While on a recent day trip to Parke County, Indiana to enjoy the many covered bridges we came across a sad sight. A large sign explained that we were viewing the Wabash Township Graded School that was open from 1901 until 1986 in the town of Mecca.
Front face with bell tower
Main Entrance
A devastating fire occurred in November, 2022. This fire completely destroyed the pitched roof of the 1901 main building and the flat roof of the gymnasium that was a 1923 addition. Both roofs collapsed during the fire.
View of gym addition
Gym wall, roof gone
The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Following is from the original application for this listing: The architectural style of the 190l-l9l0 main section of the building shows Richardsonian Romanesque influence, which is evident in the bell tower, rock-faced lintels and voussiot’s, arched doorways and belfry openings…
Sign placed well before the fire
Local references report that sometime after the school closed in 1986 the structure was used as a community center. The fire damage that is visible is quite extensive. Rebuilding would be very costly, if not cost prohibitive.
Roadtirement 