Thank you for writing this story, Cheryl. I grew up in Parnell, a small town in eastern Iowa. The school was the definition of the community. The district consolidated with Williamsburg when I was in 4th grade. The Conroy school district was brought in around the same time. The buildings in my hometown and in Conroy remained the grade schools for each community for many years while the Jr High and High Schools were centered in Williamsburg. In hindsight, it was the right move for the students. The choices and opportunities were greater in the consolidated district and that was life changing for many of us. But losing the school identity was painful at the time and remained that way for a very long time. There was never a buyer for the building or the grounds, but the baseball fields survived for Little League games. The building is long gone, but I remember the high school students would often take the time to come to the swings and push the younger grade school children "to the moon" at recess. That memory still brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for sharing your "school story," Kathi! My own hometown school was consolidated with another town, and in sixth grade, we reorganized with three other towns. All the schools were razed, and since I didn't live nearby at the time, I didn't know about it until they were gone! One gym was used as a small manufacturing plant for quite a few years. These old schools were built to last--but none of the town leaders regarded them as an asset!
Hi Cheryl. Thanks for the memories. I'm sure I visited Grand while I was attending Ogden HS. Their girls basketball team was tough, and pretty good looking if I remember...lol.
That was an exceptional piece of work! Thank you!
Thanks for this informative piece about the loss of a building full of memories. You're bringing small town Iowa to life in your columns!
Thank you for writing this story, Cheryl. I grew up in Parnell, a small town in eastern Iowa. The school was the definition of the community. The district consolidated with Williamsburg when I was in 4th grade. The Conroy school district was brought in around the same time. The buildings in my hometown and in Conroy remained the grade schools for each community for many years while the Jr High and High Schools were centered in Williamsburg. In hindsight, it was the right move for the students. The choices and opportunities were greater in the consolidated district and that was life changing for many of us. But losing the school identity was painful at the time and remained that way for a very long time. There was never a buyer for the building or the grounds, but the baseball fields survived for Little League games. The building is long gone, but I remember the high school students would often take the time to come to the swings and push the younger grade school children "to the moon" at recess. That memory still brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for sharing your "school story," Kathi! My own hometown school was consolidated with another town, and in sixth grade, we reorganized with three other towns. All the schools were razed, and since I didn't live nearby at the time, I didn't know about it until they were gone! One gym was used as a small manufacturing plant for quite a few years. These old schools were built to last--but none of the town leaders regarded them as an asset!
Hi Cheryl. Thanks for the memories. I'm sure I visited Grand while I was attending Ogden HS. Their girls basketball team was tough, and pretty good looking if I remember...lol.
Ha! No doubt! Thank you.
Stories of IA rural communities and memorable events are a way to pass on history.
Yes, Gloria, you are so right!!