Vernon School, Vernon, IA
**Vernon School** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 02001024, date listed 20020912
26849 South St.
Vernon, IA (Van Buren County)
The town now known as Vernon was originally called South Bentonsport in deference to the larger town on the other side of the Des Moines River. South Bentonsport was established in 1837 but was renamed Vernon in 1852 when a post office was located in town. By 1878, Vernon had a flour mill, woolen mill, pottery and several general stores. The construction of a public school building for the town of Vernon was representative of the eagerness of local leaders to provide educational opportunities for county residents. By 1878, Van Buren county had 89 frame schoolhouses, 17 constructed of brick, 3 of stone, and 1 log school.
It was not until January 1867 that the Independent School District of Vernon acquired the land on which the school was built. Construction proceeded slowly and was funded piecemeal by the board by obtaining loans and issuing bonds. Strained financial resources resulted in a protracted construction period. As late as 1873, the board was approving labor and material expenses related to "finishing school house" but it is probable that classes were held in the building earlier.
The two outdoor privies are contributing structures. These frame buildings are covered with vertical wood board and rest on concrete foundations. The roofs have wood shingles. (1)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/02001024_text
Vernon School, Vernon, IA
**Vernon School** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 02001024, date listed 20020912
26849 South St.
Vernon, IA (Van Buren County)
The town now known as Vernon was originally called South Bentonsport in deference to the larger town on the other side of the Des Moines River. South Bentonsport was established in 1837 but was renamed Vernon in 1852 when a post office was located in town. By 1878, Vernon had a flour mill, woolen mill, pottery and several general stores. The construction of a public school building for the town of Vernon was representative of the eagerness of local leaders to provide educational opportunities for county residents. By 1878, Van Buren county had 89 frame schoolhouses, 17 constructed of brick, 3 of stone, and 1 log school.
It was not until January 1867 that the Independent School District of Vernon acquired the land on which the school was built. Construction proceeded slowly and was funded piecemeal by the board by obtaining loans and issuing bonds. Strained financial resources resulted in a protracted construction period. As late as 1873, the board was approving labor and material expenses related to "finishing school house" but it is probable that classes were held in the building earlier.
The two outdoor privies are contributing structures. These frame buildings are covered with vertical wood board and rest on concrete foundations. The roofs have wood shingles. (1)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/02001024_text