The town of Antioch has gone through several renovations throughout its history, but the Old Schoolhouse, built in 1892, still stands strong on the corner of Main Street and Depot Street. It is an emblem of the town’s success and holds the unforgettable memories of the students who attended from 1892 to 1971. The Old Schoolhouse is the second established school in the town and it provided early education to elementary students and underclassmen high school students. It served as a school until 1971 and became a museum in 1987.

Julie Popp, a 1971 alumna, spent her elementary years in the schoolhouse for band rehearsal. Her name can still be seen today on the board.

“We would have band before school twice a week, and that was upstairs.” Popp said.

Popp remembers her K-8 band teacher, Mr. Olzar, who she described as a perfectionist. This was a different time because teachers still had paddles on the wall that they would use to threaten students, and they would sometimes even paddle them if they didn’t meet that expectation of perfection.

“If you did not do what you were expected to in your part, he would take the baton that he would use to conduct and just whip it at kids. Or if he had a red pencil, which he used to correct things in, he would throw it at you,” Popp said. “I know he didn’t mean to hurt anybody. I know he was just trying to make it perfect.”

Along with his strict class was a highly organized lesson plan. Popp’s name, as displayed on the chalkboard in the classroom, is one of many and it was a way for Olzar to keep track of his students’ progress.

“We would have lessons throughout the week and so he would take lists of all the lessons,” Popp said. “This was our schedule.”

Olzar continued teaching as the band director of the Old Schoolhouse until 1971 when Antioch Upper Grade School was established and the schoolhouse was abandoned and ultimately transformed into a museum in 1987. Although the school was remodeled inside, the classroom memories live on through alumni like Popp.

As students of Antioch Community High School, it is time to turn the page and create new memories. The community hosts many events, like the It’s Thursday concert series and the annual Taste of Antioch and carnival, where people can enjoy the locality of the town and support local businesses. The Old Schoolhouse is also open to visitors and is a great experience for all to learn the rich history of the town. Admission to the museum is free and it is highly encouraged to tour the facility and discover the unique history rooted in the artifacts found within its walls. The museum includes several scenes of historical significance, but not all of them are directly related to the schoolhouse. It includes a classroom, barber shop, ice cutting display, a Native American artifact display and the museums ancient stuffed bear, Smiley, who serves as a mascot for the schoolhouse.  For more information on the museum or to schedule a visit, check the website, http://www.lakesregionhistory.org/museum.asp, or contact Ainsley Wonderling, a member of the Lakes Region Historical Society at her email: [email protected]. Although the history of the schoolhouse is displayed through its artifacts, the true spirit of Antioch is found in the alumni of the school; they hold the secrets, the thrills and the history in their own unique experiences.