On the south side or the town it the community center. I think I was told that this was the former site of the Coach Lite Inn.
The most prominent building in town is the old school. When I came to Rensselaer it was a middle school. I am not sure when it closed, but it was not too long after I came in 1974. It still seems to be in pretty good shape. though a look at the interior might tell a very different story.
The last time I was in Mt. Ayr (not just passing by) was to attend an auction at this school. I think I bought something, but it was so long ago I do not remember what it was.
It is regrettable that no other use for this building was ever found. Location was probably the biggest problem.
In front of the school is what appears to be a bus shelter. Is it for kids waiting for the school bus in winter?
Part of the former school grounds is now a park. The landfill south of town has provided some of the funds for park improvement according to my Mt Ayr sources.
There were two children playing in the park while I was there. I wonder if it ever gets very busy. It is centrally located in the town.
Kitty-corner across the street is a building that looks like it was once part of downtown Mr Ayr. At present there are no retail businesses in town. There is also little if any new housing, but I did see two houses that seemed to be vacant and decaying.
Walking east I found this building that looks like it might have been some kind of hotel or rooming house in the past. Does anyone know? I think it is apartments now.
I tried to see if there were any evident traces of the old railroad left but did not see any. These buildings look like they belong near railroad tracks.
There was an old truck scale in the area. Was this once part of a grain elevator?
If there are any Mt Ayr residents who read this, please correct any mistakes and feel free to tell us what has been and still is in Mt Ayr.
I grew up in Mt Ayr in the 1970's. The railroad did run through town near the Grow Farm Grain Elevator which is where you found the scales. The photo of the building with the green truck parked in front used to be a small store. As a child we (all the kids of Mt. Ayr) called it "Bluebeards" I believe the owner was Mr. Kriz. Dudley Vaughn ran the store for bluebeard. The photo that shows the apartment building was actually an apartment building but in much, much better shape. I do not know who owned it. I attended 5th and 6th grade in Mt. Ayr. Our teacher, Mr. Smith was also the principal so the librarian, Mrs. Summers was actually in our class room of five 5th graders most of the day. Seeing the photo of the old elevator, bluebeards and the school park (which is very nice now) brought back many memories.
ReplyDeletehi my name is hiedi i live in mt.ayr close my friends dad owns the school and we got to go in it . it is in really bad shape in the inside we dont have much people in this town there is 6 kids under 12 and 6 kids over 12 so if you have any ?'s just ask me i will be glad to answer you :) hiedidurflinger@gmail.com :0
ReplyDeleteI lived in Mt Ayr for about 20 years and I don't recognize any of the things in these pictures. Some of them look like they're from other towns in the area.
ReplyDeleteThat school burned down today. I first the flames at about 5 this morning shooting very high out of the roof. Driving past it now at noon and is still burning. All that is left of the building is the exterior bricks walls. Today is 3/29/12
ReplyDeleteBluebeard was the guy that owned and ran the store. Seemed his real name was Yarrow Kriz. He had the best ice cream cones I ever had, and he didn't mind heaping it on! We used to ride horses into Mt. Ayr in the summer to get his ice cream there. Don't think my butt could sit in a saddle that long now. Used to be a guy that sold fruit on down at the intersection, Jess something,( Maybe Turner ) would always give you a free sample. Don't think he was into it for the money, just liked to talk to people.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was sittin' in that school when the news came in that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas.
I went to school in Mount Ayr in the 1950s. Loved the town and school. Still have great memories.
ReplyDeleteMy mother graurated from Mount Ayr High School in 1940. I have her commencment announcement.
ReplyDeleteMy mother's name was Anne Burgin
ReplyDeleteI've lived here my whole life. 40 years. All these pictures bring back memories!! Oh boy do they. I loved living here growing up, and I love raising my girls here... I'm here to stay jus like my daddy, Mike Rowinski ☺
ReplyDeleteOur family ran a restaurant there in the late 50s early sixties. My great grandma was known for her cinnamon rolls and fried chicken. My mom and aunts are trying to find out the name of the restaurant. Her name was Rhoda Hiestand. We think it was near BlueBeards. We would appreciate anyone that knows or remembers anything. Thank you!
DeleteMike Rowinski used to babysit me. He also saved my dad's life.
DeleteI lived in Mt Ayr IN in the 50's --- we had the restaurant and store there for a short time .right across from the school. If anyone knows what the name of a family that lived across from the school ( west side ) the dad's name was Fred ? and so was the son's name Fred and a sister Wilma --I can't remember their last name --any help would be appreciated. You can PM me . Thanks, Dayne
ReplyDeleteThey were Fred & Mae Roadruck. Sons- Fred, Bob & John Daughters Nona & Wilma
DeleteHi-- I lived in Mt Ayr IN in the 50's and am looking for a name of the people that lived across from the school on the west side-- father and son's name were Fred and a sister Wilma but I can't remember their last name any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Dayne
ReplyDeleteI went to Mount Ayr Jr High and graduated in 1982. It was a long bus ride from Lake Village.
ReplyDelete