Tarryall School

Tarrayall School, 2020.

The Tarryall Schoolhouse, located at 31000 County Road in Tarryall, Colorado—once known as Puma City—is a remarkably preserved example of a 1920s rural school. Constructed in 1921 by local volunteers under the guidance of skilled carpenter Ollie Parker, it replaced an earlier school building from the 1890s that once stood on the same site. Its construction reflected the deep commitment of the community to improving education for local children. In recognition of its architectural integrity and educational significance, the school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as part of the Rural School Buildings in Colorado Multiple Property Submission, helping ensure its preservation for generations to come.[1] 

List of teachers and students at Tarryall School in Tarryall, Colorado, 2000.

The school operated continuously from 1921 until 1949, serving as both an educational center and a hub for community life. At its peak during the 1908–1909 school year, the school enrolled 35 students, all taught in a single classroom by one teacher. Like many one-room schoolhouses of the time, it accommodated multiple grade levels, fostering a flexible and cooperative learning environment. In 1941, a small teacherage—a modest residence for the teacher—was constructed behind the school, a practical addition that helped attract and retain educators in this remote mountain region. The property also featured two outhouses, a common feature in early 20th-century rural schools. Beyond formal instruction, the schoolhouse hosted community events, holiday programs, and social gatherings, making it a central institution in daily life.[2] 

The Peterson family, early settlers in the area, played a foundational role in the school’s development. After arriving in 1903 with their son John C. Peterson, John and Betty Peterson initially lived in an old store building, which was temporarily converted into a schoolroom until the permanent structure was completed in 1922.[3] This interim solution underscored the community’s determination to provide continuous education despite limited resources. By 1947, as educational consolidation swept through rural Colorado, students from Tarryall began attending school in Fairplay, and the Tarryall School closed officially in 1949.[4] Today, the building is owned by Park County and serves as a community center, hosting meetings, events, and historical programs. Carefully preserved and furnished to reflect its early use, the Tarryall Schoolhouse stands as a vivid reminder of the region’s educational heritage and the enduring spirit of rural community life.[5]