Rebuilding the schoolhouse

Derek Glass remembers his first time driving by the abandoned church and former schoolhouse he hopes to one day call home, its crumbling walls and disintegrating interior practically begging for help. The structure, built in 1897 and located outside of Greentown, is one that’s attracted only the ire of nearby farmers since its owner left in the late 1970s – at least until county officials decided to tear it down. That’s when Glass, stepped up to the plate, convincing the Howard County Board of Commissioners on June 6 to give him one year to restore the property. Glass hopes to eventually get the schoolhouse added to the Register of Historic Places in Indiana.