Unknown School in Competine Township

This school has been moved to a farm for use as a storage building at 13835 Competine Rd, SE of Farson. Farson is a small town on county V41/Farson Rd south of Martinsburg. The first east/west street just north of Farson is 165th St. From Farson Rd and 165th St, proceed east to Competine Rd and then turn south. The farm is just south of 142nd St on the east side of Competine Rd.

Photographed 10/13/18

Pleasant Township #? (2nd one)

This is a square school on original location. Begin NE of Ottumwa at the intersection of Agency-Hedrick and 145th St, and head east on 145th. Proceed about 2 miles to Farson Rd and turn south. At Dohlonega Rd turn east, go across Wolf Creek to 47th Ave and then go south to 130th St. Turn east and go about 1/4 mile and there will be a farm on the south side, address 4436. The NE corner of the farm has this school, facing east, still standing but deteriorating.

Photographed 10/13/18

Pleasant Township #?

While the information I have states that this school is on its original location, and Google satellite shows it in place, this is no longer true.  It’s been moved east about 1/2 mile and put behind a house, facing east, with a garage door cut into it. The original bell is on a post just south of the school. To find this school take Bladensburg Rd NE from Ottumwa to Agency Hedrick Rd and turn north to 120th St. Proceed east on 120th to 60th Ave, and the original location was on the north side of the street just east of the farm, facing south.  Continue east to the next farm and you can see it in the rear of the house.

Photographed 10/13/18

Center Township #?, Highpoint School

Center Township #?, Highpoint School. This school was identified by someone familiar with the area. It has been highly modified and added to on the east side, including a large garage. (Google Satellite actually shows this school!) Proceed west/southwest  out on Ottumwa on Bluegrass Rd to 170th St. The school is on the SW corner.

Photographed 10/13/18

Keokuk Township #?, Hubler School

Now restored as a house. Proceed south from Ottumwa on US63 to 48th St. and turn east. At 118th Ave you must make a short jog to the north to return eastbound on 48th. Continue to Miller Chapel Rd and the school will be on the northwest side of the junction. Faces west

 

Photographed 10/13/18

Green Township #?, Copperhead School.

Unfortunately, although the Google satellite shows this school still standing but collapsing, it is no longer there. Instead, there is a pile of trees and rubble, which looks like all pushed into the foundation of the school. Our friend Mary Young attended this school and gave the directions to it and additional information:

“If you go pass Bluegrass Road & keep on Lake Wapello Road south of Ottumwa about 8 miles & turn right onto Copperhead road—Go west about 3 miles & that’s Copperhead school on the right. Yes Wellman & Copperhead schools look somewhat same but inside very different. Actually (of course I would) I think Copperhead was much nicer inside. When I was in grade school & had Halloween plays the last of October, there was also a “pie supper” when girls would decorate boxes to be sold that contained a meal (supper) including pie. My father was always asked to auction the boxes at all the country schools around us. I was so proud of my father, as Mother & we girls went with him to these. Boys would bid on boxes & high bidder got the box & girls who brought it & eat together.”

Photographed 10/13/18

The following photo of the school while still standing was shared on Facebook.

Polk Township #?

Now used as a township hall. Proceed west of Ottumwa on US34 to 215th Ave, then turn north. Proceed to 87th St and turn NW; the school will be a very short distance on the west side of the road, just past a church.

Photographed 10/13/18

Polk Township #? Bidwell School

Nicely restored as a house. Take US34 west of Ottumwa to 87th St/County H35, which is a short jog on the north side, then take 87th west to 194th Ave. School is on NW corner.

Photographed 10/13/18

Adams #1, Wellman School

This school is SW of Ottumwa.  Built 1909.  Located at 20471 Copperhead Road (county H-47).  From Ottumwa, proceed west out of town on Bluegrass Rd (H41) to 200th Ave and turn south, proceeding two miles to Copperhead Rd.  At Copperhead Rd turn west for 1/2 mile and the school is on the north side of the road.  205th Ave is the crossroad but there is really no road there, just traces.

Approaching from the east:

Photographed on 8 November 2016

This next photo was taken on 10/13/18

Dahlonega #1

Located northeast of Ottumwa, this is the third building at this location, beginning with a log cabin in the early 1800s.  According to the book, “Iowa’s Country Schools: Landmarks of Learning,” edited by William L. Sherman, “The town of Dahlonega grew up around the school and was once bigger than Ottumwa.  Now the only structure remaining in this once thriving community is the school…”  Address is 10937 Dahlonega Rd.  From US63 NE of Ottumwa, take exit 36 to Dahlonega Rd and proceed north to Angle Rd and turn west into the community.  As Angle Rd bends north the school will be on the NW corner.

Photographed on 8 November 2016