Restoration of schoolhouse scheduled; artifacts sought

Daily Dunklin Democrat

CAMPBELL, Mo. -- The restoration of an old Dunklin County schoolhouse near Campbell will begin this year.

The restoration is a project of the Crowley's Ridge Scenic By-Way committee. When completed, the school building which is located on Highway WW north of Campbell, will reflect rural education in the early 20th century.

The renovation of the school will be done through a grant secured by the committee.

The committee is asking help from the public in obtaining artifacts to be placed within the school building when the restoration is complete.

The donation of the following items is being sought: Dick and Jane books, including a teacher's large-print book; ABC stamping outfit; spelling and other textbooks from the 1930s; tin lunch boxes; wooden pencil boxes and pencils, as well as pencil sharpener; a school bell; a wooden chalk box; crayons; school certificates for reading, spelling, scholarship, promotion, attendance and diplomas; teacher roll books; a number card box; a counting frame; penmanship books and awards.

Large class pictures of Lincoln and Washington; a wooden wall map of the United States; a wooden teacher's pointer with rubber tip; a wooden stool and dunce hat; a wooden paddle; paste and glue jars; wooden blackboard aids; pictures of children attending Hopkins School during the 1930s; a teacher's contract; and sports medals.

All items donated will be catalogued and stored until the school restoration is completed. Since the By-Way corporation has a 501C3 status, items donated may be deductible for income tax purposes.

Anyone having any items they are willing to donate may contact Sandy Brown at (573) 888-4677, or Charles Isbell at (573) 888-2859, both Kennett.