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

Walnut School

About 5 miles southwest of Washington, IA, on State Highway 1, turn east on 290th street and go about 200 feet and you will come across this old School.  The sign tells everything about it.  It was exciting because it was the first time we saw a pony barn! (Unfortunately, the windows had wire mesh over them so, although we could look inside at the desks, etc, we could not get the camera up against the window for photography.)

Looking along the west side of the school, you can see the pony barn and one old outhouse way back.

Notice the original pump, flagpole and outhouses.  The outhouse on the left has been moved to a concrete base and externally restored for display.  The seats inside are quite rotted.

Looking over the restored merry-go-round to the unrestored outhouse.

Washington, IA

This is another school we learned about from the Cedar Rapids Gazette.  The 12/14/08 issue had a half-page article about this school, with some accompanying photos.  The school was called "Red Brick School," and was one of only about a dozen brick schools in Iowa.  The article was about a man who was writing a book about his memories in Washington, including his attendance at the school.  This school is being restored.  We went to see the school on 2/22/09.  The school is two miles south of town at the NW corner of County route W55 and Cappock Road.

UPDATE:  Yesterday, 10/31/10, we passed by this school and took a few photos.  Here are two of them.

Summit School, Kalona, IA

Built ca.1850. Nicknamed “Straw College” because straw was stuffed behind the wainscoting during the winter for insulation.  Originally on the prairie south of Kalona.  Was part of the Mid-Prairie School district and was used as a typing room by them until they donated it to the Kalona Historical Village in 1972. It was restored in 1973.

Photographed 8/25/03

The following photos were taken on 10/10/14