Guinn School District #36

Prior to this building being constructed another one existed “on the old Fair Ground Road”. In January 1909 a boy discovered the Guinn School house in flames with the cause of origin pointing to arson. It was considered almost a total loss and a few weeks later the Continental Insurance Company paid local representative Mart Miller & Co. making a full settlement on the policy of $550. This money was used to rebuild the school that summer, just in time for school to commence in the fall.

The Guinn School District #36 got its name after James Guinn whose home was on the site of the school house. And like hundreds of other one-room school houses it was a staple in the rural community it served. Hosting box suppers, ice cream socials, plays and more. Oftentimes the nearby Star School and Guinn would attend each others events. On the last day of school in 1913, 60 parents showed up with baskets of goodies to end the school year.

Another name given to the school was Gwinn School, same pronunciation but different spelling. Being as it was a small rural school attendance was never crazy only reaching 21 in 1918. These low attendance numbers meant it was nearly impossible for one room school houses to survive the 1950s and ’60s when school funding was determined on enrollment and schools began to consolidate. Leaving these unsuspecting building abandoned and forgotten about. This one allegedly burned down several years ago and all that remains is a dirt patch where it once stood.

Gallery Below of Guinn School District #36

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