By Whitney Donahue
Moapa Valley Progress
Virginia “Beezy” Tobiasson and Georgia Hall were on hand at the Old Logandale School on Saturday, September 11, signing copies of their newly released book Muddy Valley Reflections: 145 Years of Settlement. The publishing of the book coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the construction of the Old Logandale School house, which was built in 1935.
Land for the school was donated by a local farmer, Louis Adams. The school was constructed of native stone, quarried from the east end of Wells Road in Logandale. The original structure consisted of four classrooms, a bell tower, a gym, and a stage. The school opened in 1935. In 1936, showers, dressing rooms, and indoor toilets were added.
In 1938, the bell tower was removed to make way for the next addition. The red brick front included classrooms for the seventh and eighth grades, a library, and office space.
Today the OLSHACS historical library is housed in the same space as the original school library once was. Personal and family histories, local folklore, and historical photographs can be found there, along with Tobiasson and Hall’s new book.
During the book signing event, visitors were welcomed into the museum, which holds a historical treasure trove of items representin the history of Moapa Valley. People wandered the halls and rooms enjoying the exhibits before stopping and visiting with Tobiasson and Hall. In the kitchen of the school house, a Pioneer luncheon was laid out consisting of homemade bread, butter, and jelly, radishes, spring onions, and cake. Visitors were invited to partake of the luncheon.
