top of page

THE MICHIGAN ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE ASSOCIATION
School | Township | County | Year | Location | Use | BM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sawyerville/Kellogg #1 | Rose Lake | Osceola | 1882-1945 | The school overlooks Sawyerville Lake or Penasa Lake as it is now called | 29 | W | Mr. Sawyer of the Kellogg and Sawyer lumber operation gave the land for the school site. It was built as a frame school in 1882. It was later enlarged. In 1945 the district consolidated with the LeRoy Township district and the building was torn-down. School Days p. 72 |
Butler/Crocker #3 | Highland | Osceola | 1880-1961 | In the Butler settlement, later to be re-named Crocker | 25 | Log/W | Miss Sara Glow was the teacher for District No #3 (see photo p. 126) and boarded at the home of Absalom Butler. The name Butler was given to the school and the small settlement. Then later it became Crocker and then even Pisgah Heights. The summer term at Butler closed for haying in July. They also closed for potato digging the last two weeks of October. In 1961, they consolidated with Marion Area Schools and the old frame school became a community center. Marion Moving Ahead p. 127. School Days photo p. 34 & 37 |
Slaybaugh #1 | Cedar | Osceola | 1940's | Originally on property owned by Mary Ripley & Jack Thomas in S/20 | 20 | Log/W | The first school was of log construction. That school was torn-down. Then a wooden-frame school was built 1/2 mile W on what is known as Slaybaugh Corners, a small settlement with a grocery store near the school. The school building was used as a community center. Slaybaugh #1 consolidated with the Reed City Schools in the late 1940's. That building was also torn-down and the lot is designated as a memorial center. School Days p. 17 |
Gormer/Underwood #2 | Middle Branch | Osceola | 1886-1961 | The Gormer crossroads of 20th Ave & 14 Mile Rd in the former settlement | 27 | Log?/W | In 1886, District #2 (Photo p. 129) erected a frame building on the NE corner of S/27. This replaced an earlier building located to the S. A bell was purchased in 1889 at a cost of $15.00, a substantial sum considering that the teacher's monthly wage then was $30.00. The school was originally known as the Underwood School but in later years was called the Gormer School as it was part of the Gormer settlement at that crossroads. District #2 annexed to the Marion Township Unit School in June, 1961. Prior to this the district had been sending its 7th and 8th graders to Marion. The schoolhouse building was sold and is still standing. Marion Moving Ahead p. 130 |
Covert #4 | Orient | Osceola | 1884-1946 | Located at Big Lake | 33 | W | Robert Covert bought an empty school building at Big Lake, tore it down, and rebuilt Covert School on the same site. In 1946 Covert Schools consolidated with the Barryton and Evart districts. (The students could go to whichever school was closest for them) Now Barryton Area Historical Museum, Mecosta County. School Days 61. Photo p. 60 |
Happy Hollow #7 | Evart | Osceola | 1900-1931 | 25 | W | Parents felt that students living in the Happy Hollow School had too far to walk to school. So the school closed in 1931 and the building was torn-down. The families send their students to Ballentyne, Alexander, Gairn, Maddern, Minier, Murray, Hockey, Kabele and McLaughlin (not all in Osceola County) School Days p. 22 | |
Sessionville #8 | Marion | Osceola | 1882- | Corner of Hibma Rd & 20th Ave | 3 | W | This wooden-frame school was #8 and there is a bit of information about it and a photo in Marion Moving Ahead p. 119. No information as to when it closed |
Wilson #8 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1882-1959 | Located two miles S of the Burt School | 31 | W | Was in operation by 1882. Had a large enrollment during the lumbering era. The school site was donated to the district by Mrs. Lump. This building received many improvements. It consolidated with Reed City Public Schools in 1959. The building was remodeled as a home School Days p. 47 photo |
Marion | Osceola | Elementary kids. No shoes p. 57. Pictorial History p. 56 photo | |||||
Pioneer #1 | Highland | Osceola | by 1882-1961 | 18 | Log/W | Pioneer School was later called the Moored School named for an early settler, E. Moored. It was in operation by 1882. It was originally a log building 7 logs high, 16 ft x 24 ft with a shake roof. It was furnished with benches, tables, slates, a blackboard, Webster's unabridged dictionary, Yaggs anatomical charts and a round oak stove. Cost of this first building and furnishings was $400. In 1889 a frame building replaced the log school. The school had many books not commonly found in all schools. It was voted to close in 1961. The building was used for church services in the 1950's and 1960's and is now a residence. School Days. p. 34 | |
