Town of Albion in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sheepskin School

1865 to 1959

Photographed By Jim Schaettle, February 28, 2021

1. Sheepskin School Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Sheepskin School was build on Wisconsin Highway 59 just west of Edgerton in District 6, Fulton Township, Rock County. One theory for its name is from sheep "skins" drying on a nearby fence. The 1894-95 Attendance Book lists 31 students, but attendance was sporadic. Some graduated students continued their education at the Albion Academy.

The School Board consisted of a Clerk, Treasurer and one Director. They used tax money to pay the teacher, buy fuel (wood, coal, then oil) and keep the building and grounds in good repair. There were two outhouses, a wood storage shed and a well. Electricity was installed October 14, 1937.

The Mothers' Club met monthly during the school year. They provided first aid supplies, sweets after the Christmas program and planned the Annual Picnic.

Teachers changed almost yearly, so they kept meticulous records about each student's progress. Clause Stout (1904-06), Rose Marie Cooper Burdick (1943-45) and Lucille Cooper Bartz (1946-47) were teachers at the Sheepskin School who became members and officers of the Albion Academy Historical Society (AAHS).

When District 6 consolidated with the

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Edgerton School District in 1959, the one-room school was purchased by the AAHS and moved to Albion in Dane County with all its records, textbooks, piano and desks. In 1965 it became part of the Museum's showcase of education offered in Wisconsin.

Erected 2015 by AAHS (Albion Academy Historical Society).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.

Location. 42° 52.794′ N, 89° 4.221′ W. Marker is in Town of Albion, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is on Campus Lane north of Edgerton Road, on the left when traveling north. Located in front of Kumlien Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 605 Campus Ln, Edgerton WI 53534, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sterling North (here, next to this marker); Albion Academy (a few steps from this marker); Wisconsin's Tobacco Land (approx. 4.2 miles away); Koshkonong (approx. 5.2 miles away); Rockdale Mill (approx. 6.7 miles away); East Park Historic District (approx. 7.6 miles away); Main Street Historic District (approx. 7.9 miles away); Lorine Niedecker (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Town of Albion.

Kumlien Hall with Sheepskin School marker on the left and Albion Academy marker on the right. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Schaettle, February 28, 2021

2. Kumlien Hall with Sheepskin School marker on the left and Albion Academy marker on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2021, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2021, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.