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| Freeman School |
The school opened in 1872 and remained in operation until 1967. While the main purpose of the building was to be a school, it also served many other purposes such a a meeting place for the First Trinity Church, polling station for Blakely Township and a meeting area for clubs and organizations. The school was donated to the National Park Service in 1970 and it was restored to look like it would have in the late 1800's.
In many homesteading communities a school was built before permanent housing. Homesteader felt that education was important, plus school buildings could be used for many community gatherings.
The school offers the chance to see 'virgin' prairie, since the land served a a playground for the school children it was never plowed. Another interesting fact associated with the Freeman school is a court case started by Daniel Freeman in 1899. Mr. Freeman was upset when he found out that the teacher at the school was reading from the bible to the school children. He asked the teacher to stop but she refused. The court case went all the way to the Nebraska Supreme Court, which sided with Daniel Freeman in 1902. The Nebraska Constitution stated "No sectarian instruction shall be allowed in any school or institution supported in whole or in part by funds set apart for educational purposes."
There is also some debate as to who the school may be named after, Daniel or Thomas Freeman. The two men were unrelated but both prominent in the school district. Thomas Freeman was also paid $100.15 for the brick he provided to build the school.
The school is very interesting and offers events like a spelling bee that takes place in September. You can find more information on the school and the monument at the monuments website.
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