A Unique Rural Architectural Gem: Michigan’s Hodge School

While driving back from Traverse City on a rainy Saturday afternoon, I initially passed by an architectural relic. I quickly turned the car around and returned for a few snapshots in the rain.






While driving back from Traverse City on a rainy Saturday afternoon, I initially passed by an architectural relic. I quickly turned the car around and returned for a few snapshots in the rain.

The Hodge School, also known as School No. 6, was built in 1874 in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. It functioned as a one-room schoolhouse for the Hodge community until its closure after the 1957 school year. Subsequently, it was repurposed as the township hall for Fife Lake Township.

Constructed of blonde brick and exhibiting Folk Victorian architectural style, the building remains well-preserved, owing to its sturdy stone foundation and metal shingle roof. Its design includes a front-gabled roof and a front porch supported by modestly turned spindle posts. This porch features two five-panel doors with transoms and a 1/1 window. Additionally, an elaborate Victorian vergeboard with a truss frames a window containing a large, narrow pane surrounded by smaller panes. On the sides of the structure, there are 1/3 windows, each with the top pane divided into three smaller sections. Atop is a small, elaborately designed bell tower that once housed a school bell, which has long been removed.

Hodge School






1 Comment

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I can’t believe the historical society hasn’t claimed it and kept it up.
Great find, thanks for sharing!

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