Orders Road School

Educational standards for rural children did not exist during the early 1800s, but by the 1870s most states had enacted compulsory education laws. In rural areas, township school districts built schools like the one at Century Village and assessed local citizens for upkeep and teacher salaries. Teachers passed a county examination for certification. Besides instructional duties, they kept records, cleaned the schoolhouse and kept it heated during the cold months. In 1879, Allen and Mary Orders deeded one acre of land to the Jackson Township Board of Education to build the Orders Road School, known then as #10. Three generations ages five to 16 attended the school for their primary education. The brick school was restored between the years 2000-2002.