THE MICHIGAN ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE ASSOCIATION

Paris

Paris

Kent

SW corner S/10

10

B

History and Directory of Kent County, 1870 Mary Brady

Cascade

Lowell

Kent

Lowell District

Contact: Leah (Reynolds) Snyder, 2916 Lowell St., Kalamazoo

Chubbuck #3f

Tyrone

Kent

1861-

S side 21 Mile Rd & Callen Rd.

3

W

Fractional; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Built near residence of Mr. Chubb. Kent.migenweb/directory 1870/tyrone. Mary Brady

Dockeray/Cannon #5

Cannon

Kent

1930's

Blakely Rd near Nine Mile Rd

5

W

Museum donated to Cannon Historical Society in 1978. Grand Rapids Press, October 10, 1993; built late 1800's. Closed in the 1930's and building donated to Cannon Historical Society in 1978. Mentioned, but no information. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 681

Grove #15

Alpine

Kent

W

See Beech Grove School #15. 1 teacher. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 561

Forest Hills School District

Ada

Kent

1957-current

Forest Hill Ave. Borders E edge

In 1956 the State of Michigan said every school district had to have its own H.S. In GR Township after 6th or 8th grade the students had transferred to Rockford or Creston in GR. Now the Township had to consolidate their rural schools and build a High School. This new district would cover 96 sq miles but was sparsely populated. The new district was named Forest Hills and took students from the six Township Elementary Schools: Orchard View, Collins, Knapp, Ada, Cascade and Martin. GR Township History p. 83

Knapp #9

GR Township

Kent

1851-1951

On Knapp east of Maguire in today's Knapp Valley

9

W

Knapp School was built as a solid wood frame building 24' by 30' with a good foundation. The school costs $2100. Later it was moved to make room for East Beltline. (photo of students after more, 1933. p. 40) Knapp school in the 1870's had such a fine reputation it was often referred to as the banner rural school in the county.The building now a permanent historical site with restored school and open to the public in the township park. GR township history p. 80 photo & page 73 photo of students. Photo of school today p. 27

Rounds #8

Courtland

Kent

1860

Front of N Rockford Middle School

30

W

Moved to 10 Mile Rd NE off of 13 Mile Rd in Rockford. Mary Brady

Riverview #2f

Lowell

Kent

S side Riverview Dr and Sparta Road

22 or 4

B

Fractional; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society Annexed to Sparta Schools

Plainfield #10

Plainfield

Kent

1929-1978.

West of E. Beltline and bordered on N by Grand River Drive.

B

Built to State Standards (Standard School requirements?) 2 large rooms with large windows on the E and W side. Library, full basement, Kitchen, hot water system for heat. In 1950's addition. Name changed to D.W. Richardson. Closed 1978. Plainfield Charter p. 104

East Paris #8

Paris

Kent

3065 E. Paris Ave. Kentwood

13

Business - Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Now Kentwood Christian Church. Mary Brady

Lowell #1

Lowell

Kent

5 miles N of Lowell. MB

2

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Abandoned. www.woodtv.com. Mary Brady

Harris/Harris Creek #7

Bowne

Kent

by 1860-

Originally a log structure that burned in the 1860's

29

LOG/

Originally a log school that burned. A replacement school was built Today Bowne is a small village Converted to a Residence. Information on this school including students and teachers is available at Bowne Center. The Slate Fall 2011

Edgerton #2f

Algoma

Kent

1850

Northland drive (east side of Twp line), just east of Edgerton village (atlas)

24

W

Fractional with students from Courtland Township. In 1866 a larger frame building was erected 1/2 mile east of Edgerton Station, at a cost of $500. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Lessirer #7f

Oakfield

Kent

33

Fractional. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Lovett/Barnard

East Grand Rapids

Kent

1851-1963

In 1922 it was sold to East GR School by West Mich. Catholic Diocese. In 1933 adapted for Kindergarten. Now demolished in 1963. Mary Brady

Hoag #8

Solon

Kent

32

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Possibly Red Brick

Kent

1869 -1867

S/33

33

Log

Gone - burned

Newhall #2

Wyoming

Kent

1856 -1894

NOR 44th at Byron Center

W

Moved in 1894 to 36th & Byron Center - Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Cook

Byron

Kent

1842-current

Orson Cook gave 1/2 acre of his farm for the building

Log/W

After several years in this 1842 school building the roof gave way and the school was disbanded. The children walked to another school and when that school closed they went to Ross School. The parents decided that was too long and dangerous a walk so they tore-down the log school and replaced it with a wooden-frame school on the same site as the log school. Then in 1916, a 2nd room was added with a basement under that addition. 2 teachers taught at the two-room school that went from K-3rd grade. Byron History p. 134-138

Hillman #1

Ensley

Kent

1887-1967

NW corner of 104th (Kendallville) and Cypress.

