Ashford Academy - Ashford, Connecticut
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 41° 52.377 W 072° 07.382
18T E 738748 N 4639672
Historic former school building in the small community of Ashford, Connecticut.
Waymark Code: WMCNY0
Location: Connecticut, United States
Date Posted: 09/26/2011
Views: 2
"Ashford Academy is significant as one of the community's landmark buildings and as an example of a rural academy, an important development in the educational history of Connecticut. Built about 1825, the Academy stands on what was once a village green serving as the town's center. Originally there were taverns and a Congregational church nearby, but today only the Academy and a cemetery remain to suggest the former importance of the site. With its two-story height, belfry, and prominent quoins, the Academy is among the town's most striking historic buildings; it also appears to be the oldest public building in town and one of few old Ashford schools not substantially altered for other uses. Architecturally, the Academy embodies the distinctive characteristics of country Federal-style architecture. Although extremely simple, the building's details, particularly the quoins, entrance pilasters, and full cornice return, illustrate typically Federal interpretations of Georgian and Classical precedents. Despite some later modifications, the building retains its historical appearance and much of its original materials." - National Register Nomination
The building is well maintained by the town. The building is currently vacant and not used but is maintained for it historic significance.