Schoolhouse
Division No. 9
The Schoolhouse, in District or
Division No. 9, was built by the Town of Wells between 1899-1901 on one-half
acre of land for a total cost of $848.72. The schoolhouse is a single classroom
designed for a lone teacher to instruct 35 to 40 pupils from kindergarten
through grade 8 and is a typical example of the manner in which our early
settlers were educated. It is important because such schools made it possible
for a growing nation to have a rural literate electorate.
By 1953, all of the rural schools in
Wells were closed. To our knowledge, there are no such schools operating in the
United States today. In fact, most of these early buildings have disappeared.
Fortunately, the Town voted to restore Div. No. 9. as part of its Bicentennial
Celebration in 1976. By 1985, the Wells Historic Preservation Ordinance was
passed and a com-mission was appointed for its administration. Under the
guidance of John Leeke, Preservation Consultant, extensive repairs were
completed to the ailing schoolhouse with the greatest respect for the
architectural integrity of the building.
The Schoolhouse stands today as it
did nearly 100 years ago as a tribute to early rural education. You will see
students' desks complete with inkwells, slate blackboards, a wood stove, the
teacher's desk, a recitation bench, a dipper and pail providing drinking water,
and a "two-holer" toilet with no plumbing.
In July and August, the Schoolhouse
is open to the public Thursdays from 1:30 PM-4:00 PM. In the Fall and Spring,
groups of ten or more may arrange a visit by calling the Historical Society at
207-646-4775. Elementary history classes, their teachers, and other interested
groups, are invited to tour the site and hear about the history, importance, and
operation of a one room country school. Due to lack of heating facilities, there
is no winter program. The Schoolhouse is located on Route 9, approximately 5
miles off Route 109 in Wells.
Local Monuments
There are several monuments around
Wells, including one marking the site of the first dwelling house built in Wells
(1641). A second marks the site of the first meeting house in Wells, which was
constructed in 1662 and burned by the Indians in 1692. A third marker at Storer
Park commemorates the battle between the French, Indians and Wells early
residents where 29 Wells battlers successfully resisted in the battle. This
marker is in a small park adjacent to the present Garrison House & Suites on
Route 1. A fourth marks the site of Col. John Wheelwright's Garrison at
"Town's End." (North of Howe's Floor Store, on the West side of Rt.
1). It was from there that Esther Wheelwright was captured by Indians and taken
to Canada.
Early Capes of
Wells
Fifteen early Wells homes scattered
throughout town have been recognized by the National Register of Historic
Places. Selected as a thematic grouping, these private homes are noted for their
early 18th century architectural style and are the only such thematic grouping
in the state of Maine. These homes, which are all privately owned , are
unfortunately not open for public tours. One cannot help but to recognize the
historic significance and architectural detail of these and other important
buildings on a casual drive through the area. Be sure to spend a lazy day
exploring the rare homes, monuments, parks, and gardens which are scattered
throughout the community and co-exist along with their 20th century neighbors.
Bridge of Flowers
at Webhannet Falls Park
The Bridge of Flowers is a joint
endeavor of the Wells Garden Club and the Historical Society of Wells &
Ogunquit to recognize the site where Edmund Littlefield established the first
permanent mills on the banks of the Webhannet River in 1640-1641.
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