Sparks, Nevada is a city of more than 100,000 residents today, but back in the early days when the town was first incorporated in 1905, the population was quite low. Still, there was a need for community education and thus the discussion for a school in the Truckee Meadows was born. Today, the historic Glendale School in Nevada is revered as the state’s oldest and longest running school and a lesson of just how far Nevada has come!
Prior to children having a school they could attend, a man named Erastus C. Sessions would teach students in his own home. He was a rancher originally from Vermont and was one of the people in the community who helped raise money for the Glendale School.
Long ago, teachers had to sign special contracts pledging their allegiance to their state and country. Also, unmarried teachers were staunchly preferred over married teachers, as women of the time were expected to focus on maintaining their homes and raising children.
The Glendale School was built by Archie Bryant and became the first place designated to educate the youth in the Truckee Meadows region. The school cost $1,446 at the time.
Not only is the historic schoolhouse the first be established in the silver state, but it was also the longest running place of learning, too. The school closed its doors in 1958, meaning that it educated children for nearly 100 years!
The school ceased operations when the state of Nevada stopped funding.
Though the school was considered in an isolated region due to growth continuing towards Reno and western Nevada, it still had 18 students enrolled when it closed its doors for the final time.
One of Glendale School’s most prominent former students is U.S. Senator Patrick A. McCarran. Though the school was small, it made a great and magnificent impact on the lives of its many students through the years.
However, this was not the end for the school. Due to its historic importance, the building was moved to Reno in 1976 and again in 1993 back to Sparks. The schoolhouse has since turned into a museum for curious minds to glance into Nevada’s fascinating past.
Today, visitors can visit the Glendale School in Spark’s Victorian Square. Find it along Victorian Avenue, a short distance from the Sparks Heritage Museum.
Step into history and explore Nevada’s oldest and longest running school! History buffs and travelers alike will love this historic site as it whisks you back to simpler times. The Glendale School is a true Nevada gem of staunch importance that will hopefully continue to inspire future generations for many years to come.
Have you traveled to Sparks to see this historic schoolhouse? What other historic places are you eager to see in Nevada? Comment and share below to let us know!
