https://archive.triblive.com/news/take-a-step-back-in-time-in-baltzer-meyer-historical-societys-1-room-schoolhouse/
Take a step back in time in Baltzer Meyer Historical Society's 1-room schoolhouse
Brian F. Henry | Trib Total Media
The Baltzer Meyer Historical Society wants people of all ages to get a lesson at its Harrold No. 8 schoolhouse in Hempfield.
A century-old one-room schoolhouse isn't just for third-graders.
Baltzer Meyer Historical Society wants people of all ages to get a lesson.
“It's just trying to use it more than 19 days a year,” said society President Bruce Shirey.
The Harrold No. 8 schoolhouse in Hempfield will open its doors monthly to the public for tours and historical information about the 1881 brick building. Hempfield Area third-graders visit during about three weeks on an annual basis, but there are plenty of other days in the year, Shirey said.
Society members have been for a couple of years thinking about having a monthly open house for the general public at the school on Baltzer Meyer Pike, but this is the first summer the society has offered it. Society board member Tom Harrold will be on hand to point out displays and add historical facts to the visitor's experience.
“Our local education started there,” Shirey said. “The public should see it.”
The schoolhouse closed in 1928 and later was used as the township's maintenance building.
The historical society purchased the schoolhouse from Hempfield Area in 1996 and renovated it. District third-graders have been attending one day of classes there since 2008 to get a feel for how students their age once learned, with a retired district teacher acting as schoolmarm.
The schoolhouse was severely damaged by a tornado that swept through Hempfield and Sewickley townships in March 2011. Heavy winds tore away much of the roof and a brick wall collapsed. Repairs have since been made.
Tom Harrold is a descendant of Christopher Harrold, an original settler in the area after whom the school was named. Harrold said he will impart information about local history and the families who made their home in what is now the Fort Allen area.
“It was just really neat for us to be able to open this up to the public,” Harrold said.
Renatta Signorini is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.
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