In central North Dakota sits the almost deserted town of Eldridge. With nothing but a few houses and no more than a dozen residents left, Eldridge is barely hanging on. The only reminder that this was once a fairly populated city is the ghost of a school nestled away in the far corner of town.
Someone has certainly taken measures to try and preserve this brick beauty, but like many other old structures, teenagers have found their way inside and have certainly made their mark. Beer cans and destroyed furniture can be found in every room, but even so, you can’t help but marvel at the carved wood room dividers and the love that must have gone into building this school.
As if the room dividers weren’t enough to make me swoon, once we gained the courage to climb the pitch black staircase, my fellow explorer and I were greeted by even more beautiful details. Between the glass pained and carved trim to the intricate doorknobs and rusty hooks, I had to just stand there for a moment and take in what once was. Even the peeling walls hold their own simple form of beauty.
Although this old school will likely never be saved from it’s dark fate, it certainly provides a little glimpse into another age. I may be “old fashioned” for someone so young, but I can’t help but wish every building was given so character and personality.
So so sad . I graduated from the 8th grade there as valedictorian of Stutsman county in 1957 . I can still hear the voices of the students singing in the Christmas programs every year . Had a wonderful teacher ( 3 great teachers , actually ) , named Mrs. Book . My father attended high school there in the 30’s . He played basketball there and I believe they were state champions one year in their division.
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Wow, thank you so much for sharing some of your memories with me! Hearing memories makes places like this so special.
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WOW !!! I was a Student here 1st-6th grades – 1961-1969.
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Me too! My family moved to Eldridge in 1962. My brothers and I attended that school until we all got bused to Jamstown after the 8th grade. My dad was the janitor and bus driver for years. My mom was the cook. I remember having to help my dad hauling coal from a train car to the school along with hauling ashes out the back door to the ash pile outside the building along with having to help cleaning at the end of the day. I remember taking the flag down and folding it (properly) after school let out. Many events were held there….Christmas programs, cake walks, science fairs, etc. There were 4 of us in my grade. The grade behind me had only one. Wonderful memories and I still live close to Eldridge and go out there on occasion just to look around. The home I grew up in burned to the ground a few years ago and i am so sad no one took care of the school. It is a shame to see what the vandals have done. I worked for the man that owned the old Ford pickup sitting there and rode in it many times. WOW…The Memories!!!
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