Under Re-Construction
The Earliest Schools in the Arcadia Area
The Hotchkiss/Manke Log School
Organized school began in Arcadia Township in 1870, when Arcadia Township was organized, and the
first school inspector, S. Calkins, was elected. The first school was a log building known locally as the
Manke school. It was built on Hotchkiss farm probably around 1870 on land that was later sold to
Charles Manke.
The Hotchkiss/Manke Log School
"William Matteson Sr. came all the way from Pierport to attend this school. School was only held
during the summer because travel was too difficult during the winter." -- Arcadia 1880-1980
At least one student, William Matteson, walked all the way from Pierport (just off the bottom left
corner of this map) to attend the log school. School was held during the summer months because
travel was too difficult during the winter.
The School's Probable Location
The X marks the probable location of the Hotchkiss/Manke
school. As the map shows, by 1903 the land had been purchased by Charles Manke. The log school was long gone and replaced by several more conveniently located woodframe schools.
"The new school house at Pierport was built by C. W. Perry and presented to the district at $300. The building is lathed, plastered, and well-finished in every respect,
and would ordinarily cost $600." -- Times & Standard. January 30, 1875.