Stone Academy School

The Stone Academy schoolhouse (Big Grove No. 1) was built circa 1842 ? though there's no official record of its construction date? making it one of Iowa's oldest surviving schools. It was built using limestone from the McCune quarry that was about two miles northeast of the school. This material was rare for schoolhouses? especially in the mid 1800s when log buildings were more common? and is an indication of the community's wealth and commitment to education. The plot the building sits on was once a stagecoach route and trail for the military to travel between Dubuque and Iowa City. In the 1930s, the chimney was moved from the northwestern side to the back to adjust for a new stove. In 1953 the school closed and the district consolidated with Solon Community schools. From then on the building was open to the public as a museum. A 1976 tornado wreaked havoc on the old building but kick started a renovation project that repaired the walls, replaced the roof, gave the building a new foundation, and updated/preserved the interior. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Photo credits: Phone #1: UNI Museum item RSC-JH-4. Photos #2-#5: originally uploaded to the Iowa One Room Schools blog by Glenn E. Chatfield in 2010.