About the Dickinson School
Imagine this block as grass-covered with children running and playing. The school bell rings and they slowly end their games and go through the doors of the Dickinson School to their classrooms. From 1903-1971 Ligonier’s children attended school here on the corner of Church and Market Streets.
The date at which the building was renamed the Dickinson School, in honor of educators Rev. E. H. Dickinson and his wife Abbie, is uncertain. Those who attended the school in the 1960s remember the building as the Dickinson School. 

1863-1901

Old Brick School. The building housed elementary grades as well as Rev. E. H. Dickinson’s Ligonier Classical Institute.

1903-1931

The School. This was the only public school in Ligonier. It housed elementary grades and gradually included 2 years of high school. In 1918 high school became 4 years.  

1932-1971

The Grade School, after a separate high school was constructed.

June 8, 1971

Ceremony to mark the official closing of the Dickinson School. The building was razed later that summer.

Memories of the Dickinson School

As an elementary school student, I recall many memories.

  • Getting to school early to help ring the bell.
  • Clapping erasers on the front porch.
  • Playing inside in the 1st floor central area on cold and rainy days.
  • Field trips to Mrs. Fishers turkey farm in Rector.
  • Mellon Family presents at Christmas.
  • Tall windows that the janitors had to open with long poles.
  • Singing in the music room on the 2nd floor.
  • The maple trees on the school property. The building custodian tapped them each spring for maple syrup.
Greg W. Smith 1955 - 1961

The day they were removing the bell from the bell tower, I was working at Ligonier Hardware.  Looking out the window I was watching their progress.  Once the bell was being lowered to the ground, I bolted out of the door, crossed market street, and jumped the fence.  The workmen on the ground tried to stop me!  Finally, I laid my hand on the bell!  The worker was very mad at my actions.  He asked what I was doing?  My reply, I wanted to be the first person to touch the bell!

This was September 1967, I would have been 13 years old!

    Paul Fry - Kindergarten 1959

    I recall in 6th grade I got to be a crossing guard.  I would hold the red flag on a long pole so students could cross the intersection.

      John Naugle 1955-1962

      I remember playing the saxaphone in the schools closing ceremony on June 8, 1971.

        Neal Nicley

        I remember Mrs. Fisher (Kindergarten).  I recall laying on her rungs and going to her house to play outside and in the creek.

          Dan McMaster