Lansing Stone School
a.k.a. Stone Building Elementary School
SW corner Center and 5th Sts., Lansing, IAThe stone schoolhouse elementary school is one of the oldest schoolhouses in continuous use in the state of Iowa and the midwest, west of the Mississippi. It was originally constructed for school purposes and has been used for that purpose for over 108 years. In September 1973, it will be abandoned and destroyed unless recognition and help are received to preserve it. Located three blocks from the Mississippi River, it was built at a time when the upper midwest was served by river transportation, and river towns seemed destined for unlimited growth. The fact that growth did not materialize in Lansing reflects its use for such a long period of time.
Because of its location on the Great River Road, near the river in a small town, it is accessible for use by local land and water travelers.
It is in a good state of repair with little need for restoration. It could be used for a historical and natural science museum, the latter we do not have in northeast Iowa, and it would serve public and educational needs.
With our area possessing unusual historic, geological, and environmental assets, and beautiful scenery, a building reflecting these attributes would be a source of local pride and public use.
Attempts to preserve the methods used to quarry and construct such buildings from natural stone, lime, and wood could be illustrated in a diorama, as some aged local citizens still possess that knowledge. There are other examples of this construction method in the waterfront warehouses, original county courthouses, business places, etc., which could augment an architectural tour.
There are still enough antiques available and school records, pictures, desks, etc., that a large portion of the building could contain a significant educational museum.
With Effigy Mounds National Monument to the south and Fish Farm Mounds to the north recording some of the early histories of Indian life in the area, it is desirable that some kind of museum house a record of the pioneer life of the white man in this area. No building or site could be better than the old Stone Schoolhouse.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.