Iowa One Room Schools: Lodomillo #4, Rankin School

ORIGINS

I grew up in a small Ohio town and I rode the school bus from 1st through 12th grades. My bus ride always included a country road on which every school day we saw a one-room brick school house. (SW corner of Stine Rd and Enon-Xenia Pike). As the years went by I watched this wonderful, familiar friend fall apart. After I married the school really began to deteriorate. Every time we visited the area I would want to take a photo of the school but never did. Finally, when we went specifically for the task, the school was gone. It was a huge loss for me and, since that time, whenever we pass a one-room school it is a joy to stop to take a picture or two. Thus, our collection here and the blog with schools in other states. Jill :oD

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Lodomillo #4, Rankin School

Proceed 2 miles east of Strawberry Point on East Mission Rd, and about 1/2 mile south of Mission Rd on Dogwood Ave, with address 38013 Dogwood Ave. This school was originally located on the SW corner of Mission Rd and Dogwood Ave and was moved for preservation to a cement foundation in 2009. On the same property the Knight family has a museum about their family and the local community.

The school was built in 1873, acquired electricity in 1919 and closed after the Spring 1953 session. The house across the street, which I’d guess was built in the late 1800s, is owned by Nolan Knight, who attended this school.

The ante-room has been reproduced on the east side due to being unable to preserve it with the move. A lot of work has been done in the process or restoration and a lot is yet to be done.

Around the property one will fine antique farm equipment, old scooters and a sawmill.

Photographed 8/1/24.