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2003 Historic Preservation Success Stories!
 The Webster School was originally constructed in 1905. The school's unique blend
of architectural styles and simple elegant character distinguish it from other
schools and civic structures of the time period in the region. The Shingle Style,
begun in Boston in the 1880s, had spread across the country by the turn of the
century. It was never as popular in the west as in the east, where it was used
for seaside estates and resort towns across New England. The 1893 Colombian Exposition
in Chicago directly influenced the Classical influences, symmetry, balance, and
simple yet elegant ornamental details on the structures. This Exposition prompted
a resurgence in popularity for the Classical "Revival" Styles. At least one member
of the Webster School Board, Mr. William Webster attended the Colombian Exposition.
The village of Webster, ND, in fact, was the namesake of William Webster. The Webster School represents the first combined township effort at consolidating schools in the state of North Dakota. In 1899, legislation had been passed allowing for consolidation within the same district, but it was not until 1903 that legislation passed allowing combined township efforts at education consolidation. The Webster School was a joint project of the Freshwater and Webster Townships and from its opening in October 1905, until the decision was made to close the school in 1970, was maintained in good repair for students and provided excellence in education. Farming methods have changed drastically in the last thirty years. Small farms are not easily sustainable in the light of modern technology. These trends in farming have caused a mass out-migration in rural areas. As a result, in an effort to consolidate educational services, small community schools have closed across the state. The Webster School was vacated in 1970, and the building fell into disrepair over the years.  It
was purchased in the spring of 1998 by the current owners, Thomas and Sarah Webster,
grandchildren of William Webster, for whom the community was named many years
ago. The new generation of Websters reside in Greenville, Tennessee for most
of the year. They return to North Dakota for hunting season each fall. The Websters
initiated a restoration of the building to honor their father, R. Lyle Webster,
who had attended the school as a child. The Webster School is nearing the completion of a major renovation that required all new plumbing, heating and electrical systems, as well as structural work and a state of the art security system. The work to modify this historic structure into a residence has been done by Armstrong Builders of Devils Lake, North Dakota. The integrity of the structure remained remarkably intact given trends and mandates to "modernize" and upgrade school and public facilities throughout the twentieth century. Wherever possible, efforts in the renovation have focused on maintaining original materials, and reusing these materials: slate blackboards, trim, doors, etc. The windows have been repaired to match the original as closely as possible. The central stair to the second floor has been reconstructed. The chimney, which ran the height of the building, has been removed, but the chimney cap was shored up and maintained to preserve the historic appearance from the exterior. The first floor or main level has been adapted to create a kitchen area. The kitchen island opens to a main living space. There is also a master bedroom and bathroom on the main floor. The front office remains as it was. Even the original safe is still in the room. The second floor retains its classroom configuration, although a bathroom has been added. The third floor has been carpeted and temporary partitions on the attic or third floor have been removed. The Webster School now serves as a seasonal home for the current generation of the Webster family. Its restoration has been a celebration of their family's history, accomplishments, and will serve as a legacy for future generations of the family. The Websters are proud to carry on the tradition of their prairie heritage, and are pleased to use the Webster School House as a family home to create new memories and maintain their connections to North Dakota. For more information please contact Dr. Thomas & Sarah Webster at 423-638-7006.
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