Forest Grove #5 after the final crowning moment of its exterior preservation work. The bell tower was placed on top and the bell rung for the first time in decades. It took an army of volunteers and visionaries to bring this beloved schoolhouse back to life. It's long journey to this moment will be showcased at the Annual Iowa Country School Preservation Conference in Scott County October 14-15.
The Iowa Country School Preservation Conference comes to Scott County Iowa October 14-15th. This year's conference takes place at the Whispering Pines Shelter, 18850 270th Street, Eldridge, Iowa.
Special lectures and presentations start at 8:30A on Friday, October 14. A special presentation by preservationist Sharon Andresen on the long road in the restoration process of Forest Grove School #5 will take place at 10:45am.
Saturday's tour of local school houses and museums includes a special stop at Forest Grove #5 in Bettendorf, Iowa, which has gone through a major metamorphasis from decaying building to a beautifully transformed American icon.
Restoration of the exterior of the building is nearly complete. Attention will then turn to the interior. Click HERE for Quad City Times article on recent activity. Forest Grove #5 is featured in the Emmy-nominated documentary "Country School: One Room - One Nation" by Fourth Wall Films.
To reserve your spot at the conference, click HERE, fill out the form and mail it in.
The conference is sponsored by Preservation Iowa, Landmarks Illinois, Scott County Conservation Board and Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.
Visit forestgroveschool.org for upates and information on how you can help with preservation efforts!
