Niles in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ferry Street School
Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007
1. Ferry Street School Marker
Inscription.
Ferry Street School. . Constructed in 1867 at a cost of nearly $3,000, the Ferry Street School opened in January, 1868 as Niles’s school for “colored children.” In 1870 the Niles school system was integrated, and this facility closed. It reopened as an integrated school in 1873. The west wing was added in 1903. From 1956 to 1975 the School for Exceptional Children was located here. In 1975 concerned citizens began restoring the original building to its nineteenth century style. Nineteenth century one-room schools in this community typically contained a woodburning stove, woodbox, water bench, coat pegs, wooden blackboards and long rows of desks. One teacher often taught two grades. Lessons were in reading, writing, spelling, numbers, declamation and geography, all with a moral. This school provides a link to schools of yesteryear.
Constructed in 1867 at a cost of nearly $3,000, the Ferry Street School opened in January, 1868 as Niles’s school for “colored children.” In 1870 the Niles school system was integrated, and this facility closed. It reopened as an integrated school in 1873. The west wing was added in 1903. From 1956 to 1975 the School for Exceptional Children was located here. In 1975 concerned citizens began restoring the original building to its nineteenth century style. Nineteenth century one-room schools in this community typically contained a woodburning stove, woodbox, water bench, coat pegs, wooden blackboards and long rows of desks. One teacher often taught two grades. Lessons were in reading, writing, spelling, numbers, declamation and geography—all with a moral. This school provides a link to schools of yesteryear.
Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L477.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1868.
Location. 41° 49.906′ N, 86° 15.131′ W. Marker is in Niles, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Ferry Street
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near North 6th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 Ferry Street, Niles MI 49120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,299 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
