Old School House Repaired

Through the efforts of the Union County School Board, Union County Historical Society, Union County Retired Teachers, Union County Education Association and one strong willed woman, Wanda Byerley, the little log school house has been repaired.

Sharps School, the oldest surviving school building in Union County, has received a new roof, shingled with Canadian Cedar Shakes. The school is located at 3824 Maynardville Highway, next door to the Roy Acuff Museum and Library building.

The school was built in the late 1700’s by Henry Sharp, an early settler of Lost Creek, Tn. where the school was formerly located. Originally, there was an upper story on the building, where the teacher had living quarters. The one-log-wide window may have served as a look-out, and/or vantage point for defense against marauding Indians. When the window was open, it provided light and air, and the ledge could also be used as a shelf. The only source of heat was the open fireplace. With the backless log benches and cold dirt floor, pupils had to have a real thirst for knowledge to attend this school.

The last private owner of the building was Ms. Mossie Beeler of Sharps Chapel. In 1976, she donated the building to the Union County retired Teachers’ Association. It was dismantled by Clifford Stiner, who carefully numbered each log and reconstructed the building on its present site.

The Union County Historical Society invites you to come by and do an inspection for yourself, and bring along a friend.

Volunteers (unsung heroes) who worked hard long hours to                                                                                                    complete the project are pictured (L-R) Harold O. Woods Sr., Big Bill,                                                                                                      John L. Smith, Gregory A. Cox, Joey Woods and not pictured E. Lynn Cox.

Submitted by Martha J. Atkins, Treasurer, UC Historical Society