The history of Creswell seems to be tied up in one old building. It is the Old Schoolhouse, which was built in 1875. It served for many years as the only school in town.
A fire almost destroyed the building, but it was restored and still served as a school.
At some point in time it was replaced by new and much-needed permanent facilities to fill the needs of a growing population. At some date in time it became a library and it was also moved to its present location at 192 S. 2nd St.
I don’t know the dates and the exact location where it was previously located as I did not live here those many years ago.
A concerted effort is in progress to save the old building, which is in sad condition. An engineering firm surveyed the building and determined that at an expenditure of over $200,000 it could be rebuilt to safe standards.
The City gave the building and $50,000 to a group that is attempting to secure further funding to do what is required.
This building is tied to our history and I congratulate the committee in their efforts and I wish them success. Even though Creswell is a small town, and often referred to as a ”bedroom” community, we do have a history back to the mid-1800s.
To preserve our history takes time and effort, which falls to a small but dedicated group. So, I again wish them well and continued success.
