A group of dedicated volunteers is working to the ring the bell again on a former school.

The Greenzweig’s one-room schoolhouse in Towamensing Township was open from 1892-1955 and sits on a quarter acre property in Palmerton, which was donated to the township by the Kuehner family in 2014.

Earlier this year the township’s Historical Commission began working on the renovation and preservation of the schoolhouse.

In 1892 the cost to build and furnish the Greenzweig’s schoolhouse with desks, as well as securing the deed, was $767.24. In 1896 the school term was only six months and teachers’ pay was $25-$28 monthly.

It wasn’t until 1912 that the schoolhouse was insured against fire. Also at that time, 12-foot ladders and heating ventilation furnaces were added for $125 each. Water fountains were purchased in 1914 and each student had to provide his own cup. Before that “a pail and two dippers were used by the whole school.”

Work has started on removing and replacing old siding. Vinyl siding was anonymously donated. Contractor Terry Hahn has volunteered his time to the project as well.

Historical Commission member Barry George said, “It’s about history. I had the time, availability and experience to help restore it.”

Towamensing supervisor Guy Seifert helped fix the roof of the schoolhouse and Historical Commission member Donald Bonet helped replace the shutters. Bonet has relentlessly supported and advocated for the project at township meetings.

Much of the work is being done because of the generosity of community members. Last year’s township trash bill included a solicitation asking for support, and several thousand dollars were donated. Paint has also been donated.

There are several ideas regarding how the schoolhouse would be used once it is completed. Those ideas include a museum for farm equipment and a bird sanctuary. Roy Christman, who has the restored Kibler schoolhouse on his land, is helping to guide the project.

Jack Branch, a member of the Historical Commission, got involved because he “likes history, got to know Roy and they don’t make them anymore.”

The Historical Commission is looking for volunteers and donations to continue this preservation and restoration project. Contact Don Bonnet of the commission at (610)-671-8807 for more information or to volunteer or make a donation.