The school sat on the corner of the gravel roads just southeast of Amboy for years, offering education to the students in the rural area that would not be able to get into town. At that time there were no buses running to pick the kids up, they either rode horse, walked or were taken by their parents who couldn't make the trip to town everyday, twice a day.
The school was certainly well built since it was moved from its location in the country to where it stands today without any major problems. It certainly needed cleaning and painting, but the integrity of the building was still sound. It had served its students well for many years and now will be continuing the education of the youth with tours and sessions of how it was when many students went to the one room schools of the past.
Following the abandonment of the school in the 50's when transportation to the town school was provided for the students of this rural area the building had a less than glamorous life as a chicken coop, insulation storage and home to whatever bird or animal could get inside. This was all changed when a group of concerned residents of Amboy decided it should be moved into town as a museum.
The teacher salary for 1880 was $154.00 according to the Treasure's ledger which was found while doing research on the school. The total budget for the year was $193.84. Teachers often stayed with families in the area to be close to the school. Farmers provided meat and produce to the teacher to help with the cost of food.
Not only were teachers expected to teach the students but they were also responsible for getting the fire going in the morning to get the building warm enough for the students. They would arrive early and start the fire, perhaps even having to haul in the wood that had been cut, other times a student would have brought in the wood the day before to help the teacher out.
The community got together and refurbished the old school. They were able to find some of the original desks to place in the building. They also have the bell that called students to class. It is hanging in the bell tower today.
Amboy would love to have you come and visit and tour the school and the other interesting places in town. Some of the former students are still around and would look forward to sharing their stories of education with you, and their memories.