The Amherst Historic Preservation Commission has recommended that a brick schoolhouse at the corner of Maple and North Forest Roads be the first structure declared a Town of Amherst landmark under the town’s new preservation ordinance. The commission’s action is only advisory, and formal designation by the town board is no sure thing.

The Amherst Town Board will hold a public hearing on the designation on February 3 at 7:30pm, after which it will vote on the issue. A designation would confirm heightened public interest about the structure and site and lead to more informed planning in the area.

The site was reserved in 1846 for a school to serve Amherst’s “North Country.” It is likely the first school on the site was of wood, with the present brick structure, with segmental arched windows, being erected around the time of the Civil War.

The building’s educational function ended in 1950 and it was auctioned off to a private owner in 1957. Since then, it has served, among other things, as an antique shop. The building retains a high degree of architectural integrity and, surrounded by mature trees, is a highly visible and well-known landmark in that part of Amherst.

The Amherst HPC, alerted that the town’s last remaining one-room brick schoolhouse was up for sale and wary that it might be threatened by development or alteration, proceeded to initiate the application for designation.

Hearing information

Proponents of the designation hope for a good turnout of those supporting designation and that many of those will offer to say a word in favor of the designation. The hearing is at the Amherst Town Hall, 5583 Main Street, at 7:30pm, February 3, 1997.