The red brick Cedar Hill School, or
the "little red schoolhouse", was originally a one-room
schoolhouse facing the River Road. Built in 1859 it is the oldest
continuously active school building in the town. Not far away on the
Hudson shore a log schoolhouse was located at the Nicoll farm. The
1807 passing of Robert Fulton's steamboat, the Clermont, was witnessed
at the log schoolhouse. The population grew quickly and the log school
was outgrown, replaced by the present building on land purchased from
Barent S. Winne. Well-known architect Marcus T. Reynolds designed
an addition in 1907 that moved the entrance to face Clapper Road,
expanded the space and added the dome.
In 1902 there were nine grades and final
exams were held at the Senate Chamber in Albany. An annual school
picnic was held on the Hudson at Winnie's point.
The school has been the home of the
Bethlehem Historical Association since 1965. The Association Museum
exhibits are made from thousands of objects in its collection that
reveal Bethlehem's past. Educational programs and efforts to preserve
the local history are also part of its mission.
