Snokomo School House

Another school house we visited last weekend with our houseguest, Glenda, was the Snokomo School House.

It was built in 1883 of native limestone at a cost of $800.

Back in the late 1900s, school terms averaged about 7 months per year, and maybe longer or shorter due to weather, epidemics, or the school district’s ability to pay the teacher. Male teachers were paid more than female teachers, and contrary to common belief, districts preferred male teachers as it was thought that they could better control the older farm boys.

Teachers rarely stayed at a school for more than 2 years. But despite all the problems, the illiteracy rate for Kansas in the late 1800s was less than 3 percent as compared to 8 percent today.

School continued in the little stone building until 1941 when consolidation forced its closure.

In 1947, the Silent Workers Club, a local community group, purchased the school for $1.00 and it was converted into a clubhouse.

In 1975, the old school was completely restored with labor provided by the Silent Workers, former pupils and former teachers of the school.

Then in 1991, a tornado took the roof, upper part of one of the walls, bell tower, chimney, girls’ outhouse, and some of the school furnishings. So, the Silent workers club rebuilt the roof and made the other necessary repairs to the school.

But today the school is in need of some TLC. Virginia creeper vines are taking over the north wall,

wasps are building their nests in the doorways, and the bell tower is leaning.

But on a lighter note, the swings work fine.

I haven’t been on a swing in years and years….and boy was I nauseous. Blah….

It was fun though.

Maybe I just need more practice….

Details about the building of the school and its history can be found on the 1994 National Register Application by clicking HERE.

If you would like to visit the Snokomo School:

Directions:  8 mi. S. of Paxico. Leave I-70 at Exit 335, Snokomo Road and drive south. Wind through the Snokomo Creek Valley for 6.4 miles until you arrive at the Snokomo Schoolhouse which is situated on the east side of the road. (You will pass by an 1890 stone schoolhouse on the west side of the road–keep going.)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Suzanne

Cattle, corn, wheat, beans, mud, snow, ice, and drought. Plenty of fresh air and quiet. Our life is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyous, but never boring.

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6 Responses

  1. Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:

    Have you ever wanted to buy one of those old schoolhouses and turn it into a fabulous place to live? Lovely place.

  2. Lynda M O says:

    Isn’t that nausea something else ?~! I had NO idea that my stomach would be so anti-swing.

  3. Louise S says:

    Yes, Suzanne, I was wondering the same thing about the nausea………………just sayin’. 😉

    Loved the pics of the school, brings back memories. What a nice tribute by former students and teachers to restore the school! It’s a lovely little building, and if those walls could talk I’m sure it was a lively place back in the day. Thanks!

  4. Nancy says:

    Love the post! Love old school houses! Love that Harland will do anything to get a cool picture of you!….and that you caught him on the ground taking your picture! You two are just plain fun!!

  5. Caroline Coleman says:

    Really enjoyed the information and pictures. My husband and I have visited this schoolhouse. My grandfather was a teacher there. I have a copy of the paperwork with the names of the students, etc. So interesting! Are there ever any times that you can see the inside of the school?

  6. Lori Rice says:

    Where did the name snokomo cone from?

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