The 11th school district of Weathersfield was auctioning off their school mistress on this day in 1814. It was common custom for the teacher to board with pupils’ families during the school year.

The families provided room and board in return for their children’s education. The town provided a small stipend to the boarding family to help offset costs.

On this day, Weathersfield auctioned off each week’s boarding, with the lowest being the winning bid. William Nichols’ low bid of 60 cents won the first week. When the final gavel fell, the 12 weeks would set the town back $7.95, averaging just a little over 66 cents per week.

Image courtesy UVM Library, Bailey - Howe Special Collections.