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

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Unknown School-- Jones County

North of Monticello, on the east side of State Route 38, is the little town of Sand Springs. Willow Rd is the first street into town off SR38 and this house sits on the south side at #3106. It looks very much like it was a school at one time. Can anyone provide information about it?

Photographed 10/7/24.


Unknown School--Linn County

At the NE corner of State Route 1 and Linn Ridge road, set a bit east from highway 1. NNE of Mt. Vernon. It sure looks like it may have been a school. Fire #149. If anyone can provide me with information either pro or con, I’d appreciate it. Photographed 10/7/24.


Monday, September 2, 2024

Liberty Township No.5, Kanawha


Located in a wooded park near the swimming pool in Kanawha. Originally in Liberty Township between Klemme and Garner. Built in 1890 and used until 1952 when it became used as a community center and a polling place. After being moved to its present location it became a museum.


Photographed 6/15/24 by friends Brett & Lisa Haugland.


Saturday, August 31, 2024

Rock Forest School

In Clay County, in the Jacob Kirchner Park on County Road M27, Peterson, IA Built in 1868. Restored by Peterson Lions Club in 1963. Photographed July 2024 by Brett & Lisa Haugland.

West Boyer Valley School

This school is located at the Harrison County Historical Village outside the town of Missouri Valley on US30.  In use from 1860 to 1959. Photographed 7/5/24 by Brett & Lisa Haugland.


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.


Saturday, June 1, 2024

Colfax School

Jasper County, Colfax. Unknown School in Colfax (was told in original location) used as the Colfax Mingo Area Food Pantry, 125 W. State Street. Photographed 5/31/24.


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Harvest School, Williamstown

Address 2767 US63, about 3/4 mile south of the junction of SR346 (Williamstown) west side of the highway. Located on the south side of Harvest Church. Built Ca.1920 replacing an older one?

Owner Jose Ramirez told us this area was known as Boytown and that the former owners were Richard & Joyce Walter. Joyce was a teacher here.

Photographed 2/4/23

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Unidentified School South of Indianola

Possibly an unidentified school converted to home; has all the earmarks with no other associated buildings. It is 11 miles south of Indianola on US65/US69, east side of the road. Address 14271. Photographed 1/10/22.


Unidentified School, Milo, IA

Unidentified school. On the west side of town on north side of County G58. Modified as a home with an addition on the east side. I would like to think it is in its original location. Photographed 1/10/22.