07/09/2026
Today's one room schoolhouse brings us to Pine Run Road, just West of Picture Rocks, at the intersection of Pine Run Road and Shipman Hill Road.
While I can find some information online, the accuracy of said information has me questioning its validity (since it is the internet), however, I wanted to share some of what I have found. My hope is if anything needs updated, some of you will know and can share or correct the information.
Me: "Hey Google, tell me about the one room schoolhouse on Pine Run Road."
💻 Google:
"Pine Run School (often known locally as the Upper Pine Run School) is located in the rural areas just north of Picture Rocks and Hughesville in Lycoming County.
The original schoolhouse on the site was constructed in 1850.
In 1893, the original building was replaced by a new wooden structure, which still stands.
The land for the school was provided by John L. Shipman. He stipulated that if the property ever ceased to be used for educational purposes, the land would revert back to his family farm.
According to former students, the school never had more than 25 students in attendance at one time, with grades 1 through 8 all learning in the same room.
Mrs. Truman Myers was the school's final teacher in 1931, after which the school closed due to educational consolidation in the area.
In the early 1950s, the school board temporarily lost the deed, but it was later rediscovered by Robert Ferrell of Picture Rocks in a Williamsport engineer's files.
Today, the building and its surrounding property (which features elements like a former wood stove and a chicken coop) are recognized as a well-preserved piece of the region's 19th and early 20th-century educational history."
Me: "Thanks Google"
💻 Google: "Would you like recipes for chicken cooked over wood coals?"
Me: "No, thank you, please let's not do this again!"
(Awkward silence from my computer)
Me: (closes laptop slowly) 🤣🤣🤣
The school seems to be in pretty great shape considering that time and weather are taking its toll on its roof and siding. However, looking through the windows, you can see blinds and curtains still hanging in the windows. The opening above the entryway is open to the elements so I'm not sure what kind of water damage or animal damage has occurred inside, and while I flew my drone to the opening, I didn't go inside because of all the possibilities of crashing and never getting my drone back!
One point I'd like to make is let's remember, upkeep and keeping these structures in pristine condition takes a lot of money, time and investment, often more than one person or family can make. The fact this is still standing is amazing to say the least. With so few of these relics still standing, we all can do a little to help keep them standing, if the current owners ask for it. Remember, most, if not all, are privately owned on private land. You/me/we cannot just walk onto the property to look in windows, cut down weeds, trees or bushes and we certainly cannot gain access unless we are invited. Local historical societies or interested parties would need to get permission from the owners in order to help clean things up, fix things like roofs, chimneys, siding or windows.
Let's refrain from talking down about property owners who own the schoolhouses because none of us know the situations and none of us should belittle someone who can't afford the upkeep. Just my 15 cents for today (up from 2 cents due to inflation 🤣).
Ok, so now is the time, if you've made it this far, what do you know about this school? Have you or did someone in your family go or teach here?
History is best when shared and talked about, that way we can all learn from the past so we can have a brighter future!
* Do you have a home, cabin, farm, property, pond/lake or business that you'd like to have me fly over and capture stunning aerial images? Check the final image and contact me. * Due to particular locations near airports and other sensitive infrastructure, some locations aren't possible due to FAA regulations.
Eli,
