After the Knobel school burned, Earnest Bullington and Bill Hancock say, at least two classrooms met in the American Legion building, with a partition dividing the activities of each class. Copies of The Courier indicate the new school resumed in the fall of 1936.
Activities in the building over the years have included roller skating, boxing matches, pie suppers, dances, picture shows, Boy Scout meetings (26 members in 1936), card games, and more. It also served as a family living quarters more than once.
The last activities held in the building have been rummage sales and an auction every Saturday night, back in the 1980's.
Knobel Mayor Doris Sellmeyer was in the audiance as the wreath was placed on the door of the building this week. She says she is pleased with the revived interest shown by citizens in restoring the structure.
"Public support can get this building opened", Mayor Sellmeyer states. "We have already had one visit from a representative of the Historic Society and they have assured me this building could be listed as an historic building if it is restored to its original stage, which means going back to a wood shingle roof and making some necessary repairs to the interior."
She applauded State Representative Richard Simmons for effort and support in getting things started through state agencies.
For many years (1940s through the 70's) this was the only building in Knobel that would readily open to the public. I think our people will join together and get this project rolling", the mayor states.
This could be a great winter project for those of the community who want to work together and restore this building where it can serve again the area.
** The building stands empty today (2003)***
Back L-R: Hurley Tyler, (holding wreath) Buford Green.
