RBC I The Coal Creek School exterior restoration will become a reality this summer, made possible in part by a History Colorado State Historical Fund grant.
The Rio Blanco County Historical Society Rural School Project was awarded $132,728 Feb. 2 from the State Historical Fund for the work on the historic schoolhouse.
The Rio Blanco County Commissioners, the Freeman E. Fairfield Charitable Trust, White River Electric Association, Colorado Grand, other businesses and individuals contributed to help raise the 25 percent matching funds of $44,243 in the last six months, which the group needed to obtain the State Historical Fund grant.
Persons can keep track of the progress of this project at www.rioblancocounty.org. Then click on News or Rural Schools/Coal Creek and see updated pictures and articles about the Coal Creek School. One can also go to the Rio Blanco County Historical Society and White River Museum Facebook page for pictures and updates.
Coal Creek School is only 5-1/2 miles from Meeker on County Road 6 (Little Beaver Road). This summer, interested persons can take a drive by the Coal Creek School and watch it return to its original 1892 appearance.
It is the hope of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society—Rural School Project to have the Coal Creek School exterior and interior finished by the Fall 2017, when it turns 125 years old.
“We hope to employ area craftsmen and contractors as much as possible and are seeking those interested in working on the Coal Creek School project,” an RBCHS release stated.
Please contact Janet Clark at 970-878-4628 for more information.
