The Opaline schoolhouse was built in 1914 in Owyhee County, Idaho. The students’ parents petitioned on March 23, 1914 that a School District be assigned to the west of Givens Springs. Their petition was accepted and was known as the Lower Enterprise District #30 and later the Opaline School District #30. When the schoolhouse officially opened, 13 students were enrolled in the seventh and eighth grade.
The school eventually came to a end in the 1950s. The Opaline Water Board assumed ownership but used it for storage and meetings. President John Keiser had a project in mind for the 50 year anniversary of Boise State. He wanted a one-room schoolhouse with a bell to remind students and the community of the history of education of Boise State. A old schoolhouse would stand as a reminder of the University’s meager beginnings. President Keiser gave a news release on February 14, 1983 to aid his search for a one-room school. In July of 1983, The Opaline Water Board contacted the university to offer the Opaline schoolhouse for consideration. On September 7, 1983, the Board of Directors of The Irrigation District unanimously voted to gift the schoolhouse to Boise State, and the university’s ownership was finalized on January 9, 1984.
Throughout 1984, Boise State moved and renovated the Opaline schoolhouse. The university relied on donations to fill the schoolhouse with authentic furniture such as desks, papers from Opaline students, and a school bell. The Greenhurst School Bell or the “Excellence Bell” was loaned indefinitely to Boise State from the Nampa School District. The Air National Guard reconstructed and renovated the schoolhouse. They built a bell tower for the Excellence Bell, painted the exterior, installed water pipes and electricity, filled woodpecker holes, replaced shingles, the front door, and the windows. Renovations were completed in December 1984.
The Opaline Schoolhouse dedication and ceremony was held on March 7, 1985 led by President Keiser. It was opened to the public as a historic educational museum. The Opaline schoolhouse is found on campus near Albertsons Stadium and Broadway Avenue.
Sources:
University Records, RG 530, College of Education
University Records, RG 5, President’s Office
Opaline School and Excellence Bell Case File
Written by Annika Severts, Spring 2018 intern