Iowa One Room Schools

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Des Moines Township #7, Cole School

Built in 1888 and closed in 1933. Located at 843 R. Ave, 2.5 miles NE of Boone, about 1/2 mile north of County Highway E26. Mostly restored, used as museum.

Photographed on 10/8 and 10/15, 2015

Sheldall School, Story City

Part of the Story City Museum collection. The Sheldall Schoolhouse was built in 1860 by newly immigrated Norwegian farmers from lumber harvested along the Skunk River. It was built by Lars Henryson on land in southern Hamilton County owned by Lars Sheldall. This school served many functions including an early church and was a polling location during the Lincoln presidential election of 1860. The schoolhouse was moved to its current location in 1990 by the Story City Historical Society. The restored building shows how education was conducted from 1860 - 1885. The schoolhouse is located at Broad St and Hillcrest Dr.” For additional information:

Museums of Story City

Des Moines Register

Photographed on 10/8/15

Howard #3, Thorson School

The sign on the school says 1875, but the Roland Museum’s web site says the school was from 1890. Relocated to 104 Poplar St. in Roland from a nearby unspecified location. Now used as a museum.

Photographed on 10/8/15

Halley School, Nevada

This school is part of the Nevada Historical Society’s “Evergreen Lane” collection, located at 1204 H Ave. The school was built in 1874 and was located southeast of Nevada. It was closed after the 1944-1945 school year. It was later moved to the 4-H fairgrounds before being moved to Evergreen Lane.

The following photos were shot through the windows, since the building was locked.

Photographed 10/8/15

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Van Buren Township, Harmony School

This school was originally located 3 miles east of Croton. It is now in Montrose Township directly across the street from the Summitville School on 243rd Ave. It has been added on to as a residence.

Photographed 9/26/15

Montrose Township, Summitville School

Located at 3324 243rd Ave (Old US61/218), just south of 330th St., or about 3/4 mile north of County J82. Has been added on to so much that it no longer looks like a school.

Photographed 9/26/15

Cedar Township, Bayles School

Also known as Pleasant Grove, used 1837 to 1913 (including earlier log building). NW corner of the county at the NE corner of State Hwy 16 and 110th St, about 5 miles from Houghton on Hwy 16. Has garage door on east side.

Photographed 9/26/15

Harrison Township, Saxe School

At 1678 130th Ave. Moved short distance after sold at auction. A former student owns it now. It has several original pieces in it. From junction of US218 and County Hwy J40, proceed west on J40 5 miles to 130th Ave, then turn south on 130th and proceed .7 mile; school on the east side of the road.

Photographed 9/26/15

Van Buren Township, Columbia School

At 1500 245th St. According to Val Root, it was a 1-room frame building with a bell tower, and was associated with the underground railroad. From Donnellson, proceed west on State Hwy 2 to 150th Ave. Proceed south on 150th for two miles and the school is on the NE corner of 245th. Derelict.

South side of building

West side of building

East side of building

Photographed 9/26/15

For more information about this school, see this page. And here are old photos from Val Root:

Jackson Township, Eagle School

At 3619 Johnson St. Rd. From Keokuk, intersection US61 and Carbide Lane, proceed west on Carbide about 3.7 miles to join Johnson St. Rd, then another 1 1/4 mile Johnson turns 90 degrees north for about 3/4 mile before turning east for about 1/4 mile then back north. At that last turn north is the school on the corner. Residence.

First photo is approaching from the west

Photographed 9/26/15

The following photo is provided via Val Root, and shows the school in service.

Jackson #2, Valley School

Built 1873. At 3876 Valley Rd. Has a Maypole still in the yard on the south side of the school. From Keokuk intersection US61 and Johnson St. Rd. proceed west about 1.5 miles to Valley Rd. Turn south on Valley and proceed 3/4 mile and the school will be on the east side of the road. Abandoned.