The McMillin School is a historic school building in McMillin, Washington, United States. It was constructed in 1922 to replace a frame one-room schoolhouse and served the area until 1960. It is the only remaining structure from the community of McMillin.[citation needed] Along with the Alderton School, they are the last of the rural public schools in central Pierce County. The McMillin School remains in its original location in a setting similar to that of its active years. The building itself has not been changed and the materials reflect a rural public school of the early 20th century.[2]

McMillin School
McMillin School, 1922-1963
McMillin School is located in Washington (state)
McMillin School
McMillin School is located in the United States
McMillin School
LocationWA 162, McMillin, Washington
Coordinates47°08′29″N 122°14′05″W / 47.14139°N 122.23472°W / 47.14139; -122.23472 (McMillin School)
Arealess than one acre
Architectural styleHipped roof vernacular
MPSRural Public Schools of Washington State MPS
NRHP reference No.87001172[1]
Added to NRHPJuly 15, 1987

History

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During American settlement of Pierce County in the mid-to-late 19th century, small school districts were established for local communities. School buildings were usually the first and only public buildings in these communities, where they also served as social and cultural centers.[2] Shortly after initial settlement, a one-room log, or frame schoolhouse was constructed on land usually donated by an early homesteader. These buildings were later replaced with larger schools, particularly those built by the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s.[2]

Bibliography

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  • Bonney, William Pierce, History of Pierce County, Chicago, Illinois; 1927.
  • W.P.A. Writers Project Papers, Washington State Historical Society, Tacoma.

References

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  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Caroline Gallacci, Preservation Planner, Pierce County Planning Division; Alderton School; National Register of Historic Places, Registration Form; United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service; December 20, 1986.