Libby School, Scarborough, ca. 1959
This school was built in 1876 and discontinued in 1959. It had been named for the resident families living in that area. It was a one room school. However, one year the participation of 59 students caused a need to hire another teacher. After it closed, the building was used by The Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough Police Benevolent Society and is now the Lion’s Club Den.
Hunnewell House, ca. 1950
By 1647, the Massachusetts Bay Colony Court passed a law requiring settlements in the colony to support a school if their numbers of settlers was one hundred or more. In 1751, the town raised money to support a school. By 1752, Mr. Roger Hunnewell was paid four shillings if his house could be used as a school. It continued to be a home for many years after, also.
This house is believed to be Scarborough’s oldest dwelling. It was either built by Captain Hunnewell or one of his descendants (ca. 1600s – early 1700s). It had been moved to its present location on the Black Point Road, from across the road, as our nation celebrated the bicentennial of our country in 1976. The house is now kept up as one of the town’s facilities. The Scarborough Garden Club maintains the flowers and keeps the outside looking well.
Contributed by Rodney Laughton.
“In the mid 1920’s, the ever growing population in Scarborough created the need for a new high school. The school is shown under construction in 1926. It became known simply as Scarborough High School until 1954, when it was renamed for beloved principal and teacher Elwood G. Bessey, who had retired six years previously. No longer used for classes, the building is still owned by the town.”
The above information taken from Rodney Laughton’s book, Scarborough in the Twentieth Century.
In 2010 the building is used for senior housing and is called Bessey Commons.
This was the last Dunstan area school built, it was dedicated in 1944. This brick building replaced the smaller wooden one built in 1923. The school was built during the early years of World War II and was closed in the 1980s.
This beautiful federalist style building had four classrooms on each of the two floors, a library and principal’s office. It was dedicated to the men and women who fought for our democracy. The structure cost $75,399.00 to build. Today it serves as The Dunstan School Restaurant with some additions. It is located on the corner of Payne Road and Route 1.
Contributed by Bruce Thurlow
Although a one room school, the second Blue Point Schoolhouse contained two stories, was dedicated in 1926 and was in operation until 1946. At that time, it was described as thoroughly modern having electric lights. It was discontinued in 1964. The building was torn down at the cost of $300.00. Today, the town property contains a small playground and tennis courts.
