School Houses

Do you remember the days of one, or maybe two room school houses? My memories are of the Tampico School, which began with no running water nor indoor plumbing. Of course, our rural area can bring to mind many one or maybe two room schools.

Since my husband and many of his family, as well as our two daughters, had the honor of calling themselves students of Tampico or Tampico Tech as some like to call it. I am certainly not an authority on any of these schools, but I understand the Tampico school house was at one time located in the Billingsley community, then moved to an area close to Tampico, before being moved to the Tampico Community.

This school eventually had a well dug by a local resident and was happy to have indoor plumbing. No more sweeping off the seat of the outhouse before use in the winter.

Part of this school was eventually moved to become a school located south at the Burke Ranch.

There are many country schools still standing and some being used for other things. I enjoy traveling through Vandalia and seeing the large country school still standing there. I am sure it brings memories for many.