The project began in September of 1988 as a vision to bring the community and schools closer together.  The One-Room Schoolhouse committee was formed to find, relocate, and restore one of the communities original schoolhouses to a site adjacent to the new $5.5 million Hope Elementary School, then under construction.  The group hoped to accomplish its mission within five years.

Working with the committee from the beginning, our office first reviewed the feasibility of moving one of three schoolhouses available in the community.   Cost estimates were prepared to anticipate all potential costs and the committee was made aware of potential problems prior to committing to the project.

Armed with estimated costs and a list of potential obstacles, the committee embarked on the $100,000, three-phase project.   On September 19, 1989, the solid brick Simmons School made the four mile journey to its new home. Students played a key role in raising the $40,000 needed for the move.  We worked with the committee to coordinate the move, prepare architectural plans for the schoolhouse restoration, and worked out difficulties with the modern building codes.  We also provided non-traditional assistance including setting goals for the project, provided fund raising strategies, and appeared at community fund-raising events before various community groups.

The budget and schedules, proposed in September of 1988, were met almost to the day and dollar.  The community of Hope (population 2,400) raised $95,000 of the $100,000 required for the project.  Within three years the exterior and interior restorations were complete along with furnishing the schoolhouse with period furnishings, including Eggleston readers.   The committee has developed a curriculum and the Simmons School has once again been welcoming students from Hope and surrounding school systems to experience a turn-of-the-century education.