Ashton #5 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1871-1958 | Ashton Center in the village, 7 miles N of Reed City & just E of US-131 | 10 | Log/W | First one-room school and church built in 1871. The first teacher was Ellen Miller. In the early 1900 a frame building was erected. There was an enrollment of 60 students at that time. The K-8 school closed in 1958 and area children went to the Pine River District School as Ashton district consolidated with LeRoy. A church has moved into the schoolhouse since the school closed. Michigan Shadow Towns p. 130. School Day photo p. 45 |
High Bridge #6 | Burdell | Osceola | -1930's | Wardenville Lumber Camp | 6 | School closed when the lumber camp left. The building was torn-down. School Day p. 15. Photo p. 16 | |
Harding #4 | Marion | Osceola | 1891- | Next to the Michigan East & West RR | 30 | W | The Harding School stood next to the railroad in S/30. It was built in 1891. The wooden-frame school cost $75 and started with 4 pupils. This building was moved to Marion by Carl Case and is owned by Joe Crane. Marion Moving Ahead p. 119 |
Keys #7 | Highland | Osceola | 1884-1944 | S/7 | 7 | W | Keys was the only frame school building in Highland Township before 1884. It served the children of some of the earliest settlers who had arrived around 1867. The district consolidated in 1944 with Marion Schools. School Days p. 35 |
Brown #5 | Evart | Osceola | -1941 | Located on what is known today as 90th Ave | 15 | W | Brown consolidated with Evart. School Days p. 20. Photo p. 20 |
Clark #3 | Middle Branch | Osceola | 1882-1950's | Middle of the E side of S/30 on Clark's land | 30 | W | Oliver Clark, a prominent lumberman and farmer had the land on which #3 Clark School was built at a cost of $325.00. The school was on Clark's land in the middle of the E side of S/30. The district had been sending their 7th and 8th graders to Marion and Evart for a few years before the school consolidated with the Evart district in the early 1950s. The school still stands on the original site and was converted into a home. Marion Moving Ahead p. 130 |
Moffitt #3f | Cedar | Osceola | -1939 | Named after an early settler. Nestled below several hills | 29 | W | Students came from the W, N and S at Callaghan Orchards in Hersey Township to attend Moffitt School. The district consolidated with Reed City Public Schools in 1939. The building is still standing in 1989 and is in use by a sports group. School Days p. 17. Photo p. 18 |
Kipp #5 | Middle Branch | Osceola | 1882-1921 | S/7 | 7 | W | District #5 was a small building fronted on the E and known as the Kipp School, probably due to its being located near the home of Michael Kipp and his 10 children. The school always had a small enrollment and closed about 1921 after WWI. Marion Moving Ahead p. 131 & 132 |
Davis #2 | Hartwick | Osceola | 1870-1930's | Alfred Davis farmland | 8 | Alfred Davis a homesteader in the area, gave the land for the school. It was built at a cost of $500 and originally had 41 pupils. The building is no longer there as it was torn-down. They consolidated with Evart Schools. Marion Moving Ahead p. 126 | |
Avondale | Evart | Osceola | 1882-1960? | Currently at 14479 70th Ave, Evart, MI 49631 | Brick? | ||
Alexander #4 | Evart | Osceola | -1940 | 28 | After the Happy Hollow School closed down in the 1920's the students from that district attended Alexander School. The school consolidated with Evart in 1940 and the building was torn-down | ||
Holdenville #6 | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-1960's | Located in the Holdenville subdivision of Reed City | 9 | W | This wooden-frame school was in operation by 1882. In the 1950's Miller Industries built a factory nearby and began expansions at their factory site. To make room the school building was moved across the road into S/10. The school consolidated with the Reed City Public Schools some time after 1960 and the school was torn-down. School Days. p. 69 |
County Line #4f | Sherman | Osceola | 1870-1946 | 5 | Log/W | Fractional. Students at County Line shared their school with students from both Osceola and Wexford Counties. Originally a log school. A frame school replaced it and it was remodeled several times. Consolidation with Burdell School took place in 1946 and the school is now a residence. School Days p. 76 | |
