The Shipley School was the last rural school to operate in Stark County (1908-1980).  It originally opened in 1897 as St. Anthony School Number 16. 

There was one teacher for eight grades, and the teacher also served as janitor.  The teacher would usually board at the home of a local resident, sometimes rotating between families.  Some schools were designed so the teacher could live on-site, but not this particular one.  The wage in this area in 1908 was $25 a month. 

The coat room on the right was for boys; on the left was for girls.  There was originally a wood/coal stove in the basement.  At one time there would have been outhouses near the school, and probably even a stable for children who rode horses to school.  In later years there were probably toilets inside the girls' and boys' coatrooms. 

There was no hot lunch program at early country schools, so students would have had to bring their lunch with them each day.  Syrup cans were used for lunch pails.  The hole on the top was to keep sandwiches from getting soggy.  Only the wealthier students could afford lunch pails. 

The building was donated to the park by the school district and was moved to the site in 1980.  The nearby school bell is from Dunn County, donated by Don Page. 

*This building is accessible to visitors with disabilities.