10

W

Originally School #2 but later became school #1 That first school was in section 9 but moved across the street to section 10. In 1887 there were 38 students enrolled with an average attendance of 21. Hilman consolidated with Tri-County in 1967. The school is owned today by the Bird family that own the market across the street.

Van Nest #2

Byron

Kent

1858

NW corner of of 68th St and Burlingame.

5

W

One of the finest in the county Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 609. The 3rd Van Nest School was built on the 2nd school's site. See 1902 photo in Byron History book

Holy Corners #4

Caledonia

Kent

17

Fractional. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. 2 teachers. History of Kent Co c. 1881 p. 645

Grove #3

Cascade

Kent

1852-

8185 36th St

14

W

Totally reconverted to AIR -BB. Ada, Michigan

Johnson/Mill Pond/Tabor #13f

Alpine

Kent

1839-1844 & 1859-

Originally on the ridge west of Solomon Wright's

34

W

Fractional with Walker Township. Also known as Johnson School. In 1844 a new school was built on the Erastus Clark property in the SE 1/4 of Section 32 and became known as the Tabor School. In 1859 the wooden-frame Johnson or Mill Pond school was built on Joseph Bullen's property in S/34 next to the Mill Pond. In 1885, 42 students were attending Johnson School and teachers were paid $100. No longer standing but is location of Kenowa Hills High School. Info from Marva Hathaway migenweb.org. 2 teachers. History of Kent Co c. 1881 p. 561

Cordes School #11

Alpine

Kent

1855-until 1960's

Originally NW Cordes Ave and Alpine Church Road in Comstock Park, N of Grand Rapids

26

W

Organized in 1855; School board members: Wm. Cordes (1869); William Cordes (1872 & 1879); Nicholas Thiessen (1885); Joseph Platte (1895); Walter Vinton (1905) The school is now gone (2024) but stood next to the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery where the tombstones remain. After Cordes closed it had annexed with Kenowa Hills and the children attended there. No longer standing. Information from Gordon Timmins, Hollywood, California who attended Cordes School. 1 teacher. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 561

Simonds' #11

Walker

Kent

3

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Becker #4f

Courtland

Kent

1855

S/25

25

W

Fractional; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Stone #2

Bowne

Kent

6815 Morse Lake & 68th St

7

W

Converted to a Residence. Information on this school, students and staff is available at the Bowne Center.

Spangenberg #1

Sparta

Kent

20

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. No longer standing. Old School Project.

Snow #7f

Cascade

Kent

1859-1870

3190 Snow Ave between 36th & 28th S/13

13

Log

Fractional; 1859-1870; used as Snow Avenue Methodist Church auxiliary building

Northview #16

Plainfield

Kent

1859-1986

28

Went from a one room school in 1859 on a acre of land donated. I has 2 outhouses. School was expanded and called Main Oakview. In 1953 There was West and East Oakview. In 1957 North Oakview was built. Graduating 8th graders attend Comstock Park or Creston HS in Grand Rapids. In 1983 D. W. Richardson and Main Oakview closed. Plainfield Charter p. 115 Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Byron Center #8 (3 & 4th School)

Byron

Kent

1854-1947

Byron Twp Sch 84th & Homerick

W

White trim on red brick. In 1901 after Byron Center added the 9th and 10th grades students from the rural schools could transfer to Byron Center. After passing 10th grade they would receive their diploma. Then eventually 11th and 12 grades were added by 1921. Byron History p. 94. See photo of first graduating class. Mary Brady. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 609. This 3rd school only stood a few years as it burnt at Christmas time in 1917. So in the summer of 1918 another school of brick was built on the same site. In 1918 a 2nd story was added to the north part of the building. In 1927 on the south side of the school a Gymnasium was built for about $20,000. Byron History p. 96. Photo of 3rd school. In 1933 the kitchen and stage were built by the W.P.A. for $5,000. Byron History p. 97. In 1951 bonds were sold for additional classrooms and a workshop. The building was occupied after Christmas, in the winter of 1952. The new, $165,000 Byron Center, 12 room high school was dedicated June 13, 1952. In 1955 8 rooms were added for elementary students plus a gymnasium and a garage for bus storage. Byron History p. 97

Sweet #12

Lowell

Kent

Near Alto, a few miles SE of Grand Rapids

28

Gone/Michigan Monthly 6/95 - Michigan Monthly magazine, June 1995;