Randolph #4 | Leroy | Osceola | 1878-1940 | SW corner of S/22 on property owned by John Randolph | 22 | W/W | The school was teaching children of families living at the nearby settlement of Dewings which once had a sawmill, two stores, a post office. Randolph also searched the nearby Carlson settlement. The first school building was opened in 1878 but it soon burned-down and was replaced by a larger frame building. Consolidation with LeRoy Schools took place about 1940. The schoolhouse was torn-down but remnants of the school yard can be seen along US-131 at the Luther Road interchange. School Days p. 42. Photo p. 43 & 47 |
Burt #7 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1882-1959 | Located 1 mile W of the settlement of Orono | 20 | W | Burt was open by 1882. Orono was a small community with stores and a post office. In 1933 the building burned-down, but a new structure was built. It consolidated with the Reed City Public School in 1959 and it is in use today (1998) as a workshop by Mr. Truax. School Days p. 47. Photos p. 44 |
Hinkley #3 | Rose Lake | Osceola | 1870-1942 | On the S side of Rose Lake | 15 | W | The school was built on property owned by the Grand Rapids and Indiana RR and across from land owned by Mary Hinkley. Originally it was a frame school but was replaced by a stone block school. In 1942 it consolidated with the LeRoy Township Schools. Hinkley was torn-down and the stone blocks were used in the construction of a LeRoy garage. School Days p. 72 |
Peters #6f | Osceola | Osceola | by 1900-mid 1950's | Darwin Bennet deeded one acre for the Peters School | 4 | W | Peters School #6 was on one acre of property deeded by Darwin Bennet. In the mid 1950's the district consolidated with Evart and the school was torn-down. Marion Moving Ahead p. 126 |
Bennett #4 | Hartwick | Osceola | by 1882-1960 | 1 mile S of the settlement of Hartwick | 22 | Stone | School extended through the Hicks Lake area as well as to the S quite a distance. The school was a stone structure. Consolidation with Evart was in 1960 and the building became a home. School Days p. 27. Photo p. 26 |
Hillcrest/Brehm #7 | Sherman | Osceola | 1882- 1964 | Area around Sherman City | 16 | W | Hillcrest School was also referred to as the Brehm School. It served students from around Sherman City. The first school was frame but it later became the school woodshed and a new brick school replaced it. The school closed in 1964 and students had their choice of attending Marion Schools or Pine River School. The building reverted back to the original land owners and they made it their residence. School Days p. 77 |
Robinson #2f | Cedar | Osceola | 1880's-1956 | Across from Robinson Lake, in the SW corner originally and then moved to the SE corner | 6 | W | Fractional. Estimated before 1894. 22 pupils Fall & Spring terms of 3 months each. Children came from Indian Lake to the E and from Todd and Lincoln Lake from the S of the school. For years 8th grade graduation ceremonies were held jointly with Slaybaugh School at the Bethel Church. Consolidated with LeRoy in 1956. The building remained as a community center and then sold as a residence. It still was standing in 1998. School Days p. 17. Photo p. 16 & p. 18 |
Rose Lake #2f | Rose Lake | Osceola | 1870-1941 | Located close to the shores of Rose Lake | 3 | Log/W | Fractional. Students from Sherman Township also attended Rose Lake School. It was at first a log building. It is possible it was replaced by a frame school. In 1941 Rose Lake consolidated with the LeRoy Township district. The building was sold and remodeled into a home. School Days p. 72. Photo p. 71 |
Rees #3f | Sherman | Osceola | 1882- | S/7 | 7 | Log/W | Fractional. Some of the fractional students came from Burdell to study at Rees School. The district was organized in 1882 and had it beginnings in a log building. After the frame building came into use it was moved from a location on W up the hill a half mile. This move made it more centralized for families in the district. In 1964 the district annexed with the Kidder School and transportation was furnished to the students. The building is now used by the America Sunday? (in 1989, School Days p. 76) |
Robbins #2F | Evart | Osceola | 1880's-1946 | Near Big Stone Lake, S/30 | 30 | Fractional. Students who attended Robbins School came from both Evart and Hersey Townships and Osceola and Mecosta Counties. The school was built in the 1880's and underwent extensive remodeling in 1897. It closed in 1946 to consolidate with Evart. The building has been empty since then (189). School Days p. 21. Photo p. 18. Additional information in 2025. It is possible on December 2021 that this school was sold for $49.00. The address is 14479 70th Ave Evart, MI 49631, (if this is the correct school made of brick stone with a cupola and no bell) | |
