Schoolhouse tour

 I think old one room school houses are so charming and interesting.  When I see one, I often stop and take pictures.  So, I was excited when I saw that my county was having a tour of one room schoolhouses.  They would all be open, with the chance to wander around outside, but then to go inside and check them out.  This was set up by some historical societies and was even free, although they were collecting donations which would be applied to the upkeep and restoration of the buildings.  There were 6 school houses on the tour, and Bob and I went to all 6.  I have pictures of 5.  The one not pictured was built in 1956, about the time the others were closing and didn't even look like a school house.
I'll show you the other 5 though and will end with my favorite.

This is the South Evergreen School house which is not too far from my house. It was built in 1867, but was only purchased  as a historical landmark about 5 years ago.

They've done a good job at starting the restoration, and hope to get more authentic pieces to add.

They actually have the original outhouse out back!

This is the Pigeon Creek School house.  It was built in 1878.

This is another schoolhouse that is just beginning restoration, but they have the original wood stove.  The wood floors are also original.

This is the Ottawa Station Schoolhouse.  It was built in 1867.

This is the DeWitt School House, built in 1891.  This one had people in costume to add to the old feel.

The school teacher was waiting for us at the door.

This was a flag from the school, with only 46 stars.

Last, but not least is the New Groningen School House, built in 1891. It's the only one built of brick.  This brick was made in the area, so there are more houses and buildings with this look.

Another teacher waiting for us.

This is also the only school house with 2 rooms.  On the right was the primary learning room, on the left, a grammar room. (I don't know what they did in the grammer room.) The partition in the middle could be folded back to make one big room for programs.  The cord you see in the upper right of the photo is to the school bell.  It's still up there and still rings.

This school house is in Holland, MI, where most of the people were Dutch Immigrants, so there are wooden shoes.

I had Bob stand next to this desk so you could see how small it is.  There were desks for kids of all ages.

Here is a school photo from 1935.

We really enjoyed this tour.  Hope you liked this step back in time with me!