Charter Oak School

Located on the Evansville/Schuline blacktop road, between Schuline and Walsh, the
Charter Oak School is one of the three octagonal schools remaining in the United States.

When the first settlers  from the Carolinas came to Randolph county in the early 1800's, many settled in the area later to be named Walsh.  The schooling of the children was conducted in their homes, with the children rotating to a different home after a set period of time.  The reasons for this will probably never be fully known, but it is believed to have "relieved the burden" of one particular person having the full responsibility, also, possibly, each woman had her "own thing" that she was proficient in teaching.

In 1848 a log school house was built in an approximate central location to all the homes.  It was built 
on land donated by James John BOYD.  Later a half acre was purchased from Filmore BOYD.
This school building was very rudimentary, having a door, a fireplace, greased deer skin windows,  rough hewn benches and tables of hand-cut planks.  After a few years, a frame school was built. 
 It was destroyed by a tornado in 1870.

About 1871, Daniel LING came to the community to serve as teacher, but was not satisfied with 
the new building plans, saying there should be more light inside.  He persuaded the school board members to use a plan for an eight-sided building, with windows in each side, so all students would 
have natural light to work by.  He also used the theory of persuasion that an eight-sided building
would be safer in a windstorm.  After debate, it was decided to build the new brick school, and it
 was done for the enormous cost of $1,000.

The Directors of Charter Oak School at that time were:

Stephen WRIGHT.......John BICKETT.......Daniel KLEE.

In the fall of 1873, the classes were held in the new school with Miss Avis ALLEN as the teacher.
The building was used also for public meetings, farm meetings, Sunday School, Prayer Meetings, Political meetings, and became a community center.

For eighty years, students attended this school.  Through the years, few modernizations were 
added. There was no electricity, indoor plumbing or restrooms.  The school closed in 1954, when 
it was consolidated into the Central School District.  Mrs. Theresa ROCHE was the last teacher.

After the abandonment of the school, the building stood neglected for many years.  The 
Randolph County Historical Society became interested and thought it should be preserved.
They purchased the building from a former pupil whom had bought it on auction.  Since that
time, it has been completely restored and is maintained by the Society.  
The annual Charter Oak Corn Fest is their mainstay of support for maintenance and preservations.

If you haven't attended the Corn Fest... DO!!  Large kettles of home-grown sweet corn,
Indian Pudding (delicious!), fried chicken and home grown vegetables... also a country 
market and craft sale.
Click on pictures below for larger view.

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