The Old School : The Mid-Valley Elementary School in Olyphant, Pennsylvania

In 1969, in the Anthracite Coal Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Dickson City, Olyphant, and Throop school districts merged to become the Mid-Valley School District. Soon afterward, plans were made to build the new Mid-Valley Junior-Senior High School. The plans were put on hold indefinitely. In 1977, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry condemned the elementary schools in Olyphant and Dickson City and ordered them closed. Some residents wanted a new school built; others wanted the old schools renovated. Lively debate ensued.

This book is a combination local history book and a memoir. There is a narrative that comes to a climax when the schools are condemned. Historical information and personal accounts describe how the school district got into that situation, and how the problems were ultimately resolved.