Little Red School House
Brighton Township Schools, known as District #2, or Richmond School, was part of an original Federal Land Grant to John Strawbridge in July 1786. In 1818, Strawbridge deeded the land to John Nible and his wife Rebecca. In 1844, John and Rebecca Nible deeded the land to Brighton Township School Directors for the sum of $850.00. John Sutherland, John Shane Washington, Phillis William Hunter, Peter Reisinger, and Robert Beacom were the School directors.
Richmond School, located on Park Road in Brighton Township, was used as a school for 106 consecutive years from 1844 to 1950. Eight grades were taught in this one-room building, except for the last couple of years when only fifth and sixth graders were taught there by Mrs. Elizabeth Erath. In 1969, the Brighton Township Supervisors purchased this property for the purpose of having a group restore the school as an historical site. A group of township citizens headed by Ben Wilson formed a committee to renovate and restore the Richmond School. Zella Berron, Matthew Banks and Ulston Morgan were the oldest alumni of the school still living at the time. Their memories were of great value to the restoration group. The restoration project was extensive, with many of the materials being donated by members of the Richmond Little Red School House Group and others.
As word of the restoration spread, furnishings came back from far and near. Some of the original desks came back from as far away as New York State. The large school bell had been taken as a childish prank and had been missing for more than 90 years then a lady passed away in Ohio and in her will she had requested that the bell be returned to the Richmond School where it rightfully belonged, and no questions were to be asked. The bell is now mounted up high over the door.
On September 13, 1970, Richmond School was dedicated as a free museum. Since that day, more than 8,000 visitors have signed the guest book; probably one-third or more of the visitors neglect to sign the book. The school is open for visitors from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons during June, July, and August. Group tours by appointment, during moderate weather (when a fire is not needed), may be made by calling Pat Haffey at 724-495-7489 or Jane Smyda at 724-774-2330.
Richmond School has been evaluated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Application for listing in the National Register is underway.
The Richmond School House meetings are held four times a year at the school in April, May, September and December. The December meeting is a luncheon meeting. A lifetime membership in the organization is available for $10. If you are interested in joining the group, get in touch with Pat Haffey at 724-495-7489.
Note cards with a print of the Richmond Little Red School House are available at the Municipal Building for a donation of $4.00. The print is from a pen-and-ink drawing done by John T. Regney. Post cards with an actual picture of the Richmond School are also available at a cost of 50 cents each. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the building and grounds.
Mail for Richmond School should be sent to:
Richmond Little Red School House
C/o Jane Smyda
2145 Gypsy Glen Road
Beaver, PA 15009