Jerry and JoAnn Kramer Collection

Collection

Identifier: RSC-HEC-005

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Jerry and JoAnn Kramer Collection is composed of records dating from 1883-2006 that concern the history of education in Bennington Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa; primarily Bennington Township, #4. Divided into two series, "Series 1: Bennington #4 Renovation Project" and "Series 2: Rural School Records", the collection provides insight into the past and present uses of rural schools.

Dates

Created: 1883-2006

Biographical or Historical Information

As avid promoters of Iowa’s cultural heritage, Jerry and JoAnn Kramer are committed to preserving the state’s history for the enjoyment of future generations. This fact is evidenced by their involvement in the restoration of Bennington Township, #4 in Black Hawk County. In 1997, the Bennington Boosters 4-H Club conceived the idea to restore the one-room schoolhouse, which had been in use from 1890-1955. Along with the Bennington Neighborhood Association, the Booster Club formed a non-profit steering committee that oversaw the process. In 2000, the group received a $5,000 grant from the Historic Resource Development Program and completed the restoration in the same year. Due to the tireless efforts of all involved, Bennington Township, #4 is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The schoolhouse is currently used by volunteers, such as Mr. and Mrs. Kramer, to inform tour groups of Iowa’s rich educational history.

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