Restoring Forest Grove School, No.5
Forest Grove School was built in 1873 and is a remnant of the time when most Iowans lived on farms, sending their children to one of the 12,623 or so country schools that dotted the state about every two miles.
These schools helped shape the character of the state, and they helped build Iowa’s reputation — somewhat eroded today — as a leader in education, having the highest literacy rate in the nation, and its strong support for local control and neighborhood schools.
Forest Grove was one of five schools in Pleasant Valley Township.
After it closed in 1957, it became the property of Delbert and Jeannette Blunk, who farmed the surrounding land. Delbert Blunk attended school there, kindergarten through eighth grade, in the 1930s. And after he married and had children, the couple’s oldest boys — Larry and David — did so, too.
After years of neglect, Forest Grove School Preservation formed its non-profit corporation to bring new life back to Forest Grove School No. 5. Recent milestones in progress include completion of the nomination to have the school listed on the US Park Service National Register of Historic Places.
The iconic and long-deteriorating Forest Grove School No. 5 in Bettendorf has a shot at being rescued and restored.
A group headed by Sharon Andresen of Bettendorf has created Forest Grove School Preservation, and 501(c)3 corporation, in an effort raise money and enlist volunteers to save this historic school. Forest Grove School Preservation is in the final stages of the nomination process to seek listing on the US Park Service's National Registry of Historic Places. Those wishing to make tax-deductible donations to move the historic rehabilitation of Forest Grove School No. 5 can send their gift in care of Forest Grove School Preservation, PO Box 603, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
