A Hidden School Discovered

The Ott family of Parkin purchased the Northern Ohio School from the Kelly family in 1959 after the Kellys had been using it as a hay barn. The Ott family transformed the old barn into a home by portioning rooms and designing a living space, and over the years a carport and additional rooms were added, completely disguising the one-room school. It remained a residence well into the 1990s, when Arkansas State Parks purchased it. While preparing to demolish the house, workers discovered that the Northern Ohio School was inside the walls. Demolition plans were canceled, research began, and a restoration plan was developed. Restoration of the schoolhouse was completed in the spring of 2006, and the structure is now restored and interpreted as part of Parkin Archeological State Park.

Parkin, Arkansas · United States