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HUNTSVILLE, Utah (AP) -- After 148 years of homework assignments, pop quizzes, dances, sporting events and one rogue bear, the Huntsville Valley School is closing its doors.
A mainstay of the community, the school building needs refurbishing. But cost estimates placed the price tag at almost as much as a new school.
Weber School District officials are opting to build a more centrally located school in nearby Eden, rather than make repairs.
Huntsville Town Councilman Jim Truett says the school is part of the community's heritage.
"It's like we're losing a big part of ourselves," said Joseph Harris, a former student.
Huntsville Valley's history is full of colorful stories.
First built as a small log schoolhouse, a wandering bear was once chased off city streets and into a classroom. Current school secretary Jeaniel Sauer says that gave the teacher and students a fright.
In one memorable Halloween prank, students took apart a wagon owned by a local resident and reassembled it on the school roof.
"Somebody squealed on us," said former student William Wangsgard. "That was a lot of work to get that sucker up there one piece at a time and then get it back together."
One-time student Brad Layton said lifeline friendships were forged at the school.
"Thirty-five kids started kindergarten together and 35 kids graduated ninth grade together, and we were the best of friends," he said.
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Information from: Standard-Examiner
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
