A series of three squat cinderblock building that sat across the creak in a field next to the Grange Hall with faded playground equipment peaking out from behind. The halls are smaller than I remember. You would think the emptiness would make the area feel larger, but it doesn’t. Without chattering children, colorful artwork, or laughing teachers, the building has shrank.

Ten classrooms doors stand closed. No lights peeking out from under them, and their windows are free of finger prints from kids trying to prove they were tall enough to reach them. The remnants of tape and tack that previously held crafts and themed decorations are now forever there as a reminder of what this once was.

This was my elementary school.

It once schooled kids from preschool to fifth grade, but now the musty smelling building has been repurposed. The Preschool building is now a EMS dispatch center, the cafeteria/gym/assembly hall is used for various community activities, and the classrooms and library can be rented for parties.

I’m glad it has been repurposed. It had sat empty for a few years after the new larger elementary was built, but people got together and decided our little unincorporated area needed a gathering place.

Saturdays there is a little farmer’s market held, or an auction. Tuesdays are for Zumba, and Thursdays are yoga night. Charity bingo is held there when someone in the community is in need, and it the place we go to drop off donations if people lose their home to fire or flood.

No longer the school of my memory with the crab apple tree out front, but it is now the center of our rural community.