Warson #1 | Osceola | Osceola | 1880's-1960's | Former Osceola Township Hall | 21 | W | German was likely to be heard at Warson School as a large number of German immigrants settled in the area by 1880. The district decided to consolidate with Evart Public Schools in the 1960's and after the school closed it became the Osceola Township Hall. School Days p. 64 Photo p. 64 |
Crapo #1f | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-1936 | Just inside the Osceola County line next to Mecosta County | 34 | Log/W | Fractional. Crapo was a fractional school so students from Osceola and Mecosta counties also attended Crapo School. The school was closer for them and it was just inside the Osceola County line and just E of the Grand Rapids and Indiana RR tracks in Crapo. The school opened in 1882 in a frame building but originally had been in a log building according to Pioneering in Michigan written by Anna Howard Shaw who was the first teacher there at the age of 15. The district consolidated with the Reed City Schools in 1936. The school was moved to Reed City and made into a residence. School Days p. 68 |
Cherry Grove #2 | Osceola | Osceola | 1882-1950's | Very close to the Muskegon River | 26 | W | Students attending the Cherry Grove School would find it easy to fish on the nearby Muskegon River. The school opened in 1882. Additions were made to the school such as inside bathrooms, a cloak room and a front porch. Cherry Grove consolidated with Evart Public Schools in the 1950s and as of 1998 the building is vacant. School Days p. 64. Photo p. 63 |
Maple Hill #3 | Lincoln | Osceola | by 1882-1945 | Located about two miles W of Ashton | 8 | LogW | The property for the grounds and building was deeded to the district on July 26, 1876, by Richard and Margaret Cudebeck. The original log building was replaced with a structure constructed by Wilbur Purchase. Consolidation took place in 1945. The school was torn-down. School Days p. 46. Photo p. 47 & 45 |
First #5 | Richmond | Osceola | 1862-1941 | First school in Osceola County on the NW Qtr of S/25 on Ben Gooch Farm | 25 | Log | The log building was built in 1862. The first teacher was Alice Jones. In 1941 it was moved to the fairgrounds in Evart where it was thought it would be preserved. It remained there some time and some years later vandals did a great deal of damage to it and it was torn-down. School Days p. 68. Photo p. 2 |
Tustin Village #3 | Burdell | Osceola | 1882 | In the Village of Tustin | Open by 1882. School Days p. 13 | ||
Sylvan School #1f | Sylvan | Osceola | 1869-1950's | 1 1/2 miles N of Sears | 31 | W | Fractional. Students from Orient Township also attended this fractional school. School Days p. 80. Photo p. 78 |
Rehkopf #6 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1882-1959 | Two miles S of Ashton on Mackinac Trail | 16 | W | School was in operation by 1882 and being 1 mile E of the settlement of Orono, which had a great deal of lumbering activity the school experienced a large enrollment in the beginning days. Consolidation with Reed City School took place about 1959. The guilding is sill in use as a repair shop. School Days p. 47 |
Faist #9 | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-1910 | Located E of Reed City on US-10 | 11 | Opened by 1882 the Faist School burned-down about 1910. At that point it was decided not to build a replacement school and instead Faist School consolidated with another district. School Days. p. 69 | |
Hall #3 | Leroy | Osceola | 1874-1940 | The site was acquired from the GR Railroad in 1874 | 17 | W | There were sawmills, a store, post office, and the Michigan East & West Railroad train station. The Hall School consolidated with LeRoy Schools about 1940. The school was a Community Center and then sold to a private party in 1965. Present status unknown. School Days p. 42 |
Pierson #5 | Osceola | Osceola | 1882-1960 | 20 | W | Originally in a log schoolhouse. A brick building was built 1/2 mile to the W and replaced the log building. The first teacher was Frankie Laughlin. This district was one of the last rural districts in the county to remain in operation. In 1964 it consolidated to either Marion Schools or Pine River districts, which even was more convenient for the students. Since the school closed it has become a residence. School Days p. 76. Photo p. 74 | |
Evart Public Schools #3 | Osceola | Osceola | 1882-1963 | Current Address: 321 N Hamlock St, Evart, MI 49631 | W | ||
County Line #5 | Marion | Osceola | 1882- | In S/6 possibly near the county line | 6 | Log | A log cabin, District #5 was known as County Line and cost $100 to build. It started with 6 students. Marion Moving Ahead p. 119 |
