At Overfield, we value the role of tradition in building and nurturing community, in establishing a sense of place and memory, and for the lasting legacy it plays in the lives of our current and alumni families, our teachers and staff, and the entire community. Here are some of the most-loved traditions at Overfield.
Overfield’s school building is part of Troy’s history. Between 1937 and 1941, 21 steel houses were built by the Hobart Welded Steel House Co. Not only were these pre-fab, mass-produced homes the latest in modern construction techniques when they were announced by the Hobart Brothers Co., they were also critical to providing jobs during the Great Depression to residents of Troy. Large flatbeds could be seen delivering homes to Hobart Circle and the neighboring subdivision of Edgehill in the years before World War II.
The best example of these steel homes was the E.A. Hobart home, built in 1939. For nearly 50 years, the couple lived in the Florida-style home. The Hobart Brothers Co. bought and renovated it for Overfield in 1989. Full of magnet-friendly walls, brightly lit rooms with large windows and built in closets, bookshelves, and nooks, the home is a delightful place to learn.
Edward and Martha Hobart hoped to fill the home with children. While they never had children of their own, their home is indeed filled with laughter, joy, and learning everyday.
Along with the historical energy of the E.A. Hobart home, the grounds are a place of learning and wonderment with sidewalks covered in chalk art, abundant wildlife, verdant trees, and plenty of places to play and learn.
Our nature-based curriculum flourishes in our three buildings, impressive grounds including an organic vegetable garden, a parent-built bird-watching building, and surrounding woods, ponds, and meadows, and the adjacent Hobart Urban Nature Preserve.
Here children see birds and animals, follow tracks left in the mud, climb and balance, turn over logs to discover what’s living underneath, play games, and build dams and forts.
Designed by children and constructed by children, parents and teachers, the Bird Hide was created so children can observe birds in their natural habitat. Children can often be seen bringing birdseed out to this space in hopes of attracting birds.
Right before we get to Hobart’s Pond is a large hill the children have dubbed the Rolling Hill. They love to not only roll but run, slide and sled down the hill.
Each year, new children are introduced to this place and told whoever passes through must touch the gate and make a wish. Some children are certain it should be whispered; others blurt out their wish.
Children kneel to the ground and yell, “Hello down there!” into the grates near the meadow. These grates run the length of a tunnel that tests bravery as children find cave crickets, animal tracks and spider webs.