Little white schoolhouse on the hill is recreated
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Beginning in the 1870s and continuing through the mid-1900s, Marion County had nearly 130 school districts. Most of them were country schools and were located at two or three mile intervals, close enough to put children within walking distance.
Harry and Theodora Koslowsky recently created a replica of Pleasant View School District #21, which operated from 1875 to 1960. The one-room school house was located on top of a hill on the west side of the highway four miles north of Marion on U.S.-56/77. Theodora grew up just one-half mile north of the school.
The replica includes numerous intricate details. Some things such as the piano, stove, and teacher's desk were made by the Koslowskys. Other things were purchased.
The Bible on the teacher's desk reflects the teacher's daily practice of reading a Bible story and offering a morning prayer.
Framed photographs of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington hang at the front of the classroom. Barely visible at the lower righthand corner is a lunchbox on a shelf.
The two outhouses are visible, and the coal shed and coal bucket to the right of the school contain real coal. A water bucket hangs on a well pump. To the right of the entrance is a tiny croquet set. The cloak room, which precedes the classroom, includes two coat racks, a bench, and a water pail with a dipper.
Theodora said one of her teachers had a 1932 Ford car with doors that opened from the front.
After the school was closed, it was sold and became a residence at Marion County Park and Lake. The only thing remaining at the school site is a gnarled, old hedge tree.
