Free schoolhouse generates interest

The Peach Blossom Schoolhouse has generated more interest than the Jefferson County Conservation Board anticipated.

Conservation director Dennis Lewiston has fielded roughly 15 inquiries since the schoolhouse give-away was publicized in early July.

He said the board has since established some criteria to help determine who will become the new owner. Ideally, Lewiston said the board would like the one-room schoolhouse to remain in Jefferson County and be restored to preserve its historical significance.

The best-case scenario would be actually putting the schoolhouse to use as a classroom, but the board also would consider a new owner interested in using it as a home, cabin or workshop, Lewiston said.

He said the interested parties have been asked to complete a questionnaire and return it by the board?s Aug. 30 meeting. At that time, the board hopes to make a decision.

The schoolhouse was moved from its original location a half mile north of Wooster corner on Glasgow Road to Round Prairie Park in the 1970s. Because the building is seldom used, the board felt park maintenance should take priority in the budget and decided to find a new owner for the schoolhouse.