The Little Yellow Schoolhouse Shindig
A Family Fun Fair at Westport's One-Room Schoolhouse

Sunday September 17, 2006

Sponsored by Raging Knowledge Educational Service

Click a picture to enlarge.  Photos by Dave Matlow.

Photos by Laurence Untermeyer.

The sun was shining on the little yellow schoolhouse known as The Adams Academy on North Morningside Drive, Westport as over 100 people gathered to enjoy a visit in one of Westport's historic one-room schoolhouses and find out what it was like to be in school in the mid 1800's. 

The event was appropriately called "The Little Yellow Schoolhouse Shindig" to signify the pale yellow building that served as a school where Westport students were taught in the mid 1800's.  This private co-ed school had an outstanding reputation and its founder Ebenezer Banks Adams was passionate about the subjects he taught. All of his graduates went on to college to pursue their educational goals. By examining what happened in a classroom over 150 years ago, we can better understand how technology has enhanced our way of learning over time.

There were lawn games like ring toss, ten pin bowling, fishing in a pond, sack races, and hoops. The center tent held the Victorian dress-up booth presented by Elizabeth Woodson and her mom Jennifer.

Betty Adams Daniels, the great granddaughter of Ebenezer Adams, took a seat outside the front porch of the school and reflected on what she remembered about academic excellence through the generations, and what this school meant for her family and for everyone who benefited from her great grandfather’s teachings.

Cameron Bruce and Sam Weiser of Westport, known as the Fiddlers 2, took to the porch stage and entertained all with a wonderful fiddle concert that inspired everyone to clap their hands and feet and enjoy some terrific old-fashioned tunes.

This event would not have been possible without the support of the Town of Westport and Westport’s First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, who introduced our guest speaker and reflected on the history of this wonderful Westport landmark.

In addition to support from the town, the following businesses contributed financial support and donated goods and services to this community event: Raging Knowledge, Crossroads Hardware, Newman’s Own, Commerce Bank, Great Cakes, Cathy’s Candies, Weston Woods Institute, the Weston Historical Society and Shaws Supermarket.