Hurd #11

Paris

Kent

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Bowen Station #3

Paris

Kent

1894-after 1907

Originally on W side of Red Pine at 21 mile. Then in 1907 moved to the other side of Red Pine at 20 mile

29

Log/W

Western Michigan Genealogical Society. In 1894 was in S/11 on W side of Red Pine at 21 mile. Then in 1907 moved to the side of Red Pine at 20 mile. It is no longer standing

Sand Lake #9f

Nelson

Kent

NOR

5

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

White Swan #1

Oakfield

Kent

by 1845

Current Address:11009 Podunk Ave NE Grand Rapids

29

First schoolhouse was built some time after 1845. Harry McArthur was the first teacher. Memorial p. 225. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. 616-984-6249. Oakfield Pioneer Heritage Museum Open 2nd & 4th Sundays 2-4 p.m. June-Sept. First weekend of May. Several local museums in the area. Mary Brady

Grandville #10

Grandville City

Kent

118 yrs old

Heritage Park, City of Grandville

City of Grandville

Owned by Grandville Historical Commission. In Heritage park. Used as a living history museum for children. Mary Brady

Kent City #4

Tyrone

Kent

Listing say Kent School, Tyrone. May be wrong sch.

28

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Two-story, white with a bell tower. 4 to 8 rooms. Sat in middle of friends. (Superior View Photo) Mary Brady

Colton #7f

Alpine

Kent

1869

Located on the N side of 7 Mile Rd on the top of a hill E of Alpine Station

13

W

Fractional with Plainfield. Organized in 1869. Cost $950. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 561

McKenney #1

Byron

Kent

1846-1947

SW corner 84th Street at Homerich

20

W/Log/W/B

The first McKenney #1 school was torn down in 1846. The 2nd McKenney school was a log school kitty corner from the present school. (Made into a buggy shed) Byron History. p. 111. See photo of students in 1906. The 3rd McKenney school was a frame building on the same site as the brick school had been kitty korner corner from the present school. The 4th school was a real brick structure in 1891. It consolidated with Byron in 1947. A few years after that it had K-erd grade students attend. Byron History p. 119. 3 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 609

Huff #7

GR Township

Kent

1852-

Originally on the S side of S/8

8

Log/Block

In 1862 the site was changed to the north side of S/8 on account of a division of the school district. A block house was erected on the N side of S/8 the following year which still is used for events. Huff School moved from GR Township into Grand Rapids Public Schools in 1960 when the land was annexed to Grand Rapids City. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Possibly Bailey #8

Vergennes

Kent

29

Lincoln Lake #4

Oakfield

Kent

SW corner 20 mile Road & Meddler Avenue

16

Fractional. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Converted to storage shed. Old School Project.

Pearsall #8

Alpine

Kent

1851-1926

Original school in section 28 by the home of Sherman Pearsall.

28

W/B

The original school was a small frame house. It was replaced by a white brick structure that burned in 1926 and that school has been called the White Brick School. After the fire, the school was replaced with a wooden-frame building. In 1885, 36 students were attending this school and $100 was spent on teacher wages. These schools are no longer standing. Info from Marva Hathaway migenweb.org. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 561

Paris

Paris

Kent

NE corner S/34

34

W

History and directory of Kent County, 1870. Mary Brady

House #7

Algoma

Kent

1863

Near White Creek and Russell Roads (atlas)

23

W

Second School

Byron

Kent

1800-1890-

SE corner of Prescott and Church Street, opposite the Methodist church

B

It wasn't long before this second school was also over crowded. The roof was raised and a upper floor added. Byron Schools p. 96 (see photo of school with 2 floors p. 97 and photo of students at 2nd school p. 98 & 99)

Whitney #5f

Byron

Kent

1894-1945

Originally a small building located near the SE corner of what is now the Sullivan farm

3

W/W/W/B

Fractional. 1894-1945. There were 4 Whitney Schools all total. The first was a small building. The 2nd was a two-room building that had an enrollment of 95 pupils. The ground for this 2nd school was donated by the Pfeiffer's off of their farm. The school was moved in 1894, but has since burned-down. In 1894, a brick school with a basement was built on land donated by Mr. Whitney. That building burned-down in the fall of 1923. The present building was built by 1924. Now teaches K-3. The 4th school was built in 1923. Byron History. See Photo. Building converted into a residence. Burned-down. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 609

Block #2

Tyrone

Kent

SE corner 17 mile Rd and Paine Ave.

36

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Strong #2

Cascade

Kent

1846-1870

Buttrick S of Bolt Rd.

