Girl Scout Preserves Elwood’s ‘Little Red Schoolhouse’ History

ELWOOD, NY — A piece of Elwood history has been permanently preserved through a Girl Scout Gold Award project completed by a graduating Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior.

Sophia Vitevitch unveiled a historical marker June 17 commemorating the district’s former Elwood Schoolhouse, also known as the “Little Red Schoolhouse.”

The marker was installed just east of James H. Boyd Elementary School on Cuba Hill Road.

Vitevitch’s interest in the schoolhouse began more than a decade ago, when she noticed the small building while riding the school bus.

As an eighth grader, Vitevitch and two fellow Girl Scouts researched the schoolhouse for their Silver Award project. The students examined historical documents and photographs at the Huntington Historical Society, interviewed former students and created a website documenting the building’s history.

Vitevitch expanded upon that work for her Gold Award, the highest honor available to Girl Scouts.

She spent more than a year conducting additional research and raising money for the permanent marker, which will allow future visitors to learn about the landmark and its role in the school district’s history.

Vitevitch thanked Richard Martin, director of historic services at Suffolk County Parks and Historical Sites; Huntington Historical Society historian Robert Hughes; Elwood School District administrators and faculty; the Elwood Public Library’s staff and board members; Girl Scout Gold Award mentor Cheryl D’Agostino; and those who supported the project through donations.