“The families around Pemaquid Beach started their own school in their homes in 1859.  From at least 1858 to 1873, James Partridge annually petitioned the town meeting to divide District #18 so the beach area could have it’s own school.  These petitions apparently ceased in 1874.” **

James Partridge offered the use of a piece of land and the materials to build a school if the town would supply the labor. A fine building was built. School population remained steady at around 25, dropping to 16 in the 1930’s and back up to 18 when the school closed in 1945.” **

In 1945 the school was closed as the Bristol Peninsula began consolidating their schools.  This map is from 1894, showing the schools across the peninsula, District #21 shows Hawthorne School. **

After 1945, the village retained ownership of school. Local stories say that the school was used for community events and dances over the years. On September 20, 1966, the community sold the school to Cecelia Egan of Staten Island “For $1 and other valuable considerations”.

Ms. Egan then commissioned an addition to the schoolhouse, calling on architect John Calvin Stevens Jr. to design the open concept cottage and bedroom addition, adding an additional bedroom in the cottage and three above the schoolhouse.

In the summer of 2020, we found and fell in love with a listing while pining for a change of pace and lifestyle from many states away. With a leap of faith, we took the plunge, bought sight unseen a 145 year old schoolhouse and dove into bringing it back to life.