Schools: Hazel Dell

Hazel Dell School

The Hazel Dell School was located on the northeast corner of the intersection of what is now known as County Road J-40 (or 160^th St.) & 170^th Avenue.

The photo of students and their teacher was taken on April 4, 1938 and was contributed by Doris Boeding of West Point.  Doris attended the school and recalls in order for the school to stay open it was required to have 12 students.  At one time the Abolts (Doris’ family) had five children enrolled in the school making a total enrollment of 15.

When the Abolt’s moved, taking their five children from the school district, this decreased the enrollment to 10, two less than the required number of 12; thus making it necessary to close the school circa 1943.

On a beautiful April morning in 2006, Diane Kruse and I went on a venture to learn more about the one-room Hazel Dell School.  We went to the home of Charles and Darlene Myers.  Charles attended Hazel Dell School, District #9.  He recalls the school having grades 1 through 8; one of his teachers was his father’s sister, Marguerite Myers.  The Myers’ related that the school closed circa 1943 and was moved to Houghton; it is currently owned and occupied by Viola Hunold at 211 Main, directly across the street from St. John’s Catholic Church

When the Myers’ were questioned if the Hazel Dell School was ever a log building, Charles acknowledged it was.  He indicated it was located approximately 1¼ miles north of the intersection of County Road J-40 & 170^th Avenue, on the west side of the road, and was known as Hazel Dell Hill School.  Charles stated his grandmother, Mary Caldwell McCracken, attended this school.  The Myers loaned us photos of students and the Hazel Dell School to be copied and placed in the Donnellson Public Library Local & Family History Department. 

After leaving the Myers’ home, Diane and I journeyed north to find where the Hazel Dell Hill School had been located.  All that was visible were stones, which were likely a part of the foundation, and several bricks.  A large pond is across the road and to the north from where the school was located.

 On a windy & chilly May morning, we went to visit Viola Hunold and tour her home, formerly the Hazel Dell School building.  The vestibule had been moved from the center front of the building to the left of center.  Additions were built onto the east, west, and also on the south, including a garage.  Viola invited us into her home where she graciously gave us a tour.  We entered the home from the east, which is one addition, and then on into the section of the residence which was once the one-room school.  Located in this portion of the home were the foyer, dining room, and kitchen.  The home was beautifully decorated and was not identifiable as ever having been a one-room schoolhouse.                                             

Barbara Bentler spoke with Diane and I, relating that her aunt, Anna Mertens, purchased the Hazel Dell School and had it moved to its present location, making it her home.  Anna was a school teacher and had an interest in one-room school houses.  Christine Proctor, Anna’s sister, inherited the home when Anna passed away in October 1971.  She moved into the home after retiring as Fr. Goetzman’s housekeeper (St. John’s in Houghton), living there until her health failed.  Christine passed away on December 25, 1995.  Barbara shared photos of Christine and Anna to be copied and placed in the Donnellson files as well.

  ~  Hazel Dell School, circa 1943, courtesy of Charles Myers
  ~  Hazel Dell School children, circa 1943, courtesy of Charles Myers

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Diane and I wish to thank everyone that helped us with this interesting and informative research project.   – Written and Submitted by Carolyn Dischler