Editor’s note: Part of this article appeared in the Dec. 11, 1931, issue of the Brown County Democrat.
When the sale of Tull’s Academy was advertised in the issue of March 5, 1931, Brown County Democrat, it was read by many people who became reminiscent about the schools of the county in general and about Tull’s Academy in particular.
The building was sold at auction on March 13, 1931, to Otha Roberts for the consideration of $30. The schoolhouse was wrecked and hauled to the home of the buyer, who expects to make a dwelling from it.
The peculiarly shaped sign with the school name has been a target for sharpshooters for many years. It bears evidence in the form of missing letters and in bullet holes too numerous to count. The sign was given to Frank M. Hohenberger, who added it to the collection of relics of Brown County which are on exhibition at the Log Jail in Nashville.
The school was built about 1870 by “Ike” Moser, “Yankee” Bill Waltman and George McDonald during the period in which Jack Tull was the trustee of Washington Township. It has always been a district school, the “academy” part of the name being a joke. At the time the school was built, it was considered modern.
It is said that in 1840 there were three schools in the township, one in the western portion, one in the eastern portion and one in Nashville. These first constructions were of logs. In 1850, the township boasted of four schools, and in 1860, five or six. In 1870, there were nine or 10 schools and in 1880, there were 12 schools. This gave the township what was then excellent educational facilities.
The last term of school held at District No. 5 was in 1927-1928 and was taught by Ray Mathis.
It would be hard to estimate how many have gotten their knowledge of the three R’s and their philosophy of life in this building and other one-room schools in the county. We feel sure that Tull’s Academy has done its share in molding character and has sent out many men and women of whom we are proud, as have like schools all over this county.
— Pauline Hoover, Brown County Historical Society Inc.
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We here at the History Center are planning a Heritage Day for Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme is “One-Room Schools of Brown County.”
We will have display boards of one-room schools and group student photos, some identified and some not. We invite you to come and see the displays. You may see a photo from a school where your parent or grandparent attended. You may even be able to pick out a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle or other relative. Our one-room school here on the History Center grounds will be open for you to visit.
You may contact us at the History Center by phone 812-988-2899 or by email at [email protected].
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