Former Mt. Kisco Historian at Schoolhouse Rededication
As the Mount Kisco Historical Society gathered to recognize a piece of the community’s history on Sunday, the organization also took time to honor one of the most dedicated servants to the village.
On Sunday, the historical society rededicated the Kirbyville Schoolhouse, located at 49 Moore Ave., after spending the last few years restoring and refurnishing the 160-year-old structure. But it also paid tribute to former village historian Jane Stewart, who was instrumental in helping to get the project done.
In Stewart’s memory, a plaque was unveiled along with an accompanying maple tree in front of the schoolhouse. Stewart, who served as Mount Kisco historian for 12 years starting in 1998, died in 2010.
“While she is gone, she will never be forgotten,” said Deputy Mayor George Griffin Jr. during a brief ceremony on the grounds. “Her memory lives on in the pages and pictures of days gone by. We will forever be grateful to her.”
Her brother, Bill Stewart, the historical society’s treasurer and president of the village’s landmark preservation committee, said he was touched by the ceremony. It was also fitting that the plaque and small maple tree are simply and tastefully done.
“It’s very nice,” he said. “It’s the least we can do for her. It’s a very simple plaque but it’s the way she would want it. Hopefully, this tree gets nurtured and springs up in memory of Jane.”
Stewart, a lifelong Mount Kisco resident, had a long career in nursing, said Historical Society President Eva Marshall. Active in the community for most of her life, it was during her retirement when she became closely involved with the historical society and then as Mount Kisco historian.
Village Manager James Palmer said during Stewart’s tenure as historian, she computerized most of the village’s historical records–all from the basement of her house.
Marshall said the schoolhouse, which was built in 1852, originally stood in the vicinity of what is now the intersection of routes 117 and 128. From the time that it was constructed until 1894-95 when the Mount Kisco and Kirbyville school districts were consolidated, it was used as a one-room schoolhouse.
It was then bought by the Town of New Castle in 1899 and was moved to its current location in 1900. In the 20th century it was used first as a tax collection office, then a polling place, followed by a site where local seniors congregated and a food pantry, Marshall said.
However, by the end of the 20th century it had fallen into disrepair and was turned over to the historical society for $1 in 1999. Within the past three years, the old carpet was taken up revealing the original wood floors, and the interior furnishings, which included old wooden desks with inkwell holes, were set up to give visitors the experience of what a one-room schoolhouse in the area was like, Marshall said.
Historical society representatives hope that local schools and groups will use it as a community resource.
“In the interim, the members have patiently restored the structure to return it to its original glory,” Marshall said. “It has been painted, cleaned, polished and (it’s) ready for its new purpose. We are happy to make it available to groups as an educational tool in illustrating the way schoolchildren were educated in the early days of our settlement.”
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
