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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Michigan Fieldstone - Leonidas School

 
While I was visiting with Ester this weekend, she took me to see some local places of interest. This is the school building in the (very) small village of Leonidas.

fieldstone school, Leonidas, Michigan

I think this is the most impressive fieldstone building I've ever seen. Michigan fieldstone is generally rounded rocks of various sizes which are all compliments of the last ice age.

fieldstone school, Leonidas, Michigan

The rocks aren't all of one type. These were all dragged here from elsewhere by the glaciers and then left behind when the ice melted. Although the soil is not as full of them as many places in New England, there are still plenty to choose from.

fieldstone school, Leonidas, Michigan

And Michigan doesn't have bedrock from which to cut squared stones. So, people are always going to build things from the materials at hand. And some people can turn it into an art form. Think of the number of rocks that had to be collected, sorted into sizes and shapes, and then arranged into the patterns evident on this building.

fieldstone school, Leonidas, Michigan

I think attending school in a place like this would be inspiring!

fieldstone school, Leonidas, Michigan

I've previously shown you only one other Michigan fieldstone house (see link below), but I think I'll make it a point to take pictures of more.

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9 comments:

John Sealander said...

What a great building! I especially like the entrance...

The Furry Gnome said...

That is one really unique building!

Ann said...

wow, this is very impressive. The way this was laid out is just amazing. I can't imagine the number of hours that went in to this

vanilla said...

Some very, very talented masons at work on that edifice!

Secondary Roads said...

An excellent example of Michigan field-stone artistry. I had a neighbor (years ago) who was an old-time stone mason. It was a joy to watch him at work.

Rick (Ratty) said...

That building is absolutely beautiful. And I love the idea of small town schools.

The Oceanside Animals said...

hello sharkbytes its dennis the vizsla dog hay wow no big bad wulf is ever going to blow that skoolhowse down!!! ok bye

Lisa Cook said...

I went to school in this little building. What a beautiful school it is. Thanks for the memories.

Sailor said...

I went to school here. It was a great little school, with great students and staff.