Edwardsville in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Leclaire Schoolhouse
Historic Leclaire
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 10, 2025
1. Leclaire Schoolhouse Marker
"Every brick and every board and every nail that is put into this building is for the benefit of humanity."
N.O. Nelson (remark to Mary Barnsback and Roland Van Hyning overlooking the future site of Leclaire Academy)
Although Leclaire founder N.O. Nelson had little schooling, he understood the importance of education and often said that "the head" as well as "the heart and hand" should be educated. This structure was created with that philosophy mind.
The Village moved its free half-day kindergarten here from the Leclaire Club House in 1895. The rest of the day was used for free, general education for Leclairites. Boys fourteen and younger who were employed at Nelson's factories were encouraged to work only half a day and then to study the other half, with Nelson paying them eight-hours' worth of wages.
In addition to offering a study space, this building housed a library featuring 1,200 books and a reading room available for community use. It contained sliding partitions that could transform the four-room building into one big hall for multiple purposes including guest lectures.
The kindergarten and educational
this page online
Erected by City of Edwardsville and Friends of Leclaire.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 38° 48.264′ N, 89° 57.001′ W. Marker is in Edwardsville, Illinois, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of Holyoake Road and Park Place, on the right when traveling north on Holyoake Road. Marker is in front of Edwardsville Children's Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville IL 62025, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 10, 2025
2. Leclaire Schoolhouse Marker
Marker is in front of Edwardsville Children's Museum.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Get Your Kicks on Route 66 (within shouting distance of this marker); Leclaire, Illinois (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lawnin Mansion (about 400 feet away); Historic Leclaire Field (about 400 feet away); Jerry Kane (about 400 feet away); N.O. Nelson House (about 500 feet away); Nickel Plate Station (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edwardsville.
Also see . . .
1. The Academy (Historic Leclaire). From the Friends of Leclaire's website. The building was known as Leclaire School until a new building was built in the 1950s on Franklin Street. In 2003, the Children's Museum opened in that building, which to some locals, is also known as "the old Leclaire School." (Submitted on October 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Edwardsville Children's Museum (official website). (Submitted on October 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
