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THE MICHIGAN ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE ASSOCIATION
School | Township | County | Year | Location | Use | BM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ehle #2 | Hamilton | Clare | by 1890-by 1948 | W of Hoover Rd across from Fir Rd | 12? | Named after property owners. No road to schoolhouse on Hoover. Moved a few times. Also called Hamilton. Looks like it first burned and then was moved 1/2 mile away and rebuilt. List of teachers on page 185 in Clare County School Houses | |
Caner #1 | Greenwood | Clare | 1873-1944 | SE of S/2 | 2 | W/CB | Named after property owners in a little settlement called Mark. The school cost $800 to build. In 1944 the Caner burned. Everything was saved from inside the school except for the library books. The 18 pupils will attend the Austa/Dykstra School. A list of teachers is on page 161 of Clare County School Houses |
Norway #3 | Redding Unit | Clare | circa 1890-1939 | SW corner of S/27, NE intersection of Lily Lake Rd and Lake Station Ave | 27 | W | Norway #3 served the community of Clarence. Named after nearby Little Lake to its S. In 1918 the school raised the most money for the Red Cross. Received a new furnace. Closed in 1939. List of teachers on page 159 of Clare County School Houses |
Randall #4 | Grant | Clare | by 1881-1956 | Road became the N-S Old US-27 | 14 | W | Referred to sometimes as Porter Randall School. He was a veteran and prominent citizen. The road the school was on later became the north-south old US-27. The school had an artesian well still used. Bidding to build the school was let in 1880. A bell, chart and wall maps were purchased for the school. In 1903 the school was reshingled and later re-painted. At the age of 73 Porter Randall died at the Soldiers' Home in Grand Rapids. He was brought to Clare for the funeral. In 1910, 21 fine new books were added to the library in a fine library case. In 1922, Randall was the first school to receive electric lights. Randall was also awarded a plaque as a Standard School. Closed in 1956. A list of Randall teachers starts on page 137 of Clare County School Houses |
Jonesville #2 | Summerfield | Clare | circa 1870's | Probably on the NW side of the Jonesville Bridge | 1 | Very little is know about this school. As a settlement it predates Leota by at least 20 years. An 1899 map shows a school located in S/12 about 1/2 mile from Jonesville. That school was most likely the Jonesville School. Jonesville received its name from a prominent citizen, George Jones. In 1877 the post office was called Upton. This name was sometimes used for the school. Jonesville was located where it was because it was on the Muskegon River and a major north-south road named Old State Rd that went from from Ionia to Houghton Lake and right thru Jonesville. See page 298 of Clare County Historical Schools for more information | |
Lake George #2 | Lincoln | Clare | 1913-1929 | SE shore of Shingle Lake, Arthur Rd & Pine St | 8 | Log/W | Named after a Village. By 1930 or so the H.S. students were being bused into school at Farwell HS. List of Lake George teachers starts on page 242 of the Clare County School Houses book |
Hardwood #6 | Arthur | Clare | 11/1899- | SE corner of Athey Ave & Brown Rd | 27 | The school was originally built near the community of Sandersville. Then after this school it was named Hardwood. There was a fire but the men in the area were able to put it out except for a hole 6 or 8 ft in the floor and some furniture damaged. It was repaired by May 1908. According to the Clare Sentinel of 4/28/1922 the Hardwood for some reason was being referred to as Brush College p. 36. A list of teachers at Hardwood is in the Clare County School Houses p. 37 | |
Bessie #5 | Arthur | Clare | by 1894-1948 | 1/4 mile W of Hoover Ave on the S side of Monroe Rd | 11 | W | Located in the community known as Carlsberg, but school was named after property owner, Jess Bessie. The citizens worked diligently to keep the school in good repair such as foundation work and painting the school among other things. There is a list of Bessie School teachers on page 33 in the book Clare County School Houses |
Crooked Lake #1 | Garfield | Clare | 1873-1958 | SW corner of School & Lake Sts in the Village of Lake | W/B | Appears on a map in 1873. By 1850 it was a brick school. The Village of Lake was sometimes called Lake Station. School sometimes also called Crooked Lake. Discussion of making Lake Station School into a school with grades K-10. In 1918, 30 books were added to the library. Also a piano was purchased for the school. An Elementary School was built in 1950. The band from Barryton played at the dedication. A list of Lake School teachers starts on page 96. The school annexed with Farwell Schools. Clare County School Houses | |
Stoddard #3 | Summerfield | Clare | 1921-1931 ? | W side of Bringold Ave, just N of the centerline of S/30 | 30 | List of Stoddard teachers on page 298 of Clare County Historical Schools | |
Pratt #5 | Grant | Clare | 1881-1964 | E side of Eberhart Ave, 1/4 mile N of Colonville Rd | 24 | B/W | Pratt named after a property owner. Sometimes it was called The Brick. The school was struck by lightning in 1906 demolishing quite a bit of the building. In 1908 they're-built Pratt of wood. A list of Pratt School teachers starts on page 142 of Clare County School Houses |
Doty #3f | Greenwood | Clare | 1987-1959 | S side of M-61, 1/4 mile E of Harding Ave, Harrison? | 24 | W | Named after property owner. School was painted, repaired, and taken care of. A list of teachers at the Doty School starts on page 172 of the Clare County School Houses book |
Henryville No # | Freeman | Clare | 1896-1904/1906 | Probably located in NE corner of S/9. 5 miles W of Lake George | 9 | School located at a lumber mill settlement. School did not last long. Woodshed was built. School year was 10 months long. Clare County Historical Schools | |
