Former Waterville School has become a vital hub of community activity and togetherness in its eight years as the Waterville Community Center
Remains community centerpiece ... The former Waterville School has remained a centerpiece for the Waterville community, even after the school was closed following the 2017-2018 school year. Following that school closure, members of the community stepped up in support of the City of Waterville buying the facility, and it continues to be members of the community supporting the efforts of the city that have helped the property grow into a vital location of community activity and cohesiveness that reaches far beyond just the residents of Waterville. Submitted photo.
by Jennifer Bissell
When the Waterville School closed following the 2017-2018 academic year, the people of Waterville stepped up to make sure their small community didn’t lose a much-needed space. Now in the eighth summer of operating as the Waterville Community Center, members of the community have continued to band together to make much-needed improvements to the former school to further enhance the property as a centerpiece for community activity and coming together that reaches far beyond just Waterville itself.
A BRIEF HISTORY
According to history compiled by Margaret Monserud, the Waterville community has had four schools in its history. The first was likely built shortly after the community was settled in the 1850s. The second was erected about 1886. With increasing enrollment, a larger building was planned in 1913.
The Waterville Consolidated School was organized in 1920 when it combined with the rural Paint Creek Township schools. Margaret Monserud noted it was one of the earliest consolidated districts in the state of Iowa. The new consolidated building was constructed in 1921-1922 as a three-story brick building at its current location at 115 Main Street in Waterville. When it opened in September 1922, there were 43 students in the high school and a total of 146 students in all grades.
In 1952-1953, a south addition was added, with a new gymnasium, four classrooms, an industrial arts area and larger lunchroom and kitchen. Harpers Ferry High School closed in 1959, with the Waterville High School closing in 1960 but the Waterville building continuing on as an elementary school.
With declining enrollment and needed repairs adding up, the Allamakee Community School District Board of Directors voted in the winter of 2017 to close the K-6 school after the 2017-2018 school year.
MOVING QUICKLY
Dave Monserud, who has been the Mayor of Waterville since 2006, said the city originally had no plans to purchase the school building. The city was going to maintain ownership of the playground equipment, which had been installed by the Parents for Progress committee through a grant. When the school closed, Dave Monserud said three residents came to the Waterville City Council and pledged $10,000 to the city to bid on the school to use as a public use area. The Allamakee Community School Board accepted the bid in April 2018.
Immediately, a school history committee was formed to make arrangements for school memorabilia, such as trophies. Working with the Waterville High School alumni, the community raised money to form the school history room, which is now located in Classroom #1 in the southern addition of the school.
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