Hilton #2, Hilton School

This school was closed in 1917.  The building was then moved by horses to 2444 172nd St, about 3/4 mile west of its original location at the intersection of 172nd St and CR V77/SR149.  The school became an addition behind a house.  From Marengo, proceed east on US 6 to SR149/CR V77, then proceed south to 172nd St.  Proceed about 3/4 mile west and the the house will be on the south side of the road.  The school/addition is not visible from the road because it is in the back.

The first two photos are scanned from Owen Jones' book, One-Room School Houses: Iowa County, Iowa 1844-1966.  The first photo shows what the school looked like, and Owen says the source of the photo is unknown.  The second photo was provided to Owen by the current homeowner, showing the back of the house.  

The last photo, taken from 172nd St, shows the front of the house, but the addition is not visible, and when I took the photo I did not want to trespass on the property.

Photographed 10/1/11

Sharon #8, Fair View School

Built in 1928, replacing and older building which was moved down the road and eventually torn down.  The school closed in early 1960s and was turned over to the Amish, who finally closed it in 1983.  Was in very bad shape when purchased by current owner in 1988 and turned into a home.  Bell tower is replica, since the original was sold at auction.  From CR W62 and CR F67, proceed east  on F67 one mile to James Ave, then proceed south .9 mile.  Fire number is 5596 James Ave.  On east side of road.

The first photograph is of a photo hanging inside the house, taken on 10/11/14.

The next three photos were taken on 9/25/11

The following photos were taken on 10/11/14

Sharon #9, Evergreen/Sharon School

Now a residence, this old school still has its bell tower.  From Kalona, proceed north on State Highway 1 to 560th St, and then turn east and drive one mile to Hazelwood Ave.  The school is on the SW corner, and faces south.

Photographed on 9/25/11

Washington #7, Prairie Dale School

Locate this school by starting in Kalona and then proceed north on State Highway 1 to 560th St.  Turn west and proceed one mile to Cosgrove Rd.  This school is on the NW corner of the intersection, highly modified into a residence.

Photographed on 9/25/11
(I have some doubts as to whether this is actually a converted school or just a house built on the site.  The person who told me about it was giving me information on the schools in Washington township, and when he got to this one he said, "it's a house."  For other locations he would say, "it's there," "it's gone," "it's moved to...."  So the question I have now, looking at the list, is did he mean "it's made into a house" or did he mean "a house has been built on the site."  The structure of the house doesn't resemble a school, but neither do many we see which are indeed remodeled schools.  The swing set in the back is from the school.  If anyone knows the answer, please let me know.)

Lancaster School, Lancaster

The little town of Lancaster really doesn't exist any more as a town.  This school was in the town square when it was built in 1881.  The school operated until closing on May 13, 1964, and was later used as a voting station.  It was open for tours on the day we visited.  For restoration, desks and blackboards were brought in from Hayesville School (which was similar) before it was torn down in 2010.

To locate this school from Sigourney, proceed south out of town on State Highway 149 about three miles to County Road V5G.  Proceed east on V5G for 2.6 miles and the school will be on the south side of the road, facing south, between 227th and 228th Streets.

The next two shots are of the second floor.  You can see the bell rope in the second shot, out in the hall.

This is the hall way and trapdoor on the 2nd floor.  They kept the door closed when the upper story wasn't in use.

Here is a shot of the first floor, and you can see one of the voting machines in the upper left corner.

This last photo was given to us at the tour.  It was taken by a 4-H member during the winter.  We thought it was a very nice shot.

Our photos taken on 9/25/11

Middleburg School, Kalona

Originally with the town named Middleburg, just west over the hill behind the school’s present location.  Built in 1860.  Due to loss of railroad, the town became extinct except for the cemetery near where the school used to be.  In 1870 the school building was moved to its current location and used as a public school until taken over by the Amish in 1960.  Remodeled several times over the years.  Oldest continuing operating school in Iowa.  NW corner of SR22 and Palm Ave., 1.2 m east of Orange Rd/CR W62 (3 m. east of SR 1). Fire number 1145 Palm Ave.  Faces east.

Photographed 9/25/11

This photo was taken on 10/11/14

Union #1, Zion School

From Iowa City, junction of I-380 and Melrose Ave/IWV Rd, proceed west on IWV Rd for one mile to the intersection of Hurt Rd.  The school is on the SE corner, although Hurt does not extend south past IWV.  It is was used as a residence but is now derelict.  The first shot is looking at the NW corner of the house.

The next two shots are from the east side.

Photographs taken 12/31/11 replacing older ones.

Hardin #4, Oxford

Depart south from Oxford on State Highway 109/Black Hawk Ave until reaching 360th Street, turn east and proceed 1.5 miles and the school will be on the south side of the road.  It is virtually derelict, although it is being used for storage.  The school faces east and its north side is parallel with 360th St.  This is another one for retaking after the leaves have fallen!

This next shot was taken through the lower part of the front door, bending down beneath the shrubbery.  It shows the windows on the north side all boarded over.  The ceiling is open and a wall has been added.

Photographed 9/11/11

UPDATE 11/12/19:  This school was demolished in either 2018 or 2019.

Clear Creek #4, Sand Hill School

From Tiffin, proceed south on Ireland Ave to 340th St and then turn east, proceeding for .5 mile, where the school can be found on the northwest corner of the road as it turns north.  Highly modified as a residence.  The first view is looking NW while the second view is looking NE.

Photographed 9/11/11

Scott #1, Bleak Knoll School

This school is east of Iowa City on the Herbert Hoover Highway.  From the Junction of Herbert Hoover and I-80, proceed east three miles to Oasis Road.  The school is on the SE corner and is now a residence.  The first shot is taken from Hoover Highway looking east:

These next two shots were taken on Oasis Road, next to the house.

This last shot was taken from Oasis Road on the North side of Hoover Highway.

Re-Photographed 2/9/12

Sharon #3, Hartsock School

From Iowa City, proceed SW on SR1 about six miles from US218, to Hazelwood Ave (unpaved) and turn south.  Proceed south about .6 mile to 480th Street. The school is attached to the back of a house on the NE corner of the intersection.

Photographed 8/31/11

Oxford #6, Clodfeller School

Leave Oxford north on State Route 109, then turn east on US Rte 6.  About 2.5 miles east of SR109 is Echo Ave; turn north on Echo about 2 miles to 250th St.  The school is on the SE corner of Echo and 250th.  It is now a residence, with a brick addition on the east side, a garage on the north side, and a second floor.  Had a nice visit with owner Matt Hansen, who showed us a photo of the school from the 1950s.  In the photos, the back of the school ended where the jut out for the garage extension begins.

Photographed 8/27/11

Oxford #3, Grabin School

From Oxford, proceed north on State Route 109, across US Rte 6 on Upper Old Hwy 6, but continuing north on Cemetery Rd when the two split.  Continue on Cemetery Rd to 250th St/Grabin Rd., then turn west on Grabin.  Grabin will turn north about 1/2 mile from Cemetery, then go a very short distance and turn NW for about 1/2 mile, then turn north again.  When Grabin again turns west, the school will be on the south side of the road about .25 mile from the turn.  It appears to be used as an outbuilding.

Photographed 8/27/11
Rephotographed with less foliage on 12/17/11