River View senior revives grandfather's dream to restore schoolhouse

River View High senior Brylie Wine is restoring a one-room schoolhouse on school property as her senior project with help from her grandfather, retired FFA adviser Jim Rich. Work is planned to begin when the weather warms, and Walhonding Valley Farmers is providing funding.

Brylie Wine, a senior at River View High School, has taken on restoring a one-room schoolhouse on River View property as her senior project. Her grandfather, retired FFA adviser Jim Rich, has long wanted the building repaired so students can see how education looked in the past. The structure dates to 1830 and was moved to the River View School Farm to prevent further deterioration. Rich and students had done floor and window work before 2020, but the building has been largely dormant since the pandemic. Project details: - Brylie Wine is leading the restoration as her senior project with help from her grandfather, Jim Rich. - The schoolhouse dates to 1830 and was moved to the River View School Farm by former ag teacher Ray Griffith. - Planned work includes removing siding to check for rot, replacing boards as needed, painting, fixing sunken steps, hanging a chalkboard, and restoring a wood-burning stove that will not be functional. - Walhonding Valley Farmers is providing funding for the project. - Wine hopes to finish the work before her graduation or to hand the project to another senior next school year; work will begin when the weather turns warmer. Summary: The project aims to refurbish the one-room schoolhouse so it can be used for educational programs and local history lessons. Work is scheduled to start once weather allows, with funding in place. Completion before Brylie's graduation is the current goal, with transfer to another student possible if needed.