It’s Throwback Thursday! Today we begin the new series Then and Now. My hope is that people will share their stories about these historic sites in our community. We begin with the old District #7 school. Built in 1893 it became known as the Averill Park three-room schoolhouse. In 1928 the Averill Park Central School District was created, and Elmer E. Stahlman was appointed Superintendent.

In June 1935 the board approved the transfer of the District #7 school to the Walter Adams American Legion Post. Sergeant Adams was killed on October 10, 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne offensive.

Recently the SLHS and the American Legion have begun a partnership to share this historic building. Plans to renovate the building include a history museum on the lower floor.

Don’t forget to share your memories of the historic District #7 School/Walter Adams American Legion Post.

Throwback Thursday: This week we have Main Street in Averill Park looking east. The two people on the far right are standing in front of the store and newsroom owned by George Shriner. Mr. Shriner also ran the post office.

Center building was Jacob Warger’s Dry Goods store. Most of us still refer to it as the Variety Store, though now it’s Miller Young’s Pharmacy and Paula’s Country Kitchen. In the background is Travelers Rest Hotel on Eastern Union Turnpike which burned down in 1939. Today, it’s where Tom Miller’s Automotive is located.

Throwback Thursday: There were 11 one-room schoolhouse districts, 12 if Poestenkill District 1, Round Top School, is included. There are only a few left standing. Here is the District 3 Best School which has been beautifully restored as a family home. Thanks to the owners for participating in this week’s Then and Now.

Throwback Thursday: While we’re on the subject of old schools, let’s look at what is today Homeroom Lofts. In 1928 the Board of Education passed a resolution for voters to authorize the erection of a new school building not to exceed $97,500. The vote passed 96 to 2. In 1929, the corner stone of the new building was put in place by William Mahoney President of the Board of Education. It originally housed grades 1-8 and two years of high school.