Country School: One Room - One Nation

Upcoming "Country School: One Room - One Nation" Film Showing Events

February 13, 2012, Monday, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Steamboat Rock Schoolhouse, Steamboat Rock, IA

April 28, 2012, Saturday, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Pipestone Performing Arts Center, Pipestone, MN.

CLICK HERE for listings and details.

WQPT-PBS to Premiere "Country School: One Room - One Nation" March 1

Photo courtesy Sue Grosboll, Marshall Center School.

The award-winning documentary Country School: One Room - One Nation will make its broadcast premiere on WQPT-PBS on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m reaching tens of thousands of viewers in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

From immigration issues in early schools to the controversial demise of their widespread use in the 1950s and 1960s, Country School: One Room - One Nation combines visually stunning images of a myriad of restored and decaying buildings with surprising, humorous and heartwarming stories from former teachers and students.  More than just nostalgia, Country School also delves into the dark side of the one-room school experience and dispels the myths behind the revered institution that helped bind a young nation together.

The critically-acclaimed film by filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle provides insight into lessons learned from the school days and school ways of yesteryear with a who's who of one-room school historians, writers, preservationists and educators.

The documentary was shot in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.  Eastern Iowa schoolhouses featured in the film include Northbend Community Center in Spragueville, Brandon Township School in Emeline; Marshall Center School, Bennington #4 and the "R" Little Red Schoolhouse in Waterloo/Cedar Falls; Forest Grove School, Old Schoolhouse #9, Butler #2 in the Quad Cities.

Individuals and families from the WQPT viewing area show their support by becoming station members. WQPT has membership levels to suit every budget and each level comes with special benefits.  As a member, a sponsor, an underwriter, or volunteer you are not only helping to keep entertaining, enlightening and educational programming on WQPT, you also become a part of every service WQPT provides... like local productions, community outreach efforts, special community events and Ready To Learn services. With your support, WQPT can continue to provide quality programming and public services to the region. To find out more on how you can support WQPT-PBS, click HERE.

Country School: One Room - One Nation was funded in part by Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, Humanities Iowa, the Kansas Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Steamboat Rock to Showcase "Country School" February 13

Kelly Rundle shoots the Cracker Box Schoolhouse in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Country School: One Room – One Nation will be showcased at the Steamboat Rock Schoolhouse, 308 Market Street, Steamboat Rock, Iowa on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.  This special program is sponsored by the Steamboat Rock Historical Society and is free to the public. 

The award-winning documentary, produced by husband and wife filmmaking team Kelly and Tammy Rundle, was shot in Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois.  When the Rundles were in need of photographs for the project, Steamrock Historical Society's Terry Folkerts stepped forward with his personal collection.  Several of his images are featured in the documentary.

Visit www.steamboat-rock-historical-society.com for more details about this special screening or contact Terry Folkerts at 641.425.2752.  Seating is limited. 

"Country School" Star Gilbert Ingraham Turns 100

Gilbert Ingraham (right) sat for an interview for "Country School: One Room - One Nation" at Marshalltown's Taylor #4 in July of 2010.

Former one-room school student Gilbert Laverne Ingraham of Haverhill, Iowa is celebrating his 100th birthday.  A party is being thrown for him in the nearby town of Laurel on Saturday, January 22, 2012 to honor him and his lifetime of memories and achievements.

In May 2010, at the age 98, Gilbert was interviewed by filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle for their documentary Country School: One Room - One Nation in Marshalltown, Iowa's Taylor #4.  Gilbert took his place along with Schoolmarm Julie Jontz Lang in a room filled with students, grades 1-8, dressed in period-clothing for the film.  Among his favorite reflections were the long walks to and from school with friends--a brief opportunity to socialize and explore nature.

When asked if he had ever been disciplined by the teacher, "That was usually the bigger boys... You believe that, don't you?" he said with a grin.

In February 2011, a special reception honoring Gilbert was hosted by the Historical Society of Marshall County at the Taylor #4 schoolhouse, followed by a screening of the film at the restored Orpheum Theatre Center.  The sold-out event drew Gilbert's family and friends, as well as former one-room school students and teachers from around the area.

The Rundles sent a special message which will be read to Gilbert at his 100th birthday celebration:

"Greetings to you, Gilbert, and a very happy 100th birthday!  We wish we could be there to join so many in celebrating this wonderful and momentous day! We just want to say that we are so honored to have been a small part of your life's journey and we thank you again for sharing your memories with us for our "Country School: One Room - One Nation" documentary. It seems fitting that the film will broadcast on PBS stations during 2012 and that your charming personality will light up television screens throughout the Midwest and beyond. 100 "Gold Stars" for you today, Gilbert!  May your next 100 years be as rewarding as your first 100!"

