Aug 14, 2016 2 min read

Years of hard work, coupled with frustration and disappointment along the way, has paid off at the Crouse Schoolhouse.

The one-room school near Rogersville reopened to the public last week when Cornerstone Genealogical Society held its monthly meeting there.

It’s an achievement some thought might never happen.

Greene County Historical Society has been working for several years to renovate the building, but the project appeared to be in jeopardy last year when problems with a roofer delayed progress. It also left the building without a roof.

“It’s been a horrible project in some ways, and it’s been great in others,” historical society member George “Bly” Blystone said. “Finally, it’s coming together.”

But the historical society’s perseverance over this past year has paid dividends. The group found a new roofer, who installed a metal roof to keep out water, allowing the group to restore the classroom.

The genealogical society’s meeting at the schoolhouse last week showed off the progress and the beauty of the building. It also illustrated the tenacious attitude needed to preserve and restore many of the historic buildings that dot Greene County.

It was a welcome achievement and one that should be applauded by the community.

The school was once a place where the area’s youth could learn. Now, it’s a place for the community to gather and enjoy its rich history.