Highlandville School wins state endorsement of National Register of Historic Places status

A state review committee has endorsed National Register of Historic Places status for the Highlandville School.

The application to State of Iowa officials states, "Constructed in 1911, the
building is a well intact example of how rural residents provided educational opportunities to students in an area of low population. The school stands as a reminder of Iowa's drive to promote knowledge, particularly in rural areas."

The application continues, "The school building retains most of its original elements,including the floor, plaster walls, construction materials, built-in furniture,bell, siding, limestone foundation, and chalkboard trays, just to name a few.Alterations have occurred including the removal of entrance stairs, theconstruction of a ramp, conversion to asphalt shingles, concrete repair to thebasement walls, heating changes, and electrical upgrades. Alterations to the priviesinclude reframing, siding repairs, and roof repairs. Overall, this property hasnot undergone significant alterations that detract from its location, setting,design, workmanship, materials, feeling, or association."

Winneshiek County officials appeared before the review committee last Friday as part of the application process.  The application now will be sent to Washington, D.C. for review by officials of the National Parks Service.  State approval of the historic status designation almost always leads to national approval.