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FONDER SCHOOL HOUSE

This school was built in the late 1860´s as a log school house. It burned in 1884 and a new school house was built with stone from Castle Rock. It is the oldest still standing school house in Douglas County.

Some early history writings held that Miriam Fonder started the Fonder School in her home in 1861. Part of the information is true, however, the date is wrong. In 1861 Miriam Donegan immigrated to Idaho Springs Colorado from Iowa; married Hubert Fonder on the 26th of October in Clear Creek County; moved to Douglas County in December of 1865, following Hubert’s discharge from military service. It was after that when she started the Fonder School in her home. Then, a log school house was built down on the Cherry Creek. Students came from all around the area including Pine Grove. (Parker) This school became District # 8. This log structure burned in 1884 and was replaced with a more durable structure made of Rhyolite lava stone, quarried from the Plateau Quarry about seven miles west of the school site. One written report stated that some stone was quarried close to the school house. The stone was hauled to the site by oxen belonging to David McMurdo, a local rancher.

The school building had a well for water located West of the building, and blackboards lined the walls. Kerosene lamps provided artificial light and a pot bellied stove provided warmth on cold days. In the early days the windows had shutters, probably to provide protection from Indian attacks as they were numerous. The one room school had a raised stage platform where the teacher´s desk was placed to provide a commanding view and which also provided a place for artful performances. Outside the building was a horse barn which was used to shelter animals the children rode to school, and the boys and girls out houses.

The school house was the center of many social activities during the early years, and accommodated various religious activities, club meetings, political meetings, dances, and was the first meeting place for the Fonder Grange in 1875.

The school was in business until it closed in 1949. Its last teacher was Norma Gartrell, a long time Parker resident.

Site created by Alex Hernandez, Alvie Sellmer, & James Vallejos 2009