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would "probably resemble" the Bennett Hill School" with such improvements as can be made without too much expense." The building was completed in early February, 1874. At the time, it was described as follows:
"This edifice...is 32 by 66 feet, two stories high, with 12 feet ceilings. It is built of brick with Syracuse stone trimmings. The windows are arched at the top, and the building as a whole presents a very neat appearance. The front and rear entrances are covered by porches, the one at the front being reached at either end by several steps.
"There are two school rooms on each floor, each capable of seating fifty-six pupils. Each room is lighted by six windows with inside folding blinds, and is heated by a large hot-blast furnace. Ventilation is amply provided for by openings near the ceilings and floor which can be regulated at will.
"The furniture...is uniform throughout and of three sizes, the only difference being that the desks up-stairs are supplied with ink wells, while those down stairs are not. The teachers' desks, which are all alike, are placed on raised platforms, and are provided with lock drawers.
"There is a wide hall on the first floor, in the center of which is the stairway, with easy steps, which are covered with iron foot pieces. The hall below and a room above are provided with hooks for the childrens' clothing, and there are closets with shelves for their dinners.
"The rooms and halls are wainscoted to the height of three feet and three inches. The wood work inside is painted a drab color, and the walls and ceilings are pure white. Neat out buildings have been provided, and fenced in... "The architect
of the
building was... I prominent Middletown architect Samuel] H. Wilcox, the carpenter and contractor was Mr. T.W. Dailey, and the mason Mr. Chas. Bell."
Beattie Hill opened February 9, 1874. It was closed in 1946 and converted to the apartment building which stands at 14 Ridge