"Country School: One Room - One Nation" DVD Released Nationally

The documentary Country School: One Room - One Nation goes national December 13, 2011.

December 13, 2011 marks the national release date of the award-winning documentary Country School: One Room - One Nation, produced by Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films.  The DVD, which is distributed through Passion River Films, is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and virtually all major online retail outlets. 

"If you don't see Country School on the shelf at your video or book store, request it!  It can be ordered in at most retail stores, or purchased online," said director Kelly Rundle.  "It is also available through our website at www.CountrySchoolMovie.com."

The December DVD release date is a good fit for Country School, especially for those still searching for the perfect holiday gift for the history buff, the educator, and for the many former one-room school students and teachers living throughout the United States.

"We are very proud of Country School: One Room - One Nation," producer Tammy Rundle said.  "It was a challenging, heart-warming and rewarding story to preserve, and it is exciting to know that our documentary is now available on DVD all over the country!"

"Country School" One Year Later

The November 2010 "Country School" premiere promotional poster on display at
the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

It will be one year ago on November 19th that Country School: One Room - One Nation premiered at the State Historical Building in Des Moines, Iowa.  Much has transpired since that opening weekend of public showings. The film has screened 39 times from Iowa to New York.  A one-room school restoration fundraiser in Healdsburg, California will mark the 40th public event.

The documentary was an official selection at three film festivals and received several awards including "Best Pro-AM Documentary" at the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, an award for "Artistry and Scholarship" from the Country School Association of America, and a special award from Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area with the citation, "The Rundles have been uncovering stories that are nearly forgotten and preserving stories that are soon to be gone. Their work connects us to Iowa's early inhabitants and farmers, and brings light to how one room built one nation."

Country School received good reviews from film critics, media reviewers and most importantly from audience members.  It enjoyed a regional DVD release in March of 2011, and will be released nationally on DVD through Passion River Films in December 2011, in time for Christmas.

The Just 4 Fun String Band performed at the premiere event. Their music is
featured in "Country School: One Room - One Nation".

What have we learned in this first year of Country School?  That we are fortunate to have been part of preserving this story.  That there is so much to be shared by generations that have come before us, if we only listen.  That the crumbling walls of once thriving one-room schools are filled with stories and inspiration. That the film can help save historic sites that might have been lost forever.  That there is a community of passionate individuals out there dedicated to education and restoration.

And, though we have come full circle, and reflect on the wonderful experience that Country School: One Room - One Nation has been, and how grateful we are for the people we met and friends we have made along the way, the journey is not over.  We have just now rolled up our sleeves...

Thank you to everyone who has taken this journey with us.  You need only look at the credits to see that there were many who helped tell the story of "Country School".  ~Tammy & Kelly Rundle

Dubuque’s Grand Opera House to Showcase Documentary and Filmmakers October 16

The Grand Opera House in Dubuque, Iowa will showcase "Country School" October 16th, 2011.

The award-winning documentary film Country School: One Room – One Nation will be showcased at the beautiful Grand Opera House, 135 West 8th Street in Dubuque, Iowa on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.  A Q&A with the Rundles and other film participants will follow the documentary presentation.  Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on the day of the show.

The Grand stage, newly renovated.
 
From immigration issues in early schools to the controversial demise of their widespread use in the 1950s and 1960s, Country School: One Room – One Nation combines visually stunning images of a myriad of restored and decaying buildings—including one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright—with surprising, humorous, and heartwarming stories from former teachers, students and scholars.  More than just nostalgia, Country School also delves into the dark side of the one-room school experience and dispels the myths behind the revered institution that helped bind a young nation together.

Shot in all four seasons in Iowa and four other states, the feature-length documentary tells the dramatic true story of the life, death, and rebirth of the one-room school.  Several historic sites in Dubuque and Jackson Counties are featured in the film.  Among them are Dubuque’s Mathias Ham House one-room school, Spragueville’s North Bend Community Center and Emeline Schoolhouse in Emeline, Iowa.

“The country school was the center of the rural community,” said Jackson County preservationist Caroline Bredekamp.  “The restoration work on the North Bend Community Center (formerly Fairfield #2 Schoolhouse in Spragueville) has once again brought the community together.”

“I think we all need a personal hook into the past, and the one-room country school is that kind of a “hook,” said Jackson County historian Donald Wentworth.

