Greenville in Greene County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of Greenville Free Academy

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2024

1. Site of Greenville Free Academy Marker

Inscription. 1815-1930
Pioneer High School

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 42° 24.981′ N, 74° 1.34′ W. Marker is in Greenville, New York, in Greene County. It is on New York State Route 32 0.1 miles north of Route 81, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located near the sidewalk, directly in front of the Greenville Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11177 New York Route 32, Greenville NY 12083, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and in the Hudson Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker: Rev. Beriah Hotchkin A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwin L. Drake (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenville (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Talmage-Atwater (approx. ¼ mile away); 1635 English Lawyer (approx. 0.3 miles away); Benjamin Spees (approx. half a mile away); First School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grist Mill (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

Regarding Site of Greenville Free Academy. Contributing property, Greenville Presbyterian Church Complex, National Register of Historic Places #85000657.

From the National Register Nomination:
The Greenville Free Academy, built in 1906 to replace the original academy structure of 1815, is a typical example of early twentieth century rural school architecture distinguished by its square massing and distinctive fenestration. The square, two-story clapboard structure has a pyramidal roof with a large central chimney just below the peak in front. The overhanging eaves of the roof have exposed rafter ends. In 1957, the building became the Greenville Memorial
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2024

2. Site of Greenville Free Academy Marker
Looking south along New York Route 32. The Greenville Public Library is to the right/west of these signboards.
Library. The facade is marked by an entrance porch, built in 1975, which was designed after the porch on the original academy structure built in 1815. Supported on Doric columns, the porch has a full molded entablature topped by a balustrade. The central entrance consists of double doors with a broad transom flanked by one-over-one double-hung sash. Three identical windows mark the second floor. The side and rear elevations have one-over-one sash in groupings of two, three, or four. There are first and second floor entrances in the rear and a shed-roofed enclosed basement entrance on the south elevation. The interior of the structure was completely renovated in 1958 and the only original interior feature evident is the tin-embossed ceiling on the first floor hall.

Also see . . .
1. Greenville Central School District: Our History. Excerpt:

Greenville Central School District has a rich history as an extension of one of the earliest chartered schools in New York State. The Greenville Academy was established by the Regents of the University of the State of New York on February 27, 1816. Although the Academy served local students,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2024

3. Greenville Public Library
Looking west from near marker.
many students boarded with area families in order to complete their studies. Martin Van Buren, who would later become the President of the United States, made similar arrangements for his son to attend the Greenville Academy.

(Submitted on July 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Greenville Public Library. Excerpt:

The Greenville Public Library was founded in 1928. It is located in the former Greenville Academy building which is listed on the National Historic Register.

(Submitted on July 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Greenville Presbyterian Church Complex (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

In 1815 the educational aspect of the land gift was secured with the construction of the first Greenville Free Academy Building, the first free public school in Greene County. The school building, now used as the town library and administrative offices, is also of some architectural note. While it typifies the rural school designs of the early 20th century, it is an unusually large example.

(Submitted on July 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Greenville Public Library Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2024

4. Greenville Public Library Entrance

Greene County Historical Register Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2024

5. Greene County Historical Register Marker

(mounted on right side of library entrance)
Registered Historic Site
Greene County Historical Register

Greenville Public Library — formerly the Greenville Free Academy (<i>northeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2024

6. Greenville Public Library — formerly the Greenville Free Academy (northeast elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.