Valdese Elementary School, also known as the Old Rock School, is a historic school building located at Valdese, Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1922–1923, and is a two-story, fieldstone four square building with a hipped roof. It features a T-shaped clerestory above the auditorium space. It was constructed largely by Waldensian settlers from Northern Italy.[2]
Valdese Elementary School | |
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| Location | 400 Main St., Valdese, North Carolina |
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| Coordinates | 35°44′41″N 81°34′1″W / 35.74472°N 81.56694°W |
| Area | 1.9 acres (0.77 ha) |
| Built | 1922-1923 |
| Architect | Herman, Quince E. |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000115[1] |
| Added to NRHP | October 25, 1984 |
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[1]
The Old Rock School is now home to several community organizations and events, including Bluegrass concerts, the Old Colony Players,[3] the Rock School Art Galleries, Old Rock School Railway Museum, and Valdese Travel and Tourism.[4]
Old Rock School Railway Museum
editThe Old Rock School Railway Museum, also known as the Piedmont & Western Railroad Museum, is located on the lower level and is operated by the Piedmont and Western Railroad Club. Exhibits include photos, railroad art, tickets, railroad lanterns, steam whistles, spikes, silverware and china used on trains and other artifacts. The museum also features model railroad layouts, including a diorama depicting the original Waldensian settlers arriving by train on May 29, 1893.
Rock School Art Galleries
editThe Rock School Art Galleries are also located in the Old Rock School. Exhibits are organized by the Rock School Arts Foundation.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ Dana E. Mintzer (July 1984). "Valdese Elementary School" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
- ^ "Old Colony Players". Town of Valdese. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
- ^ "Old Rock School". Town of Valdese. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
- ^ "Rock School Art Galleries". Visit Valdese. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
External links
edit- Town of Valdese: Old Rock School
- Old Rock School Railway Museum - Piedmont and Western Railroad Club