Riverside #1 | Hersey | Osceola | 1882-1930's | Hersey is located in the SW corner of Hersey Township | 32 | W | Opened by 1882 and was a wooden-frame school that cost $500. It was annexed to Hersey Township Schools in the 1930's and was sold then became a home. No end time for this school available. School Days p. 32 |
Smith #8f | Evart | Osceola | 1900-1930 | Near Slaybought Corners Settlement | 12 | Fractional. Smith was also known at the Swaffield School. It opened around 1900 and had students coming for schooling from Orient Township. Smith consolidated with Evart School by 1930. School Day s p. 22 Photo p. 20 and p. 39 | |
Chapin #1 | Marion | Osceola | 1878-1902 | Originally built on Chapin land in S/35 | 35 | Built by Will England about 1878 at a cost of $275 on S/35 on Chapin Property. First year had 20 students. Archie Chapin Lux bought the building about 1902 and moved it to the Lux property. Marion Moving Ahead p. 119. Photo p. 119 | |
Cleveland/Maple Ridge #8 | Highland | Osceola | 1882-1958 | 15 | First called the Cleveland School it was later known as Maple Ridge. It was in operation since 1882. Frank Cooper taught here in 1912 and then returned to teach there again in 1948. He retired in 1958 when the residents voted to send students to the Marion Schools or the McBain Schools depending on where they lived. Since then the building was torn-down. Marion Moving Ahead p. 128 | ||
Marion Village #7 | Marion | Osceola | 1877-1938 | Village of Marion, MI | 21 | W | |
Hoover #1 | Evart | Osceola | Before 1882-1965 | 14 | W | Original district extended to the S about 3 miles, but a new district organized there in the early 1900's. Hoover consolidated with Evart in 1965 | |
Sawyer #3 | Hartwick | Osceola | 1881-1933 | Thomas R. Lyon donated land for the school | 10 | W | The wooden-frame building #3, cost $225 to build and started with 9 pupils. Reuben Sawyer purchased the property surrounding the school. The first school burned-down in 1933, but was replaced by a new school. This school was later sold and then moved. Marion Moving Ahead p. 126. Schools Days p. 27. Photo p. 24 |
Rosenberg | Richmond | Osceola | Abandoned | ||||
Martin #5 | Sylvan | Osceola | 1882-1950's | S/35 | 35 | Residence. Consolidated with Evart Schools | |
Dearing #1f | Sylvan | Osceola | 1869-1950's | 1 1/2 miles N of Sears | 31 | Log/W | Fractional. Students from Orient Township also attended Dearing School. Originally log but in 1869 a frame school was built. Consolidated with Evart in the 1950s |
Reed City Public Schools #7 | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-present | 225 W Church Ave, Reed City, MI | Log/W/B | Reed City Public schools has been in operation since 1882. School Days p. 69 | |
Pine Grove #2 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1856-1920 | On Mackinac Trail three miles N of Reed City | 27 | Pine Grove burned-down in 1920. Voters decided to not rebuild and the properties in the district were divided up between the Keans and Rehkopf districts. School Days p. 46 | |
Ogilvie #4 | Osceola | Osceola | 1882-1960's | 11 | W | Like so many schools in Osceola Township, Ogilvie School was open by 1882. Consolidation was made with Evart Public School in the 1960's. The school building and land reverted back to the original land owners. School Days p. 64. Photo p. 62 | |
Wadle #7 | Burdell | Osceola | -1930's | Near Pine River Rd | 17 | Now used as a storage shed. Consolidated with Reed City Schools in 1930's. | |
Peel/Avondale #1 | Hartwick | Osceola | before 1910-1962 | Charles Peel had deeded property to the district | 23 | W | The first school was a two-story frame building constructed at a cost of $600. 68 pupils were in attendance and it went through grade 10. In 1910 the school burned-down. A new brick building replaced it. The district voted to consolidate with Evart in 1962. The brick building is still standing, but vacant at present. Marion Moving Ahead p. 126 |
Hewitt #3 | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-1958 | Located off US-10 on a gravel road | 6 | W | The frame school opened in 1882 and was later remodeled. Hewitt consolidated in 1958 with the Reed City Public Schools. After closing, the school was sold and is now a home. School Days p. 68 |
Tule #2 | Orient | Osceola | 1873-1950's | 20 | George Tule leased to the district one acre of land for 50 years. The first teacher at the school was Miss Elva Pettibone of Evart. The woods to the school was dense and they had only logging roads to walk on. The district annexed to Evart Schools in the 1950's | ||
Jersey High School | Osceola | Picture inside classroom p. 55 | |||||
