Schoolhouse

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

1. Schoolhouse Marker

Inscription. The early settlers of West Branch had a strong regard for education, and in 1853 they built this school. It was used not only as a school but as a place of worship for the members of the Society of Friends. Originally the building housed all of the West Branch students, but by the time Herbert Hoover's older brother Theodore was registered here, enrollment had increased and it was used only as a classroom for the primary students. Increasing membership in the Society of Friends also necessitated the building of a larger meetinghouse in 1857.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 41° 40.225′ N, 91° 20.843′ W. Marker was in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. It could be reached from Poplar Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America.

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Regionally, this marker was in Eastern Iowa. It was also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Learning their A, B, Cs (a few steps from this marker); Forging Character (a few steps from this marker); The Mackey House (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named C.E. Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Growing Town (within shouting distance of this marker); From Downey Street to Pennsylvania Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.

Other markers no longer nearby. Herbert Hoover's Birthplace (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

2. Schoolhouse

replaced with another marker now near it); The C.E. Smith House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. This marker was replaced by marker # 162554 and is closer to the door of the schoolhouse.

Schoolhouse Interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

3. Schoolhouse Interior

Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 758 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on December 14, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.