Located near the Old City Gates, the oldest wooden school house in the United States dates back to the early 18th century when the house was originally a homestead belonging to Juan Genoply. The building is constructed of red cedar and cypress. Wooden pegs keep the timbers in place. Everything was made by hand, even the nails. The house appears on the tax rolls for the year 1716, but it existed years before then.
The building had no electricity, no running water, no kitchen and no privy. Drinking water was drawn from the well. The kitchen was housed in separate quarters because of the risk from fire and to eliminate excess heat in the long, hot summers. The privy was dug away from the main building with an enclosure around it for privacy.
When Juan Genoply was a bachelor the small one-room house was sufficient to his needs. But when he married and the house became a school, an addition was needed. The schoolmaster and his family had their living quarters upstairs. The downstairs was used as the classroom. The Oldest Wooden School house was also the first co-ed school, as it educated girls and boys together beginning in 1788.
As you enter the small, one-room school house you are greeted by Disney-style animatronic figures dressed in period attire. The schoolmaster and the children tell you about themselves and describe a typical day in the classroom and items in it. Copies of the textbooks used by students, as well as related school artifacts are on display along with several cooking utensils of the time. Visitors are given a free honorary diploma as a keepsake of their visit.
After touring the school house visitors may walk through the garden and see the kitchen, the privy and the well. Be sure to notice the old pecan tree. The tree has been authenticated to be at least 250 years old and still bears nuts. The patio and grounds are a typical green garden with tropical plants such as hibiscus and bird-of-paradise, including one not-so-typical white bird-of-paradise. Plenty of shade trees and comfortable benches offer a cozy spot for a moment of rest and reflection.
Most people immediately notice the enormous chain that wraps around the school house and is tied to an anchor. The anchor and chain were added back in 1937 when a hurricane threatened St. Augustine and an attempt was made to secure the oldest school house so the historic gem of a building would not be lost. So far, so good.
The Oldest Wooden School house
14 St. George Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Tel: 904-824-0192
Or 888-653-7245
Fax: 904-808-0549