Schmidt #4f | Richmond | Osceola | by 1880--1958 | 17 | Fractional. The Schmidt School taught some students from Lake County. The school was constructed about 1870 by John Schmidt. It was in operation by 1880 and closed in the 1950's. After it closed the building was empty for a long time and in 1998 was remodeled into a home. School Days. p. 68 | ||
Shingletown #4 | Rose Lake | Osceola | 1878-1930 | Small community of Shingleton | 12 | Shingles/Block, W | In 1882 when the school opened it is not surprising that it was a shingle covered building. This was replaced with a block structure and in 1930, a wooden-frame building replaced that one. The last school, the frame building, is used by the Free Methodist Church. The district consolidated with the LeRoy Public Schools in the 1950's. School Days p. 72. Photos p. 70 |
Park Lake #9f | Highland | Osceola | by 1882-1936 | Building in the Village of Park Lake | 12 | W | Fractional. By 1903 the log school was replaced by a wooden-frame, three-room structure with 3 teachers. It was so large because there were so many children belonging to the sawmill workers and any local labors. By 1917 the population has dropped to 300 residents with that many children and only one room and one school was necessary. The school closed in 1936 and the building was torn-down. Photo p. 36 |
Cat Creek #4f | Hersey | Osceola | 1881-1936 | 155th Ave, 1 mile N of US-10. Originally 1 mile from the settlement of Cat Creek | 3 | Log/W | Fractional. Cat Creek was first made of logs at a cost of $190. Students could go onto High School at Hersey, Evart or Reed City. In 1936 annexed with Hersey. The building was used as a community center and after some time it was torn-down. School Days p. 30, 31, 32 |
Maple Grove #4 | Sylvan | Osceola | 1882-1950 | On M-66 in the town of Earl | 4 | W | Also known as the Allen School it was on Highway M-66. It was in operation by 1882 in a frame structure. The school yard was beautified by a number of Maple trees. During the lumbering days this town of Earl was located in this district and sported a post office and several businesses. Maple Grove consolidated with the Evart School in the 1950s and since that time the building has been used for an antique business. (1998) School Days p. 80. Photo p. 81 |
Highland Corners #2 | Highland | Osceola | 1882 | Built near the Dennis Bros Mill #3 (Perhaps built by the mill?) | 10 | Log/W | School #2 was built on S/10. They first served the families of workers at Dennis Bros. Mill #3. After the mill moved, the log school was replaced by a frame school known as Highland Corners School. Once closed the school became a residence. The students were sent to the Marion Schools. Marion Moving Ahead p. 127 |
McClung #3 | Marion | Osceola | 1882-1930 | S/17 | 17 | Log/W | Log school built at a cost of $50. The first year had enrollment of 14 students. The land where it stood was bought from William Cooper. It closed around 1930. Marion Moving Ahead p. 19. Photo of school on p. 120 |
Freelingville #10 | Highland | Osceola | 1900-1920's | S/4 | 4 | Very few records available School Days p. 35 | |
Fuller Hill #4 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1878-1945 | Located two miles E of Ashton at the top of a long steep hill | 2 | Log/W | The site for the school was given to the district in 1879 by Frank Filled. School opened in a log building but was soon replaced by a wooden-frame one-story school. The first teacher Dell (Austin) Halladay. The original log building was replaced with a structure constructed by Wilbur PO Purchase Consolidation took place in 1945. The school was torn-down. That building burned-down in 1945 and because of that the district consolidated with LeRoy Township in 1945. School Days p. 46. Photo p. 45 |
Sears #1f | Orient | Osceola | 1882-1967 | 50th Ave, S of US-10. The Village of Sears | 3 | W | Fractional. Some students who lived in Sylvan Township attended the Sears School if it was closer to their home. It was open by 1882 and Clara McBride was the first teacher. By 1890 there were two teachers as enrollment was at 70 pupils. Eventually enrollment went back down and only one teacher was needed. In 1967 Sears consolidated with Evart and the building remained empty until it burned-down in 1997. School days p. 60. Photo p. 69 |
Noggle #5 | Sherman | Osceola | 1882-1950 | On M-61 just S of Center Lake | 22 | W | The Noggle family owned the land that overlooked Noggle Lake. In 1882 it was a frame structure. In the 1950's they consolidated with Burdell School and the Marion Township School. The school is now used as a residence. Schools Days p. 76. Photo p. 74 |
