The Color of the Green School

Much work has been accomplished this winter in repairing the Green School and securing it to the weather. More recently, the long familiar green color of its clapboarded exterior has disappeared beneath a coat of gray primer, preparatory to painting. One of the next decisions regarding the building will have to do with the color which the building's exterior should be painted. This decision is sure to stir considerable discussion locally if the debate over the color scheme of Middleborough Town Hall several years ago is any indicator.

Historically, the Green School was likely painted a light color, possibly white, at the time it was built. While no early photographs or descriptions of the building exist documenting the original color scheme of the school, another school which was constructed at the same time and which was identical in design - the Fall Brook School at Wareham and Sachem Streets - appears to have been painted with the color scheme of a white body and trim, with dark colored shutters, window sash and doors. Possibly, the color could have been slightly darker, such as buff or sand, as these were common neutral shades employed in the Victorian era and photographs from the early 1900s indicate a slightly darker shade. While there exists no certainty that the town painted the two schools identically, it would appear the most logical decision.

Despite the cliché of the "little red schoolhouse" and the brightly-colored East Middleborough School which sports this cheery shade, local school buildings were only rarely painted red. There is some indication that the schoolhouse at Muttock was the only Middleborough school painted this color, and there exists no documentation indicating that the Green School was ever this color.

As for green, the Green School presumably was probably never historically painted green. The name of the school is taken from the school's location at the former training green in Middleborough, and not from its exterior. It is only in recent memory that the school has been green. No doubt, the person ultimately responsible for the green color was either unaware of the origin of its name, or thought the color choice a clever play on its name.

So what color should the Green School be painted? Green School History is inviting you to cast your ballot in an informal poll. Simply click on the color of your choice to the left and see what others think as well.