Elm Grove/Carrow #3 | Sheridan | Clare | 1884- | NE corner of S/15. The Carrow School was across the road in the NE corner of S/21 | 15 & 21 | W | Started as a small lumber settlement of Slabtown. Also known as Hermansdale. It was also known as Sheridan Center. In 1914 it officially became Elm Grove. Elm Grove eventually absorbed Brewer School to the N and the Carrow School to the S. There was a fire in 1918 & the school moved to a central location. This listing will consider the Brewer School #5 separate from Elm Grove/Carrow. In 1879 sealed proposals were received for the building of a new frame schoolhouse 20 ft x 30 ft in district #3, 5 miles N of Loomis. School #3 was completed in October, 1879. On 1894 once again sealed bids were requested for a new school #3. By 1905 that school was too small for the 60 pupils attending. In 1906 again bids were being asked to build an addition to school #3. An addition 16 ft x 20 ft was added and a basement was put under the school. A list of teachers that taught at Slabtown, Elm Grove and Carrow started on page 283. Clare County Historical Schools |
Leota #1 | Summerfield | Clare | 1894-1961 | SW corner of S/11. Always located at this location | 11 | Named after the Leota Village. Leota was the daughter of a prominent Clare businessman, A. E. Rhodes. Leota #1 was NOT the first school in Summerfield Township as there were others before Leota. In 1907 Leota got a combined Church and Schoolhouse. At some point it may have become a Standard School. Leota annexed to Harrison in 1961. A list of Leota teachers starts on page 296 of the Clare County Historical Schools book. Michigan Shadow Towns p. 41 says the school closed in the 1930's and was vacant, but has been built over into a large private residence | |
Nottawa | Surrey | Clare | Farewell-Unknown | Unknown | |||
Meredith #1 | Franklin | Clare | 1884- 1921 | S side of Webber St between Main & Franklin Sts. Border of Clare & Gladwin Counties | B | It was said that Meredith was the finest school building in the county. It was a three-story brick building 30 ft x 50 ft costing $4,000. It is possible that such a school in the Meredith Village was not really a good idea. In 1885 construction was halted. It is never stated whether or not the school is completed. In 1893 the RR tracks leading into Meredith are pulled and with rail traffic gone the town dwindles and becomes a ghost town. By 1916 the school is not even on maps and the few remaining children attend the newly built Wyckoff School 2.5 miles S of Meredith. The school was the last remaining structure in Meredith and parts such as the chimney blocks were taken for use on homes. Clare County School Houses p. 48. List of teachers on p. 52. Town has a reputation as Sin city and was considered a God-forsaken lumber town. Michigan Shadow Towns p. 42 | |
Clare #1 | Grant | Clare | 1871-still standing | Multiple locations: 5th and Beach Sts across from a park | W/W/?B | The first school was just made with rough wood. Then a wood frame school(s) and then in 1890 a new three-story brick building on State St, E of McEwan was constructed. Unfortunately it burned. It was able to be saved and remodeled. In 1921 it caught fire again and now a new school was needed. By 1958 a new High School was built and stands today used as the Junior High. Clare County School Houses | |
Bertha Lake #3 | Lincoln | Clare | 1899-1904-to 1940's | SW corner of S/23 | 23 | W | Originally called Mud Lake. Sometimes called East Lincoln School. A hot lunch program started at the school and was very well received. Church services were held at the school on Sundays. A list of teachers is on page 244 of Clare County Historical Schools |
Amble #4 | Hamilton | Clare | 1897-circa 1959 | Amble moved around a few times. Final location on E side of Rogers Ave, 1/2 mile N of Cranberry Lake Rd, S side of Allen School in NE Arthur Township | 8 | S | Named after owners. Sometimes called the Mennonite School. Bell from school purchased by St. Luke's Lutheran church in Harrison. School still stands. Consolidated in 1962. List of teachers for Amble #4 starts on page 188 of Clare County School Houses |
Hinkleville #3 | Grant | Clare | circa 1876-1956 | Switched back & forth on N and S side of Washington Rd | Log/W | A number of Railroads thru Hinkleville. Henry Hinkle owned property here. First school made of logs. In 1956 school moved to Farwell Village Park and was used as a recreations building after it closed in 1956. List of teachers begins on page 128 in Clare County History Schools | |
Balsley #1 later #3f | Arthur | Clare | July 1889 | NC side of Cedar Rd | 18 | W | School cost $700 to build a wood-framed school. With 45 pupils this is the largest school in Arthur Township. Named after property owner, John Balsley although it was sometimes called a different name. Was in the Kannar settlement and originally called the Kannar School. Also called North Arthur and Cornwell. Book has extensive list of teacher names and dates that they taught. At Balsley starting on page 17 of the Clare County School Houses book |
Temple #2 | Temple | Clare | 1897-1959 | The location of this school changed over the years. Temple is on the Muskegon River | WB | Temple had two small rural schools for its pupils. In 1916 they built a two-story red brick school. They called this the High School. William M. Temple was an early resident and prominent citizen of the area. A new school will be built at Temple. It is to be 28 ft x 36 ft , of red brick, slate roof, and finished in southern pine with maple flooring. Cost will be $2,700. In 1916 Temple sold at auction, two older rural schools for which they had no further use as they have a fine new school. The Ladies' Aid purchased one for $98 and will turn it into a church. In 1932 Redding School, better known as the Temple School was very happy to be awarded the Standard School Plaque. The Temple School was open at least until fall of 1964 with 24 students in 8 grades. The school annexed to Marion Schools. Michigan Shadow Towns p. 44 says Temple's last school, closed by 1950 has been converted into a private residence and area children go to school in Harrison | |
