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affixed school house sign
Riding along Highway 14 east of the city of Vancouver I happened on this little white school house named Prindle. Tucked into the forest it seemed warm and cozy. I could not tell if the school building was a private residence, a local historical site, or, still, an ongoing school. It definitely was not deserted as the entire grounds and building were in tip-top shape
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school
I had to use a vehicle pull-off on the highway to take a picture of the mutipaned-window facade. I stepped out of my truck -- wobbled across some slick flat rocks and finally was stopped in my tracks by large twisted brambles.
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brambles and school windows
At this point I noticed that the school had a dirt side road. I pulled my small truck out of the pull-off and swung down the road. There were a couple houses down the road. I went down about 200 feet and turned around. This brought me back to the side of the school house where I put on my flashers and took the photo below.
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The clue to its age was on the school's sign affixed in its gable -- along with the school's name, Prindle, with the date 1912. That would make the age of the school about 98 years old.
I went home and goggled the school. All the information I could find was that is was located in Skamania County, Washington -- that is was named after a German sailor and that there was a Polish community established nearby in 1870.
Today, this is still a lovely quaint school house with I'm sure many stories.
Always wonder about the stories too with many older structures.
ReplyDeleteOne Fly -- I think that there are stories floating all over and around structures. Usually is the area has a historical society they attempt to capture some of it. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteHmmm, I was sure it was an Amish or Mennonite school but evidently not. I like to think of the children looking out those big windows dreaming and thinking when they are supposed to be doing their times tables.
ReplyDeleteFlorence -- Oh I can see them now too -- windows were where the pencil sharpener's were located at my elementary school and many times I would go up to the sharpener as I could look out while turning its handle and dream. Perhaps you did the same -- barbara
DeleteWhat a beautiful building! It would make a charming residence too.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- I knew a few folks that lived in old schoolhouses. This one might even be a residence? thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteIs it still used? Wondering because of the satellite dish.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- I could not tell what it use was today. The satellite dish could be there for several reasons. I know the schools that I subbed in after I retired all had televisions in their classrooms for use as teaching aids or movies for special treats. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI also wondered why there was a satellite dish attached. Is the building now an office of some kind?
ReplyDeleteTabor -- Not sure as to its present use. Satellite dishes are used by some schools. thanks -- barbara
DeleteWhat a great find! That satellite dish makes me wonder if it might be someone's home now...???
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon -- Could be someone's house now but I can't confirm that. There was no signs around the exterior of the building that gave me a clear indication of what type of use it had. If I were to guess I would still feel it was a school. thanks -- barbara
DeleteIt is nice to see that such a piece of living history is well taken care of.
ReplyDeleteRunE -- It was especially well taken care of. Someone has a vested interest in it be it home owner, school district or historical society. Thanks -- barbara
DeleteYes the satellite dish makes me think some family may live there. I seems like a charming place to turn into a home -- and that big window would be wonderful in a "great room"..
ReplyDeleteJune -- Some schools, especially rural, use satellite dishes for their schoolroom televisions. Often televisions have programs that benefit children in their studies. I too was taken by the great window. thanks for your comment -- barbara
DeleteIt's a puzzle.
ReplyDeleteHattie -- I especially liked the fact that the school was kept in such wonderful condition. Its quaint old architecture style reflecting a school the area could be proud of. thanks -- barbara
DeleteOnce upon a time, there was a place of white...
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Yes. you are right -- once upon a time -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteThis is like school houses in India in the fifties.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Your words make me assume there are several like this in India. -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteI felt like you were taking me into a fairy tale...sigh...love how the sweet school house got your curious mind going!
ReplyDeleteRita -- old school houses are what I call keystone species. They shaped folks long ago and I feel we still are remnants of that -- thanks -- barbara
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