Boise, ID

Thousands of vehicles pass the school everyday, located at the corner of Cole Road and Fairview Ave. But with all the hustle and bustle of daily life-one may not realize they are passing by such an historic building.

As a young boy, I was always interested in the old schoolhouse that sat amongst alfalfa fields and barns.

I was raised several miles south of the old school in an area called the Boise Bench. But in 1888, the area was known as “The Bluffs.”During that year, Mr. Orrie Cole - a well known sheep rancher, donated land to build a one room timber schoolhouse-the first in the area. Within a few years, the tiny school outgrew its usefulness and was moved elsewhere. A second one rose up from the ground starting in 1902.

On a recent visit, the first thing that peaked my interest was the old bell tower atop the two story schoolhouse. In 1991, the cupola was restored and the roof on the original building was replaced. The sun was just right, and I snapped several images. I have a beautiful 8”x10” photograph of it, which I have also sold copies of.

My eyes followed the roof down to the eave line, where I noticed a neat row of Corbels-fancy carved wooden supports. I am sure they are original, as they extend all the way around the roof line.

Walking around to the East side of the school, I came upon the original arched entrance.

Large rectangle shaped windows on the lower level and high arched windows on the second look like the original image at top. The one major change is a stucco exterior which hides its original red brick appearance.

Over the years-classrooms have been added, and a gym built. An underground tunnel was constructed in 1941, connecting the school’s basement to the gym. (Little known fact: The former Coal Bin is now the Library!)

Last year a school bond passed and new schools are being built all over Boise, to replace the aging wonders of yesteryear. That includes Cole Elementary. Without intervention by the public for preserving our history, this historic school, located on the Bluffs, may be torn down soon!

On my last visit, I noticed a display near the school office, showing it’s history. I would call ahead and ask if you could come by to view it, if your interested.

In any case, I would at least stop by to gander at the old school and take some pictures. Currently there are a lot of power lines and other distractions in the way. Your best bet is to take photographs from right on the school grounds. I have pretty nice images of the bell tower from the East and West sides. (A suggestion is to get someone to paint a picture of the tower from your image! It would make a great gift or an excellent painting to hang on your wall)!

Cole Elementary School
7415 Fairview Ave. (Corner of Cole and Fairview)
Boise, Idaho-83704
Ph: (208)-854-4610

Images 1, 3, & 4
Courtesy Julia Rice-Boise School District