The old wooden school house in the photo to the right was constructed in 1907 and used until 1916. After that, several families had
lived in the building.
For many years the little school house has been valued as a historical site and is now home to many historical items of interest. Those of all ages are fascinated with the history reflected in the
old school house and museum.
When entering the school house you are swept back in time and undoubtedly will find many things of interest and wonder, no matter how old you are!
Right inside the door on the wall hangs a "really" old telephone you will find pictured in the slide show but everything at the museum is a "must see" as
photos are just not enough!
The museum and all its treasures tell quite a story as you take in the school room as it must have been so many years ago with the pot
bellied stove in the middle of the room for heat on chilly days. The teacher stands at the head of the class by the old time chalk board as she
teaches the lesson of the day dressed appropriately for a teacher in that era. Scattered around the school room are old wooden school desks each
with writing instruments, the ink well and school books from that day and time. If you have a great imagination you can just see the boys and girls sitting at
their desks with pigtails and dresses and the boys in their bib overalls.
In the other building at the Historical Park is the museum with many historical treasures as well. In the photo show you will see
just a sample of the interesting items displayed such as tools, furniture, clothing, sewing machines, a car and much much more.
Last but not least when visiting the museum you are greeted by the "Tantie Quilters" as they meet every thursday from 9am to 1pm at
the museum. As you see all these talented ladies are gathered around the quilt frame and hand quilt creating some beautiful works of art.
Pictured left to right are: ?, Sharon Buck, Chloe Jordan, ?, Margaret Smith, Marie Kirchhoff and Mildred Cox.
Whether you are visiting or a resident of Okeeechobee you will enjoy visiting the Okeechobee County Historical Park.
|
More Historical Interests
|
Okeechobee Freshman-Campus Historical Mural - 610 S.W. 2nd Ave.
On Okeechobee's first high school, completed in 1926. Outside the gym is a mural that depicts the early settlers to the area.
This mural was created in 1996 on the centennial anniversary of the first permanent settlers in what is now Okeechobee, Florida. It depicts the arrival
in 1896 of the Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson family from the Basinger area to a spot less than one half mile south of this location.
The center cameo of the mural shows their log house built three years later. Also depicted is a typical Seminole village of the time including pictures
of the eight Seminole clan symbols. They are toad, snake, otter, bear, deer, panther, bird, and wind.
It is located on the North side of the gym located on our Freshman Campus. It was painted by John Gutcher. There is plenty of shade across the street
and worth the time to see this lovely piece of Okeechobee history.
Peter Raulerson Home - 600S. Parrott Ave.
House built in 1923 by early merchant Abraham Freedman.
Battle of Okeechobee Historic Marker - Hwy. 441 S.
Largest battle of the Second Seminole war. 863-634-2126
|