10

Log

1846-1870; second building converted to residence; MORSA

Beech/Grove/Monroe #15f

Alpine

Kent

Before 1900

NW corner of Fruit Ridge & 4 Mile Rd, SW 1/4, S/32

32

W

Fractional with Walker School. Known as Beech, Graves and Monroe. One-room school demolished. Replaced by modern two-room. Same name on Fruit Ridge Ave. 1 teacher. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 561

Alpine #1

Alpine

Kent

1860

4730 Baumhoff Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321

36

Steele's Corner #1f

Cannon

Kent

1872-1951

Tiffany Ave NE, near M 44, Rockford, MI

12

W

Residence. Fractional with Grattan Township. 1872-1951. Building converted into a residence. MORSA. There is already a Cannon #1 McCabe. Mentioned, but no information History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 681

Corinth #6f

Byron

Kent

1867

Division North of 100th Street

25 & 36

W

Corinth was known in 1867 as Cody's Mills name after Mr. Copdy who had his mills there. The parents wanted a new school district in there area which is how #6f came about in 1867. It covered the east half of section 25 and 36 plus most of S/30 and S/31 of the Township of Gaines. Built as a wooden-frame school it was 26 ft x 36 ft and 12 ft high. In the spring of 1926 the schoolhouse was sold and moved to a farm. In the summer of 1926 a new school was built. It had one classroom and a library room. Also it had a full basement which was made into a recreation room. During the school year 1944-45 the students were sent to Caledonia on account of a shortage of teachers. It was closed and then annexed to Byron Township Schools. Byron History p 137-142. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 609

#4f

Ada

Kent

1867

23

Cost $800 to build. 1 teacher

School house #1

Bowne

Kent

1849

First town meeting for elections in school house

5

Log

History of Kent Co c. 1881 p. 588

South Grand Rapids #1f

Wyoming/Paris

Kent

Orchard View #10

Grand Rapids

Kent

1860

Two-room school; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Freeman #6

Wyoming

Kent

Org 1856

56th & Wilson

31

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Shafer #9

Paris

Kent

1855 -

44th St. 1/4 S of Shaffer

26,27

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Alpine #3f

Alpine

Kent

1838

Original Schoolhouse placed to the W of Solomon Wright's house on the E 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of S/33

33

Log/B

The school was to be 18 ft x 22 ft. A $6 library case was purchased and $4 for library books. The school had a winter term (3 months) and summer term (4 months) Men were paid 3X that of the women teachers. Students from outside Alpine paid $1.00 to attend. 150 Years of Alpine History p. 24

Barber/Caldonia #1

Caledonia

Kent

1839-1934/MB says 1848

96th & Whitney Move to High School Duncan Lake Rd, Caledonia, MI

26

W

Restored. Moved in 1994 behind the Township Fire Hall, Caledonia Historical Commission. Built in 1839, oldest in Township. Renovated as a museum. Closed in 1934. Moved to High School, Duncan Lake Rd. History of Caledonia by Barbara Gall. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 645

Sparta High School #2

Sparta

Kent

1846-1901

475 W. Spartan Dr, Sparta, MI 49345-8734. Current address.

14

L/B

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society Sparta High School. Originally Logs in 1846. In 1875 two story Brick school built. Renovated and enlarged. It was for grades 9-12. It offered Advance Placement and classes at Ferris College. It was used until 1901. It is possibly that school was used until 1970 along with other town schools. Old School Project

Cedar Springs 1st school

Nelson

Kent

1857

Shandy, W, W

We cannot but commend the public spirit that has established her excellent graded school, and erected her noble schoolhouse Perhaps the best in the county outside of Grand Rapids. Memorial p. 220. Miss Clarinda Stillwell is accredited as being the first teacher summer of 1857. (List of 1st teacher p.221) The first schoolhouse was a shanty, the 2nd a good frame building for 60 scholars, the 3rd, which was opened Jan 1, 1873, a noble structure, worth $20,000. Cedar Springs believes in education. Memorial p. 221.

Smith #6

Courtland

Kent

2

Log

Walker #7

Walker

Kent

3

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Ballards/Rouse #4f

Alpine

Kent

1844

1 Mile N of Sparta. On N edge of S/3

3

W/B

Fractional with Sparta. The wooden-frame school commonly called Rouse. Later a brick schoolhouse was built that became known at the Ballards School. These schools were located on the N line of S/3. In 1885, 53 students were enrolled and $143 was spent on teacher wages. The schools are no longer standing. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 561

O'Brien #2

Oakfield

Kent

26

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Farrell #6f

Ada

Kent

1854

12

W

Fractional; Western Michigan Genealogical Society. $450 was spent to build #6 Ferrell

