reed school

This place holds a special place in my heart because my grandfather was in one of the last graduating classes from Reed School, and my father was one of the carpenters who restored it. We sometimes forget just how things used to be and it is very humbling to revisit the past. I think everyone should stop by at least once just to get a feel of how things used to be, especially children and those who are from the local community.

Reed School is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a school experience from days gone by. The interpreters are excellent and they have deep knowledge of the era and the history of the building. I went with a number of children and they were very attentive and really interested in the whole school. Artifacts fascinated the students and lead to more discussion. You could spend hours or minutes here looking and learning. Either way, well worth the stop

A man who attended Reed School (a one room schoolhouse) for six weeks as a six year old was so enamored years after it closed when he found it standing still he went about purchasing the school and adjoining acreage and refurbishing the interior. Several original features remain. Intrepretive teachers guide students through a full day experience (or shorter if you need to) about what a typical Reed School one room schoolroom experience was like. From breaking into small groups based on age to do activities where he guides one group at a time and then the other groups combine older with younger ages to teach and work with each other. The students will engage in everday activities and chores as the typical students of the period would. Period dress and lunches are encouraged. What's fascinating too is the history of the place and discussion of that. The owner pays for everything so Reed School is free. If your class can't book bring the family on the weekend when they're open seasonally (they can open at other times based on request too) and at least check it out. It's an experience the kids and adults alike won't soon forget. Although it's geared towards 4th graders any age is welcome. Our group had ages 6-18 and all enjoyed it thoroughly. There's also a neat Veteran's memorial in Neillsville to check out as well. One highlight was the kids participating in the radio Let's Draw program of 1932.