Dodge/Bailey #1 | Hamilton | Clare | by 1893-by 1940 | S side of Townline Lake Rd, 1/4 mile W of Dodge Lake Ave | W | Received name from Wm Dodge, foreman of Lansing Lumber Company. Later changed to Bailey after property owners. Also Called Hamilton Center, Town Hall and Rockwell School. First Dodge School burned in 1894. List of teachers on page 183 Clare County School Houses | |
Phelps #1 | Lincoln | Clare | NE intersection of Hickory Ave & Browns Rd | 29 | This school served the settlement of Summit. The school received its name from the property owners. By 1920 the school was going by the name of Silver Lake School. In 1904 they desired to build a new school in district #2, Lincoln Township in S/29. It was to be 30 ft x, 20 ft x 10 ft high. Foundation to be cedar. There were to be 3 sills, 6 ft x 8 ft and 2 sills 20 ft long. The studding 16 in on center. No. 2 shingles. Floor to be 2 inches thick. Door 2 ft x 10 ft wide by 6 ft and 1.5 ft thick. A list of Phelps teachers is on page 238, Clare County School Houses | ||
Summerfield/Brown #4 | Summerfield | Clare | 1906-1928 ? | Near center of Township, S side of Haskell Lake Rd | 22 | W | In the center of the Township was a Township Hall. This building may have been used as the school, hence the name. The school was also called the Little Brown school referring to the color of the building. Also sometimes called Bond School. List of teachers on page 300 of Clare County Historical Schools |
Lochabar School #3 | Surrey | Clare | 1910-1927 | NE corner of S/8, SW intersection of Dover Rd & Jackson Ave | 8 | CS | Named after the nearby lake which sometimes was written as Loch-a-bar. Originally Bear Lake. Mr. J. L. Littlefield bought the property and named his ranch and the school Lochabar. Loch is Scottish for Lake and bar being German for Bear. Mr. Littlefield, at his own expense, built the schoolhouse. A list of Lochabar School teachers is on page 315 of Clare Historical School Houses |
McKinley #7 | Grant | Clare | 1894-1954 | E central S/36, just N of center on Cornwell Ave | 36 | W | McKinley was named after property owners. School inspectors from Grant, Sheridan and Vernon Townships, along with the city of Clare discussed a new district two miles W of Clare to be known as McKinley and named District #7 of Grant Township. McKinley was repainted in 1905. It was reshingled in 1927. A new flag pole went up in 1931. In 1953 Clare City Schools bought a new 60 passenger school bus to pick up students at O'Connor, Phinisey and McKinley to bring them into Clare. In 1962 McKinley was put up for auction. Mckinley teachers listing begins on page 155 in the Clare County School House book |
Eight Point Lake #3 | Garfield | Clare | 1903-1931 | SW corner of Garfield Dr & Rock Rd on E side of of 8 Point Lake | Log/S/W | ||
Colonville #2 | Sheridan | Clare | 1872-1943 | 1/4 mile E of Rogers Ave & Colonville Rd | 29 | Log/W | The school was called Bradley after local landowner Peter Bradley. The log school was used for 10 years. Also called Maple Grove. How it came to be called Colonville is unknown. The school held two 3 month terms. In 1885 the Bradley School burned to the ground. It was arson. The building was new and almost paid for. In 1905 Nellie Grigg attended school for 5 months and was never absent or tardy. In 1910 a bookcase and library books were purchased. In 1917 the school received a new organ. A list of Colonville teachers begins on page 273 of Clare County Historical Schools |
Cooper | Hayes | Clare | -by 1883 | Seems to be used (built) between Hayes #1 and #2. Possibly was an alternative name for School #1 Cleaning School. We know it was used in 1883, but that is all the information that could be found. Clare County School Houses p. 228 | |||
Sharp #2 | Franklin | Clare | by 1894 | NW corner of S/32, where it should have been located in the first place | 32 | Named after owner J. E. Sharp. Sometimes school was called Woodry School or even Woodry/Sharp. These are surnames of local property owners. It moved around a lot, from S/31 to S/32 and then in 1910 in its final location. The school had a 4-H program and hot lunches. A list of teachers is on p. 64 of Clare County School Houses | |
Miller #2 | Greenwood | Clare | 1897-1953 | E side of Harding Ave across from Fir Rd intersection | 2 | W | Named after Milo Miller, a local pioneer. Also known as Chaffee and Northwest Greenwood Schools. School closed for two weeks in late October so students could help families with potato digging. Miller School had many activities such as plays and box socials. A list of Miller School teachers starts on page 169 of Clare County School Houses |
Barlow/Ward #4 | Hayes | Clare | 1916-1930? | SE corner of NE qtr of S/31, 1/4 mile N of Larch Rd, W side of Harrison Ave | 31 | The Barlow family were property owners to the W of the school on Larch Rd. The school and settlement were also referred to as the Ward District. (There is a Ward School in Surrey Township). In 1929 the children were bused to Harrison? In 1930 Lloyd Wilson bought and moved the original schoolhouse onto his farm to use as a residence. The Clare Sentinel newspaper still reports schools happened at the Barlow School after 1930 so a bit confusing | |
