Calaveras Community Foundation helps us preserve the schoolhouse for future generations.
Orange sunset behind the old schoolhouse
Douglas Flat Community Center is proud to announce a $5,000 grant from Calaveras Community Foundation to help fund our Preservation Treatments for the historic Schoolhouse near Murphys and Angels Camp.
Scope of Work
The 2023 CCF Grant money will be used to obtain a building permit for foundation work and fund improvements to the gate of the historic property. Historic preservation of the Schoolhouse follows a Preservation Treatment Plan prepared by Mineweaser and Associates (funded in part by Ruby Parlor #46 of the Daughters of the Golden West). The Historic Structure Report with fascinating historic photos researched by local historian Judith Marvin, and the Preservation Plan with Architect’s prioritized recommendations can be downloaded by selecting the button below. All recommended preservation treatments follow the Secretary of Interior Standards (SIS) for Preservation of Historic Structures.
Historic Context
The Douglas Flat School was built between 1854 and 1856 as a school, church, and community meeting hall. It still serves the community as an affordable meeting hall and unique venue for super cool weddings, reunions, parties and special events today! The Douglas Flat School is a registered historic place and is a remarkably well-preserved example of pioneer craftsmanship and Gold Rush architecture. Time has taken a toll. Settlement of the walls has created stresses that slowly degrade the structure and will eventually lead to its collapse.
What Can Be Done to Save it?
The architect's recommendation is to lift the entire building, excavate the required minimum crawl space, replace damaged wood, reinforce the floor supports, pour a continuous footing and foundation, then lower the building and secure it before doing other preservation work.
The CCF grant will advance the foundation rebuild project to a “shovel ready” status by allowing DFCC to obtain a building permit for the work. Other work funded by the CCF money will include a rebuild of the front gate and culvert that need improvement before equipment can access the project.
Architectural sketch of foundation wall with photo of tumbled foundation stones under the building
The Community is coming together around the Historic Schoolhouse.
The Schoolhouse has become a true symbol of community cooperation with many volunteers and professionals stepping forward to contribute time and expertise to this effort. Doug Oliver from the Calaveras County Building Department is cooperating with our work applying the SIS and historic building codes. DFCC has contracted with Terry Weatherby, a local Structural Engineer familiar with historic buildings to provide design support. His firm, WRF stamped our plans created by Mike Borean Design.
We are proud and happy!
We are proud and happy to be among the many worthy recipients of CCF’s generosity. CCF also supported DFCC’s efforts to preserve and protect this remarkable building in 2021 with a $10,000 grant for underground electricity, installed by Gold Electric.
Boy Scouts saluting the American flag in front of the Historic Douglas Flat School
Help us Preserve our Gold Rush Heritage.
DFCC is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to maintain and operate the Douglas Flat Schoolhouse for use by the community. DFCC’s purpose is “to preserve and beautify the school grounds and enrich our community by encouraging social gatherings for the benefit, amusement, recreation, pleasure, and inspiration of people of Douglas Flat and Calaveras County”. DFCC derives revenues from rental of the building as a venue for unique special events, weddings, film locations, and meetings. DFCC also seeks donations to protect our endangered gold rush history. Our foundation rebuild project budget is $70,000 and other preservation work is needed. Come support us at our annual June fundraising dinner dance catered by The V Restaurant and Bar; or give generously to preserve this Gold Rush architectural legacy.
For information about renting the schoolhouse or donating to its preservation, please explore our web page, tps://www.DouglasFlatSchool.org , visit us on Facebook, or email to DFCC1854@gmail.com.