New lease for Old Schoolhouse

The Old Murphys Schoolhouse could become the new Murphys community gathering place.

Murphys resident Katherine Van Cleave, of World Class, a nonprofit educational organization, secured a 99-year lease to preserve and restore the Jones Street building last February. She said her research indicates the school is the oldest west of the Mississippi River continuously functioning as a school. Murphys Preschool is the current tenant.

Van Cleave hopes to raise funds and utilize volunteer labor and donations to make the 1860-built school and the tennis courts behind it a place for learning and activity. Early work at the site, done by Vallecito Conservation Camp inmates, involved clearing massive amounts of brush and debris from the overgrown school grounds. Outside the school, resurfaced tennis courts and a covered barbecue/picnic area could host family fun amidst native vegetation being replanted on site, Van Cleave said.

As for the historic structure, time has not been as destructive as she feared. There is no rotting of wood or termite damage, she said, but still plenty of work to be done. Van Cleave’s son, Ryan, estimates the full restoration will cost at least $250,000. Roof repairs are needed, the ceiling will be lowered to increase energy efficiency, curtains replaced, hardwood floors refurbished and warped window panes fixed, the Van Cleaves said. New restrooms, horseshoe pits and bocce ball courts are also envisioned.

One of the first things to be done will be replacement of the wood slats around the bell housing. Until recently, the school bell chimed daily but a new rope is needed and Ryan Van Cleave is eager to hear it toll once more.

Climbing up to get a closer look at it Monday, he exuded confidence that time will come soon.

“That bell will ring again,” Ryan said.

The Van Cleaves are hopeful that grants and private investments will be forthcoming for a project they see as a major boost for local education.

California State University, Stanislaus, and University of the Pacific officials have shown interest in housing classes at a refurbished school, Katherine said. She also hopes local grade school and junior high students will be interested in being part of the restoration work and can attend class at the site on occasion.

“It gives them a stake in this piece of their community to be part of that,” she said. “It’s going to be in use for a majority of people. A lot of times, something is restored to look at. We want great-great-grandchildren of someone who built it to sit in this classroom.”

They could potentially find themselves sitting in the same desks as their ancestors. Original desks handmade by local carpenters have been offered by Murphys residents who have them stored away at home, Katherine said.

In addition to the desks, she is looking for historic photos and stories related to the school. To share these materials and information, or to donate to restoration efforts, call World Class at 728-9072.

Contact Sean Janssen at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 736-8097.