1909 White Rock Schoolhouse

The Friends of Historic Southeast Colorado has obtained a grant from the Bob and Doris Johnston Foundation for $25,000 for repairs at the White Rock Community Schoolhouse, located approximately 28 miles south of Fowler, Colorado. On or about the third week in July 2026, contractor James with Valley Painters from La Junta and his crew will start work on the schoolhouse. A Grand Re-opening of the schoolhouse will be held at this year's Annual Oyster Fry on the last Saturday in September.

Historical Background

The White Rock School was built in 1909 by Dana Davis and Earl Shock. It was originally located approximately 1 mile south and 1 mile east of its current location. The Eureka School was originally located several miles north of Highway 10. In 1934, the Eureka School was moved next to the White Rock School at its original site to serve as a teacherage. The move was carried out with teams and wagons by Paul Huntley, Walter Bruns, Floyd Kreider and his sons, and Mearl Black.

In 1939, both buildings were moved to their current location and joined together into one schoolhouse. This second move was executed using a steam engine and wagons. The Eureka School forms the east end and the White Rock School forms the west end. Following the setup, a basement was excavated beneath the school, and Paul Huntley constructed the stairway along with its protective enclosure. Men assisting in the move included Cade Barrett, Paul Huntley, Floyd Kreider and his sons, Jeff Black Sr., and Mearl Black.

In 1950, local school consolidation led to the closure of White Rock School, and students were bussed to Fowler. The schoolhouse was subsequently purchased at auction by Bob Johnston and gifted to the White Rock Community. Over the years, the building has served as a community center hosting church services, Bible studies, dances, Easter sunrise services, the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, Christmas parties, weddings, and funerals.

Hail Damage and Planned Scope of Repairs

In June 2025, the schoolhouse sustained heavy damage from large hail. Approximately 80% of the exterior board slats were damaged beyond repair and will be replaced with special wood siding. One broken window was temporarily boarded up using the community's Easter Sunrise Service sign.

Restoration work across the facility includes:

• Replacing all damaged exterior siding slats with special wood siding.
• Installing a new exterior sign, while the historic original sign will be preserved and displayed inside the schoolhouse.
• Replacing damaged basement windows and reconditioning window frames with newly fitted hail screens.
• Restoring the back porch ceiling, saving and reinstalling the original ceiling boards.
• Repairing cracked interior plaster walls in the east main entrance of the original Eureka School section.
• Replacing cracked walls throughout both sides of the second room in the Eureka School wing.
• Completely replacing damaged lath and plaster walls and ceilings in the east-side utility closet housing the electrical panel.

Community volunteers Francie and Tom Beaudette, Pat Schalla, Floyd Myers, and Jeanette Myers assisted by moving furnishings and covering the interior to prepare the facility for construction. Handmade curtains crafted around 2002 were taken down for cleaning and repair.