Save Silva School
History
Silva Consolidated School opened its doors in 1916. For 30 years enrollment stood around 93, but class sizes dwindled and the school closed in 1970. Eight years later the Geographical Center Historical Society rescued the two-story school from obscurity by moving it from Silva to Rugby’s Prairie Village Museum.
The Challenge
Like several historic buildings relocated to the museum’s village square, Silva School was placed on a foundation that has not provided adequate long-term support. Nearly five decades after the building was moved to Prairie Village Museum, major repairs are necessary to preserve the school for future generations.
The Project
The Save Silva School Project is being completed in four major phases.
Phase 1 – Roof: COMPLETED
The roof has been repaired and re-shingled, protecting the building from further water damage.
Phase 2 – Foundation: CURRENT PRIORITY
Silva School must be carefully lifted so a new, permanent foundation can be constructed beneath it. The building will then be safely lowered onto the new foundation.
Phase 3 – Exterior: Repair damaged siding and repaint the building.
Phase 4 – Windows: Replace the school’s 31 windows while maintaining its historic appearance.
Donate
You can help Save Silva School by making a donation to the project. Click the Save Silva School button below to pay with a credit card or you may send your checks to Save Silva School, c/o Prairie Village Museum, 102 Highway 2 SE, Rugby, ND 58368. Share your contact information and we’ll keep you updated as the project progresses. Thank you!