Stories sought on old schoolhouses

In the early 1900s, one-room schoolhouses dotted the Illinois countryside, close enough for every child to attend, even if they had to walk a few miles to get there. It was the only education available for children in rural neighborhoods and a place to hold the occasional pie supper or a polling place for elections.
More than a century later, there are only a few one-room schools still standing, and the records of these once-ubiquitous institutions are spotty at best. Most of that history has not been collected and does not exist beyond a few older residents who know first-hand or can recite family stories. And if you come across a photo of one, well, that's a rare find, indeed.
Nevertheless, there is a determined group of historians that has been working for almost a year to gather any records or photographs they can get their hands on. They are members of the Perry County Historical Society, and they are compiling a book on the subject. The project began in June 2016.
"It's been an exhausting, yet thrilling glimpse into the early history of Perry County education," said Leanna Leek, historical society member. "We want to appeal to the public to request any information or pictures that individuals might have. We would love to have the book finished and ready to print by late fall in time for holiday sales, but there's a lot more work to do."
The historical society has formed a committee that is working diligently on the project and meeting monthly at the Perry County Jail Museum to update other members on their progress and show off what they already have collected.
"We've posted flyers around the county and regularly visit and speak to other groups that might be willing to help us," Leek said. "The Marshall Browning Estates in Du Quoin and Manor at Mason Woods in Pinckneyville have both contributed records and photographs."
In fact, the group has amassed quite a collection so far.
"We've collected … many copies of photos, news articles and memorabilia," she said. "However, as there were approximately 91 of these schools in Perry County, there are several that we have little to no information about.
"We would welcome any information, pictures, stories, etc., on any of the one-room schools in the county," Leek said. "We encourage the public to scour their attics and basements and to quiz older relatives and friends."
The historical society is also hoping to assemble as many former one-room schoolhouse teachers from Perry County as possible for a group picture and a reception. Leek has the names of nine of those teachers still in the area, "but information about others would be appreciated," she said.
"These teachers are now in their 90s," said Pam Urban, historical society member. "It is a bygone era that needs to be documented as soon as possible so that these precious memories are preserved."
Anyone with any information should contact Leek at 618-790-3512, Urban at 618-542-5981, Flossine Schrader at 618-357-9060 or Lance Feik at 618-357-8610.