Cedar Springs #5f

Nelson

Kent

NOR

30

Fractional; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Post #4f

Plainfield

Kent

Still 1923

1200 Post Dr. NE Belmont 49306

8

W

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. 616-784-111? has several different churches. Was originally a school starting in 1894. Served children of Plainfield and Alpine Township. Presently Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. http://www.ccforweb.com Mary Brady

Block #11

Algoma

Kent

In Village of Laphamville (now Rockford)

W/B

1st school in Algoma Township. Old frame building of years ago replaced by a fine 3 story brick, 60 ft x 63 ft at a cost of $20,000. Erected in 1870 at which time the school was graded and known as the Rockford Union School. Rockford has a school any town might be proud of. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 526

Bailey #8

Vergennes

Kent

29

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Possibly Seymour #1

Paris

Kent

28th St.

Moved from Eastern & Burton

Boyton #4f

Vergennes

Kent

1880-1958

391 Boyton, corner of McCabe & 4 Mile

W

Now converted to Residence.

McCarthy #8

Walker

Kent

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Reeds Lake

Paris

Kent

1928

Lake Drive between Laurel and Lovett was for a HS

HS with complete with auditorium, gymnasium, swimming pool . Or this school may have become Wealthy Elementary School This school became the Wealthy Elem. School had an addition of a cafeteria and library in the basement. The Wealthy baseball field was then converted for Kindergarten classes.

McIntyre #9

Lowell

Kent

9

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Beckwith #11

Grand Rapids

Kent

Unknown

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. When the city of Grand Rapids annexed sections of GR Township & this Township consolidated to GR Public Schools in 1960. GR Township: The History p. 86

Nelson Center #6

Nelson

Kent

15

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Moseley #4f

Vergennes

Kent

about 1915-1958

Four Mile Rd & SE corner of Lincoln Lake Rd, Lowell. Just S of 11 mile Road between Wolverne and Elvenstine roads (atlas)

2

B

State Historic Site 1985. Standard School. Fractional. Building converted into a residence. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Historical Marker No longer on site. Mary Brady

Murphy #4

Paris

Kent

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Walter #5

Vergennes

Kent

1868

1218 Lincoln Lake Rd. E side of Lincoln Lake Rd and McPherson Rd

14

Established in 1868; building converted to residence

Godwin

Paris

Kent

Old Plank Rd, near Godwin Tavern

B

History and directory of Kent County, 1870. Mary Brady

Alton #1

Vergennes

Kent

1839-

Is location of present Alton Pioneer Village Park near Lowell 2780 Lincoln Lake Ave, NE

11

Log/W

Has a Michigan Historical Marker. In 1839 a log schoolhouse built in this location. It was the first in the township. Site of first log school in Alton. Alton Historical Church Museum. Mary Brady Area now a Kent County Park. Traveling Thru Time p. 232. Building may now be a residence

Weller #3

Cannon

Kent

1850's-1959

Myers Lake rd & M 44

9

W

1850's-1959; building converted to residence. Mention but no information History of Kent Co c. 1881 p. 681

Grattan Center #8f

Grattan

Kent

Michigan State University Grattan Grange #170 p. 87. Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Fonger Am Legion

GR Township

Kent

2375 Wilson SW, Grand Rapids

Possibly a school. Mary Brady

Star #8

Byron o Bowne?

Kent

Corner of 8th Ave & Byron Center Rd near GR

B

Mary Brady. 2 teachers. History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 609

(Talbot) St Patrick

Grattan

Kent

1880-1958 - 1870-1953

Moved to Patterson & Broadway Ave. 2035 Buttrick

Residence

Kent

Solon

Kent

Evans #5f or #6f

Courtland

Kent

circa 1900-

8621 Benham

1

W

Fractional; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society Submitted by Daniel Metsker

Lakes #8

Cannon

Kent

Location unknown

Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society. Mentioned, but no information History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 681

Lowe #6

Bowne

Kent

circa 1850-mid 1960's

NW corner of 100th street and Alden Nash Avenue.

28

W

Information on this school and it's students and teachers is available at Bowne Center. Lowe school is gone - Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Townline #2f

Paris

Kent

Fractional; Western Michigan GeneaLogical Society

Schuman #8

Cascade

Kent

by 1881

Patterson, between 44th & 52nd St

30

W

1881 - Painted White

Ray #7f

Cannon

Kent

William Foote & Nine Mile Rd 2nd

2

W

Fractional. 1850s-1958. Original building used for storage. Second building converted into a residence. MORSA. Mentioned, but no information History of Kent County c. 1881 p. 681

Paddy College #1

Cascade

Kent

1849/1869

48th St. S of airport

29

W

In operation in 1849; building converted to residence