Cunningham/Ott #4 | Hatton | Clare | by 1887-1899 | NE in Hatton Township, S/12 | 12 | w | Possibly named after Charles Ott. Also called the Cunningham School. In 1887 a new larger schoolhouse in district No 4 was built. The old school closed and went up for sale in November of 1928. Before the original Ott School was there it was the Cunningham School. It was located at the SE corner of Monroe Rd & Eberhart Ave. About 1899 the Clare Sentinel 8-18-1899 stated that the Old Cunningham School was no longer standing. So it seemed to be closed by 1899. A list of Ott and Cunningham teachers starts on page 214 of Clare County School Houses book |
Brewer #5 | Sheridan | Clare | 1914-late 1950's? | SE corner of S/2 at intersection of Dover Rd and Hoover Ave | 2 | B | Brewer School was N of the older Elm Grove district and Brewer School news was always found under the Elm Grove heading. Brewer was sometimes also referred to as Advance Grange. Brewer received its name from William Brewer, a prominent farmer of the area and owner of the property on which the school was built of stone in 1914. In 1931 the school needed a new furnace. Someone broke into the school in 1931. In spelling contests with other schools Brewer often came out ahead. A list of Brewer teachers is on page 291. Clare Historical County Schools |
Tom and Doc #2f | Freeman | Clare | 1915-1937 | S side of Brown Rd slightly E of center of section | 29 | W | Named after the Muskegon lumbermen Doc Blodgett and Thomas Stimson. Sometimes also called West Freeman. Bids for school let in 1915. In October 1927 the school purchased an organ. In October 1925 the teacher and pupils attended the fair in Harrison. List of teachers on p. 69 in the book Clare Country School Houses |
Kirby #4 | Winterfield | Clare | 1907-1950 | W side of Kirby Ave in the center of the section | 7 | W | Martha and Henry Symonds sold the land for District #4, Kirby, in August, 1907. In 1931 Mrs. Alma McComb, the teacher at Kirby #4, was in a car accident with her husband. They were on their way to Grand Rapids when they had an auto accident near Leroy and Mrs. McComb died. This was her second year at Kirby #4. In 1950 the 4 districts in Winterfield Township joined together as one district. An addition was added to Grandon and all students K-6 attended the school now called Winterfield Primary School. In 1964 the district annexed to Marion. The school became a residence. Marion, Moving Ahead p. 132. (photo of Kirby p. 132) A list of Kirby teacher's is on p. 332 of Clare County Historical Schools |
Anderson | Sheridan | Clare | 1883- | Unknown location outside of North Sheridan | 4 | There is a J. H. Anderson in part of S/4. Possibly Anderson and Eagle were two names for the same school. Church services were held at the school on Tuesdays. School may have not lasted long. Clare County School Houses p. 261 | |
Ward #4 | Surrey | Clare | 1916-1928 | SE intersection of Dover Rd & Finley Lake Ave | 11 | Ward School was also known as the Ferguson Lake School. Box socials and school presentations were frequently given at the school. Annexed to Farwell in 1928. A list of Ward teachers is on page 317 of Clare County Historical Schools. | |
Long Lake #3 | Frost | Clare | 1896-by 1928 | On N shore of Blue Gill Lake, 8 miles N of Harrison on US-27 | Had the most students of any of the Frost Schools. By 1916 is was moved to the SE corner of Old-27 and Haskell Lake Road-Long Lake. School was named for a nearby lake, but later began going by the Frost School name. This school had a large legal proceeding with a claim of board members obtaining materials from a member of the committee. The case was settled in court. In 1917 the boys are making a workbench and the girls are making a quilt. The YMCA visited the school in 1917. List of Long Lake teachers starts on page 81 of the Clare Country School Houses book | ||
Redner/Kleman#3 | Hatton | Clare | by 1884-1956 | Originally on the NW intersection of Hatton Rd & Clare Ave | |||
Smalley | Sheridan | Clare | 1885- | *** | |||
Grant West #2 | Grant | Clare | 1891-1956 | Intersection of Elm Rd and Bass Lake Ave | 21 | Log/W | Originally the Lowry School was named after a prominent citizen. Eventually changed as it was in the West of Grant Township. In 1903 bids were called for building a wood-frame school to replace the only log school in the area. A new organ was purchased. In 1893 another school was to be constructed. It was The West Grant students who won the spelling contest in 1915. It consisted of 200 words from Hunt's Progressive speller. Received 6 new blackboards, the well was repaired, a new furnace installed in 1929 & it was re-shingled. In January, 1956 the parents discussed annexation of West Grant. Some students will go to Clare, some to Farwell. Division was about 50-50%. West Grant to be closed. A list of West Grant teachers begins on page 150 Clare County School Houses |
Myers #8 | Arthur | Clare | 1906-1934 | SW intersection of Athey Ave & Mannsiding Rd | 15 | W | Named after a large family of property owners. See the Brush College (Hartwick) entry for further information on this school. Sporadically, Myers was also called Pleasant Valley. Tonkin School then moved S and became the Hardwood School. (Named Hardwood because the hardwood trees had been cut down) This left an opening for a school in the N of the Township. Around 1900 the Clare newspaper mentioned a new school in Leitner School under the Arthur Township location. This precursor to the Myers School was in a small Myers settlement. Myers started in the fall of 1906 and was built in S/15. A list of Myers teachers starts on page 42 in the Clare County Historical Schools book |
Nester Dam #4 | Arthur | Clare | W side of Hoover Ave, just N of Center St | 14 | W | Always referred to as Nester or Nester Dam the school served the community of Alward. An early lumberman was named Thomas Nester. Nester was maintained when in school, but unfortunately the wooden-frame school now looks vacant and in disrepair. A list of teachers is in the book Clare County School Houses p. 29 | |
