Then and Now: Schuyler School District #82

          Before School District 158, one room schools dominated the countryside. In total, there were 7 one room school houses that would eventually merge with the County's first consolidated school system. One of these schools was the Schuyler school. This one room school house, known as the "Schuyler District" or District #82, was constructed around 1859 on what would become N. Union Road. Positioned on a small hill just east of the Kishwaukee River, this school would service the farm children from the surrounding area for over 40 years. Some of the early teachers for the district include Luella Stevens, Warren Smith, and Mamie Keating. Keating would be forced to teach a short time at the Kishwaukee school because in late April of 1902, lightning from a strong storm struck the Schuyler school, burning it to the ground. It would take some time to rebuild, but in 1903, a larger and more equipped schoolhouse was constructed.

          The new school measured approximately 24 feet by 36 feet, and had a six foot hall on one end leading to the main room. An "improved" furnace heated the building, and a well was located in the basement. Every effort was made to make this schoolhouse one of the finest in the county. Some of the teachers in the rebuilt school were Adeline Morris (1908-1909), Sadie Elston (1909-1910), and Frances Rushton (1910-1911). The final teacher at the school was Bernice Rehberg, who taught at the school from 1917-1920.

          In 1920, the school consolidated with Huntley School District 158, the first consolidated school district in McHenry County. Afterwards, the school became a home. At some point, the bell was removed and eventually made its way to a nearby farm. In 2005, after decades of neglect, the dilapidated structure was razed. Today, the small hill remains empty, with trees encompassing the spot where the proud school once stood.

The second Schuyler School, circa 1908 from a postcard sent by the teacher Adeline Morris

Site of Schuyler School. 04/22/2013.

Slab from a small outbuilding on the site. Most likely the small stable. 04/22/2013.