Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Howard One-Room School is a place for children and adults to connect with Boone County's heritage.
We do this through these offerings:
field trips
When a class was asked to write down what they didn't like, one child wrote "nothing"!
Four hour school sessions are best suited for third or fourth grade students. One or two school "marms" will lead your students in a "day in the life" of an 1881 school day.
Full restroom facilities along with a heated and cooled school are available. We can accommodate up to 30 students at one time.
Cost: $85
Because of size, the Teacher's Handbook is available in four parts:
OUR FOUNDER
fun meetings
Howard School is an unique place to hold a meeting for your organization.
If you prefer, a "school marm" will provide a short program about a "day in the life" program for adults along with the history of the school.
Full restroom facilities along with a heated and cooled school are available. We can accommodate up to 30 people at one time.
Cost: $90 for the entire day
The school has 30 antique school desks available. If you prefer, you can rent these items for inside the school or outside if using a tent:
- $1 per folding chair
- $2.50 per table
- $200 for outside tent
Our group
Howard School, officially Perry Township School No. 1, is a one room, brick, schoolhouse. It is located east of Boone County roads 750 South and 450 East. This beautiful red brick schoolhouse sits in its original, rural location surrounded by picturesque farmland as it did during the period of 1881 through 1916 while it served the educational and gathering needs of the local community. On its eastern boundary is the historical Howard Cemetery, with burials dating back to the 1830s.
Since 2004, community minded citizens have worked to restore and maintain the deteriorated building and furnishings to their original condition. The schoolhouse is now a living history museum for use by school children, community events and other groups.
Howard School is led by a committed volunteer group and Board of Directors that comprise the Howard School Restoration Group:
The Board is composed of:
Bonnie Kincaid, President
Jeff Coan, Vice President
Elaine Dickerson, Secretary
Becky Robinson, Treasurer
Members at Large: Paul Berntsen, William Coan, Joe Griffith, Margaret Kelley, Dave Mace, Beverly Ramsey, Dave Sherrieb
If you want to join us, we hold monthly meetings the first Thursday of May - October at 7:00 at the school. Please email us at Howardschoolhouse@gmail.com first to make sure we are meeting that month.
The founder of the restored Howard School is Clifford "Jack" Belcher. In 2004, as the Perry Township Trustee, he contacted many in the community to see if they were interested in restoring the school. Jack was the chief organizer and cheer leader! He was critical to gathering volunteers, supplies, leading projects and doing so much of the work himself.
Unfortunately, Jack passed away February 20, 2023.
Without Jack, the restored Howard School would not have been brought to life again.
We miss him every day.
cool events
The school is a beautiful and interesting place to hold special events.
Howard School offers inside the school for a unique meeting setting. In addition, tables, chairs and a tent are available at an addition cost for outside activities.
Full restroom facilities along with a heated and cooled school are available. We can accommodate up to 30 people inside the school along with many more folks outside the school on the 1 acre property.
Cost: $90 for the school the entire day
The school has 30 antique school desks available. If you prefer, you can rent these items for inside the school or outside if using a tent:
- $1 per folding chair
- $2.50 per table
- $200 for outside tent
Howard School House @ 2013
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