Trimner #8 | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-1930 | Near the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. Built on the Schwalm property | 22 | W/W | In 1882 the Trimner School had been built on the Schwalm property near the RR tracks. Then a new school building opened in 1930 to replace the former wooden-frame one. That school was then torn-down. 12 years later Trimner consolidated with Reed City Public Schools. The 1930 school building is now used as a residence. School Days p. 69 |
Kearns #1 | Lincoln | Osceola | 1882-1945 | Kearns family farm | 26 | W | The school was built on land owned by the Kearns family. The school was open by 1882. The area S of the school was a lumbering settlement that was called Pulzes Shanty Town. The school closed in 1945 and consolidated with the Reed City Public Schools. The school and site reverted back to the Kearns family. School Days p. 46. Photo p. 41 |
Williams #4 | Middle Branch | Osceola | late 1800's-1942 | One acre of land donated by Enos Williams | 2 | W | Enos Williams donated one acre of land for Williams #4. This was in the late 1800's. It was built with donated materials and labor. Previously the children in that area had walked to the Chapin School in Marion Township. The school was moved during its existence when it was found that the schoolhouse was too close to the section lines. A 1900 plat map shows the school in the SW corner of S/1, but in later years the school site is the SE corner of S/2. So the building was moved off of its cedar block foundation to a new stone and mortar foundation about 80 feet to the NW. The school closed in 1942 when the district consolidated with the Marion Township Unit School district. The building was converted into a home which still stands on the S/2 site. Marion Moving Ahead p. 131 |
Town Corners #1f | Leroy | Osceola | 1870-1940 | 17951 Mackinac Trail, LeRoy MI 49655 (tool and die address) | 1 | LogW/B | Fractional. Town Corners shared their school with students assigned to Burdell LeRoy, Rose Lake, and Sherman Townships. Mrs. Albert Laughlin taught the first two terms. The first building was a log school and the second one was frame. Then in 1904 a new brick structure was used. For a number of years two teachers going up through the tenth grade taught at Town Corners School. It annexed before 1940. By 1940 the school had become a home but it burned-down. More recently the LeRoy Tool and Die company has located at the site of that school. School Days p. 42. Photo pg 39 |
Pennock | Unknown | Osceola | by 1888-after 1930's | SE of Marion on the route of Ann Arbor Railroad | unknown | The Evart Review announced in 1888 that the new town of Pennock siding had been platted and lots were on sale. Later turned into a ghost town. Marion Moving Ahead p. 136. Photos | |
Brooks/Watson #2 | Marion | Osceola | 1882- | Located at the NE part of Township | 12 | First known as Brooks School and later as Watson School. It cost $300 to build and had 26 pupils the first year | |
Johnson #2 | Hersey | Osceola | by 1882-1930's | S/23 | 23 | W | Johnson School #2 in Hersey Township was in operation before 1882. It was in a frame school that cost $700 to build. In 1930 it annexed with Hersey Township and the building was torn-down. School Days p. 32. Photo p. 40 & 41 |
Shank #1 | Sherman | Osceola | 1882-1941 | 11 | W | Ed Shank built a frame school for $300 on section 11 in 1882. In 1941 the students were sent to Hillcrest School #7 and the Shank School was torn-down. School Days p. 76. Photo p. 78 | |
Moored/ Pioneer #1 | Highland | Osceola | 1889-1961 | 18 | Log/W | Pioneer (later called Moored) was located on S/18 and was District #1 for Highland. The school was furnished with benches, tables, slates, blackboards, Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, anatomical charts and a round oak stove. The school also served as the community library. In 1889 a frame building replaced the log one and the frame building served until it was closed in 1961. Marion Moving Ahead p. 127 | |
Kidder #6 | Sherman | Osceola | 1882-1964 | M-61 | 29 | Log/B | Originally in a log schoolhouse. A brick building was built 1/2 mile to the W, and replaced the log building. The first teacher was Frankie Laughlin. This district was one of the last rural districts in the county to remain in operation. In 1964 it consolidated to either Marion Schools or Pine River districts, which even was more convenient for the students. Since the school closed it has become a residence. School Days p. 76. Photo p. 74 |
Dighton #2 | Sherman | Osceola | by 1900-1963 | 25 | W | The big two-story schoolhouse on the hill overlooking the town was closed in 1963. The schoolhouse had included a High School and took kids from Sherman and the surrounding Townships. After 1963 children went to Pine River or Marion Schools. Michigan Shadow Towns p. 131. It is now a community center. Photo p.75 of School Days | |
