The first schoolhouse at Parker was built in 1848. It was replaced by a newer structure to serve Monroe Township’s District 5 in 18601. Fifteen years later, officials completed a two-story school and enlarged it twice. Yet another schoolhouse, known as the “Primary Building2” was built for grade-school students in 18873.
Monroe Township deeded both schools to the town of Parker in 1894. Officials reversed their decision fifteen years later, just before a substantial consolidated school was completed at a cost of $36,0004.
The 1910 building served as a high school until 1963, when a modern consolidated high school called Monroe Central opened east of town. It was demolished twenty years later5.
The former District 5 “Primary Building” schoolhouse at Parker -officially Parker City since 1975- is the only school left standing in the community. Today, it’s a private residence6.
Sources Cited
1 Hinshaw, G. (2008). A History of Education in Randolph County, Indiana. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
2 Local News Items (1888, November 23). The Winchester Journal.
3 Half a Century’s Advance in Parker City’s Schoolhouses (1910, October 7). The Muncie Morning Star. p. 6.
4 New Commission Comes (1910, February 17). The Muncie Morning Star. p. 6.
5 Public Education in Randolph County, Indiana. 2018. Sharing history for 68 years in Randolph County, Indiana. Randolph County Historical Society and Museum. Web. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
6 Town renamed ‘Parker City’ (1975, January 21). The Muncie Evening Press. p. 15.
