and used as a storage shed before being donated to the Shelton Historical Society in 1971 and moved to the present Shelton History Center complex.
According to Miss Nellie Frances Cook, who remembered the school as it was in 1895-1904, “Students either walked to school or were transported in a “carry-all,” a horse drawn covered wagon. Contracts were awarded to local men to provide this transportation. All students bought their own books. Usually the school books were handed down in the family.
“Younger children used slate and slate pencils to write. Older children used pencil and pen. The materials were provided by the students. Paper was also brought by the students.
“Subjects taught were reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, and geography and history for the older students. Subjects were taught through repetition and rote memorization.
“No homework was given out. Each school day started with opening exercises: a reading from the Bible, salute of the flag, a prayer, followed by the singing of a song.”
According to Miss Nellie Frances Cook, who remembered the school as it was in 1895-1904, “Students either walked to school or were transported in a “carry-all,” a horse drawn covered wagon. Contracts were awarded to local men to provide this transportation. All students bought their own books. Usually the school books were handed down in the family.
“Younger children used slate and slate pencils to write. Older children used pencil and pen. The materials were provided by the students. Paper was also brought by the students.
“Subjects taught were reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, and geography and history for the older students. Subjects were taught through repetition and rote memorization.
“No homework was given out. Each school day started with opening exercises: a reading from the Bible, salute of the flag, a prayer, followed by the singing of a song.”