Maquoketa Township #5, Bridgeport School

Also known as #3.  Located 1.7 miles north of State Highway 64, on the west side of State Highway 62, across from the intersection of 62 and Dark Hollow Rd.  Built about 1885 of brick, covered with stucco in the 1920s.  Served also as a church for many years.  Wood shed was for firewood and the teacher’s horse.  Closed after last class in Spring 1955.   School was restored during 1976-1978, but by 1993 the structure was becoming dangerously deteriorated due to settling with flooding rains, and by 1995 all furniture and accessories were donated to Millrock School.

Photographed on 10/26/15

Monmouth #8, Millrock School.

Built in 1869, closed in 1916 and then used as a community center until mid-1960s.  At 2980 53rd Ave.  From State Highway 64 at Baldwin, proceed south on County Y34 for 3/4 mile to 33rd St and turn east.  Cross the bridge and turn south on 53rd Avenue and proceed 1/4 mile to the school.

Photographed on 10/26/15

Brandon Township, Emeline School

Used 1848 until 1966. Located just south of the SE corner of County Y34 and County E17.  One of few schools to have full basement made from quarried limestone, with two limestone pillars holding center beam.  Cloak room on west end just inside the door, with two doors to the main school room.  The wood frame and siding is now covered with metal.  A “tray ceiling” was added in later years to conserve heat, and drops about 10 feet from upper ceiling, hanging on steel pipes.  A new bell tower was built and mounted in September 2010.  The building is currently used as a community center.

Photographed 10/26/15

Canton Church/School

Built 1877 and on National Register of Historic Places, this building was used for both the school and church.  Located at 14723 3rd Ave.  3rd Ave is the first street west of the bridge on County E17; turn south and go about 1/4 mile.  Interior shots taken through two windows I could reach.

Photographed on 10/26/15

Brandon Township, Central School

Built 1868.  On north corner of 40th Ave and 45th Ave, address 16154 40th Ave. From Canton, proceed east on County F17 to 19th Ave and turn north.  Proceed to 45th Ave, and then a short distance to the corner of 40th Ave.  Faces south.  New metal roof says it is probably going to be restored.  (Photos of the inside were taken by holding the camera inside where the door was broken open.)

Photographed 10/26/15

Washington #2, Bloody Run or Hardscrabble School

 Built prior to 1893.  From Belleview, proceed south on US52 to County Highway Z15 and turn west .4 mile to 407th Ave. and then turn south.  Proceed 3.1 miles to 18609 407th Ave, Tom Becker’s house.  This is the original location, and the school building has been modified, including adding an upper section.   Sets back from the street up the hill, which makes this the best photo we could get without going on their property.  Restoration and modification began in 1993.

Photographed 6/4/15

Monmouth #9, Watson School

On State Route 64 about 2 miles east of Baldwin, at address 8484, NW corner of 84th Ave. Residence.   It was exactly 2 miles west of South Fork #?  Built in 1930; see comment below for more information.

Photographed on 10/8/14

South Fork #?

On State Route 64, about 1.5 miles west of the Maquoketa Airport, on the north side of the highway.  Address is 11804, on NW corner of 34th St.  Residence.

Photographed on 10/8/14

UPDATE 10/9/20: These photos show some differences over the past 6 years.

The following photos were taken on 8/16/25