Dewey School Chapel

A Bit of History

The Dewey Schoolhouse was one of the first schoolhouses built in Shiawasee County. In 1848, $166.64 was raised by taxes to build the school. In most early schools there was a "pay fee" system where families paid $1.00 for each child attending school. We do not know if this first building burned or was torn down but the present school is thought to have been built in 1869. It was previously located on the corner of Ruess and Hibbard Roads. The schoolhouse also served as a place of worship for the Bennington United Methodist Church until they were able to build the church now located in Bennington. Most rural churches started in one room school houses, and the ties were very close between church and school. Classes were held in the schoolhouse until the 1960's. In 1996 the schoolhouse was purchased by Larry Jones and moved to its current location. I has since been refurbished and made into a small chapel suitable for weddings, vow renewals, dedications, gospel sings, etc. It has been the intent of the owners not to update, but to preserve the atmosphere of days gone by.