When ever I run across a one room school house, I stop and take a picture. Like big wooden barns, they are fast disappearing and I feel the need to document them before they completely disappear from the landscape. I am fortunate so many in Kansas were constructed of native stone and have weathered time and Kansas weather well.

I have loved one room schoolhouses since I was a child and my Grandma told me stories about attending a one room schoolhouse. She rode a horse to school and talked about plodding through snow drifts as high as the horse. Her sister, my Great-Aunt Agnes taught in a one room schoolhouse.

Schoolhouses evoke sweet memories of a simpler time. I hope you enjoy these pictures. Feel free to contact me with stories, pictures or locations of other Kansas schoolhouses at
ksfarmgirl@live.com or to request permission to link to this site or use photos.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Big Springs One Room Schoolhouse located in Douglas County, Kansas


Big Springs School is located in Big Springs, Kansas about halfway between Topeka and Lawrence on Highway 40. Big Springs is the oldest community in Douglas county and was originally a well watered camping spot on the Oregon trail.  I-70 was build over the springs and they no longer exist today.


The school is currently in the slow process of being renovated into a local community center.


While taking pictures, the caretaker came over and offered to give me a tour of the inside of the school.  While it looks larger than one room from the outside, it is actually one large classroom with a small kitchen area and large closet.  The school has a full basement which I think makes it look deceptively larger.


There is a small stage at the front of the building and hardwood floors.


I think it must have been very hard to study with large windows across the entire classroom looking outside towards the baseball diamond and playground.


Interesting light fixtures


I imagine many exciting ball games were played here in the past.



If you have memories or pictures of this school which you would like to include on this post, please contact me at ksfarmgirl@live.com.

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