West Hill School

West Hill School is a three-and-a-half story structure built from stone masonry in Canajoharie with distinctive architectural details throughout. The tower contains the original school bell from 1893, which remains a notable feature of the building's design.

The building was constructed in 1892 on land where two earlier school buildings had stood, with stone from the previous structure reused in its walls. The school served as a high school until 1929, then continued as an elementary school until becoming privately owned in 2004.

The building sits on land where generations of students learned, and its tower bell still marks the passage of time for the neighborhood. The stone structure itself reflects the care that went into creating a space where education was valued and took place.

The building is in a historic district and can be viewed from the outside, though it is now privately owned. The best views of the facade and distinctive tower are available from the front area and adjacent streets.

Architect Archimedes Russell designed this building in Romanesque style, making it a noteworthy example of that design approach in the region. Stone from a predecessor building was incorporated into the walls, connecting the structure to its location's earlier educational past.

Location: Canajoharie

Part of: Canajoharie Historic District

Address: 3 Otsego Street

GPS coordinates: 42.90472,-74.57361

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20