The Greenwood County Historical Society and Museum is embarking on a new project. We are asking for the support of the community and the museum patrons to help us reach our goal of moving Claycomb School into our museum property and restoring it. Please see the attached letter and flyer for additional information. Thank you for your interest and support.As a resident or former resident of Greenwood County and/or a patron of the Greenwood County Historical Society, we are reaching out to ask if you would be willing to support a project that would preserve and put on display a part of the history of Greenwood County.
The enclosed flyer shows and explains much of the information on the Claycomb School Project. Located northwest of Eureka, the Claycomb School is believed to be the smallest wood structure school built in Greenwood County. The owners of the landmark have graciously agreed to allow the Greenwood County Historical Society to move the District 91 building into Eureka and do restoration on the structure to preserve it for future generations to appreciate. The school house would be on display on the lot directly west of the museum on 4th street.
This project would be done in three phases:
• Phase I: Construct a foundation on the lot, move the school house into Eureka and place it on the foundation and apply a house wrap. Utility lines would need to be raised on the day of the move. Approximate cost for this phase: $27,000. The goal is to complete these tasks by November 30, 2024.
• Phase II: Exterior restoration, which would include a new roof, new windows, new door, new siding and new eaves on the school house. Approximate cost for this phase: $30,000. This effort can begin as soon as funds are raised with the goal of having this phase completed by May 31, 2025.
• Phase III: Restore the interior, including bringing in old school desks to place in the building and constructing a walkway with handicap accessibility. Approximate cost for this phase: $15,000. The goal is to have this work completed by August 31, 2025.
All donations will be recorded in a pamphlet that will be created telling some of the history of Claycomb School.
• Friend of Society: For a donation up to $99 the sponsor’s name will be put in a pamphlet.
• Foundation sponsor: For a donation of $100 -$999 the sponsor’s name will be put on a sign to be placed at the schoolhouse.
• Classroom sponsor: For a donation of $1,000-$4,999 the sponsor’s name will be put on a sign to be placed at the schoolhouse.
• Educator sponsor: For a donation of $5,000 or more the donor will sponsor a desk in the school and there will be a name plaque of recognition attached to the desk. Their name would also be put on a sign to be placed at the school house.
Donations can be mailed to the Greenwood County Museum, P.O. Box 86, Eureka, KS 67045 or hand delivered to the Museum at 120 W. 4th St. Museum hours are 10 AM to 4 PM Monday-Friday. Checks should be made payable to the Claycomb School Project.
Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at the Emprise Bank, 418 N. Main, Eureka, KS 67045. Checks should be made payable to the Claycomb School Project.
Thank you for considering the preservation of this important landmark!
The Greenwood County Historical Society
