The Garfield School in Quinnesec opened Dec. 23, 1897, said Guy Forstrom, Menominee Range Historical Foundation treasurer. It replaced the Pioneer School, which could no longer be used due to its proximity to the Cundy Mine shaft.

The two-story structure accommodated 235 pupils in its four classrooms. The school also had a library in the front portion of the second floor.

The interior was finished in Georgia pine. A large photograph of President James A. Garfield, 1831-1881, hung in front of the large classroom on the first floor, called the assembly room. Two additional classrooms were on the first floor.

“Kindergarten through eighth grade was taught,” Forstrom said.

Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo

Commencement exercises for eighth-grade graduates took place in Buell’s Opera House in Quinnesec.

Students who furthered their education went on to attend high school in Iron Mountain.

In 1906, the Garfield School was struck by lightning.

An Iron Mountain Press article, dated July 12, 1906, stated: “The Garfield school was struck by lightning last Monday and damaged to the extent of $500. The northwest corner of the building was badly shattered and several windows were broken. The roof of the building was damaged to some extent. Robert Brown, who had the contract for painting and kalsomining the building, was working inside the building at the time with two other men, but, fortunately, none of the three were injured.”

The Garfield School was used until 1925, when the new Quinnesec Junior High School was built, Forstrom said.

The second photo is the current view of Breitung Township Hall at 3851 Menominee St., which was built in 1933.

“The hall’s chimney is in the same location and is the actual chimney from the school,” Forstrom said.

Forstrom noted the school’s foundation was used as well when constructing the hall.

In 1974, Breitung Township put on an addition to the hall.

Forstrom added that they are currently looking to expand to include a common area for the community.