Built 1873 Opened 1873 | NRHP Reference # 13000831 Added to NRHP 16 October 2013 | |
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Location 24040 195th St.
Bettendorf, Iowa Similar Buffalo High School, Nebergall "Knoll Crest" Ro, James Brown House, East Hill House and Carriage, Old Mill House | ||
Forest Grove School No. 5 is an historic building located near Bettendorf, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
Contents
History
The one-room schoolhouse was built in 1873 after Pleasant Valley subdistrict No. 5 was formed. The building was constructed and furnished for $1,500. The schoolhouse originally featured a cupola and a bell, which have subsequently been removed. It was one of five schools in Pleasant Valley Township.
The students who attended the school lived within 2 miles (3 km) in rural Scott County. Children from age 5 to about 13 or 14 were educated by a single teacher. There were generally about 30 students at a time, however, many older boys only attended school in the winter when there was less of a need for them on the farm. Children in Iowa were not legally obligated to attend school until 1902. Many of the teachers stayed for one year, but a few stayed for extended periods of time. Subjects that were taught included English, math, reading, writing, spelling, geography, and history. Books were purchased from a local merchant in Princeton. School was in session from Labor Day to Memorial Day. There were few days off during the school year and there were no days off because of snow. A program was held at Christmastime and picnic was held on the last day of school in the spring.
The school closed in 1957 and the property was bought by Delbert and Jeannette Blunk who farmed the adjacent property. Delbert Blunk attended school here in the 1930s as did his oldest two boys. The property was acquired by Forest Grove School Preservation, who are working to restore the building to its 1949 appearance. Their plans include opening a museum for children to learn about rural education.
Restoration
Renovation of the building began in 2012. In 2014 a new furnace and a cedar shake roof were installed. By the end of 2015 a new concrete block foundation was constructed, wood siding was either replaced or maintained and painted. Eight replica replacement windows were put in place, and a new front door created by Carver Custom Millworks of Milan, Illinois, was installed. A new chimney, while not functional, was built on the north side with salvaged bricks to enhance the building's 1920s appearance. On September 6, 2016 a replica bell tower, made by LeClaire, Iowa carpenter Ben Taylor, was put in place. The tower contains the school's original bell.