Taylors Island in Dorchester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Schoolhouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 5, 2018
1. Old Schoolhouse Marker
Inscription.
Old Schoolhouse. . This building is believed to be the first schoolhouse in Dorchester County. Built in 1785, prior to the establishment of a public school system, it was originally located on the north end of Taylors Island on the road to James Island. It was constructed with hand-hewn timbers, hand-made nails and wooden pegs. It could seat twelve pupils, sitting on benches around a stove that would have been in the middle of the room. There was a stove pipe hole in each wall so the pipe could be shifted to suit the prevailing wind. The building was purchased in 1855 for $90 by Travers Spicer of “Mulberry Grove” and used as a smokehouse. In 1959 is was donated to the Grace Foundation of Taylors Island by the heir of James K. Spicer and moved to its current location. In 1984 the Grace foundation restored it to its present condition.
This building is believed to be the first schoolhouse in Dorchester County. Built in 1785, prior to the establishment of a public school system, it was originally located on the north end of Taylors Island on the road to James Island. It was constructed with hand-hewn timbers, hand-made nails and wooden pegs. It could seat twelve pupils, sitting on benches around a stove that would have been in the middle of the room. There was a stove pipe hole in each wall so the pipe could be shifted to suit the prevailing wind. The building was purchased in 1855 for $90 by Travers Spicer of “Mulberry Grove” and used as a smokehouse. In 1959 is was donated to the Grace Foundation of Taylors Island by the heir of James K. Spicer and moved to its current location. In 1984 the Grace foundation restored it to its present condition.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.
Location. 38° 28.254′ N, 76° 18.52′ W. Marker is on Taylors Island, Maryland, in Dorchester County. Marker can be reached from Hooper Neck Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4401 Hooper Neck Road, Taylors Island MD 21669, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chapel of Ease (a few steps from this marker); Grace Episcopal Church (a few steps from this
3. This Building Was the First School House in Dorchester County
and was built and used
on Taylors Island
Given to Grace Foundation by
The Mulberry Grove Spicers
Restored by Grace Foundation
1959
Plaque on Old Schoolhouse door.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 28, 2011
4. Old Schoolhouse
This marker was not present in 2011.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 15, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
