2021.87.32

Irreplaceable: Real history. Real stories. Right here in Douglas on Center Street. How many people go places and spend money to see “history” in what is often falsified in Disney World or Las Vegas format? Here is real history on Center Street, Douglas—one of Douglas and Saugatuck’s biggest resources. It certainly does not fit the conventional picture of an old-time schoolhouse, but that is exactly what it was: a 1866 public school established under a State of Michigan program to consolidate small one or two room schools to make a larger multiple room/multiple teacher school—and in a building that was specifically designed to help beautify Michigan villages and set standards for village architecture. Did our ancestors from the 1860s take public education seriously? You bet they did. The school, with its massive roof, copula, and great “brackets” under the roof overhang is technically known as the Douglas Union School but commonly known as “The Old School House.” It was the school for all grades until the 1920s and then elementary grades only until 1957. Hundreds of local kids are still around to tell some very interesting stories about classroom life and community and family life in the past. Today it is recognized as one of the finest examples of school architecture in the State of Michigan—and Michigan’s oldest existing Union school. A classroom again! Now the Historical Society plans to protect the resource from development that is threatening it—and to work with the Library and the Saugatuck-Douglas schools to make it a local history “Discovery Center” where once again kids (and adults) will be able to experience the rich history of the school-life and community life. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. By Jim Schmiechen

Remembering When

Winthers, Sally

12/05/2021

11/18/2023