As our local schools grow larger and more modern, with amenities like computer and chemistry labs, teaching kitchens and aerospace programs, a visit to a one-room schoolhouse can provide an interesting contrast and provide for thoughtful reflection. Offered exclusively in September by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce, the Country Schoolhouse Tour provides such an opportunity.

On the two-hour tour, which runs Wednesdays and Fridays in September from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., participants will visit three country schools: Friendship School, New Horizon School, and Middleburg School.  All three schools continue to teach students; the Friendship School and Middleburg School are old-order Amish, and the New Horizon School is new-order Amish. 

Middleburg School has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating schoolhouse in Iowa.  Built in 1860 as a public school, it was moved to its current location in 1876.  In 1970, it was purchased by the Amish.

“There are community members who attended these schoolhouses as kids, even though they weren’t Amish,” points out Tonia Poole, Chamber Director.  “I’m excited to go because I’ll get to visit the schoolhouse my mom went to.”

Because school will be in session during the tour, tour-goers will be allowed inside the classroom, where they will observe the class from the back of the room.  If the class takes a break for recess, the tour-goers will be able to observe the students’ unique ball and running games.

Poole points out that Amish schools in our community provide an extraordinary level of education, and that we have very successful local businesses as a result.

“If you meet some of the Amish business owners, they are very well educated for only going to school through eighth grade,” she says.

Poole hopes that local school kids will be able to take the schoolhouse tour if they desire.  The dates and times the tour is offered were chosen to coincide with the Mid-Prairie School District’s early out days.

“We’re making this as available as we can for our community,” Poole says.

Coming up in October, the Kalona Chamber will offer a Farm to Table tour that will include stops at three Amish farms that have different generations of farm equipment, including that which makes sorghum from cane sugar.  At the last farm, an Amish dinner will be served, and buggy rides will be available.  This limited tour will only be offered on Tuesday evenings.  Advanced reservations are required.

All of the Kalona Byways Tours depart by bus from the Kalona Chamber of Commerce, 514 B Avenue, Kalona.  For questions or reservations, call 319-656-2660.