The James School was originally built in 1917 and local children from first to eighth grade attended classes there until 1948. In those years one teacher taught all eight grades. Some years there were more than thirty children in that one-room school. By 1948 bus transportation made it possible for rural students to be transported into Presque Isle to attend school. The James School and other one-room schools closed their doors to formal education.
For a few years the Hillside Gospel Mission used the building for services but by 1958 people were attending churches in town and the old building was abandoned.
It stood alone and ignored on a hill on the Niles Road outside Presque Isle. By 1985 wood was rotting and the old school was beginning to collapse. People were afraid children might play in it and get hurt. The fire department in Presque Isle was ordered to burn it.
It all starts with an idea, and in 1985 that is what happened when visionary and local judge, Julian Turner started a campaign to transform the old one-room school house into a center of learning the area's history. Judge Turner and the Friends of the James School said, “Let’s fix it up!” and a local preservation campaign was underway.
A new foundation was laid, walls, windows, siding and belfry were all revitalized through local community volunteer efforts. After most of the rebuilding was complete, the inside was scrubbed, painted, and the wainscoting was restored to a natural wood finish.
Since a spark of an idea from Judge Turner, and his friends, they wanted to make the James School a gathering place for the whole community. Since renovation efforts, the Friends of the James School continue to open the iconic landmark to public and student field trips to learn about the early efforts in public education in rural Aroostook County.
The James School is a 501c3 non-profit organization comprised by a dedicated group of local volunteers that meet twice a year to conduct business in addition to helping with summer tours. We look forward to your time and talents on the team!
The James School is an important historical landmark of early education in Aroostook County.
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