Mannsiding #5 | Hatton | Clare | by 1891-1956 | Center of S/8, N side of Arthur Rd | 8 | W | Possibly named for Mr. Mann or possibly a siding for the railroad at this location. A fire in 1891 almost consumed the schoolhouse with teachers and pupils inside but were saved by neighbors. In 1895 there was a new schoolhouse with flag on pole. The old schoolhouse was sold. In 1910 there were bids for building a new schoolhouse. In 1910 the schoolhouse was nearly complete and a thing of beauty. The citizens kept their new school looking very nice with a new flag, new well, new desk for the teacher, repairing the bell, getting a globe and getting some library books. All that work paid off as Mannsiding received the Standard School Plaque in 1931. In 1957 Mannsiding voted to annex with Harrison School. A list of teachers starts on page 224 of the Clare County Historical Schools book |
Brown #4 | Redding | Clare | 1903-1927 | SW corner and NE corner of Cranberry Lake Rd at McKinley Ave | 12 | Also known as Ballus School. Constructed in 1903. Brown #4 teachers listed on page 260 in Clare County School Houses | |
Brand/Tonkin #3 | Arthur | Clare | W side of Brand Ave. 1/4 mile N of Poplar Rd | 32 | W | Originally called Tonkin School after the Tonkin saw mill. Later named after owner J. F. Brand. Also called Austin School. Was really maintained and updated over the years. A list of teachers in the book Clare County School Houses starts on p. 24 | |
Headquarters #2 | Frost | Clare | 1886/87 | SC of SE Qtr of S/6 | 6 | Many families lived in this school district. The Hackley and Hume RR was practically behind the school's backdoor. It was on the main room from Harrison to Houghton Lake via the Jonesville Bridge. Occasionally this school was called the Page School. Box Socials were particularly popular at this school. 8th grade graduation exercises for #2 and Leota School were held together at Headquarters #2. There was an orchestra present and it gave some fine music. They might have been better off to have a well so they didn't need to carry water daily. List of HQ teachers on page 78 Clare County School Houses | |
Ladd #4 & Mystery #5 | Franklin | Clare | circa 1906-1916 | Ladd location unknown and #5 has no information available | District #5 is unknown. It was probably short lived. By 1929 it was called Ladd School and was probably district #4. Most likely when it annexed with another school possibly in a different district. Clare County School Houses p. 5 | ||
Dunham #5 | Frost | Clare | few years in 1920's? | NC of S/36 on road that no longer exists at center of section | 36 | School received name probably after the name of owner Gorge Dunham. School is only mentioned in 1927-1930. It states it is bussing its students to another district. Dunham appears to only be open a few years | |
Bass Lake #2 | Garfield | Clare | 1903-1927 | Beaverton Rd, N of Bass Lake Rd. No longer exists | 7 | Named after the lake. Also called The Cornish School after the original property owner, J. J. Cornish. There was a court case involving improvement of the roads leading to Bass School. List of Bass School teachers on page 101 of Clare County Historical Schools | |
Eagle #1 | Sheridan | Clare | 1874-1959 | NE corner of S/7, SW intersection of Dover Rd & Rogers Ave | 7 | Log/W | One of the first rural schools in Clare County. A church was built near the school. The RR company deeded the land for $1. It was replaced by a wood-frame building that is still standing. A $15 metal Eagle was placed at the top of the school and that is how it received its name. The citizens did quite a bit of work to keep Eagle School in good condition. A basement was constructed under the school. It was also painted inside and outside. New seats were installed and the school hoped to be awarded the Standard School plaque. Church services were held at the school. A list of Eagle teachers is on pages 268 & 269. Clare County Historical Schools |
Shepherdsville #3 | Ovid | Clinton | before 1859-1964 | 1015 Baese Court, Ovid, MI | Log/W | This school was formed prior to 1859. In 1894 a contract to build a schoolhouse on Shepherdsville Rd near Winfield Rd was signed. The 30 ft x 40 ft building was completed by 1895. On March 16, 1964 the district voted to annex to Ovid Schools. The building was sold and first used as a Methodist Church youth center and later as an Amish school. Still standing in 1991. It may have different owners now. Clinton Co. p 173 | |
Hammond #7 | Essex | Clinton | 1886-1943 | S side of Colony Rd between Essex Center & Forest Hill Rds | Log?/B | In 1886 the original school was replaced by a 24 ft x 36 ft red brick school with cupola and an open porch, later enclosed. A report by a State inspector reported that the school building and surroundings were in good condition. The school closed in 1943 and some bricks from the building were used on a brick house. Portions of the district annexed to Fowler and some to St. John's. Clinton County Historical Society has information for this school. Clinton Co. p. 122 | |
Elsie Village Schools #2 | Duplain | Clinton | 1845-1965 | Village of Elsie, MI | W | Elsie moved their school building many times. In 1867 plans were to build a 2 story school 24 ft x 48 ft High School. This building was replaced in 1903 by a brick structure. Additions were made as the population of students grew. By 1922 Elsie was offering Grades K-12. In 1956 a new elementary was opened on 10 acres of the old fairgrounds. By 1920 ten rural districts had merged with Elsie and in May of 1965 Elsie joined Ovid making the Ovid-Elsie district. The Elsie Historical Society has a large collection of records for this school. Clinton Co. p. 82 | |
