Honoring history: Ann Rattine receives Preservation Merit Award for work with Great Western Schoolhouse

Ohio University Eastern is proud to celebrate Ann Rattine, the steward of the Great Western Schoolhouse, for her remarkable dedication to historic preservation.

Rattine was recently honored with a Preservation of Merit Award by the Ohio History Connection, a prestigious recognition of her tireless efforts in maintaining and restoring the historic one-room schoolhouse located on the University’s campus in St. Clairsville, Ohio. 

The Ohio History Connection’s 2024 State Historic Preservation Office Awards recognized 11 outstanding achievements in historic preservation across the state during a November luncheon at the Ohio History Center in Columbus. Diana Welling, state historic preservation officer and director of the State Historic Preservation Office, presented the awards, emphasizing their significance.

“Historic places contribute to our sense of community and give us a tangible connection to our heritage,” Welling stated. “Our awards program is designed to honor the individuals and groups who go above and beyond to safeguard the irreplaceable architectural and historic treasures of their communities.”

The Preservation Merit Award highlights efforts to preserve Ohio’s prehistory, history, architecture or culture. It recognizes activities like restoration, rehabilitation or stewardship of historic sites. Rattine’s work with the Great Western Schoolhouse exemplifies this commitment. As a member of the National Trail Chapter No. 348 of the International Questers, she has played a pivotal role in preserving this landmark, ensuring its place in Belmont County’s history and its educational future. 

The Great Western Schoolhouse, constructed in 1870 by the Clark Construction Company, is a tangible reminder of the educational experience in 19th and early 20th-century America. Its handmade bricks, hewn roof beams, and cast-iron bell represent the craftsmanship of the era. Operating as a one-room schoolhouse until 1952, it educated generations of local children before being repurposed for community use and later falling into disrepair. 

In 1976, as part of a Bicentennial project, the Questers restored the schoolhouse, and today, it stands as a testament to local heritage.

“The restoration of this one-room schoolhouse allows visitors to step back in time and experience education as it was in the 19th and early 20th centuries when students focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic,” shared Rattine, who also serves as the schoolhouse’s schoolmarm. 

Dean David Rohall of Ohio University Eastern praised Rattine's work, saying, “Ann’s dedication to preserving the Great Western Schoolhouse is an inspiration. Her stewardship ensures that future generations can connect with and learn from this important piece of Belmont County history.”

The Great Western Schoolhouse is more than a relic; it is a vibrant educational resource. Tours and hands-on classes for local students bring history alive, demonstrating how earlier generations learned in a simpler yet profoundly impactful environment.

To step into history and experience the legacy of 19th-century education, schedule a tour by calling Ohio University Eastern at 740.699.2494. As a site on the National Register of Historic Places, the schoolhouse is a cornerstone of Belmont County’s cultural and educational heritage.

Through Rattine’s leadership, the Great Western Schoolhouse continues to be a bridge between the past and the present, enriching the community’s understanding of its roots and fostering a deep appreciation for the value of preservation.