1906 Baker No. 2 Schoolhouse
Located at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds - Guthrie Center, Iowa
Help Us Move Baker No. 2
In 2004, one of the most damaging flash floods occurred at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. The water from the South Raccoon River rose fast and high on May 22-23, affecting many of the buildings on the east side and filling Baker No. 2 with over 15 inches of muddy water.
Since that flood, the Guthrie County Fair Board (GCFB) as been working to relocate the entire fair to the west side of the fairgrounds, out of the flood zone. Baker No. 2 is one of the last buildings still located on the east side of the grounds. It’s time to move it while we still can.
The Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation, which has been hosting the school for over 25 years during the fair, is currently seeking donations to help move the school in Spring of 2025. Billy Bell House Moving, a company that has worked with the GCHV on several moving projects, has provided a quote for $14,400 to move the building. The GCFB has approved a new location for the school, situating it between the Art Hall and the new amphitheater. We hope you will help us save this rare gem by
making a tax-deductible donation today.
Fair Time at Baker No. 2
1909
The first Baker #2 School was built in 1876 and was 18' x 22'. In 1906, a vote approved the building of a larger school, 24.5' x 34.5' This is the schoolhouse that is located at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds
Photo taken in 1909.
Students and teacher, Bess, at Baker No. 2.
Ca. 1910
1912
Characters in a stage play preformed at Baker No. 2.
Back Row (L to R): Fred Lenhart, Etta Simmons, Oris Secoy, Millard Herron, Dick Headley, Loren Pickett, Charity Simmons (Dove)
2nd Row: George Sanford, Elsa Herron
Front Row: Richard, Headlee, Charles Winebrenner, Forest Moreland, Ina Chalfant Benton
1913
Sometime between 1909 and 1913, the bell and belfry were added to the school.
1936
Back Row (L to R): George Dorr, Kenneth Rains, Eldon Rains, Elmer Door, Jr., and Dorothy Richey
3rd Row: Norma Rea Hoover, Dalton Hoover, Gerald Stevens, Gloria Dorr, Kenneth Gilson, and Delbert Stevens
2nd Row: Darwin Sheeder, Doris Sheeder, Dorothy Stevens, Richard Dorr, and Duane Gilson
Front Row: Verle Gilson and Jim Richey
Baker No. 2 1936-37 term.
Teacher: Ilene Hayes Hughes
We need your support.
The Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation needs your help. We are currently seeking funds to help move and restore Baker No. 2 for future generations of fair-goers. The Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization, relies on your support to undertake projects like Baker No. 2. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Cash donations can be made in any of the following ways:
To make a cash, check, or money order donation, please mail to:
GCHV
206 W South Street
Panora, IA 50216
Or stop by the GCHV when we are open for the season:
May 1 to Oct 15, Tues-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat & Holidays 1pm-4:30pm
To make an online donation via PayPal:
To make a donation from our Facebook page:
