Gramp’s Old School Celebrates One Year Anniversary!

Then and Now
We officially purchased the schoolhouse on October 6, 2017. The year flew by! I can’t even remember if we did anything to celebrate. Gramp says we drank champagne. I started this blog. To check out the very first blog post, “Gramp’s Old School” click here.  I do remember that it wasn’t quite like the movies….there was no ceremonial handing over of the keys. There were no keys! Installing a lock was one of the first things we did! Also I was a bit nervous because this was what I bought:

Gramp’s Old School Summer 2017 

Fall 2017

Gramp’s Old School September 2018, it looks a little better now!

September 2018

Before and After
Every so often I sigh and think how much there is to do. Then I think about all we’ve done so far and I feel better. Having such supportive “parents in crime” (Gramp and Em) really helps. I’m never alone making a decision because every decision is made by committee.  Luckily, we each seem to feel strongly about different parts of the project. Here’s a little look back on what each of us have been passionate about working on over the last year.

Gramp Hearts Windows
Many many of the photos I have of Gramp involve window work. The sashes are twelve over eight panes and date from the early 1800’s. We’re about half way through having them reglazed and fixing the glass. At least one of the windows is completely gone, so we’ll be looking for a replacement.  If you too share Gramp’s love of historic windows check out this website, Historic Window Restorers.

Gramps says old windows were meant to be repaired

Before

After

The Floor Will Be Clean Enough to Eat Off!
I love the original 1850’s wood floor. We’ll be preserving it for sure. I’m kind of obsessed with it. I sweep it every work day before we leave. I recently attempted to mop it.

October 2017, this was after we’d already spent a few hours cleaning! We had no idea what the floor would look like when we started

Two weeks ago, my attempt at mopping minus running water; I made mud (notice Gramp in the window…)

I found a tiny piece of clean floor

I was determined to find actual virgin wood. I sat on the floor and hand sanded until I got to the wood. Gramp said “it’s going to take a long time if you’re going to sand the whole floor that way.”  Gramp thinks he is so funny!

I’m also passionate about the business end of our project. My hubby Ben was nice enough to design a logo for us and did a wonderful job. I printed a test t-shirt for Gramp for Father’s Day.

I need one too!

The Future is Wide Open
What’s in the pipeline for year two? Well, completing the renovation I hope! We have some demo, exterior painting, and landscaping work to do before winter. Then we are going to close it up for the cold months. In spring we’ll hit the ground running. The tentative goal is to have Gramp’s Old School complete by October of 2019. Eek! I can’t wait!

We now have four different vintage school desks. I like to sit and ponder design choices.

I’m Involved With Another Schoolhouse and You Can Be Too (if you’re local to the Greenwich area)!
Earlier this year the Village of Greenwich was looking for community members to join a Village Hall Task Force to investigate the potential future uses of the building (which currently houses various municipal services). After I signed up I found out the Village Hall was originally a school! In fact, (locals probably already know this) it was a school attended by a former president of the United States, Chester A. Arthur. So I accidentally find myself involved with another school. Now you can be too! The task force is hosting a public meeting to gather additional feedback from the community. You’re invited:

Save the Date
Greenwich Village Hall Revitalization Meeting
November 13, 2018
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Greenwich Elementary School Cafeteria

How would you like to see the Village Hall building used in the future?

Join the Village Hall Task Force at this public meeting for the opportunity to provide critical input on the uses of the Village Hall

Details to follow. If you would like to be added to the project mailing list for updates, email Devin Bulger: devin@comfortfoodcommunity.org