Parkin in Cross County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

A Hidden School Discovered

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

1. A Hidden School Discovered Marker

Inscription. The Ott family of Parkin purchased the Northern Ohio School from the Kelly family in 1959. The Kellys had been using the school for a hay barn. The Ott family transformed the old "barn" into a home by portioning rooms and designing a living space. A carport and additional rooms were added through the years, completely disguising the one-room school. It was used as a residence well into the 1990s when it was purchased by Arkansas State Parks.

The restoration of this historic structure almost did not happen. While preparing to demolish the house, a unique discovery was made – the Northern Ohio School was inside the walls. Plans for demolition were canceled, research began, and a plan for restoration was developed.

Restoration of the schoolhouse was completed in the spring of 2006. A historic structure that was nearly lost is now restored and interpreted as part of Parkin Archeological State Park.

[Captions]
• The schoolhouse as a home when the Ott family lived there, 1950s (left). The other photos show the schoolhouse in various stages of renovation.
• Care and attention to detail were a

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part of the restoration process to ensure historic integrity – student carvings were even preserved. Look in front of you at the lower left corner of the school to see graffiti from students of years gone by.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.

Location. 35° 16.788′ N, 90° 33.472′ W. Marker is in Parkin, Arkansas, in Cross County. It can be reached from State Highway 184 0.6 miles north of U.S. 64, on the left when traveling north. Marker is at Northern Ohio School in Parkin Archeological State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 Hwy 184, Parkin AR 72373, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Crowley’s Ridge,

in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain,

and in the Cherokee Heritage Region.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

2. A Hidden School Discovered Marker

Featured marker is fourth from left.

what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Conducting the Research (here, next to this marker); Class Is In Session (here, next to this marker); The Northern Ohio School (here, next to this marker); Struggle for Education (here, next to this marker); Student Life (here, next to this marker); River, Rail, and Timber Bring Sawmills to Parkin (here, next to this marker); Timber Shaped the Delta (here, next to this marker); The Sawdust Hill Community is Born (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkin.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

The restored Northern Ohio School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

3. The restored Northern Ohio School

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.