Cast Your Vote for Centralia, Washington Schoolhouse Restoration
Submitted by Carla Osterby
Nestled among hay fields, and flanked by evergreen forests, resides the historic Salzer Valley Schoolhouse in Centralia, Washington. For generations, the confines of its simple, white walls have been the center of social activity for the valley. The schoolhouse, was established in 1894 as a one room school to serve the needs of local children.One of the first teachers at the school was Rena Cooness, the daughter-in-law of George Washington, founder of Centralia, Washington.
In 1944 the Centralia school district consolidated and the school dismissed its students for the last time. The school has become home for the Salzer Valley Community Club, a non profit club dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic Salzer Valley School.
In 2008, upon hearing of the plans to disband and burn the historic school the younger members of the community stepped forward and assumed stewardship of the historic schoolhouse.
We are seeking help from the community at large and readers of the CSAA newsletter. The Salzer Valley Schoolhouse is in the running for a $25,000 grant from Pepsi. This would be a tremendous help towards restoration of the schoolhouse. Voting for this round ends April 30, 2010.
Photo: Rena Cooness stands with students at Salzer Valley Schoolhouse in Centralia, Washington. Cooness was one of the state's first African-American teachers when she taught at the school from 1903-1911.
Vote for Salzer School
For more information and a photo gallery, visit the Salzer Valley Community website!
Salzer Valley Community Club
Thank-you,
Carla Osterby, Secretary
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