Newtown Historical Society will host its annual Children's Day at The Little Red Schoolhouse, on the grounds of Middle Gate School, 7 Cold Spring Road, on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 4 pm.newtownhistory.org.

The yearly event invites children to play Colonial-era games including as Graces, Trundling a Hoop, Sack Races, and a Tug of War. All ages are welcome, though the games are really aimed at children ages 5-10.

The games will be set up on the lawn outside the Little Red Schoolhouse; in case of inclement weather other activities will be planned inside the schoolhouse.

The concept of a "recess" for students is a later idea, and these games would be similar to those pick-up activities that children would have created on their own.

Students will also be invited to experience the physical aspects of the school such as the wooden seating benches as well as hearing about the conduct of the school, from Colonial days though most of the 19th Century.

Registration is not required.

The Little Red Schoolhouse was built in 1850, replacing an earlier 1753 building. It was located on the Newtown-Bridgeport Turnpike (modern Route 25), at Toll Gate Hill. The name Middle Gate arises from the fact that this location just north of the Monroe border was the middle one of the toll gates on the turnpike.

The building was moved to its present location in 1973 and is available for school tours as well as the historical society's annual "old school" open house.

Newtown Historical Society is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. During the year the organization offers open houses with living history demonstrations as well as a lecture series in conjunction with the library, a summer history camp, and other special events. All funding comes from donations, membership dues, major gifts and bequests, publication sales, and fundraisers such as the annual house and garden tour.

New members are always welcome, and many opportunities to volunteer are available.

To join the society or for further information leave a message at 203-426-5937 or visit

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