It was in 2020 when Preservation Iowa declared the Historic Sharon High School and Community Center, located in the unincorporated community of Sharon Center in Johnson County, one of Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties.

This building was originally used as a high school for students to attend beyond country school, but over time it became more than just a place to learn. The building was rented out to traveling magicians and entertainers, and for parties, events, and other functions. Important meetings and gatherings took place in the building, including meetings for the Sharon Telephone Company when they began operations in the early 1990s.

The 123-year-old building was built in 1899 and is one of Iowa’s few remaining two-story, two-room schoolhouses. The goal of being placed on the endangered property list is to make sure the public knows about historical properties in Iowa, so they can be physically maintained.

A group was formed called “The Friends of Historic Sharon High School and Community Center” to raise money and awareness for the building. This group feels passionate about preserving an integral piece of their community. Their efforts did not go unnoticed because in November they received a grant.

On November 8, the Sharon Telephone Company (STC) with the help of Aureon, their telecommunications partner located in Des Moines, presented grant checks to Sharon Center High School through the Ripple Effect grant program. Between the two companies they each gave the historic building $3,500, for a total of $7,000.

“I get the opportunity to present the project to a group and they love the project, especially with STC’s ties with the building,” Ethan Pitt of Ripple Effect said. “And the community center aspect of it all. It was a great project. It was really easy to talk about.”

The Ripple Effect program is a partnership between Aureon and Iowa Area Development Group (IADG). Their goal is to advance the community and business development vitality of rural Iowa. This program makes available low-interest loans to business applicants and planning grants to communities and their economic development partners for all kinds of community development projects. As the name implies, they hope their efforts will cause a ripple effect of good tidings for Iowa as a whole.

“I want to thank [Friends of the Historic Sharon Community Center] for their commitment to our small communities that we serve in rural Iowa,” Katie Miller of STC said. “I think a lot of the credit should go to Ethan as well. He met with us to explain the programs that are available, like the Ripple Effect grants. It really allowed us to get this project off the ground. We’re excited to be a part of it and I’m excited to see where this is going to go.”

  The grant money will go towards paying for design and architectural services needed to get the ball rolling towards the larger restoration and improvement process. Eventually the goal is to preserve and restore the building’s structure and history, so it can claim its role as a hub and resource for learning, arts, and entertainment opportunities. Once the remodeling is done the building will provide space for educational, entertainment, cultural, and community events. It will also offer a museum to display how important the landmark is.

The Friends of Historic Sharon High School and Community Center have made significant strides in their fundraising efforts but are still seeking assistance. If you are interested in helping restore the historic school building, please contact David Jackson at (319) 930-9801.