History

Built in 1832, the Stone School was built through the generosity of local resident Ephraim Bradley.  One history book suggests that the school's origin actually goes back to the Revolutionary War.  Ephraim and his brother William (owner of the Bradley Farm which continues to operate today as a store by that name on Route 7) were forced to house British officers as they marched with 2,000 soldiers from Schenectady to Boston.   While the officers slept, their gold was stolen and everyone suspected the Bradleys, who suddenly became more prosperous.  Some years later, Ephraim Bradley donated the money to build the limestone school building, as well as a $1500 endowment to support the school.

The endowment enabled the school to operate during difficult economic times, when other schools in the area could not afford teachers or books.  The endowment still produces income of about $75 per year, which now goes towards purchasing books for Lanesboro students.

Originally, students of all ages attended the school (the notion of "grades" was not imported from Germany until the mid-19th century). In its final years, however, the school was used only for elementary school grades.

While there were several one-room schoolhouses serving the children of Lanesboro, the Stone School was the only one made of stone.  Others were made of wood, the material typically used for one-room schoolhouses.  As a stone building, the schoolhouse will last forever.  The outhouse still stands, one side marked "his" and the other "hers" (with sheet metal on the “his” side to prevent the boys from poking holes to spy on the girls).

The building was restored during the past ten years by Lanesboro residents Bob and Prudy Barton and their family.