Belden School

Belden School "A Small School That Taught Large Lessons" 1858 One square acre of land in southwest Guilford Township in Jo Daviess County was purchased for $30 by school trustees of the Town of Guilford. 1859 Belden School was built of native limestone at a cost of $900. The school was named after Thomas Beldin (1799-1859), an early settler in the area who also served as a school trustee. 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States. Ulysses S: Grant and Elihu B. Washburne were citizens of Galena. A teacher's salary was $6 per month. 1880 A law was passed in Illinois requiring schoolhouses to have outhouses, so two were built at a cost of $17 each. The boys' outhouse was in the front of the building and the girls' outhouse was in the back. 1926 Belden originally had only one door. In 1926 it became law that schoolhouses had to have another exit door. A new fire door replaced a window on the side of the building. 1943 Small school districts began consolidation and the last classes were held at Belden School. 1955 The schoolhouse and one square acre of land were sold at auction for $25. 1974 The Branigar Organization acquired the school property, surrounding lands and many farms to begin development of The Galena Territory. 1992 The land and schoolhouse were transferred to The Galena Territory Association on July 30, 1992. 2004 A group of Territory residents interested in restoring the building formed The Belden School Restoration Committee. A comprehensive five-year plan was implemented. Through donations, fundraising and grants from the Galena Belle Questers and The Galena Foundation, Belden School was brought to life. 2005 Electric service was brought to the building. 2006 The exterior limestone was tuck-pointed. 2007 Donated items, including desks, a stove and books were acquired. A cabinet, original to the school, was returned to the corner of the classroom. 2008 A new roof and historically accurate windows and doors were installed. 2009 Restoration of Belden School was complete and opened to the public. For details on events call 815-777-2000 or visit thegalenaterritory.com or beldenschool.com. Like Belden School on Facebook. THE GALENA TERRITORY