WHY WERE OLD SCHOOLHOUSES PAINTED RED?

BECAUSE RED PAINT WAS CHEAP AND GOOD VALUE.

IN NEW ENGLAND IN THE 1800'S, A HOMEMADE PAINT CONTAINING IRON OXIDE WAS VERY POPULAR BECAUSE IT ACTED AS AN EXCELLENT WOOD PRESERVATIVE.

IT WAS USED ON WOODEN BARNS (THE CLASSIC RED BARN), SHEDS, STORES, AND OF COURSE, SCHOOLHOUSES.

IT GAVE THE STRUCTURES A HARD, PROTECTIVE COAT, AND BECAUSE OF THE IRON OXIDE, IT ALSO GAVE THEM A BRIGHT RED COLOR.