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Bell Tower is Part of School House Repairs


Significant repairs are being done to the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse in the Village of Arroyo Grande. In late October, Robertson Builders started repairs to the damage to the wooden structure caused by local woodpeckers.
Built in 1901, the schoolhouse originally resided in the Arroyo Grande Valley where the Lopez Dam now exists. The structure served to educate the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley children until 1957 and remained there until Lopez Lake was formed in 1969.
The South County Historical Society took over the school in 1975 and the building was moved two more times and, finally, in 1999, it was relocated to its present location on Short Street where it was restored to its original condition including chairs, chalkboards, maps, books, etc. Today the schoolhouse is a living piece of history, toured by hundreds of school children and visitors each year.
The repair work began with removal of thousands of acorns placed in holes by woodpeckers throughout the upper portions of the building. Then, methodical replacement and patching of the siding and trim was completed. The roof is being replaced and the building is receiving a new paint job.
During the project, workers determined the bell tower was damaged to a state of disrepair. It has been removed from the building and is being rebuilt using materials that will deter woodpecker invasion and dry rot. Additionally, the bell tower will be structurally reinforced.
Donations for the almost $35,000 repair costs are gladly accepted and can be made through Freefunder at https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/Santa-Manuela-Schoolhouse
For more information visit www.SouthCountyHistory.org or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthCountyHistoricalSociety
Photo and Words by Vivian Krug

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