Poland landmark is at the center of this community

POLAND — The stretch of road leading to one of Poland’s oldest structures, flanked by sprawling fields and sparsely dotted with businesses and homes, used to be the central hub of life in the township.

Today, the snug brick building topped with a bell – known as the “Little Red Schoolhouse” – is at the center of the community’s history.

“It connects people to the past,” said David Smith, secretary of the Poland Historical Society. The organization, housed at the school building, maintains a museum at the 4515 Center Road location.

“It lets them know about the history, and keeps it alive,” he said.

Community members have a chance to explore that history from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday and again at the same time Aug. 9 during open houses.

PHS members also will lead a tour of historic Riverside Cemetery after Sunday’s open house. This year marks the cemetery’s 150th anniversary.

Those who visit the schoolhouse this weekend might feel as if they’re stepping into a different era, when the building was known as Poland Center School.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com