Westcliff School

Built in 1891

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2025

1. Westcliff School Marker

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From the National Register Nomination prepared by Irene M. Francis, 3/1989:
The historic Westcliff Schoolhouse is the only building in Westcliffe of the design, locally known as the Cottage style, with a variety of front gabled vernacular masonry. The structure is one story, however the roof is constructed so that a second floor could be added inside. The building plan is rectangular with a symmetrical facade. On the

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2025

2. Westcliff School Marker

The marker is mounted on the southeast [left] corner of the building.

roof there is a wooden bell tower with a gabled roof set back from the main facade. The original bell in the tower is rung from inside the school. The main entrance in the vestibule has double doors and plain molding.
The school has 1,200 square feet of main floor. The floors are wide board hardwood, and the walls have narrow painted-board wainscot. The walls above the wainscot and on the ceiling are plastered and painted. In the front part of the building, historical exhibits from Custer County were put up in the Centennial year 1987 and have remained, added to as material becomes available. The exhibit includes desks, old books, student papers, etc., from the years when the schoolhouse was in operation.
The Westcliff Schoolhouse is significant for its design as a 19th century building type and for its materials and method of construction. Not only is the school the only example of Cottage style in Westcliffe but the material is unusual for a schoolhouse. The building, built of local fieldstone, is a testimony to the expertise of its stone mason, Archie Scherer. Mr. Scherer worked on several other buildings in Westcliffe, including

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2025

3. Westcliff School (east/front elevation)

the City Jail.
The schoolhouse is an important part of the community's history and many of the town people still living in the area attended this school. The building was built for the town of Westcliffe as part of the one room school system of Custer County and was used as such until the school system of Custer County began consolidation in 1948. The school was used for grades 1-3 until December 1953 when the consolidation was completed. The school name, spelled Westcliff, as opposed to town of Westcliffe, and date of construction appear above the front door.
The building has architectural significance because it is the only known school building in Custer County constructed of local field stone. In addition, the construction and design by stonemason, Archie Scherer, is notable in several respects. His attention to detail, as demonstrated in the quoins and the randomly placed dark field stones which pepper the school’s walls, and his artistic use of local materials make it significant for its method of construction.

Excerpt:  The Westcliff School was built in 1891. It

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2025

4. Westcliff School (northeast elevation)

was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. It is also known as the Old Westcliffe School House. It was built of local field stone by stonemason, Archie Scherer, and is notable for his workmanship in the quoins and placement of dark field stones amongst the lighter ones.

Excerpt:  Built in 1891 of local fieldstone, this rural schoolhouse functioned as a school until 1953. The building has an unusual flat topped gable roof. The building is now in use as a community center and museum.

Excerpt:  Students were taught all together, despite their age or level of ability. Sessions took place six months a year and included parts of spring, and fall, and summer. When the weather grew cold, classes stopped so that children would not have to suffer trekking through snow and ice. The only source of heating for these schools was a wood-burning

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2025

5. Westcliff School (south elevation)

stove.
The Old “Westcliff” Schoolhouse served its population from 1891-1953. It stands out from typical schoolhouses of that time because of its flat-topped gable roof and fieldstone façade. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Museum of Westcliffe History, as well as the Valley Park Recreation and Youth Center.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2025

6. Westcliff School (southeast elevation)