Alcona County Schools

Alcona County Schools. . , In the mid-1800s the first white settlers came to what is now Alcona County. As the population grew, schools became part of nearly every settlement or logging camp. The first school was built in 1860. In 1869, Alcona County was established but prior to that schoolhouses were scattered throughout the county. Each township established school districts which were governed by a school board. Schools were located within two or three miles of each other so that children could walk to them as other transportation was not readily available. Land was often donated or sold by a family in the district and built by local residents. There were at least 75 one room schoolhouses in Alcona County. Most schools educated children through 8th grade, and most students did not attend high school because of the distance and the cost. Alcona County had only one high school, located in Harrisville., Very early schools were built of logs, but most were made of wood frame construction. Brick was also used. In the 1930s the federal government used the Work Projects Administration to improve and update schools., Over time some of the schools were moved and consolidated. In the mid-1950s five multi classroom schools were built, school buses transported students, and all of the one room country schools were closed. Some of the schools still standing are private residences., In the early years, teachers rarely stayed at one school for more than a year or two. Women were not able to be a teacher if they were married., In 1931 there were around 5,100 one room schools in Michigan. By the 1950s such schools were obsolete., Further information about individual schools can be found in a book entitled Early Schools - Alcona County Schools 1860-1957 compiled by Janet Higgins. Reference copies are available in Bailey School and at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville., www.alconahistoricalsociety.com , This sign is sponsored by the Alona Historical Society funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, 2022 , Map key , A. Daisy Dell , Mitchell Township , 1911-1934, B. Norwegian School , Caledonia Township , 1885-1956, C. Low School , Alcona Township , 1880-1905, D. Larson and Rustand Camp School , Hawes Township , 1915-1916, E. Pyne School , Haynes Township , 1901-1945, F. Lincoln School (Second School) , Gustin Township , 1887-1948, G. Harrisville High School , Home Township , 1912-1957, H. Greenbush School , Greenbush Township , 1869-1943, I. Indian/Alvin School , Mikado Township , 1898-1939, J.Klondike School
Mikado Township , 1908-1935, K. Bean Hill School , Millen Township , 1911-1951, L. Curtisville School , Curtis Township , 1884-1930