What was once old is now new again in Troy. The city recently took possession of historic Stone School and plans to preserve the century and a half old building.
The school, still gracing the same corner of Adams Road and South Boulevard in northwest Troy, just celebrated its 150th anniversary last year. City leaders believe the historic structure will serve as a gateway to the communities that border Troy – Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Bloomfield Township.
Originally dubbed Fractional School District 10, it educated kids from what is now Troy, Rochester Hilles, Bloomfield, Auburn Hills and Pontiac. Things changed when school districts were consolidated in 1933. The building then served as a private and rental home. An addition doubling of the building's square footage to 1,600 was built in 1950.
Charles and Greta DeGrioia lived in the house until this year when they willed it to the city. There is now a carriage house and garage there, but also an original wishing well and stone outhouse. The city plans to keep it where it is because its 20-inch thick stone walls make a move cost prohibitive. For now the Troy Museum is managing the school, figuring out what needs to be fixed, restored and improved.
"There are all kinds of questions we need to answer," says Loraine Campbell, manager for the Troy Museum.
She points out that despite the tough economy, Troy is committed to preserving its historical sites. Although it’s not the oldest building in the city, it's a unique part of its past that plays a significant role in what makes Troy, Troy.
"I think our country and the Detroit area is realizing we shouldn't be bulldozing our past," Campbell says.
Source: Loraine Campbell, manager for the Troy Museum
Writer: Jon Zemke
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