The red bricks of this abandoned one room school a few miles from my home stood in sharp contrast to the season’s first snowfall. Long since closed, this little red brick school once served as the incubator for future lawyers, farmers, housewives, teachers and business owners.
The outhouse on the right also played an important part in the school’s history. Right after World War II, the students gathered in the morning for class, but their usually prompt teacher wasn’t in the building. After several minutes, the oldest student, an eighth grader, went looking for the teacher, and found him sitting in the privy dead.
I always think of that story when I pass by the old Beechvale School. “Little red schoolhouse” is my Photo of the Week.
© Bruce Stambaugh 2014.
Roadkill Crossing 
Beautiful picture and story!
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Thank you so much, Rita. I’m glad you liked the post.
Bruce
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What a shock for that student when he found their teacher dead in the privy.
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Indeed it was. The young man went on to be a teacher himself.
Bruce
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What a pretty picture and story Bruce…Just where might one find this little red schoolhouse?
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Mark,
Beechvale School is at the crossroads of CR 189 and TR 601 between Holmesville and Benton. Like we say in Holmes Co., you can’t miss it.
Thanks for asking.
Bruce
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Never heard that one, Bruce! I have always liked that little schoolhouse but don’t go out that way very often.
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Julia Mishler’s brother is the one who found him. And the teacher who replaced the deceased teacher is the one who told me the story. It’s how he got his first job after WWII.
Bruce
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Now that’s a good Homes County story if there ever was one! 🙂
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Great photo, great story!
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Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Bruce
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When was the last year that that schoolhouse was in use?
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I’m not sure, Linda. Perhaps Vernon knows.
Bruce
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Great picture and story! My mom attended this school.
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Thanks, Jeanie. What years did your mother attend?
Bruce
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My Grandfather lived just down the road towards Benton. This was his schoolhouse. He was born in 1901. Thanks for the picture.
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Thanks for sharing, Missy.
Bruce
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Carl and I enjoyed this view so much every day for three years as we lived directly across the road on TR 601. Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories, Bruce!
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Thanks for sharing, Mary. I had forgotten you lived there. It’s good to hear from you.
Bruce
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Thanks for sharing! I grew up just off of 601, going towards 241.
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Thanks, Barb. I’m glad you liked the post.
Bruce
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