The "Lone Fir" School House was built in 1894 for children in the Saltese Community. Children of all ages attended the one room school until 1940 when it was closed. At that time the Central Valley School District was in need of a kindergarten and moved it to its current location at Progress and Sprague.
In 2007 Jennifer Johnson acquired the property it sat on for her business, Jennifer's Auto Sales and Service in Spokane. At that time it was completely dilapidated with a collapsing roof, rotting insulation and rodent infestation. The building had sat untouched since the 1960's and was in need of a bulldozer or love. Jennifer chose love... and her restoration project took 2 years, a few donations and a large investment of time, energy and money.
As of 2009, The "Lone Fir" school house was fully restored and has since been filled with antiques from the pioneering era of the late 1800's. From old wood school desks, books, maps, lunch boxes, toys and an outhouse the little school stands as a testament to our communities past.
To Jennifer’s delight the “Lone Fir” got a new life last Spring when the 4th and 5th grade classes of Progress Elementary filled the school to learn about the pioneer days. They dressed in pioneer clothing and studied the history of that era with great enthusiasm. Jennifer’s heart filled with joy when she got to see her love and dedication to the old building come to fruition when the school children filled it.
Today, the "Lone Fir" is open to our community for tours. If you or anyone you know are interested in touring the school please feel free to call to schedule a time to see it. 509-926-5393
In 2007 Jennifer Johnson acquired the property it sat on for her business, Jennifer's Auto Sales and Service in Spokane. At that time it was completely dilapidated with a collapsing roof, rotting insulation and rodent infestation. The building had sat untouched since the 1960's and was in need of a bulldozer or love. Jennifer chose love... and her restoration project took 2 years, a few donations and a large investment of time, energy and money.
As of 2009, The "Lone Fir" school house was fully restored and has since been filled with antiques from the pioneering era of the late 1800's. From old wood school desks, books, maps, lunch boxes, toys and an outhouse the little school stands as a testament to our communities past.
To Jennifer’s delight the “Lone Fir” got a new life last Spring when the 4th and 5th grade classes of Progress Elementary filled the school to learn about the pioneer days. They dressed in pioneer clothing and studied the history of that era with great enthusiasm. Jennifer’s heart filled with joy when she got to see her love and dedication to the old building come to fruition when the school children filled it.
Today, the "Lone Fir" is open to our community for tours. If you or anyone you know are interested in touring the school please feel free to call to schedule a time to see it. 509-926-5393
