One-room schoolhouse to hold open house

STEUBENVILLE -- The Pleasant Hill School House Museum is planning an open house from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The schoolhouse is located at 3125 state Route 213 in Steubenville. Those attending will have the opportunity to see how students were taught inside a one-room classroom during the 1880s.

This will be a guided tour, according to Secretary Connie Crawford, a former Edison Local school teacher who along with Gloria Renda and Karen Lundquist, began the restoration project of the one-room schoolhouse.

Among its offerings which guests will see upon their tour, is the recently-remodeled bell tower, along with its refurbished original school bell. It literally took a community to make the project what it has become today, the women commented. Donations, luck and many blessings have made it possible to maintain much of the room's original features.

Constructed in 1836, the building served as a church until 1880. It then became a schoolhouse until 1952. It was turned into a home for a few local families until the late 1970s. An attempt to restore the building was first made in 1976. A second attempt was made in 1986. In 2008, a third attempt to restore the schoolhouse was finally approved and work soon began.

Open houses take place on the second Sunday of the month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Crawford, along with former school teachers Joyce Zimmerman and Avis Henry, dress in the style of the teachers from the 1800s. The Pleasant Hill schoolhouse once housed approximately 48 students. There was one teacher for all students and she was usually around the age of 14.

Those on the board of directors explained they are looking to connect more with the community, hosting more events at the museum with food and entertainment.

"We are looking into bake sales, food trucks, movie nights and other events the community would like to have," officials stated. "We are looking for volunteers to help with events and repairs on the museum and taking donations to pay for window coverings to help with heating during the winter."

The cost is approximately $200 per window, with the donor's name to be placed on the covering.

Those interesting in helping can contact President Ryan Finney at (740) 381-0592. All donations can be mailed to: Lara Finney, 151 Lovers Lane, Steubenville, OH 43953.

A square dance will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Knoxville Fire Hall, located at 15447 state Route 152 in Toronto. This will be the museum's second-annual square dance, open to the public and for people of any age. Admission will be $8 for a couple, $5 for singles and $10 for a family. There will be food, drinks and cake walks. For information, contact Crawford at (740) 544-5666.

Another event the museum will hold is a Holiday Fest celebration, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Knoxville Fire Hall. Crafters, vendors and artisans will be in attendance selling holiday items. There will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 drawing, soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinks for purchase. Those interested in selling their merchandise can contact Finney. The museum and its events can be followed on its Facebook page.