Quad City Times film critic Linda Cook gave the film 4-out-of-4 stars and wrote: "Another documentary gem...vivid and fascinating.

Film reviewer Mike Schulz of the River Cities Reader wrote, "Country School emerges as a definitive portrait of education in a one-room environment, a work that's every bit as informative, engaging and impassioned as those telling its tales."

Iowa is ground-zero for one-room schools.  Just after 1900, Iowa had nearly 13,000 one-room schools—more than any other state.  Iowa still has 3,000 existing buildings and 200 restored schools—more than any other state.  Over 50 one-room schools are still in operation in Iowa and three of those are still part of a public K-12 school district.

“One-room schools are a page in American history that is turning, and perhaps in another generation or two, there will be no one left to tell the story,” said writer/historian William Samuelson.

Country School: One Room – One Nation premiered at the State Historical Building in Des Moines in November 2010 and has been screening throughout the U.S. ever since. The documentary has won several film festival and other awards.  The DVD will be released nationally in December.  Midwestern PBS broadcasts are planned for Country School in 2012.

Country School: One Room – One Nation was funded in part by Humanities Iowa, the Kansas Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

The Rundles previously produced the award-winning documentaries Lost Nation: The Ioway and Villisca: Living with a Mystery. They are currently in production on the documentaries Movie Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and the sequel Lost Nation: The Ioway 2 & 3.

Creston Screening of "Country School: One Room - One Nation" Friday, October 7

Country School: One Room - One Nation continues is tour with a special screening Friday evening, October 7, 2011 at Southwest Community College, 1501 W. Townline St., Creston, IA.  The program begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Instruction Center, Room 220 and is free to the public.

This presentation is part of the 12th Annual Iowa One-Room School House Conference and is sponsored by Humanities Iowa and Preservation Iowa.  A panel discussion with filmmakers Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, and film participants preservationist Bill Sherman, North Bend Community Center preservationist Caroline Bredekamp and former one-room school student John Palmquist will follow the screening of the award-winning documentary.

Encore Screenings of "Country School" in Moline and Davenport September 24-25, 2011

Moline Public Library.

Two encore screenings of the award-winning documentary Country School: One Room – One Nation will take place in the Quad Cities this weekend.

The film will screen on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the Moline Public Library, 717 3210 41st Street, Moline, Illinois. A Q&A session with filmmakers Tammy & Kelly Rundle will follow the film.
  
On Sunday, September 25th, 2011 the film will be featured at the German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street, Davenport, Iowa at 2:00 p.m. The program will feature a special presentation on German influences in Davenport schools, the documentary film and Q&A with the filmmakers.

German American Heritage Museum in Davenport, IA.

A display of one-room school memorabilia will be included at each presentation.

Country School: One Room - One Nation received grant awards from Humanities Iowa, the Kansas Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

Grout Museum to Feature "Country School" and Q&A with Filmmakers and Historian Bob Neymeyer

The Grout Museum of History and Science in Waterloo, Iowa.

Country School: One Room - One Nation will be showcased Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Grout Museum, 503 South Street, in Waterloo, Iowa.  Seating is very limited and reservations are recommended.

Several country schools in Black Hawk County appear in the documentary, including Bennington #4 in Waterloo, “R” Little Red Schoolhouse in Cedar Falls and Marshall Center School on the UNI Campus.  Grout Museum historian Dr. Robert Neymeyer and UNI Museums Director Dr. Sue Grosboll were interviewed and served as consultants on the film.

Q&A with film producers Tammy and Kelly Rundle, and historian Robert Neymeyer will follow each presentation.  Tickets are $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members, and include admission to the Grout Museum of History and Science and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. 

Visit www.groutmuseumdistrict.org for more information or call 319.234.6357.

“Jean Seberg” Documentary Teaser to Premiere with “Country School” at Film Festival Opener

Landlocked will open its 5th annual Film Festival with the critically-acclaimed documentary Country School: One Room – One Nation on Thursday, August 25th, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City. The film will be followed by a special Q&A with award-winning filmmakers Tammy & Kelly Rundle and include a glimpse of their new upcoming film Movie: Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg.  The husband and wife team have partnered with Emmy-nominated Garry McGee to produce a biographical documentary focusing on the controversial Iowa-born actress, activist and icon.

The Rundles’ Country School: One Room – One Nation has screened to packed theaters and venues since its premiere in November 2010.  More theatrical bookings throughout the U.S., a national DVD release later this year, and PBS broadcasts of Country School are planned for 2012.  Movie Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg is slated for release in 2012.