by Mrs. Eileen Dunbar
The Ellsworth Memorial School was erected in memory of Erastus Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth was for many years a merchant in Brooklyn, New York. He retired in 1824 and came to East Windsor Hill. Soon after, Mr. Ellsworth became interested in the incorporation of the Theological Institute of Connecticut, becoming one of its trustees and first Treasurer. The Institute erected two buildings on the west side of Main Street consisting of the chapel, dormitory and classrooms. In the year 1865, the Institute was moved to Hartford.
From 1877 to 1934, the buildings were used for a variety of purposes: social activities, a Masonic meeting place, a private school, a restaurant and even a night club! In 1934, Mr. William Wood purchased the property and conceived the idea of building a high school. After receiving the cooperation of the towns of East Windsor and South Windsor, a high school was built and dedicated in 1936. The portico of the original chapel of the Theological Institute has been incorporated into the school building.
After the new high school was built in 1961 (see below), the building was used for several years as an elementary school. The South Windsor Board of Education now occupies the building.
Please note that despite possible inaccuracies, we will include the description of each quilt square as published in the 1995 revised and corrected second edition booklet. This second edition was published in celebration of South Windsor’s “sesquicentennial” anniversary, 1845-1995, and was dedicated to the memory of Gail Woodard, who passed away in 1994. The revised edition was compiled by Charles E. Woodward in September, 1995, with the assitance of Doris Burgdorf who provided many historical corrections.