The Liberty IV School, a one room schoolhouse on Hardy Road northwest of  Henry, has recently been restored and is now a
community center available to rent for social events.

By HEATHER BRYANT
P-I Staff Writer

When Phillip and Tammy Pilcher moved to Hardy Road northwest of Henry about eight years ago, they thought it as a shame the old Liberty IV School on that road had fallen victim to decades of harsh weather.

"It's just (that) you hate to see a piece of history fall apart," said Mrs. Pilcher.
The Pilchers purchased the old schoolhouse and surrounding land in 2004 and decided to take on the challenge of renovation.

The picture above shows some of the items that have been donated by former students and others.
Former Liberty IV students and family members of former students have donated items such as certificates, books and desks that were used at the school. "It's half museum, half community center" said Mrs. Pilcher.

"Many people who went here (to school) in the community still live here," she said. "Each student has a different memory."
After talking to community members and researching the school through records at the Henry County Board of Education, Mrs. Pilcher discovered the school building was built in 1917 and was closed down in 1951. Liberty IV School was for grades 1-8, and was built after the previous school building as destroyed by fire.

Mrs. Pilcher said the idea as to preserve the history of the school while creating a nonprofit community center to have Social gatherings. The school can be used for class reunions, family reunions and school field trips. "It's a great place for outdoor weddings," she said.

Mrs. Pilcher said there are ponds and beautiful scenery surrounding the school that would make it a good wedding setting. The cost of renting the school for an event is $50, but $25 of that is a cleaning deposit that is returned if the school is cleaned after use.

There is a committee of community members that helps make decisions regarding the school.
For more information about the school, call the Pilchers at 243-4788.

"If anyone who was a part of the history of this school has anything they'd like to donate, we'd love to have it," said Mrs. Pilcher.