Renovation of the Old Cooper Hill School House

July 7, 2022 began the scheduled project date for construction on the renovation of the Old Cooper Hill School House. Circa 1911, this old one-room building has obviously withstood climate, temperature, attitudes and progress that only would be told – if it could. Special caring donors remembered this old building and its history and financed the move to the Falkner Heritage Park in Old Town Falkner. The Heritage Park of Falkner, MS is now the home for this old One-Room School House. 

There was a Prof. Cooper and he did teach through the 8th grade. We know this because of the many families who are a part of the Cooper Hill Alumni. Our good friend and historian Glenda Johnson Smith took a keen interest in the history of this old school and her writings reflect her love for the old School and its heritage. She did have family who attended there and they have shown great interest in its preservation. Records indicate that this one-room school was originally located in the area West of Falkner near the Salem Road. It was later relocated near the New Salem Road/McCowan property and used as a meeting place for Community gatherings. Caring folk preserved it by keeping it dry and making it an active part of the Community.

When property owners no longer needed this building FMHM project members purchased it and through donations it was relocated to the Heritage Park.

Today it stands proudly on the lot next to the Veteran’s Memorial and beginning today the work on this old building will hopefully preserve it for another hundred years!

One-room school houses were at one time landmarks in the community. Almost every 5 miles or so a little school house was erected. Obviously there was a desire for furthering education especially after the war. Both my Grandmothers taught in a one-room schoolhouse. Grandma Lizzie taught at Mt. Zion and Grandma Sarah Thornton, Gray taught at Work-Away in the New Salem area.  I love to think of the early heritage of this area and how much we owe to our ancestors. Their loyalty was remarkable.

While we plan further projects for the Heritage Park may we all be reminded that the goal of the Falkner Heritage is to ‘Preserve the Past for Future Generations’ and the only way we can do this is to work together to keep and maintain our past. Restoration and preservation is important if our historical past is kept.

We appreciate all donations and contributions made toward the Park improvements.

Thank you for your interest and support.