Eureka #9 | Greenbush | Clinton | 1856-1965 | Mill & N St Eureka Rds. Only Village in Greenbush Township | Log/W | Possibly starting school in a log building, in 1885 a new school house was built. Then in 1955 a 3rd school was constructed with 4 classrooms. Eureka consolidated with St Johns between 1963-1965. The Clinton County Historical Society archives has records for this district. Clinton Co p. 139. Michigan Shadow Towns p. 46 said in the 1940's the school was improved and fixed up. The school has not been used since 1961 and it was converted into a home. Students now take the bus into St. John's | |
Price #1f | Victor | Clinton | 1873-1968 | Corner of Price & Chandler Rds, DeWitt | W | Annexed to St John's in 1968. Then 25 students in 6-7-8th grades who had attended Cramer and Krepps attended here. Building was sold and the and reverted to the original family. St Johns sold the school building for only $70. Clinton Co. News 10/21/1970. The school building is no longer there. Clinton Co. 210 | |
Round #6 | Lebanon | Clinton | 1855-1942 | SW corner of French & Grange Rds | Log/W | Merle Beach School District #3 began in 1841. In 1873 a wooden frame school was built. The school voted to consolidate with St. John's in 1965. The school was sold but sat unused and deteriorated until it was too late to restore it. Clinton Co. p. 160 | |
Pennington #3 | Eagle | Clinton | 1844-1958 | NE corner of Herbison & Tallman Rds | Log/W | Fractional with unknown district. Replaced the Higbee School. Original school in 1844. New building built in 1920. In 1958 the school consolidated with Grand Ledge and the schoolhouse converted into a residence. Clinton Co p. 104 | |
Stafford #4 | Duplain | Clinton | 1858-59 | SW corner of Maple Rapids & Shepherdsville Rds | Log/W | Frame building built in 1868 followed by improvements over the years. In 1960 the district voted to join with the Elsie school district. The school closed and the building was demolished. Records for the school are at the State of Michigan archives and Elsie Historical Society. Clinton Co p. 86 | |
Brown #4 | Olive | Clinton | by 1864-1961 | 2485 Chadwick Rd, DeWitt | W | Also known as Vance, Pike, Pioneer and Smith Schools. The 1864 map shows the school as Pike. In 1865 a new building was built and known as the Brown School due to the color of the paint. A 1900 Graduation program refers to this as the Dill's School. In 1840 the original school charged tuition and lasted 3 months and gave instruction to 15 pupils. This was called the Pioneer School. Closed 1961. Clinton Co. p.161 | |
Weiland #7f | DeWitt | Clinton | 1861-1958 | SW corner of State & Williams Rds | W | See Gladden School. Clinton Co. p. 65 | |
Peacock #3 | Bath | Clinton | 1840-1933 | SW corner of Peacock & Clark Rds | Los/W | Originally a log school in 1840 it burned down. In 1875 a 25 ft x 30 ft frame school was built. Fractional now with Woodhull Township. Peacock consolidated with Bath in 1921. The school was closed and auctioned off in August, 1922. Clinton Co. p. 9 | |
Boak #5 | Bengal | Clinton | 1872-1960 | SW corner of Wacousta & Walker Rds | W/B | Frame-school from 1872 was replaced by a brick school 28 ft x 36 ft on the same site. Annexed to St. John's in June 1860. Clinton Co. p. 25 | |
Daniels #9 | Lebanon | Clinton | 1869-1943 | SW corner of Maple Rapids & Grange Rds | W | Formed between 1868-69. Named after Berton Daniel who leased the land. A belfry was built for the school in 1907. District closed in 1943 and is now part of Carson City Schools. Clinton Co. p. 153 | |
Burch #5 | Clinton | 1867-1940 | SE corner of Grange & Island Rds | Log?/W | See Stoddart School Clinton Co. p. 149 | ||
Richards #1f | Ovid | Clinton | 1843-1956 | NW corner of Faragher & Harmon Rds | Log/W?/B | Richards was formed in 1843 most likely in a log schoolhouse. It was fractional with Duplain and Greenbush Townships. By 1859 it was no longer fractional but simply #1. The first building was replaced by an 18 ft x 21 ft brick schoolhouse. The school was referred to also as Avery and a 1902 photograph of the school has Hudson School on the back. On June 15, 1956 the district dissolved and students transferred between Duplain and perhaps Meridian. Clinton co. p 171 | |
Swarthout #5f | Ovid | Clinton | 1839-1963 | Wm. Swarthout farm, S/36 | 36 | Log | See Meridian School. Clinton Co. p. 175 |
Watson #8f | Duplain | Clinton | 1857-1960 | SE corner of Mead & Watson Rds | Log | Fractional but unknown with which district. A wood-frame school was built in 1860 and it was 24 ft x 30 ft on a stone foundation. School would only be 4 months in the summer. The school was used in the 1870's as a Sunday School. A new building arrived in 1886. It had many additions and improvements over time. The district decided to join Elsie Schools in 1960. The building is believed to have been converted into a residence. Records for the school are at the Elsie Historical Society. Clinton Co p. 90 | |
District #10 | Dallas | Clinton | 1863-1871 | NE corner of Centerline & Grange Rds near Westphalia | Closed in 1871, with the opening of the Catholic School in Westphalia. Clinton Co. p. 49 | ||
Hill #1f | Bengal | Clinton | 1850-1951 | Log school on Cortland Hill's farm where Dexter Trail meets Centerline Rd | Log/W/B | Fractional with unknown district. built first a log school, followed by a wood-frame school, and then a brick school. The Hill School closed after 1950-51 and in 1956 annexed to St. Johns under the Closed School District Act. The building was sold and converted into a residence. Clinton Co. p. 20 | |
Pratt #6 | Riley | Clinton | before 1878-1949 | Forrest Hill & Pratt Rds | Log?/W | A frame school was built in 1878 a half mile from the first school. The first school was called Wilcox and was probably a log school. 65 students enrolled. Then with decreased enrollment the school closed in 1949 as many of the students had enrolled in parochial schools. The district was annexed to St. John's in April of 1957 as part of the Closed School District Act. The building was demolished and the and returned back to the original family. Clinton Co. p. 198 | |
