From left are Chelsea and Josh Burkett, the restorer, with their son, and Cody and Jenna Winebarger, the new owners.

Nestled near the entrance of Chapman State Park, a charming one-room schoolhouse established in 1854 has been given new life.

After 170 years, and thanks to a meticulous restoration by local craftsman, Josh Burkett, the schoolhouse now stands as a tribute to the stories of generations past. Its beautifully chipped door and weathered wood echo a history of simple beginnings and small-town memories. Once situated “along the road leading to Bucher & Farry’s Saw Mill” as stated in the original deed, this historic gem remains a cherished landmark, full of character and timeless charm, ready for its next chapter.

In 2019, the schoolhouse could have easily been considered a blighted property. With extensive vandalism, nearly every glass windowpane broken, the timber framed floor beams decayed and the building sitting with a disheveled lean, the schoolhouse was but a shadow of the building’s once prestigious role in the community.

Having moved to the area in 2017, Burkett felt a magnetic pull toward the building. “As both a lover of history and a hobby carpenter, historical structures fascinate me,” he said. “Once I learned that it was the schoolhouse and last remaining original structure of the early community, I was captivated.” After he acquired the property he reflected on his wife Chelsea’s first visit. “I still remember the look on my wife’s face when I brought her inside the schoolhouse for the first time and told her my goals to restore it,” he said. “Let’s just say she didn’t quite share the same optimism at that time.

“She did, however, lovingly say to me that she knew I’d do what I set out to do. All jokes aside, I couldn’t have done it without her support.”

In a determined endeavor, Burkett temporarily relocated the schoolhouse to his home to begin a careful restoration, replacing rotten timbers, salvaging its original wood walls, floors, and window casings. After a multi-year effort the restoration was completed. “The building has stood for 170 years,” he said, “and with any luck, now it will stand for another 170.”

His goal was not only to save the physical structure but also to document and preserve its story. Through extensive research of Warren County historical records and listening to stories of the property’s past from anyone willing to tell them. Burkett shared some of that history. “The property was first purchased from John Shuler by the School Directors of Pleasant Township in 1854. The schoolhouse is presumed to have been built shortly thereafter to meet the needs of the community that was growing as a result of the sawmill, near the present day entrance of the park. In 1930, the Pleasant Township School Directors sold the property to a group of four area sportsmen referred to in the deed as the Bucher Mill Hunting Club. The property remained predominantly in the hands of the club’s descendants until I purchased it in 2019.”

Throughout the restoration, Burkett also collected artifacts and documented his work for others to appreciate. His labor of love preserved the schoolhouse’s character, preparing it for a fresh beginning.

Now, he has passed the property on to Jenna and Cody Winebarger, owners of Rad Lands Co. and Whimsy Day Photography, their names now added to the short list of stewards of this historic treasure. Burkett said of the transfer, “I never felt like the owner of the schoolhouse but more like a temporary caretaker. It’s hard to fathom owning something that represents something so much bigger than you. The thought of leaving something better off than how we found it, for others to appreciate is humbling. I know Jenna and Cody share the same appreciation for its history and will truly be great caretakers in the schoolhouse’s long line of caretakers.”

The Winebargers are excited to shape the future of the property. “Without Josh, this opportunity would never have come to life,” the couple shared. “The history of this land could have ended with a dilapidated building, and now it has a bright future and endless possibilities for this community.”

Jenna and Cody Winebarger are full-time photographers specializing in weddings and sessions of all types, and also own an outdoor lovers’ clothing and goods brand that perfectly complements the setting on the outskirts of Chapman State Park. The 1854 schoolhouse offers the perfect space to blend elements from both of their businesses as well as their personal life. “We’re thrilled to bring aspects of our small businesses to this property, along with new ventures we are eager to explore, like baking and gardening, creative projects, and small farm homesteading goods — all coming together in one space,” Jenna Winebarger shared. “In the past, our life was split into sections for various reasons. We’re so happy to see everything gradually merging into a more organic and fulfilling way of living. One where we can share what we love with others in a simple way that fits into our lifestyle effortlessly. The schoolhouse holds that special space for us, and we have so much to look forward to with this project!”

The surrounding area’s natural beauty — featuring 862 acres of State Park land and 9,800 acres of State Game Lands — adds to the magic of the property. With so much to enjoy right out the back door, the Winebargers’ hope visitors will stumble upon this historical gem and feel invited to join them over the years for what’s to come. Their first project will focus on some landscaping, adding a rustic-inspired fence, and decorating the property from top to bottom for magical holiday Christmas photoshoots. “This will be the first time the public is invited to experience the property, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone. If you know me, you know how much I love to decorate, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to bring this space into our lives than by creating a vintage woodland cottage-inspired holiday setting. It feels like the perfect, cozy introduction before we start some larger renovations next spring.” Jenna Winebarger shared. Holiday photoshoot sign-ups will be available on Whimsy Day Photography’s social media pages for anyone who wishes to participate.

As the couple takes their time honoring the schoolhouse’s past, they envision transforming the property into several uses that will be shared over time — potentially including a farm stand, small mercantile shop, and an outdoor event space — a welcoming spot for the community to gather and celebrate throughout the seasons. They plan to dive deeper into their long-term vision next year, but for now, as winter approaches, they are focused on moving forward to spread some joy whilst celebrating this holiday season.

In addition, Josh Burkett, Jenna and Cody Winebarger are asking the public to share any remnants of the schoolhouse’s history — such as photos, recordings, or artifacts — to be curated into a display commemorating the property’s legacy. Community members can contact them at whimsydayphoto@gmail.com to contribute.

With its rich history and fresh possibilities, the 1854 Schoolhouse is ready to blend the past with new memories, welcoming all for years to come. Stay tuned on their socials for more updates as the Winebargers breathe new life into this beloved piece of local history.