Moving and Restoration of the Marine Schoolhouse

2100 Log Cabin Village Lane | Fort Worth, Texas | 76109 | 817-392-6768 | logcabinvillage.org

Moving and Restoration of the Marine Schoolhouse – This one room country school was originally built about 1873, or maybe 1879 – no one is really sure. It has traversed through five sites, having been used as a school, residence, slum house, storage shed, and finally again as a school.

Art was recruited by Alien and Bill Pokluda, north side preservation activists, for help in preserving this small building and keeping it from being broken up for firewood. Knowing of problems with the Howard Cabin in Log Cabin Village, then in use for their educational program, Art suggested that this little schoolhouse would nicely fill that need. So onto the truck it went, twice over the Trinity, and up to Log Cabin Village. Restored at the new site (next to the Howard Cabin) it rapidly re-acquired all the old accoutrements of a pioneer school building – even a salvaged 1870’s cast iron bell.

Blackboards were again painted with flat black paint on the interior siding, and a wood stove again located at the center of the building interior. One piece historic chair desks were found. Windows restored, siding restored, it is on an elevated concrete foundation concealed with wood lath. Originally the lath was to keep local dogs, cats, chickens and wild life out. Now it gives the same appearance as the original “foundation” of Bois d’ Arc posts. The Schoolhouse serves as an essential part of the educational experience all visiting school children receive at Log Cabin Village.