James Couzens Rural Agricultural #1f | Bath Village | Clinton | 1922-1960 | Village of Bath | 4 | Log/W/B | The new 18 room school services grades K-12. Eight surrounded rural districts had annexed to Bath Schools. 236 Students were transported in 7 school buses. There was one horse drawn bus. Bath was the first school in the county to use buses. They also had a lot lunch program. On May 18, 1927 an embittered school board member, Andrew Keo set off a bomb that destroyed the north wing of the school killing 45 people, 38 of them children. Another 58 were injured. The school was rebuilt the next year and named the James Couzens Agricultural School. Couzens, a Michigan state senator had donated $5,000 to rebuilding the school. The Clark district #7f closed and joined Bath sometime after 1945, as did the Lott School #5 which joined in 1961. A new High School was opened in 1961. In 1975 the Couzens building was demolished. The cupula of the original school was placed in a mall park dedicated to the victims of the disaster. Clinton Co. p. 7 Traveling Thru Time Guide to Michigan Historical Markers. Given 1991. Main Street-James Couzens Memorial Park, Bath, MI, |
Bath Village #4f | Bath | Clinton | 1858-1921 | Original log school on Walnut Street in Bath. Now in Bath Village | Log/B | School from 1858-1873 was held in a log structure. A two-story brick school was built in 1873. First High School Graduation was in 1891. Woodhutt in Shiawassee County sent students here to Bath. Consolidated with many rural districts to form Bath Agricultural School (District #1f in 1921). See James Couzens Bath Agricultural School Clinton Co. p. 6 | |
Denison/Denison #4f | Ovid | Clinton | 1843-1964 | 6843 Alward Rd, Laingsburg next to Victor Township Hall | Log/B | Fractional with Victor Township. The log school was replaced by a 22 ft x 36 ft red brick building built in 1881-82. The district closed and joined the Ovid District in 1964. When Sleepy Hollow State Park was created, Denison School was in the middle of the park. The school was moved a quarter mile so a campground could be built. (Site 83 in the campground is the original location of the school). Then the park threatened to demolish the school in 1997. In December of 1997, the school was moved to the Victor Township Hall and placed above a basement which was used for storage. It is operated by the Victor Township Historical Society. Records for the school are available at the State archives and the Victor Historical Society. Clinton Co p. 174 | |
Simmons School #8f & #1f | Riley | Clinton | 1846-1960's | 4212 W Chadwick Rd, Near Airport. DeWitt | Log/W/B | A vacant log hut was the first school in the year 1846. There were 8 or 9 students. Before a replacement school could be built the Simmons district was divided and Pike School district was made. So Simmons School moved into a copper shop that was also logs fastened together with wooden pins. It had a shake roof and the floor was split logs. This 2nd school was followed by a 3rd log school but it was much larger. Finally in 1864-65 a frame school was built on and donated by Atwell Simmons. Between 1880-1889 students from Watertown were added and the district was now #8f. The frame school was sold and moved and a new brick building constructed on the same site. It had a wood stove and kerosene lamps. Forty or more students attended this school. The Simmons district annexed to St. Johns in 1961 due to overcrowding. The building was sold in 1968 and converted into a residence. Clinton Co. p. 200
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Blood #3f | Victor | Clinton | 1846-1945 | Jason Rd, 1 mile W of Meridian Rd | Log/E/CB | 6 miles S of Charlevoix on US-31 | |
Red Schoolhouse #1 | Eagle | Clinton | 1839-1853 | Grand River between Niles & Wright Rds | W | See Kebler School. Frame school built summer of 1839. Known as Little Red School House as it was painted red. Students from Watertown (Eaton County) also attended. Building was replaced in 183 by the Kebler School. Clinton Co.110 | |
District #8f | Lebanon | Clinton | 1870-by 1890 | SE Gratiot & Hubbardston Rds | Log | Schools of Clinton County, Michigan. Gone by 1890 Clinton Co. p. 153 | |
Van Giesen #1 | Dallas | Clinton | 1857-1930's | E side of Wright (M-100) between Centerline & Taft Rds | Log/W | School closed in the 1930's. Officially annexed to Fowler Schools in 1957. The school was sold and moved to Dexter Trail W of Wright Rd where it was used as a garage. Clinton Co. p. 47 | |
Hurd (Old) #9 | DeWitt | Clinton | before 1849-1969 | DeWitt Rd just N of Stoll Rd, in front of Hurd Cemetery | Log/W/B | In 1840's and was donated for a school and cemetery. First was a log school followed by a wood-frame school which burned down in 1885, to be followed by a brick school. In 1949 a new 5 room school on 10 acres was built on DeWitt Rd. The district then had two buses. In 1965 Hurd voted to merge with DeWitt, but some students went to Lansing schools instead. The brick schoolhouse continued to be used for kindergarten through the 1965-66 school year. It was then sold and is privately owned. Clinton Co. p. 69 | |
North Eagle #9 | Eagle | Clinton | 1859-1965 | SW corner of Howe & Hinman Rds in Eagle | W | This wood frame building was 30 ft x 30 ft which was unusual to be square. It merged with Portland Schools in July, 1965 but its students were bused to the Eagle Village School until 1969 when that school also closed. The North Eagle school was sold and now used for storage. Some records for this school are at the State of Michigan Archives. Clinton Co p. 109 | |
