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Old Stone School History (page 4 of 4)

Recent History
Much more work has been completed since the Old Stone School was included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The most obvious improvement is the three level addition built on to the rear of the building. Completed in 1988, the addition is a remarkable testament to Mr. McGough's dedication to the Old Stone School. John realized that in order to make the property financially viable, the building required substantial updates--more functional space, primarily--but also plumbing, modern electrical and sewer.

John took care to design the addition to compliment the existing structure, and used exacting construction methods to emulate the original design. The results speak for themselves--a minimally intrusive addition of three levels that carry the lines and angles of the original structure perfectly.

The addition allowed John a wide range of possibilities for the Old Stone School. The main level of the addition provides space for a kitchen, dining and living area, with a private entrance toward the rear of the building. The upper level provides space for multi-purpose area John soon used for an office and loft meeting space. Dormer windows and skylights provide exceptional views of the Big Horn Mountains, Shell Valley and the surrounding hills--including the world famous (to geologists) Sheep Mountain anticline. The lower level space houses a work/utility room, a bedroom and a storage area that is also accessible from the main school room.

In 1989, John opened up the "Stone School Gallery & Bookstore," featuring art and literature from significant Western artists and writers. The store also featured a number of guest appearances from artists and writers, work shops, and geological displays. The Stone School Gallery & Bookstore was mentioned frequently in a number of local, regional and national publications, including USA Today. The store operated until 1996.

Wanting to focus more time on his other ranch property nearby, John leased the Old Stone School as a residential rental and gallery up until last year. During that time, local artisans lived and thrived at the Old Stone School, first as a weaver's gallery, and then as a massage therapy practice.

After putting in over 2 1/2 decades of love and labor into the Old Stone School, John is confident that he has helped secure a promising future for the property. He now has his sites set on another construction project, and hopes to find a worthy new owner for the Old Stone School that recognizes the historical beauty and significance that he did more than 25 years ago.