Douglas Union School

Archive

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Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Name/Title

Douglas Union School

Entry/Object ID

2021.87.32

Scope and Content

The Local Observer newspaper Remembering When - Our History article titled "Irreplaceable: Real History. Real Stories" LO30 August 24, 2005. By Jack Sheridan and Jim Schmiechen. Digital files use to create this article and associated resources at 2021.72.02

Context

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

Collection

Remembering When

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2021.87

Source or Donor

Sheridan, John "Jack" O. 1938-

Acquisition Method

Donation

Location

* Untyped Location

Digital data in CatalogIt

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Sheridan, John "Jack" O. 1938-, Schmiechen, James A., Demerest, Marvin Eugene "Demmy" 1928-2020, Douglas Union School 1866-

Related Publications

Publication

Local Observer

Create Date

December 5, 2021

Update Date

November 18, 2023