Clifford J. Dudley
In 104 districts which I have visited in New London County, there are 31 school houses which may be considered as being in very good repair, and 73 of which are more or less out of repair. Among them there are but 7 which are constructed in such a manner as to be comfortable and convenient. In 3 the scholars all face the teacher, and in 6 or 7 others, they sit so as to face the center of the room. In the others the desks are confined to the walls on three sides of the room, and have seats in front of them. By this arrangement the larger scholars sit with their backs to the teacher, except while engaged in reading and spelling. In the first position they have no support at all for the back, and in the latter the edge of the desk is all that is afforded. The younger scholars are seated in the center of the room on low seats, which in 80 districts are provided with backs. In the remaining 24 districts, these seats have no backs. In 8 districts 2 rooms are occupied by the school, and in 96 districts only one room. The rooms used, will average about 20 feet square, and 8 feet in height. In 75 districts close stoves are used for warming the houses, and in 23, stoves and fire places, and in 6, fire places alone. In none of these houses has any provision been made for ventilation. In 4, the windows let down from the top, and 2 have green blinds. In 39 districts the windows are furnished with outside shutters.
In no case is a scraper, or a mat for the feet provided. In 100 districts they have no play ground except the highway, or the land of individuals. In about 40 districts a few shade trees may be found within 20 or 30 rods of the school house. 89 houses stand in the highway, in all or in part. One district has provided globes for the use of the school, and made arrangements for procuring philosophical and chemical apparatus. 29 districts have black boards, and 3 have some maps, and 1, a clock. All are destitute of a library, thermometer, and recitation rooms. In country districts the entry serves as a wood room, and place for hats and cloaks. In country towns from 30 to 50 scholars are usually crowded into a room calculated for only 20 or 25.