Schoolhouse

Many rural Midwestern towns like West Branch placed a high value on education.

NPS Photo/John Tobiason

Quick Facts

Location:

West Branch, Iowa

Significance:

Part of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

"Iowa in those years was filled with days of school, and who does not remember with a glow, some gentle woman, who with infinite patience and kindness, drilled into us those foundations of all we know today."

Herbert Hoover

Emphasis on Education

By 1853, enough people lived in West Branch to build and support a public school. Hard work was a core value of the Quaker townsfolk, but so too was education-for both boys and girls. Herbert Hoover's own mother, Hulda had been a teacher in neighboring Muscatine County before she married. Because the Society of Friends raised much of the money for the construction of this one-room schoolhouse, it was also used as the town's first Quaker meetinghouse.

The Growing School

In 1869, after the town built a larger schoolhouse, this building was used as a classroom for the primary department, or youngest grades. Herbert Hoover entered public school in 1880 at age 5 and spent three years in the primary department. It is unknown if Hoover's class met in this building.

Pursuit of Higher Education

The value the Hoovers' placed on education paid off in 1891. 17-year old Bert Hoover enrolled at Stanford University, determined to become a mining engineer.

• One-room Country School

  
  

  Herbert Hoover recalled, "Iowa in those years was filled with days of school, and who does not remember with a glow, some gentle woman, who with infinite patience and kindness, drilled into us those foundations of all we know today."

  Credit / Author:

  NPS

  Date created:

  01/15/2021

  Audio Transcript

  By 1853, enough settlers lived in West Branch to support and build a public school. Hard work was a core value of the Quaker faith, but so too, was the importance of education for both boys and girls - Hoover's own mother, Hulda had been a teacher before she married. Because the Society of Friends raised much of the money for the construction of this one-room schoolhouse, it was also used as the first Quaker meetinghouse, which might explain its simple, unadorned architecture. Originally located at the corner of Main and Downey streets, the school was sold and moved several times before its final relocation here in 1968. While it is unknown if Hoover attended school in this building, it is the oldest building at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. When 5-year old Herbert "Bertie", Hoover started primary school in 1879, he was following in the footsteps of his big brother, eight-year old "Tad.", (sound effects: bell, children talking, laughing) Mornings were greeted with the ringing of the school bell and the activity of hanging coats and hats on the cloak room hooks just inside the doorway. As you step inside, you'll find a classroom restored to the time of Hoover's youth. Double-seated wooden desks trimmed in cast iron vary in size from large to small. Did you notice the ones directly in front of the teacher's desk? Children sat here when it was time to recite their lessons. Miss Lizzie Chandler taught Bertie Hoover for first and second grade. Each day, her blackboard was filled with lessons of arithmetic and spelling. No computers or overhead projectors here. Students shared reading books, and practiced penmanship on slate chalkboards, like the ones sitting on these desktops. The only source of heat in this schoolhouse came from a pot-bellied wood stove located at the back of the room. In the winter, you can imagine that depending on where you sat, you might be sweating or freezing! The eight large windows let in lots of natural light, but on cloudy days, it was the kerosene lamps that helped to brighten the room. You probably recognize the portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the country's first and sixteenth Presidents. Little did Miss Lizzie Chandler know that in less than 50 years, Bertie Hoover would add his name to that distinguished list when he was elected the 31st President of the United States of America.