Lil' Red Schoolhouse

Specific Need

We are wanting games and items to add to the one room schoolhouse experience. Some of these items include an antique 1920's fountain ink pen, antique chess games, cricket, jacks and marbles, and more! We would also like to raise funds to repair the roof of the shelter right next to the schoolhouse so it lasts for years to come. And lastly, we'd like to add a window a/c unit to keep the atmosphere manageable during the summer for events like the Farmer's Market and a new storytelling event we are working on. Thank you for helping us keep history alive!

Mission

To provide a unique, historical roadside attraction for Beloit and encourage visitors to stop and explore. The restoration of the Schoolhouse project was a passion of Mr. Jerry Boetcher and his family, and the fund was created to ensure the sustainability of the Little Red School. Our goal is to have this historic property for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Profile

The Honey Creek School was established in 1874, southeast of Glen Elder. In about 1942 the original schoolhouse burned to the ground and was rebuilt and had school in it until 1960.

Three men in Beloit thought it would be nice to have one of these vanishing types of schoolhouses moved to Beloit. Harold Boettcher, Harold Hill, and Maurice McDonald purchased the Honey Creek Schoolhouse and had it moved to its location on Highway 24. It was painted red and is surrounded by rock posts. These three men gifted the schoolhouse to the city of Beloit, and in 1964 it was opened by the Mitchell County Historical Society.

Over the years, the building had deteriorated, but in 2018-2019, the City of Beloit, USD 273, and the Jerry Boetcher family agreed on its renovation and purpose for the future. Since that time the City of Beloit, Beloit Area Chamber, and Mitchell County Convention & Tourism have worked to offer open hours and school field trip opportunities to the region. Additional outdoor signage has been added, and plans for additional authentic schoolhouse materials are a goal both indoors and outdoors.

Our Board

Little Red Schoolhouse is run by volunteer groups who host visitors and field trips. Contact Mitchell County Tourism at 785-534-7472 or the Mitchell County Museum at 785-738-5355 to find out how to get involved.