In the complex visitors will find a former Rock Island Depot, which has been renovated, and a caboose. The Society has recently constructed an example of an old-fashioned livery stable in the area. A Victorian home has been completely renovated and furnished with artifacts of the period. Also one will find a windmill.
Admission – Fee is charged
Hours – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday and holidays, Memorial Day – Labor Day (or by appointment)
Location: 110 1/2 N. Story St., Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Phone – (712) 472-3101
I would like to contact someone with knowledge of Midland Township in Lyon Co, IA. I have a professional photo of my great aunt, Kathryn Pint (1893-1984), who taught there at Center School in 1914 — probably for 2 years. Picture shows her with students and is identified by small chalkboard held by a student with name of school, year, etc. Am will in to share photo if you don’t already have one. Am seeking any info about the school in that era. Aunt Kate was part of my daily life when we were growing up. Her family (Mathias & Maggie Pint) lived in Ellsworth, MN; her grandfather (Mathias Pint Sr.) lived in Adrian, MN. I already have complete genealogy info, but am looking beyond that to the lives of that generation. I look forward to hearing from a history buff. I live in Milwaukee Co, WI. Thank you.
I don’t know much about the school in her era, but I’ll bet her building ended up combined with a number of other “country school” buildings that were moved into the town of Rock Rapids in the mid-Sixties, at the peak of the Baby Boom. The buildings were grouped together around a playground area and set on a high basement foundation, so each one made up two classrooms: one down in the basement, & one upstairs in the old classroom. Together, they made up the “East Side Elementary School.” I believe there were two classrooms each for grades K-6, as well as a lunchroom & principal’s office. I can’t recall if the food was cooked on-site or brought over from one of the the “regular” school buildings. I only went there for one year. Sorry I don’t have more information about the school in its original location.