PREPARATION

RELOCATION

RESTORATION

ARCHAEOLOGY

MISCELLANEOUS

The Hicks one room school was located near Pinckney, MI at the corner of M-36 and Farley Rd.  The timber-frame structure was built around 1849-1850 and represents one of the oldest one room schools in the state.  However, the property where the school was located had been slated for new construction.  Luckily, instead of just demolishing a fixture of the community that has served area residents for nearly 170 years, the owner generously offered the building to anyone willing to move it and preserve it.  In June 2016, the Hicks school was moved 21 miles to the historic Warner Homestead in Brighton, MI. 

The farm was started in 1841, by Timothy Warner, a pioneer from Livingston County, NY.  Among holding a number of civic and government roles in Brighton, he was a prominent farmer and is also noted for serving on the committee to give the township its name at just age 19.  Timothy continued to add property to the farm and by 1875 was the 11th largest landowner in the county.  The sesquicentennial farm is now in its sixth generation of ownership and celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2016.  Restoration of the exterior of the 1855 Warner homestead was selected for a Special Jury award by the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.

The Warner farm has been the focus of archaeological research for the past 15 years.  Tens of thousands of 19th century artifacts have been recovered.  The farm is one of the few, if only, sites excavated by a direct descendant in MI.  Results of historical and archaeological research have been published in various periodicals such as Michigan History magazine, the Chronicle, and the Michigan Archaeologist.  Presentations on our research have been given around the state.  Students from 6th grade to graduate students from schools and univesities across MI have participated in excavation and lab work to learn archaeological methodology and help with research. 

Archaeological research at the school site in 2016 yielded a wealth of artifacts associated with educational as well as community activities.  Recovered artifacts included marbles, pen nibs, slate fragments, bottle glass, cast iron desk frame fragments, stove fragments, ceramics, glass, square nails, brick, and animal bone among other items.

The simplified Greek Revival Hicks school is a 19th century architectural treasure with its hand hewn tamarack rafters, quartersawn oak roof decking, square nails, oak beams, rough cut studs, much of the original siding intact, and wood flooring.  The original slate blackboard still hangs at the back of the school.  A window will be placed in the ceiling so that details of its construction can be viewed.  It is was not without condition issues, though, and dsperately needed repairs were made by a restoration specialist Randy Klepinger of Klepinger Construction in many areas.  The building has been restored with period correct materials and will be used for traditional arts such as wheel thrown pottery and weaving.  Artifacts from the dig will be put on display. 

The roof was removed to facilitate transport along 21 miles of back roads to pass below overhead wires and an overpass.  A cracked ceiling beam has been shored up with modern LVLs and the bow in the west wall has been completely repaired.  The original rafters and oak planks of the roof have been reinstalled as well as a cedar shingle roof. Painting of the interior is nearly complete.

The school served students until 1972 and has been the object of discussion and reminisces for many area residents.   Several area residents have generously donated items that were formerly part of the school.  These items will be used to keep the character of the 1849 school alive.

Below are links to several articles on the Hicks school:

Year in Review: The top 10 stories of 2016, Livingston Daily, 01/01/2017

Kids excavate Hicks one-room school's new home, Livingston Daily, 09/17/2016

Hicks schoolhouse arrives safe at new home, Livingston Daily, 06/09/2016

Clio man gives historic schoolhouse new home, NBC WEYI 25 News, 06/08/2016

Hicks schoolhouse hits the road, Livingston Daily, 06/07/2016

Class Dismissed: Hicks one-room school to move, Livingston Daily, 05/10/2016

One-room school saved from demolition, USA Today, 12/15/2015

One-room school saved from demolition, Livingston Daily, 12/15/2015

Old Hicks Schoolhouse must go, Livingston Daily, 09/15/2015

Old schoolhouses saved, some already gone,  Livingston Daily, 09/08/2015



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