Cornell School

Cornell School - Johnstown, Ohio

Cornell School is a classic example of how public education functioned in Rural America in the late 20th century. This one-room schoolhouse was built in 1886 and served students until 1923. The structure was donated to the Friends of Cornell School by Tom and Gloria Miller of Alexandria, Ohio. It was moved from their property to its present location in May of 1991. Cornell School has been operating as a living history program for area schools since 1996.

Schoolmarms recreate an actual school day at a one-room schoolhouse. The students are encouraged to dress in period costume, bring lunch pails, learn lessons the old way, and always show the proper respect to the schoolmarm or schoolmaster.

Cornell School, now located on South Main Street in Johnstown, Ohio was built in 1880 near Alexandria, Ohio and was used as a school until 1923. It stood empty until the Friends of Cornell School got organized and had the building moved in 1991. It was opened to the public in 1996 and has since demonstrated to students and visitors how their forebears were taught in the days of one room schools. Donations of 19th century texts and furnishings make a visit to the school a leap back in time. McGuffey readers, quill pens, inkwells slates and a water bucket are in place just as if the students had been dismissed yesterday.

We Need Your Support!!
Did you know you can support Cornell School now just by shopping at Kroger? Just visit Kroger's Community Rewards program where Kroger contributes up to $5 million to organizations such as Cornell School. Pull out your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card and click here to add Friends of Cornell School as the organization to receive your community rewards. You will be helping us pay yearly utility, insurance and maintenance costs to keep our historic one-room school available for classrooms and groups that one to relive a "Day in the Life of a One-Room Schoolhouse."
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!