The first school in the Randolph County community of Saratoga was built in 1848 at the northwest corner of Main and Evans Streets. In 1863, the log structure was replaced by a newer building on the same site. The original school was moved across the road and a house was built around it. Today, the log school forms its living room1!
In 1898, a four-room school was built on the block surrounded by Pearl Street, Barber Street, and Division Street2. A two-year high school was established there four years later, but it moved to the town’s Odd Fellows hall due to a lack of space3.
A new, consolidated school at Saratoga was decdicated in 1927 at the site of its predecessor4. Eventually, the institution took the name of Ward High School. In 1962, the schools of Ward and Franklin Townships merged with the Metropolitan School District of Winchester-White River Township to form the new Randolph Central School Corporation5.
Although all its successors have all been demolished, the home incorporating Saratoga’s original log schoolhouse still stands as a residence.
Sources Cited
1 Thomas, L. (1975, June 22). Saratoga Plans 4-Day Centennial Celebration.
2 Thomas, L. (1969, June 29). Saratoga Settled Before Civil War. The Muncie Star. p. 10.
3 Hinshaw, G. (2008). A History of Education in Randolph County, Indiana. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
4 School At Saratoga Will Be Dedicated (1927, February 9). The Muncie Star. p. 8.
5 Randolph Voters Elect School Board Members (1962, June 30). The Muncie Star. p. 11.
