Beaver Creek School District was established in 1881. School house locations were determined by the locations of the student population among the ranches and farms in the area. Early school houses were of wood construction and several were destroyed by fire. Hence, the decision to construct a school house of local limestone was made in 1932 and was ready for students in January, 1933. Money for constructionwas paid off by hosting local dances in the building, charging men $1.00 and allowing ladies in for free. The two-room rock school was the only permanent building on campus until two, two-classroom metal buildings were constructed in 1972. Through the dedication and hard work of many people the Rock School is now on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The ultimate goal for the Rock Schoolhouse is to establish it as a museum depicting a classroom representing the early days of education. Some things that need to be done in order to achieve this goal are to:
One of the areas identified as needing replacement was the front door of the rock school building. After receiving estimates from three companies, the Beaver Creek Preservation and Historical Society agreed on JAU & Sons, Inc., serving the Verde Valley since 1994. Beaver Creek residents, John and Beth Uhler, are owners, along with their five sons, Jeremy, Aaron, Jason, Joshua and Dustin.
Beth Uhler states: "I was thrilled when I first saw the school that my sons would be going to. It reminded me of the school I went to in Humboldt, Arizona. K-8...small, family-oriented, and perfect for my sons. JAU & Sons is honored to be able to be a part of the restoration of the old school house."
The custom-made, solid oak door was designed and constructed by Aaron Uhler, a '96 graduate of Beaver Creek School. His brothers Jason, Josh, and Dustin also graduated from Beaver Creek School.
Verna is mother of locals Vicki Womack and Chris Shafer, and Grandmother of Beaver Creek School graduates Monty (’83), Robbie (’86), Christy (’89), April (’93) and Tim (’95).
Note:
There are 11 children in the painting which was the minimum number of students for the school to be considered “official” in 1932.