One-Room Rural School

Take a step back in time with a visit to the one-room school, which is located on the northwest corner of the ESU campus near 18th Avenue and Merchant. This classic, cut stone one-room rural school house is typical of those that filled Kansas at the turn of the century. Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Kruse in 1966, the 93-year-old building was moved from a site that is now Marion Reservoir in Marion County. The refurbished bell was donated by the Wichita School System. ESU was established as Kansas Normal School, the state's first public school for training teachers. With its collection of early school furnishings, books, and equipment, the one-room school preserves part of the educational heritage of Kansas.

Admission is free; however, advance arrangements are required. Dr. Bill Samuelson, professor of education, presents a program about the history of the school dressed in 19th-century fashion.

Last Updated March 6, 2008