There’s a quiet strength in the old brick walls and weathered chalkboards of Lewis County’s historic schools. These buildings, standing as silent witnesses to generations of learners, hold more than memories. They carry the weight of dreams nurtured within their classrooms. From the early days of pioneer settlements to the bustling communities of today, these schools have stood as pillars of our community, nurturing generations of Lewis County learners.
Boistfort High School
983 Boistfort Road, Curtis
Built in 1918, Boistfort High School was a prominent educational institution in the Boistfort Valley of Lewis County. Known for its agricultural excellence, the school served multiple consolidated districts and was surrounded by expansive farmlands and the south fork of the Chehalis River.
The two-story frame structure, made of cedar clapboards, featured broad eaves, a brick chimney, and extensive windows that provided ample light and ventilation. A gymnasium was later built in the 1960s, and a nearby brick elementary school was eventually added to the campus, although neither building was physically connected to the high school.
Despite closing its doors in the 1970s, Boistfort High School’s legacy lives on. The school produced notable alums such as Scott Crossfield, an Air Force test pilot who was the first to break Mach 2. His achievements are honored at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport.
Evaline School
111 Schoolhouse Road, Winlock
Evaline School’s story began in 1883 when School District No. 36 was established to meet the educational needs of the rural community. Classes were held in a donated log barn that would house the first of the district’s students until a falling tree destroyed it in the late 1880s. A new one-room school was built as a replacement in 1890, using lumber donated by Brown’s Mill and thus named Brown’s School in kind.
The school’s name changed to Evaline in 1906, a misspelling of “Eveline” by the Northern Pacific Railroad, which had named the local post office after the postmaster’s wife. Over the years, the school expanded to meet the needs of a growing population, transitioning from a one-room structure to a two-room building around 1908 and then to a four-room school in 1913, complete with modern amenities like indoor plumbing.
A fire in 1925 destroyed this building, leading to the construction of the current two-room schoolhouse, which remains in use today. Renovations in 2012 modernized the building while preserving its historic character, ensuring Evaline School continues to serve as Lewis County’s oldest continuously operating school district.
Salzer Valley Schoolhouse
Founded in 1894, the Salzer Valley Schoolhouse was historically a cornerstone of education in Centralia. Built on land donated by the Salzer brothers, the one-room school initially served local children with no electricity or running water, relying on a woodstove for heat and outhouses behind the woodshed.
Among its first teachers was Rena Coonness, the daughter-in-law of George Washington, Centralia’s founder, and one of only 17 Black teachers in the United States at the time. Rena taught all eight grades in the cramped space, often with as many as 60 students sharing desks and seats.
By 1910, a larger schoolhouse was built to accommodate the growing population, though it still lacked electricity and modern amenities. In 1944, the school closed as Centralia consolidated its districts, and students were bused to town. The Salzer Valley Community Club later purchased the property, moving the original schoolhouse closer to the newer building in 1963. Today, the schoolhouse stands as a historic landmark, preserved by the community and used for events, a testament to its enduring legacy as a hub of education and social activity.
St. Joseph School
123 SW 6th Street, Chehalis
Founded as Holy Rosary Academy in 1885 by the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds, St. Joseph School has a rich history that spans over a century. Originally located about a mile from its current site, the school moved in 1923 and adopted its present name, becoming a beacon of Catholic education in the community.
Sister Dorothy Berg, who served as principal from 1967 to 1991, was instrumental in modernizing the school and establishing the SUCCESS program, which provides financial assistance to families in need, ensuring that education at St. Joseph’s is accessible to all.
Borst Park One Room Schoolhouse
The replica one-room schoolhouse in Centralia’s Fort Borst Park, adjacent to the historic Borst Home, stands as a meticulously crafted homage to early education. Sponsored by the Lewis County Retired Teachers Association and Centralia Parks & Recreation Department, this project began in the fall of 1994. It was dedicated on September 16, 1996, thanks to the collective efforts and donations totaling $23,000.
The schoolhouse is filled with authentic period furnishings, including an American flag, bell tower, school bell, teacher’s hand bell, wooden benches, and student desks, all carefully selected to reflect the educational environment of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Other notable items include a black wood stove, oil lamp, wash basin, ink wells, slate boards, and framed historical pictures, creating an immersive historical experience. This meticulously detailed interior serves as an educational resource and a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its academic heritage, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the roots of modern education.
The legacy of education in Lewis County is deeply intertwined with its historic schools, each a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to learning. From the humble beginnings of one-room schoolhouses to the well-preserved landmarks they are today, these institutions have consistently championed the value of education. Their stories remind us of the power of learning and the importance of community support in nurturing young minds.
