One of Loyalton’s oldest buildings is getting a second chance at life.
The historic Old School House in Loyalton City Park is undergoing a community-driven restoration that will transform the 140-year-old landmark into a new arts and gathering space for Sierra Valley residents.
Originally built in 1879 as the Doone School, the building has worn many hats over the decades. It was purchased by the Catholic Church in 1910, serving as both a church and school until the 1950s. During that time, additions including the front entrance, bell tower and choir loft gave it the appearance of a traditional church. After a new Catholic church was constructed, the building continued serving the community as a school and later became home to the Milton Gottardi Museum.
Now, the building—known as The Old School House (TOSH)—is being restored almost entirely through volunteer labor, local craftsmanship and grant funding.
The project has brought together dozens of community members. Local roofer June Rakestraw repaired the roof and helped relocate the original chimney. Students in Craig Sheridan’s Loyalton High School construction class framed new window openings and installed windows, while contractor Seth Espana completed the drywall work.
Additional restoration has included handcrafted replica wooden doors built by Truckee woodworker Michael Forshee using the originals as templates, with Roger Rondeau applying the protective finish. Eli Helvey handled framing, window jambs and door installation throughout the building.
Musica Sierra General Manager Owen McIntosh has also spent countless hours tackling the labor-intensive work, from cleaning hundreds of pounds of debris from the attic to installing insulation, sanding floors and preparing ceilings for paint.
The restoration has been coordinated by Musica Sierra Executive Director Lindsay McIntosh, who secured grant funding to help make the project possible. Funding includes a $5,000 Rotary grant for electrical work completed by Logan Easley and a $70,000 Family Resource wellness grant that paid for windows, doors, paint and a solar energy system.
When the work is finished, TOSH will become a Community Arts Center, providing a permanent home for concerts, art displays, after-school programs, movie nights, community meetings and local performances. It will also offer rehearsal space for the Loyalton High School choir and showcase stained glass artwork created by Marjorie Voorhees.
For a building that has spent generations educating students and bringing the community together, the next chapter promises to do much of the same—just in a new way.
This article is based on an article which first appeared in the Sierra Booster
