4/17/23 Republican Party of FDL County Opposes Little White Schoolhouse Move
17 April 2023 News
This morning’s planned move of the Little White Schoolhouse in Ripon has some detractors. A letter purportedly from the Wisconsin Historical Society‘s State Historic Preservation Officer Daina Penkiunas dated March 20th says they received notification from the National Historical Landmark Program and the National Register of Historic Places Program saying the move to 1074 West Fond du Lac Street was not appropriate. It goes on to say that they do not approve the move and the Little White Schoolhouse will automatically be delisted from the National Register and National Historic Landmark status if it is moved. The notification was sent out to “Local, State, and National Officials.” It further goes on to say questions should be addressed to Elizabeth Hilton. Hilton is the National Register Coordinator at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Fond du Lac County Republican Party Chairman Timothy Bachleitner says the county party submitted an open records request regarding the proposed relocation and that is the copy of the letter they received, and it was sent to the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce. Bachleitner says the local GOP believes the delisting will have serious implications for the building’s historical significance. He says they believe the Little White Schoolhouse is a crucial part of Fond du Lac County’s history and they remain committed to ensuring its spot on both registries. He says they are urging the Chamber of Commerce to reconsider their decision and look for a more suitable location that will meet the necessary criteria for listing in both programs. The Little White Schoolhouse is regarded as the “Birthplace of the Republican Party.” This is the fifth move for the building with three of those locations on the Ripon College campus.
Share |