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Thursday, October 2, 2008 9:48 PM CDT
Perry: No plans to move historic Greenwood School Museum
By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON — Many graduates of Eastern Illinois State Normal School, predecessor of Eastern Illinois University, went on to teach at one-room country schools.
Consequently, EIU President Bill Perry said having the Coles County Historical Society’s Greenwood School Museum on campus helps maintain a connection to the university’s beginnings as a training ground for teachers.
“(The museum) is representative of a proud tradition and we are proud to host it. We are glad to partner with the Historical Society on it,” Perry said.
Perry said he recently reassured the society’s board that EIU has no plans to move the museum, although the idea had been discussed informally within the university. He also told the board that he would like to see EIU use the museum more often, possibly as part of programming at Doudna Fine Arts Center.
Greenwood School was constructed more than 110 years ago in eastern Coles County and classes were held there as late as 1948. The Historical Society moved the building in 1975 to its present site at 800 Hayes Ave. on EIU’s campus and restored it to represent life in a one-room country school.
The museum is located adjacent to the northern section of the Buzzard Building, which houses EIU’s teacher education programs, and the childcare development labs in this building.
Ted Ostrem, president of the Historical Society, said he and other board members met with Perry last week to express concerns about the possible move of Greenwood School so the Buzzard Building’s facilities could be expanded.
“It was a very positive and reassuring meeting,” Ostrem said.
Perry said there has been informal discussion within the university about moving Greenwood School but this discussion is just part of ongoing efforts to generate ideas for campus improvements.
“There is nothing that is going to happen to the property right now,” Perry said.
If EIU ever seriously considers moving Greenwood School, Perry said he assured the Historical Society’s Board that university officials would discuss the matter with them first.
Perry said he sees potential for the Greenwood School to host programs related to children’s activities held nearby at the newly expanded Doudna Fine Arts Center. He said the museum also plays an important role by continuing to show modern teaching students what it was like to lead classes in a one-room school.
“I think there are a lot of opportunities,” Perry said.
Greenwood School annually hosts a spelling bee and other activities designed to re-create life in a one-room school. Ostrem said the Historical Society is excited about the Doudna Fine Arts Center drawing more visitors.
“We want to spruce the museum up so we can take advantage of the foot traffic,” Ostrem said.
Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.
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