Park Lake #9 | Highland | Osceola | 1886-mid 1936 | Lumbering area | 9 | Log/W | This lumbering area grew quickly and shops lined the road N of the school. Noon hour could be spent visiting the post office, getting a haircut, or shopping. By 1903 the population was 500 and the log school was replaced with a three-room frame building with 3 teachers. By 1917 the population had shrunk to 300. By 1919 only one-room of the three was in use. The school was closed in the 1936. Marion Moving Ahead p. 128. School Days photo p. 36 |
Fenning #3 | Hersey | Osceola | by 1882- | Near the Muskegon River | 18 | W | The frame school cost $450 to build. The school was not open for long. The students there were sent to Hersey and the building was torn-down |
Morris #2 | Richmond | Osceola | 1882-1965 | 30 | W | Morris opened in 1882 and was built out of lumber sawn right on the property. Later this Sawyer became a teacher at this school. Morris consolidated with the Reed City Public Schools in 1965. After the school closed it was torn-down. School Days p. 68. Photo p. 66 | |
LeRoy Public School #5 | Leroy | Osceola | 1878- | 17445 Pine River Rd, LeRoy, MI 49655 | 13 | B | LeRoy Public School was one of two schools in LeRoy Township in 1878. The school was constructed at a cost of $1,500 and housed 178 students in 1882. School Days p. 42 |
Walsh #1 | Middle Branch | Osceola | 1882-1944 | On M-66 between 16 & 17 Mile Rds | 10 | Log?/W | District #1 (Photo on p. 128) was erected by David Shadley at a cost of $335 in the NW corner of S/10. The early school (Log?) was replaced in 1907 by a frame building erected on the same section, 1/2 mile S of the original site. The school closed in 1944 and consolidated with the Marion Township Union School. The Walsh building was sold and moved to Pine St in Marion where it was converted into a residence. Marion Moving Ahead p. 129 |
Ingersoll #6 | Evart | Osceola | 1890-1946 | Near the bridge spanning the Muskegon River | 7 | Consolidated with Evart in 1946. School was sold and became a residence. School Days p. 21 | |
Frantz/Beebe #4 | Highland | Osceola | 1870's-1960 | Built in S/27 with labor and materials donated | 21 | Log/Cobblestone | Frantz #4 was built with labor and material donated by Raymond Beebe and George Frantz. In 1903 a frame structure was built by Henry House of Marion. The school (Called Beebe School) burned-down in 1929 and a cobblestone building was constructed also in 1929. It was one of the most up to date rural schools with gas lighting, a modern heating system and indoor chemical toilets.32 of the first teachers boarded with the Frantz family. The district annexed to Marion in 1960. Earl Beebe bought the old school in 1983. Marion Moving Ahead p. 128 |
McKay #7 | Hersey | Osceola | by 1882-1930's | 1 1/2 miles E of Hersey | 21 | W | The school closed in the 1930's and became a part of Hersey Township. The frame school building is today a home (1998). School Days p. 32 |
Shore #5 | Hartwick | Osceola | 1885-1958 | Fran & Ellen Postal sold one acre of S/35 | 23 | W | The one acre for this school cost $10 to purchase for district #5. This was in 1885. Charles and Will Shore bought land surrounding the school so it became known as the Shore School. In 1958 it was voted to annex with Evart. The schoolhouse and property were sold and it is now a home. Marion Moving Ahead p. 126. School Days. Photo p. 25 |
Nash/Fralick #5f | Highland | Osceola | 1882-1946 | Nash/Fralick was near the Sherman-Highland Township lines | 30 | Log\W | Within walking distance of Dighton. In operation by 1882 in a log school. That was later replaced by a frame building. As many as 60 students sometimes were enrolled. The school consolidated with the Marion Schools in 1946. The Erwin Nash family live in the former school building (1998). School Days p. 35. Had a wild beginning and heyday before dying out after the railroad company pulled up tracks. It is now considered a ghost town. Marion Moving Ahead p. 128 |
White #5 | Burdell | Osceola | 1882-1930's | Originally in S/16, but a replacement was built in S/23 | 16 | Log/W/B | Sometimes called the Harmon School. Original building was log and it burned-down about 1900. A frame building replaced it on S/23. That burned-down in the 1930's. It was replaced with a brick-tile building. This school closed in the 1930's and was used by the Burdell Township Unit as a classroom. It is privately owned, but is used for Community gatherings. School Days p 13. Photo of school p. 14 |
Vanwerp | Elmer | Oscoda | 1873-1876 | Log | |||
Stark | Big Creek | Oscoda | 1 mile NW of Luzerne | ||||
Young or Frank | Elmer | Oscoda | 1915-1923 | W |
bottom of page