Masonic Hall/First School Building in Springfield 1888

Built out of local sandstone in 1889, this structure was the first school building in Springfield. The schoolhouse served as a true community center for the fledgling town and was used to meet the educational, civic, and religious needs of the residents. When school was out of session, community dinners, spelling bees, music, drama, recitations, and interdenominational church services were held in the school. In 1920, a new school was built and the rock schoolhouse became a Masonic Hall. Today the building remains as a monument to the pioneering settlers who came West in the late 19th century.