Schaefer #9 | Dallas | Clinton | 1859-1845 | Dexter Trail & Jones Rd | Log/W | The 1863 School Inspector reported that this district was educating their students in German. The original log school was replaced in 1875 with a frame structure. The district was annexed to the Pewamo School district by 1945 and the building was demolished. Clinton Co p. 49 | |
Gladden #7 | DeWitt | Clinton | 1861-1959 | SW corner of State & Williams (Wood) Rds | W | In 1863 the State School Inspector said that the school is held in an old dilapidated frame building which would not shelter the scholars from a storm. In 1864 a 2nd new 20 ft x 27 ft frame building was built, and in 1900 a 3rd building was built on the same site. Sometimes called Welland. Due to low enrollment, and therefore being closed for two years, Gladden merged with Gunnisonville School on October 7, 1958. The Gladden building was demolished and the and is now part of Granger Meadow Park. Clinton Co. p. 66 | |
Union Home #2 | Greenbush | Clinton | 1840-1965 | 7940 DeWitt Rd, St Johns | W | By 1885 they were building the 3rd schoolhouse for the Union Home School district #2. The district consolidated with St. Johns between 1963-1965. The school was sold in 1968 for $975 and converted into a residence. Clinton Co. p. 132 | |
Colony Rochester #1 | Duplain | Clinton | 1843- | N side of Colony between Chandler & Harmon Rds | Log/W | The frame-school was 26 ft x 30 ft wide and 45 ft long with a 12 ft ceiling. The pine siding was painted white. The windows had green blinds. A steeple and belfry were added. In 1960 Colony merged with Elsie. The school was abandoned, but then used by Rochester Colony as a Community Center. The MSU archives and Clinton Co. Historical Society have records for this district Clinton Co. p. 79 | |
Rheubottom/Terry/Rew #6f#9#/7 | Olive | Clinton | 1863-1924 | SE corner of Alward Rd, E of Krepps Rd | Log | Rheubottom district started about 1863 as #9 in a log building. In 1864 it was renumbered #7, and a year or two later renumbered District #6. A new log building was built called the Terry School, but it burned in 1883. Then a school named Rheubottom was built and it was fractional with a portion of Victor Township so now #6f. In 1924 that school burned down. Yet another school was built. By 1954 the district was getting crowded with pupils and it was the first rural school to annex to St. John's. It sat unoccupied for 12 years and then sold for $1 in 1966 as a community center. In 1987 it was sold and converted into a residence. Clinton Co p. 165 | |
Love #12f | Bath | Clinton | 1859-1922 | Chandler & Howe Rds | W | Fractional with DeWitt Schools. Love School was 24 ft x 30 ft built in 1859. Closed for 25 days in 1918-19 for smallpox and Influenza. District consolidated with Bath in 1922. The building was auctioned in 1922. Clinton Co. p. 13 | |
Watertown Center | Watertown | Clinton | 1849-196?? | NW corner Francis & Clark Rds | Log/W/B | Watertown Center School began in 1849. About 1867 a new frame school was built on the NW corner of Francis and Clark Rds. In 1917 that building was replaced with a brick school. The district was annexed by Grand Ledge. The school building was sold to Watertown Township for $1.00 and used as a meeting hall as it was next to what was then the township offices. The cupola and bell were removed and then moved in 1987 to the new Watertown Township Hall. The bell was renamed the Watertown Heritage Bell. Clinton Co. p. 221 | |
Dills #4 | Olive | Clinton | by 1864-1961 | 2485 Chadwick Rd, DeWitt | Log/W/CB | See Brown School, Olive Township. A 1900 Graduation program refers to The Brown School as the Dill's School. Clinton Co. p. 161 | |
Fightin' Five #5 | Olive | Clinton | 1857-1968 | NE corner of Bond & Chadwick | B | See Lemm School. | |
Richmond/Shelter #1 | Greenbush | Clinton | 1842-1966/67 | 1883 French Rd, St Johns | Log/W | In late 1960's 28 students attended Richmond. It consolidate with St. Johns schools in 1964-65 and the building was converted into the township hall and senior citizens center. Clinton Co. p. 132 | |
Strickland #2f | Lebanon | Clinton | 1859-1959 | NE corner of Wright (M-100) & Colony Rds | W | Strickland was first a log schoolhouse. It was fractional but unknown who with. Sometime around 1874 a new wood-frame school was built across the road from the log school. The district voted to join Fowler Schools in 1958 and the school closed in the spring of 1959. Today it is the Lebanon Township Hall. Schools of Clinton County p. 146 | |
Original log schools | Bath | Clinton | 1844-1847 | Center Rd Area | Log | The first 2 or 3 schools in Bath Township were all made of logs. They were built between 1844-1847 and were about 25 sq ft. History of Bath Charter Township p. 6 | |
Holly #5f | Olive | Clinton | 1857-1967 | 1637 DeWitt Rd, St Johns | W/B | See Lemm School. Clinton Co. p. 164 | |
Sutton #1 | Bengal | Clinton | 1846-? | S side of Parks Rd, E of corner with Wacousta Rd | Log/W | 2nd school was a wood-frame building built about 1858 just E of the original log school. The district merged with Fowler Schools. After the school closed it was dismantled and some of the wood used for a nearby house. Clinton Co. p.19 | |
Little Brick #3f | Duplain | Clinton | 1859-1961 | Corner of Shepherdsville & Colony Rds | Log/B | Fractional with Ovid. May have evolved from #5 which had ceased operation. In 1960 Little Brick consolidated with Elsie. The school closed in 1961 and the building was demolished in 1971. Clinton Co. p. 85 | |
Dutton #8 | Dallas | Clinton | 1858-1957 | SE corner of Townsend & Hinman Rds | Log/W | Dutton school was in the same area as the Township's first log school built in 1849. Records for the district from 1858-1878 are at the Clarke Library at Central Michigan University. Dutton was annexed to the Fowler School District soon after 1957. The building was sold and relocated to Jones Rd in Pewamo. Clinton Co. p. 49 |
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