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• • • Schoolhouse-from 1 land donated by Heman Gibbs. In the mid-1800s, Gibbs farm- steaded 160 acres straddling • Larpenteur Avenue. A wooden stove heated the classroom as children from the surrounding farms of Rose township came for their lessons. By the mid-1930s, other larger schools were being built in the area; yet the Gibbs school continued to serve as a kindergarten up until the early 1960s. "The schoolhouse today is located in one of the most urban counties in Minnesota and is a reminder to the area that it actually had a very rural past," . said Truer. "The schoolhouse also represents the transition in education, too." While the Ramsey County Historical Society has not yet taken any official position on the fate of the building, Hoisington said he wants to see the building saved. "There are so few buildings from the 19th century up there that it would' be a shame to see anything torn down or destroyed," he said. The University is currently reviewing its preliminary decision to take down the old schoolhouse and turn the corner into a gateway to the St. Paul campus, according to Clinton Hewitt, Assistant Vice President for Physical Planning at the University. ,. "I've received calls, I've had - conversations with the city of Falcon Heights, and I've talked with the Ramsey County Historical Society staff about the the historical importance of the site and facility," said Hewitt. "We certainly will weigh carefully any suggestions." . Citing cost and the building's ,,unsuitability, city administrator _ ~~° Janet Weissner said Falcon - _ Heights is no longer considering - - - moving the building to a local parlLand using it as a shelter. But.~Veissner said the city is in _ support of the Historical Society's efforts to save the structure. The Historical Society has organized an open meeting at Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave., on Wed Dec 5 at T~~to measure local community- support toward saving the schoolhouse. Representatives from the -University will participate in the meeting and will report any proposals to the adminis- tration and Boazd of Regents. °In the final analysis, we would have a concern that a building on the campus is being used for a campus . purpose and that there are funds to adequately maintain it," said Hewitt. Hoisington believes the open meeting will be a good way to get everyone in the . community involved. "We don't want to see the building torn down and then have a discussion-about it after-~~ ~i°: wards," said yoisington. • Truer sees a lot.of potential for the building. "I think it would be a wonderful - ` research facility for the - community and several different historical societies," she said. "There's plenty of room, so it could also bean excellent exhibit space." -_ =-_ _~ - ~:. Photo by Truman Olson Tamara Truer, manager of Gibbs Farm, stands inside the schoolhouse that the Gibbs children attended a century ago and ponders what Its fate will be.