COVENTRY – More than twenty local history buffs had the chance to learn about the rich history of Coventry last month, when the town hosted the Chenango County Historian’s Spring Meeting. Attendees, a mix of historians and historical society members from across the county, were treated to a tour of some of the most notable historic locations in Coventry and Coventryville during the event, which took place on June 24.

At each stop along the tour, participants not only learned about the town’s storied past, but were also able to help “fill in the gaps” in some instances with their own extensive local knowledge.

“This part of the state is very rich in history, but most people don’t know it,” said Coventry Historical Society Member Lee Stockton, who enjoyed the opportunity to share his keen interest in and knowledge of local history with the like-minded individuals who participated.

The group gathered for coffee and doughnuts in the Town Hall, located on State Hwy 235, before moving next door to the first stop on the tour, the Coventry District #4 School House. According to Town of Coventry Historian Phyllis Lerwick, the one-room structure was built in 1900 and remained in use as a school until 1956.

“The town purchased it several years ago,” Lerwick explained. Since that time, the stone foundation has been replaced and the exterior painted, but a complete restoration is on hold as the town applies for grants to fund the needed work.