This one-room school house was built in Sutton Massachusetts circa 1785-1790 on land deeded to the town in 1784. The school retains its original exterior appearance in not having major renovations in its two centuries of existence. Minor interior changes were made in 1853. Classes were held until 1895 and resumed in 1911 until 1918. In the 1920s former pupils joined to organize the Eight Lots School Association whose purpose was to maintain the school as a community facility.

On February 6, 1928, the Town voted to deed the land and school to the Association. The group diminished to seven members by 1990. Unable to maintain the property, they deeded it to the Historical Society July 2, 1990. That Fall the gable ends were repaired, roof re-shingled and the building repainted.

For archival information: Eight Lots School Report - click here.

The M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop

The Blacksmith-Wheelwright Shop, circa 1893, was purchased by the Society in 1971 as a "turnkey" transition. All the tools, equipment, oxen hoist (for shoeing) and wheelwnght machinery were left intact by Lewis Sherman who closed the shop in 1953. Daniel Dudley built the shop and several years later sold it to Hollis Sherman. Shortly afterward the wagon shop addition was constructed probably by George Rich, a wheelwright.  In 1977 extensive repairs were made to the building that included replacing boards on three sides, window frames on the South side, most of the sill and many piers to level the structure. The roof was wooden shingled a couple of years later. A Society member holds forth as the blacksmith.

For archival information: The Blacksmith Shop... Perpetuating an Ancient Craft - click here.

The Manchaug Baptist Church

Built in 1842, the parish membership of this church was substantially reduced to only a few persons by the 1960s-70s. The property was then deeded to the Sutton Historical Society. The roof was replaced with new boards and reshingled. The exterior and interior has been painted. The Society occasionally holds its monthly meetings there where the church facilities are retained in character. (Manchaug is a southern section of Sutton.)