Muncy Historical Society hosts 'Eight-Square School' social Sept. 11
Published: September 2, 2010
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The Eight-Square is a fully restored schoolhouse built on the site of Lycoming County’s first public school. The original school, an eight-sided structure built in 1796, was replaced by the current frame building in 1872. First- through eighth-grade classes were taught in the one room frame school until 1958.
Muncy Historical Society volunteers will hold their annual school social from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 11 on the grounds of the Eight-Square School in Moreland Township. The school is located on Moreland Baptist Church Road, approximately five miles east of Clarkstown on Route 442. This year, parking will be available on school premises.
This year’s event will include a menu of hot dogs, beverages and ice cream sundaes, as well as complimentary Conestoga wagon rides. At 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., a “School Marm” dressed in period costume will answer questions about how learning differed from today’s educational experience.
The Eight-Square is a fully restored schoolhouse built on the site of Lycoming County’s first public school. Recognizing the importance of education, American Revolution veteran George Smith donated a portion of his land so that the children of Moreland Township could come together to learn. The original school, an eight-sided structure built in 1796, was replaced by the current frame building in 1872.
First- through eighth-grade classes were taught in the one-room frame school until 1958. In 1999 Loretta Raup donated the 8-Square to the Muncy Historical Society.
Society and community volunteers donated over 10,000 hours to the school’s restoration and their efforts were rewarded when the project received the prestigious Community Service Award from Pennsylvania Preservation.
In addition to the annual fund-raising social, the society hosts on-site living history programs during the spring through fall months, putting students through lesson plans dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Proceeds from the social and living history programs help to offset the costs to maintain the school property.
Call (570) 546-5917 or visit the society’s website,www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org, for more information.
