In 1923, Gaines School, located near Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church, was renamed Orebank School. The classroom was heated by a woodburning stove. Kerosene lamps with metal reflectors hung on the walls, drinking water was carried from teh spring and toilets were a short distance from teh school.
In 1930 an additional room was added to give the school 2 teachers. During the 1930-31 school year, Mrs. Margaret Anderson, teacher- principal, and Mrs. Tom Faust, parent was instrumental in organizing a PTA.
During the 1936037 school year, a 4 room brick structure was built west of the original site. A partial basement was used for a lunchroom with volunteers preparing hot soup. Thee was no inside entrance to the basement. Students had to go to an outside stairway to enter the lunchroom. At first a kerosene stove was used. Then a coal stove was purchased. Volunteers grew a W.P.A. garden and canned the vegetables to be used for hot lunches.
In 1937, with increased enrollment, a larger building was constructed. as the school grew, the area served grew and students lived at a greater distance from the building. Travel by car was difficult on area roads, especially in bad winter. The problem was solved by Mr. Tom Faust and his covered wagon. When roads improved the covered wagon was replaced by a bus.
Additions were made to the building in 1941 and 1958
Until the spring of 1980 the school included K-8th grade. With the building of the new high school and the introduction of middle school, Orebank changed to include K-5th grade.
On January 14, 1986 the Sullivan County Board of Education voted to close Orebank School.
During the years this community school helped to educated many people. Anyone who has had any association with Orebank School has a right to feel pride in accomplishments.
From a one-room school to teaching kindergarten through eigghth grade, this school served it's students well. To wach person who helped make Orebank School what it was ........heartfelt thanks.
Author Unknown- will try to find out so they are credited
