Peru, Nebraska - The Country School Association of America visited the Peru State campus and 12 other
schoolhouses in southeast Nebraska. The tour was a part of the CSAA's national conference
held at Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska.
The Peru State campus is home to the Center School that was built in 1905 on the Julian
corner along US-75. In 2001, the one-room schoolhouse was dismantled, moved to campus
and reconstructed brick-by-brick. The original floor, wainscoting, stage, lights,
etc. continue to highlight the heritage of the building.
Dorothy Rieke visited with the group.
Rieke taught at Center School in 1946. Most often referred to as the Little Red Schoolhouse, what was once Center School now serves as a Visitor and Interpretive Center. Museum exhibits dedicated to the history of Peru State line the walls. The schoolhouse is open to the public from 8 to 5, Monday-Friday during the summer.
Sally Murray and Mike Hawkins visit in front of the new displays.
Other schoolhouses visited in southeast Nebraska:
Harmony School, held classes from 1879 to 1997.
Greenfield School, held classes from 1873 to 1957
Mt. Zion School, held classes from 1882 to 1957.
Maple Grove/Mumford School, built in 1874.
Rock School, held classes from 1873 to 1956.
Kennedy School, held classes from 1872 to 1887.
Cracker Box, held classes from 1881 to 1953
Lower West Branch, held classes from 1873 to 1965.
Gravel Hill school, held classes from 1870 to 1877.
Pawnee City School #1, held classes from 1863 to 1878.
Pleasant view School, held classes from 1906 to 1960.
The CSAA is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to preserving memories and
scholarship of the country school. The organization is designed to offer all interested
individuals a professional community focused on early American schools, preservation,
education, and curriculum. The CSAA prides itself on connecting research and practice
for anyone passionate about our country schools.