Near Mazomanie in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old Halfway Prairie
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 2, 2011
1. Old Halfway Prairie Marker
This building is Dane County's oldest existing country schoolhouse. Repeated remodelings conceal an original framework of logs.The land was donated for school purposes in 1844 by Mary Fowler, a widow and member of the British Temperance Immigration Society.
The name Halfway Prairie was coined by early lead miners who often camped here when traveling from Mineral Point to Portage. The word Old was added in 1915 to distinguish from a later school.
Early school terms were adjusted to the rhythms of season and farm work. The fall term closed with the first heavy snowfall and the spring term opened with the roads. Early teachers were paid $20 to $30 per month. Board and room cost $2.00 per month. The standard eight month term was adopted in 1895.
In 1964 Dane County accepted land and buildings as a park site.
Erected 1965 by the Dane County Historical Society. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Dane County Historical Society
this page online
Location. 43° 10.936′ N, 89° 44.381′ W. Marker is near Mazomanie, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 19 and County Highway F, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 19. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mazomanie WI 53560, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Train Wreck of 1906 (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Turntable, The Engine House, The Water Tower (approx. 2.7 miles away); Crescent Street Factories, Mazomanie Blacksmiths, Coal Buildings (approx. 2.7 miles away); Lynch and Walker Flouring Mill (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Mazomanie Downtown Historic District (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Railroad in Mazomanie (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Mazomanie Depot (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Branch Line (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mazomanie.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are marker pages referencing Dane County one-room schoolhouses.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 2, 2011
2. Old Halfway Prairie Marker
The schoolhouse and park are in the background.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 2, 2011
3. Old Halfway Prairie School
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 2, 2011
4. Water Pump Gazebo at Old Halfway Prairie School
The outhouses are in the background.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 2, 2011
5. Sign on Front Door of Old Halfway Prairie School
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,815 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.
