We hope to periodically add new stories of Sweden’s past to this page, so check back frequently.

Center School

Chris Mathers Library
Center School

The Center School was built by Samuel Nevers (1766-1857) in 1854 on ground donated by his son, Benjamin Nevers (1807-1883).

Several generations of Sweden families attended this school from 1854 to 1964. It was closed between 1935 and 1942 when the few neighborhood children attended the school in the Haskell District.

The school was reopened in 1942 and gradually modernized until 1960. The school was closed permanently in 1964.

The school sat on land still owned by the Nevers and some of their Bennett descendants. In 1960, the families transferred the title to the Sweden Community Church. In 1973, the Church

deeded the property to the Town of Sweden for as long as they continued to use the building.

The building was used as a Selectman’s office until the new Town Office was completed in 2006. At that time the deed reverted to the Community Church, who then gave title to the Center School to the Sweden Historical Society.

Slowly, the Society has been preparing the building for use as an office, meeting place, and a repository for its collections.

The series of photographs below show the gradual evolution of the Schoolhouse to date. There is still a lot of work to be done.

2017
The kitchen was added on in the early 1960s. Its construction, use, and abandonment caused some structural damage to the building.
2017
Originally, there was a door to the outside in the rear of the building. That door was abandoned and covered over to make a new opening into the kitchen.
1880
The Center School in 1880.
2017
The kitchen has been removed. Observe the damage to the foundation and the corresponding damage to the lintel above the door (and beyond).
1900
The Center School around the turn of the century. Note that the door is on the gable end of the building. We hope to return to that original configuration.
2018
The rear of the building was lifted and a new foundation poured and the original foundation stones were aligned and replaced. This allowed for a repair of the hole in the north wall.
2018
Under a couple of layers of paint and wallpaper, this old piece of wallpaper was found. Donna had a chance to autograph the wall for posterity.
2018
The renovated structure of the back wall is complete. The door to the kitchen has been filled. The original door opening has been restored. Notice the level foundation.
2018
Impressive change in the foundation.
2016
The abandoned schoolhouse before renovations.
2019
to be continued...
2017
A view from the inside looking out into the kitchen. As can be seen, the kitchen was already beginning to crumble.
1880
The Center School in 1880