“A dollar for a school?” It sounds like a bargain. Right here stands the Montrose School House. This diminutive building evokes a unique era in local educational history. It plays a special role in Rockville.
Let’s step back to 1909. Maryland’s public education system was established in 1860. By 1868, a one-room school building was constructed south of Montrose and Randolph Roads. The local population grew substantially. It was spurred by the completion of the B&O Railroad in 1873. By 1879, the village of Montrose had the largest population between Bethesda and Rockville. It boasted a general store, blacksmith shop, and post office. The one-room schoolhouse was no longer adequate. It needed to serve its enrollment of more than 50 children.
In 1908, the Montgomery County School Board appointed Thomas C. Groomes. He designed a two-room school building in the Montrose vicinity. Completed in 1909, Montrose School sported a stylish gabled façade. It offered classes for first to seventh grade. It featured the latest in educational architecture. There were air vents in the masonry foundation. The hipped roof offered improved air circulation. Tall windows allowed maximum indoor illumination and ventilation. High window placement ensured full attention from the students. Other modern amenities included kerosene hurricane lamps affixed to the walls. Pot-bellied coal burning stoves were in each classroom. An outside hand pump provided well water. There were outdoor boys’ and girls’ rest rooms. Increased modernization included electricity and indoor plumbing. This was added throughout the early to middle decades of the 20th century.
Montrose School operated until 1960. Then it was converted to a facility for special education. The school system abandoned the site in the early 1970s. The State Highway Administration used it for storage. The building was destined for demolition. It had a leaky roof, broken windows, peeling paint, and damaged plaster.
In the late 1970s, Peerless Rockville stepped in. They made the case to SHA to save Montrose School. It was significant with educational history and the village of Montrose. SHA agreed to sell the building to Peerless for one dollar.
Over the next two years, Peerless raised money for rehabilitation and renovation. They removed inappropriate alterations and met code requirements. They took care to retain all original materials and architectural features. Equally important, Peerless found an appropriate adaptive use for Montrose School. It has housed a variety of tenants during the past two decades.
Montrose School continues to serve the local communities as an historic icon. It reminds us of the value of local preservation. In 1979, Montrose School was designated historic by Montgomery County. In 1983, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
So, next time you drive past this white stucco building with a green metal roof, remember its story. It’s a story of education, preservation, and community. The Montrose School House is more than just a building. It’s a piece of local history.